Master Authentic Italian Cooking in Rome
Immerse yourself in the culinary heart of Rome with hands-on cooking classes taught by the chefs of Osteria della Fontana. Learn traditional techniques and secrets in a warm, authentic setting.
Explore Our CoursesOur Story: A Taste of Rome
Nestled on the historic Via del Tritone, just a stone's throw from the iconic Trevi Fountain, Osteria della Fontana has graced Rome's vibrant culinary landscape for generations. What began as a humble family trattoria, dedicated to serving authentic Roman classics, has grown into a beloved institution known for its warmth, hospitality, and unwavering commitment to tradition. Our philosophy is deeply rooted in the simplicity and purity of Italian cooking: starting with the freshest seasonal ingredients sourced from local markets and preparing them with time-honored techniques passed down through our family. We believe that true Italian food tells a story – a story of regional history, agricultural bounty, and the simple joy of sharing a meal together. Our dining room buzzes with the energy of locals and visitors alike, all gathered to savor dishes prepared with genuine passion and skill. From the moment you step through our doors, you become part of our extended family, invited to experience the true spirit of Roman hospitality. While our restaurant tables have long been a place of gathering and feasting, our hearts have always held a deep desire to share the *how* behind the *what*. The idea of offering cooking classes was born naturally from this desire – an invitation for culinary enthusiasts from around the globe to not just eat our food, but to learn how to create it themselves. Stepping into our kitchen is stepping into a world where tradition meets hands-on learning, guided by chefs whose expertise is matched only by their enthusiasm for teaching. It's an opportunity to connect directly with the source of Roman cuisine, to learn the rhythm of the kitchen, and to discover the simple magic that transforms fresh ingredients into unforgettable meals. Join us, and let us share the secrets of our kitchen, one delicious dish at a time.
Experience the Authentic Italian Kitchen
Choosing to learn with us means stepping away from generic cooking demos and into a living, breathing Roman kitchen. Our classes offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect with traditional techniques, fresh ingredients, and the genuine passion of Italian cooking in a way that is both fun and deeply enriching.
Authentic Roman Recipes
Dive deep into the culinary heritage of Rome. You'll learn classic, time-tested recipes passed down through generations, focusing on traditional methods and celebrating the unique flavors of local, seasonal ingredients like Pecorino Romano, artichokes, and fresh vegetables from the Lazio region.
Hands-On Experience
Roll up your sleeves and get truly hands-on with every step, from kneading pasta dough to perfectly searing fish. Our chefs provide direct, personalized guidance, ensuring you gain practical skills and confidence in the kitchen.
Intimate Class Size
We believe in quality over quantity. Our small class sizes, typically limited to 8-10 participants, allow for ample individual attention, personalized feedback, and a friendly, engaging atmosphere where questions are encouraged and learning is fun.
Learn from Experts
Your instructors are seasoned chefs from Osteria della Fontana, bringing years of experience working in authentic Roman kitchens. They share not just recipes, but the stories, philosophy, and passion that make Italian cooking so special.
Taste Your Creations
The most rewarding part! After cooking, you'll sit down together to enjoy the delicious multi-course meal you prepared yourself. This is a true Italian 'pranzo' or 'cena', often paired with local wine, celebrating your hard work and new skills.
Certificate of Participation
Take home more than just memories and recipes. You'll receive a certificate of participation from Osteria della Fontana, a tangible memento of your immersive culinary journey in the heart of Rome.
From Pasta to Tiramisu: Master Your Favorite Dishes
Our classes cover a range of Italian culinary highlights, designed to give you confidence in creating authentic dishes at home. Each workshop is a deep dive into specific techniques and flavors.
Fresh Pasta Workshop
Unlock the secrets to perfect, silky fresh pasta. You'll learn to prepare versatile pasta dough using simple ingredients and master the techniques for shaping iconic pasta types like fettuccine, tagliatelle, farfalle, and filled ravioli. We'll also cover classic Roman sauces to pair with your creations. This 3-hour class is a fundamental introduction to the heart of Italian cooking. Price: €120 per person.
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Roman Pizza Experience
Discover how to achieve the signature thin, crispy crust of authentic Roman pizza ('pizza bassa'). This hands-on class guides you through dough preparation, proofing, stretching techniques, selecting the perfect toppings, and achieving the ideal bake in a home oven. You'll make and enjoy your own pizzas! This 2.5-hour class is a pizza lover's dream. Price: €110 per person.
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Seafood Roman Style
Explore the vibrant world of Roman seafood dishes, inspired by the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea. Learn how to select the freshest catch, prepare classic preparations like 'Spaghetti alle Vongole' (clams) or 'Baccalà fritto' (fried cod), focusing on techniques that highlight the natural flavors of the ocean. This 3-hour class brings the taste of the coast to your kitchen. Price: €135 per person.
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Classic Italian Desserts
Satisfy your sweet tooth by mastering iconic Italian 'dolci'. This class focuses on techniques for creating perfect Tiramisu (using authentic ladyfingers and coffee), creamy Panna Cotta, and other delightful treats that are staples of Italian meals. Learn the balance of flavors and textures. This 2-hour class is perfect for dessert lovers. Price: €95 per person.
Learn More & InquireReady to Start Your Culinary Journey?
Inquire About Our Signature Fresh Pasta Class
Our Fresh Pasta Workshop is consistently our most popular class, offering a truly foundational and rewarding experience in Italian cooking. It's where many culinary journeys begin! You'll gain the fundamental skills to create versatile pasta dough and learn the art of shaping classic forms by hand, connecting with a tradition that is central to Italian identity.
Next Session Highlights:
Next session begins November 25, 2024. Spots fill quickly, so we encourage you to inquire soon!
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours
- Includes: All high-quality ingredients sourced locally, full use of our kitchen equipment, a detailed recipe booklet to take home, a communal tasting meal of the dishes you prepare, expertly paired with local Lazio wine, and a certificate of participation to celebrate your new skills.
- Price: €120 per person
This class is perfect for anyone looking to gain hands-on experience, learn authentic techniques directly from Italian chefs, and enjoy the fruits of their labor in a warm, social setting. No prior experience is needed.
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Learn from Our Expert Chef
Our cooking classes are led by the talented and passionate culinary team of Osteria della Fontana, with Chef Antonio Rossi at the helm. Learn directly from the masters of Roman cuisine.
Chef Antonio Rossi
Head Chef & Culinary Instructor
Chef Antonio Rossi is the heart and soul of Osteria della Fontana's kitchen and our cooking classes. With over thirty years of dedicated experience in traditional Roman trattorias and fine dining establishments across Italy, Chef Antonio embodies the spirit of authentic Italian cooking. He grew up surrounded by the aromas of his grandmother's kitchen, learning the fundamental techniques and respect for ingredients from a young age. This upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for simple, high-quality produce and the artistry of traditional methods. Before taking the reins at Osteria della Fontana, Antonio honed his skills in kitchens from Florence to Naples, always returning to his Roman roots with enthusiasm. His philosophy is simple: let the ingredients shine, treat each dish with care, and cook with passion. He is not just a master technician but a gifted storyteller, weaving tales of Roman history and culture into his cooking demonstrations. His teaching style is patient, encouraging, and filled with infectious energy. He delights in sharing the 'why' behind each technique, empowering students to truly understand the principles of Italian cooking, not just follow recipes. Chef Antonio believes that cooking is a bridge – connecting people to their heritage, to each other, and to the simple pleasures of life. When you learn with Chef Antonio, you're not just learning to cook; you're experiencing a piece of genuine Roman life, guided by a true maestro.
See the Experience
Browse through moments captured in our kitchen – the joy of learning, the beauty of fresh ingredients, and the delicious results of our students' hard work. Get a feel for the warm, inviting atmosphere of our classes.
What Our Students Say
Don't just take our word for it! Hear from students who have experienced the joy and learning of our cooking classes firsthand. Their experiences speak to the authenticity and quality of our workshops.
"Partecipare alla lezione di pasta fresca è stata un'esperienza incredibile! Chef Antonio è stato così paziente e pieno di sapere. Finalmente ho imparato a fare la pasta proprio come la faceva la mia Nonna. L'ambiente era accogliente e divertente, e mangiare ciò che abbiamo preparato è stato il finale perfetto. Assolutamente consigliato a chiunque visiti Roma!"
- Sofia Romano, Napoli, Italia
"The pizza class was the highlight of our trip! Learning the Roman 'pizza bassa' technique was fascinating, and Chef Antonio made it so easy and fun. Eating the crispy pizzas we made, fresh from the oven, was pure bliss. A truly authentic Roman experience that we won't forget."
- David Chen, Sydney, Australia
"Ho partecipato al corso sui dolci italiani e sono rimasta entusiasta! Fare il Tiramisù seguendo i consigli dello Chef è stata una rivelazione. Ora ho una ricetta e una tecnica infallibile. L'atmosfera era leggera e piacevole, e lo Chef ha risposto a tutte le nostre domande con pazienza. Non vedo l'ora di provare gli altri corsi!"
- Chiara Ferrari, Firenze, Italia
"Absolutely loved the seafood class! Chef Antonio introduced us to typical Roman seafood preparations I hadn't encountered before. He shared great tips on selecting and cooking fish. The final meal was exquisite – proof that simple, fresh ingredients are key. Highly recommend for anyone who loves seafood!"
- Mark Jones, London, UK
"What a fantastic way to spend an afternoon in Rome! Learning to make pasta from scratch at Osteria della Fontana felt incredibly authentic. The instructors were knowledgeable and supportive, and the class was full of laughter. And yes, the pasta we made was the best I've ever tasted!"
- Emily Davis, Toronto, Canada
"Un'esperienza culinaria davvero memorabile. Ho imparato tanto sul vero cibo romano nella classe di pasta. Lo Chef Antonio non solo insegna, ma condivide la sua passione e le storie dietro i piatti. Mi sento più sicura a cucinare italiano a casa ora. Grazie mille!"
- Paolo Conti, Milano, Italia
Where the Magic Happens
Osteria della Fontana is located in the vibrant heart of Rome, making it easily accessible from many central points of interest. Join us at our historic location to begin your culinary adventure.
Find Us Here:
Osteria della Fontana
14 Via del Tritone
Rome, Lazio, 00187
Italy
We are conveniently located near public transport options and major landmarks. Look for the classic Roman facade!
Inquire About Our Classes
Ready to book your spot or have specific questions about our courses, availability, private classes, or dietary accommodations? Reach out to us using the form below, or connect directly via phone or email.
Send Us a Message
Contact Details
Prefer to speak with someone directly? You can reach us via phone or email during our operating hours. We look forward to assisting you with your booking or answering any questions.
Phone:
+39 06 4812 5799
Email:
Operating Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 10:00 - 22:00
Sunday: 12:00 - 22:00
(Kitchen typically closes an hour before closing time. Class times vary.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our cooking classes? We've compiled answers to some of the most common inquiries to help you plan your visit and culinary experience with us.
Do I need prior cooking experience?
Absolutely not! Our cooking classes are thoughtfully designed to welcome participants of all skill levels, from complete beginners who have never boiled water to more experienced home cooks looking to refine specific techniques or learn authentic Roman methods. Our chefs are experts at guiding everyone through the process, ensuring a comfortable and rewarding experience for all.
What is included in the class fee?
The fee for each cooking class is comprehensive, covering everything you need for the full experience. This includes all high-quality, fresh ingredients (often sourced locally!), full use of our kitchen equipment and tools, a detailed recipe booklet for you to take home and replicate the dishes, the highlight of enjoying the delicious multi-course meal you prepare (often paired with local wine), and a certificate of participation as a souvenir of your culinary achievement.
What is the class size?
We intentionally keep our class sizes intimate to ensure a high-quality, personalized learning environment. Typically, our classes are limited to a maximum of 8 to 10 participants. This allows for ample one-on-one interaction with our chefs, personalized feedback, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you can easily ask questions and engage with fellow students.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
We understand that guests may have dietary restrictions or allergies. We strive to accommodate reasonable requests whenever possible. It is crucial that you inform us of any restrictions, allergies, or preferences *in detail* at the time of booking your class. Please note that while we will do our best, our kitchen handles common allergens, and we may not be able to accommodate all requests for certain classes.
How do I book a class?
Booking a class is simple! The best way is to inquire about specific class availability and dates using the contact form conveniently located on this page (scroll up to the "Get in Touch" section). Alternatively, you are welcome to call us directly during our operating hours, and our staff will be happy to assist you with information and booking. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, as classes tend to fill up quickly.