Turin: Authentic Dining Experience at a Local's Home with Cooking Demo

Doretta's home is a truly exquisite and most welcoming flat, replete with verdant plants and bathed in glorious light. We were treated to a culinary masterclass by Doretta, who so kindly prepared for us the most superb risotto, ravioli, grilled fish, and a lovely rosé wine. I must say, it was absolutely the most amazing Italian fare we have ever had the pleasure of tasting, prepared by a professional chef who chose each and every ingredient with the utmost care. The dishes were prepared with such grace and precision, and Doretta herself was wonderfully discreet yet always willing to share her insights into her food and traditions. We had a most enjoyable time communicating in a charming blend of English, Italian, and Spanish. To conclude our evening, we were presented with her truly magnificent Tiramisu. A sincere thank you to you, Doretta!

An absolute must while visiting Turin. From the moment we arrived, Sara and Alessio’s warmth made us feel like old friends. We began with hands-on pasta making, learning traditional techniques and local stories in a way that was both fun and educational. With our pasta crafted, the dining began: an exquisite starter including eggs and soft, flavorful focaccia that showcased local ingredients and home-made talent. Then came the highlight—our own pasta, fresh, rich, and authentic—paired beautifully with wine. Dessert was a sweet finale. Beyond the food, Sara and Alessio shared their passion for tradition, from pasta to Alessio’s love of curing meats, making the evening feel like a heartfelt exchange rather than a class. They are outstanding hosts who blend knowledge, history and genuine hospitality. This was more than a meal—it was a rich and memorable experience.

Nos hôtes étaient absolument adorables, très prévenant et on sent qu’ils souhaitent nous faire partager un moment convivial. En revanche, le prix n’est pas à la hauteur du lieu et de la cuisine. Je recommande cette expérience mais pour un prix qui devrait être 50% moins élevé. Les hôtes ne sont certainement pas responsables du coût proposé par l’application…

We had such a memorable and enjoyable time with our kind and attentive hosts, Sara, Session and Federica. They paid careful attention to our (dietary) needs and were warm, friendly and funny. We sat on their balcony and learned many things about Torino and Italian culture, while catching sight of their cute cat, Crespino. They prepared a multi course meal, with paired wines, complete with cheese and dessert. Sara reminded us that an Italian meal is a marathon, not a sprint! Our teenagers helped to roll out the pasta but our hosts refused our help to clean after our lovely conversation, reminding us we were on holiday. This experience allowed us many insights into regional history and cultural norms, a rare opportunity for our few days in Torino. This is a great way to make connections with locals—we encourage you to take the risk and do this! Super fun and heart warming.

Eine sehr nette Familie, jedoch es hatte nichts mit einem Erlebnis zu tun! Das Essen war akzeptabel, jedoch nichts besonderes. Zusammengefasst, es war ein sehr sehr günstiges Essen, für ein Paar wahnsinniges Preis und das traurigste ist, dass die arme Familie wahrscheinlich nur 1/5 des Geldes erhält… Wir wurden mit ein paar Antipasti, Risotto und Polenta schnell satt gemacht und dann ein nicht außergewöhnliches Vitello Tonnato. Hinzu kam auch ein 5-10 Euro Wein dazu! Ein sehr intelligentes Geschäftsmodell für dumme Touristen wie wir, die mal etwas anderes ausprobieren wollten… Schade!!! Für ein wenig mehr Empatie und weniger Italienische Geizigkeit, hätte man ein angenehmeres Erlebnis daraus machen können.

Rosanna was a great host. This was definitely a highlight of our visit in Torino. Arianna was a fantastic translator guiding us through the whole process. My wife and I and our 2 kids (11,13) enjoyed every minute of the event from being welcomed at the door to being sent home with left over stuffed peaches. We were able to be a part of each cooking process from the pasta making, kale stuffed with meatballs and chocolate stuffed peaches. We felt very comfortable and welcomed the entire visit. All the food and wine was delicious. I would highly recommend this activity for anyone who wants a little bit of authentic Italian home cooking. Mangia!