A Taste of Italy: Private Pizza/Focaccia Cooking & Dining Experience in Basel - 458aed425ecef82d392de131fba51416
5.0

A Taste of Italy: Private Pizza/Focaccia Cooking & Dining Experience

  • 3 hours
  • Cooking Classes
  • Basel
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Your local for this experience

Experience hosted by Fabio

  • Private Experience
  • Carbon Neutral

Experience authentic Italian cooking in a private class! Choose from homemade lasagna, pizza, or fresh pasta. Master the art of tiramisu, enjoy a rich Mediterranean aperitivo with local wines, prosecco, and cocktails. Take home our 8-year-old sourdough starter. Unforgettable flavors await!

Destination
Basel, Switzerland
Category
Cooking Classes
Duration
3 hours
Cuisine
Italian
Available languages
Deutsch, English, Español, Français, Italiano, Português
Included
  • Private guide
  • Meals

What you can expect

A Taste of Italy: Private Pizza/Focaccia Cooking & Dining Experience in Basel - 458aed425ecef82d392de131fba51416

Discover the Charm of Basel with a Local

Basel, my hometown, is a cultural gem and one of Switzerland's most vibrant cities. Known as the cultural capital of the country, Basel boasts more museums per capita than any other city in Europe, making it a haven for art and history lovers.

With stunning architecture ranging from medieval buildings dating back to the 1300s to neo-Gothic and modern masterpieces, Basel offers an incredible variety for architecture enthusiasts. Its picturesque alleyways and the magical ambiance of the Rhine River at night create a unique atmosphere, while the city is brimming with cozy little spots to savor local specialties and an array of shops to explore.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists are drawn to Basel for its unique blend of history, modernity, and culture. As natives, we take pride in showcasing the best this beautiful city has to offer. Whether you're curious about the diverse architecture, local traditions, or the rich flavors of Basel, we're here to guide you on an unforgettable journey!

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with Fabio.

  1. Meeting point

    Meet at approximately Bottmingerstrasse, Basel to start your culinary journey.

  2. Example menu

    This is what our dinner could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

  3. Focaccia/Pizza Dining cooking experience

    Prepare to immerse yourself in the heart of Italian culinary artistry as we guide you through the secrets of crafting authentic pizza and focaccia. Pizza Mastery: Create traditional Neapolitan-style round pizzas using our prized 8-year-old sourdough starter, slow-fermented for 72 hours to achieve a dough that’s light, airy, and irresistibly flavorful. Exploring Italy’s Pizzas: Uncover the diverse techniques behind various regional styles of Italian pizza, from Roman thin crusts to hearty Sicilian pies, and experiment with ancient recipes reimagined for the modern kitchen. Focaccia Excellence: Master the art of focaccia, learning how to create fluffy, golden loaves topped with an array of unique, gourmet ingredients—from rosemary and sea salt to caramelized onions and sun-dried tomatoes. Hands-On Techniques: Perfect your skills as we teach you how to knead, stretch, and shape dough to balance crispy exteriors with chewy interiors.

  4. Appetizers

    Our appetizers are a true celebration of artisanal craftsmanship, fresh organic ingredients, and Demeter-certified products, thoughtfully crafted to bring you an authentic Mediterranean experience. Start with our freshly baked bread for bruschetta, paired with garlic and extra virgin olive oil from Puglia (available in our shop), and enjoy marinated vegetables like semi-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, pitted olives, eggplants, and zucchini—all bursting with flavor. Indulge in buttery parmesan and pecorino biscuits, velvety beetroot mousse, and crunchy taralli. Savor the rustic goodness of homemade wholegrain bread alongside cured meats like aged prosciutto and farmer’s salami. For cheese lovers, we offer a selection of premium Swiss and Italian cheeses, including provolone, fresh scamorza, and more. To add a creative twist, we surprise you with herb-infused dips, seasonal chutneys, or spiced nuts, creating a perfect balance of flavors to complement every bite. These appetizers are the perfect prelude to the rich, flavorful main dishes that follow. To elevate your experience, we pair our appetizers with a carefully curated selection of beverages. Start with a refreshing Prosecco DOC, a sparkling delight that sets the tone for the evening, or enjoy our handpicked selection of local and Italian white wines, chosen to highlight the best of Mediterranean flavors. For a little extra sparkle, indulge in one of our signature Spritz options—Aperol, Limoncello, Martini, or Campari—each crafted with precision, offering a refreshing blend of citrus and herbal notes. These iconic Italian cocktails are the perfect companions to your vibrant appetizer journey. Our appetizers are a true celebration of artisanal craftsmanship and fresh, organic, and Demeter-certified ingredients. Every element is thoughtfully prepared to deliver an authentic Mediterranean experience. From the freshly baked bread for bruschetta, paired with garlic and extra virgin olive oil from Puglia (available in our shop), to marinated vegetables like semi-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, pitted olives, eggplants, and zucchini—all bursting with flavor. Indulge in our buttery parmesan and pecorino biscuits, vibrant beetroot mousse, and crunchy taralli. Savor the rustic goodness of homemade wholegrain bread alongside cured meats such as aged prosciutto and farmer’s salami. For cheese lovers, enjoy a selection of premium Swiss and Italian cheeses, including provolone, fresh scamorza, and more. To add a creative twist, we also serve surprises like herb-infused dips, seasonal chutneys, or spiced nuts for a perfect balance of flavors. Every bite is crafted to delight your senses and complement the rich tapestry of flavors in our main dishes.

  5. Tiramisu Masterclass: The Secret of the Perfect Italian Dessert

    Step into the world of Italian sweetness with our exclusive Tiramisu Masterclass. Learn how to make this iconic dessert from scratch, using the finest ingredients and a secret tip that only Italians know! What You’ll Learn: • Authentic Italian Tiramisu: Master the art of layering this beloved dessert with the perfect balance of flavors. We’ll guide you through each step, showing you how to create a luxurious, velvety texture. • Fresh, Homemade Mascarpone: We don’t just use any mascarpone—ours is made in-house with fresh Swiss cream from cows grazing in the high-altitude Alps. This rich, creamy mascarpone is the secret to an authentic, melt-in-your-mouth Tiramisu. • Premium Swiss Chocolate & Cocoa: We use the finest Swiss cocoa powder or exquisite chocolate, adding depth and richness to each bite. • Organic Ladyfingers: We carefully choose organic, high-quality ladyfingers, ensuring every layer is perfectly soaked and full of flavor. • Farm-Fresh Eggs: Only the freshest eggs from local farms are used, creating a light and fluffy texture for the custard layers. • The Italian Secret Ingredient: We’ll reveal the one special ingredient that adds a truly authentic touch, making your Tiramisu stand out from the rest. Throughout the class, we’ll provide personalized attention, helping you with each step of the process. By the end, you’ll have mastered the art of making Tiramisu with all its layers of rich, creamy flavor—and the satisfaction of knowing the true secret to the perfect Italian dessert. Take home your knowledge, and of course, the recipe! Unforgettable flavors, an unforgettable experience.

  6. Make it yours

    Want to tweak the menu? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

    Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

    Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

I can personalize this tour for you

I can personalize this tour for you

  • Tell me your preferred date and group size
  • Tell me your preferences and wishes so I can customize the tour for you
  • Wait for my personal offer in your inbox!

Flexible cancellation policy

  • Feel confident booking

    Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

  • Change of plans?

    Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

  • Loved by travelers worldwide

    Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

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Angel
10 January 2025
I never thought I could find such an authentic piece of Italy in Basel. The cooking course I did with Anita and Fabio exceeded all my expectations. From the beginning, I felt at home. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and Anita and Fabio welcomed us with a smile. The appetizer was a real surprise: a Parma prosciutto cut to the moment, so soft and tasty that it melted in the mouth, accompanied by homemade artichokes and some freshly made semolina bread bruschettas. The bread, crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, was a delight. And to top it off, a Bruschetta with extra virgin olive oil and a hint of red garlic, a perfect combination! The pizza course was a lot of fun and I learned a lot of new things. Anita explained all the secrets to making a perfect dough and taught us how to stretch it like real Italians. But what I liked the most was the passion Anita and Fabio put into what they do. You can tell that they love food and enjoy sharing their knowledge with others. If you are looking for an authentic Basel culinary experience, don’t hesitate to sign up for this course. I assure you, you will not regret it!A culinary trip through Italy in Basel
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Unknown
22 December 2024
During my trip from Colombia to Europe, after returning from Italy, I made a stop in Zurich and was looking for something special to enjoy with my boyfriend, beyond the typical restaurant. I found this experience in Basel, just an hour away by train, where Anita and Fabio welcomed us into their cozy home. We enjoyed an Italian aperitif with local wines, then we got to cooking: we learned how to handle lievito madre, we prepared pizza, focaccia and a delicious tiramisu, and they gave us a piece of sourdough to take away. It was all fun and enriching, with Fabio explaining the wines and Anita teaching cooking techniques, and they also speak very good Spanish! I highly recommend this unique experience that combines Italian food, culture and warmth in Switzerland.Great Italian Food in Switzerland
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Judy
21 December 2024
We had a wonderful evening with our host in their very warm and welcoming home. We learned many wonderful things especially about buying olive oil.Wonderful Experience
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Fiona
27 November 2024
The cooking class was really very impressive! The food was extremely delicious and authentic with products directly from Italy and if there were Swiss products all organic and sustainable! They were very nice and you felt very comfortable. They gave us valuable tips and recipes that I will definitely need in the future. From the welcome to the farewell I really advise the Experience a 10/10!Authentic Italian cooking class
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Anthony
30 October 2024
This class was absolutely amazing! We were warmly welcomed and learned so much about the history of the dishes we were making that night. We then went into the kitchen and got to make an authentic Italian meal with our own hands, from the pasta starter to the delicious food got out of the oven. If you want an authentic Italian cooking experience, do not hesitate to sign up for this class. I’ve been cooking for forty years, and I still learned things in this class. Sign up for this and you’ll have an experience that will be remembered for years to come.Absolutely Amazing
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Simone
20 October 2024
Fabio and family. Thank you very much for the really great evening. We felt super comfortable and also learned a lot, thanks to the practical tips from you. Can only warmly recommend you. Greetings S+MSerata perfetta!
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Valerio
15 October 2024
Anazing hospitality! It was really fun and interesting to learn new cooking techniques and to cook with high quality ingredients!Highly recommended!
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Tiziana
11 October 2024
Very nice people, pleasant atmosphere, you feel at homeRecommended!
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Matias
11 October 2024
I never thought that just a family trip will brought me such a funny experience. I visited Basilea, looked for something to do and got with this. Excellent experience. The host are so lovely, we all have a nice time, plus learning to cook authentic Italian pizza. Coming from Buenos Aires, nothing much to envie. 100% recommended.Unique experience!
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Rick
8 October 2024
So much fun, highly recommend!! Not only do you make fabulous food but you get a glimpse of life in Basel different then the tourist sites and hotels atmosphere. Anyone who enjoys learning different cultures should experience this adventure.Awesome
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Donato
24 September 2024
A Truly Five-Star Home Restaurant Experience! From the moment we arrived, we felt like honored guests at a luxury restaurant. Fabio and Anita welcomed us with warm smiles, delicious cocktails, and an array of Mediterranean organic appetizers. The limoncello spritz, Swiss local wines, and other Italian specialties set the perfect tone for the evening. The fireplace was glowing, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting. Fabio is a charming Roman host who passionately explained the origins of the aperitifs and the sustainable organic products they serve. Anita, with her classic Italian warmth, made us feel completely at home. Her homemade apple pie with artisan ice cream was simply divine – a dessert to remember! The cheese fondue was an absolute highlight. Not only was it heavenly, but Fabio also shared the history and secrets of making this Swiss delicacy. The setup was intimate and personal, with a beautifully prepared table in a private lounge just for us. We were spoiled with plenFive Star Experience

Withlocals experiences
are always

Private & personalizedNo strangers, just you. Fully customize your trip to your needs.
With a local expertFrom historical facts to the most up-to-date health regulations.
Without the crowdsExperiences designed to take you away from the crowds towards authentic local spots.

More about me

Ciao! I'm Fabio, a passionate cook based in Basel, Switzerland. Growing up in a traditional Italian family, food has always been at the heart of our gatherings. From a young age, I was fascinated by the aromas wafting from the kitchen, the stories my grandmother would tell while rolling out pasta dough, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

I’ve lived in Basel for many years, and from the very first moment I arrived, I fell in love with the city. Basel is truly a multicultural hub, with a rich mix of cultures and a vibrant atmosphere that never ceases to amaze me. From its fascinating medieval old town to stunning neo-gothic architecture, there is always something interesting to discover here. Basel offers much more than just a beautiful cityscape – it's a place full of culinary delights, arts, culture, and history. Whether you’re exploring the lively bars and cafés along the banks of the River Rhine, enjoying the city's many parks, or experiencing the exciting exhibitions, Basel truly has something for everyone. One of the highlights of the year is the Basler Fasnacht, an incredible carnival that fills the streets with music, color, and tradition.

Over the years, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for both Italian and Swiss cuisine, exploring the unique flavors and traditions of both regions. I’ve been fortunate to learn from experienced chefs, attend culinary workshops, and even spend time in Italian kitchens, absorbing the secrets of authentic Italian cooking.

Beyond my culinary pursuits, I’ve always been drawn to connecting with people. I’ve worked extensively in the social sector, helping individuals from diverse backgrounds. This experience has instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and a desire to create meaningful connections with others.

My passion for cooking, combined with my love for sharing experiences and connecting with people, led me to start offering cooking classes. I believe that cooking is more than just preparing a meal; it’s an opportunity to learn about different cultures, share stories, and create lasting memories.

What sets me apart? I offer a unique blend of authentic Italian and Swiss cuisine, drawing inspiration from both my heritage and my adopted home. I’m not just a teacher; I’m a storyteller, sharing the history and cultural significance behind each dish. And as a local, I can offer insider tips on the best places to shop for fresh ingredients, hidden culinary gems in Basel, and the local customs and traditions that make this city so special.

I’m eager to share my passion for food and create unforgettable culinary experiences for you. Join me in the kitchen and let’s embark on a delicious journey together, while discovering the beauty and charm of Basel!

Other experiences with Fabio

€125.00per person