If you’ve spent any time researching Cinque Terre, you’ve probably come across the Nessun Dorma pesto experience in Manarola, Italy.

Located right by the famous overlook with sweeping views of the sea and the town’s pastel-colored buildings, this hands-on Nessun Dorma pesto class is one of the most talked-about activities in the region.

During the experience, you’ll learn to make traditional Ligurian pesto using a mortar and pestle, the way it’s been done for generations. It combines regional flavors, local wine, and arguably one of the best settings in all of Cinque Terre.

But is it really worth the hype?

Let’s take a closer look.

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The Basics

Before going into my experience, here are the basics you need to know about the pesto class at Nessun Dorma.

How to Book

Reservations for the Nessun Dorma Pesto Experience can be made through their official website. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Price

The experience costs €85 per person. Children under 6 years old can join for free; those aged 6–9 pay half price.

Duration

Approximately 2.5 hours, which includes the pesto-making class, a meal, and a glass of wine.

Class Times

Classes are typically held at 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 5:00 PM. The 5:00 PM session is available starting in May on Mondays and Wednesdays and ending October 1st.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations are free of charge. You can cancel your reservation at any time via the Nessun Dorma app or by emailing them.

We had to cancel our first reservation and I can confirm it was easy to do through the app!

What’s Included

• Pesto-Making Class: Learn to make traditional Ligurian pesto using fresh ingredients and a marble mortar.
• Meal: Enjoy a lunch that includes burrata, Parma ham, melon, bruschetta, focaccia and the pesto that you just made in class!
• Wine Tasting: Sample a local white wine from Cinque Terre.
• Apron: Receive a complimentary Nessun Dorma apron to take home.
• Gift: A special gift is awarded to the best pesto maker of the day.

Additional Notes

• Seating: Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot with the best views. You wait in the sun and it can be very hot!
• Dietary Options: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request.
• Weather: The experience is held outdoors and may be canceled in case of rain.

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What To Expect During The Nessun Dorma Pesto Class

This pesto class is unlike any other cooking class I’ve ever experienced. It’s not just a lesson, it’s a full-blown, joy-filled experience with music, wine, and hands-on fun.

Step 1: Arrival And Check-In

When you arrive at Nessun Dorma, you’ll check in and receive your apron. If you want one of the cliffside tables with the best views, arrive early and queue up.

Otherwise, seating is casual and first-come, first-served. Every seat has a great view, but some are just a little more Instagram-worthy.

After my friend Cheryl and I missed our original reservation (thanks to a delayed bus!). I rebooked the Nessun Dorma Pesto Experience and went solo after she flew home.

I was definitely sad she missed out, but I ended up being seated with an amazing couple from Colorado, and we had an absolute blast together.

Whether you go with friends or alone, the atmosphere is welcoming and social.

Step 2: Get Comfy And Order A Drink

After being seated, you can order drinks right away. Whether it’s a crisp white wine, a cold Aperol Spritz, or something non-alcoholic, it sets the tone for a relaxed and fun experience.

Step 3: The Demo Begins

Before you start making your own pesto, the host gives a live demonstration. You’ll learn the proper technique using a marble mortar and pestle. Expect some laughs and lively storytelling.

The owner himself often leads the class. He shares how Nessun Dorma came to be and why pesto is such a treasured part of Ligurian culture.

It’s educational but never boring. Think storytelling with charm, jokes, and a few dance breaks.

They break the process into steps, starting with prepping the basil and then garlic and salt. After the quick explanation, you’re handed your own ingredients and tools so you can get started right away.

Step 4: Slow Pacing, No Rush

One of the best things about this experience is the pace. Each step is demoed first, then you follow along.

There’s no pressure to keep up. You have time to enjoy the process, sip your drink, and laugh with your table mates.

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Step 5: Crushing Basil And A Dance Party

When it’s time to crush the basil, things get wild. The host cranks up the music and invites everyone to compete in a dance-off.

Yes, while making pesto. People really get into it!

Expect to laugh, move, and quite possibly be filmed. They record much of the class and even post the best moments on their Instagram feed.

Step 6: Finish And Feast

After the dancing and pesto-making winds down, it’s time to eat.

The staff serves a delicious lunch featuring your handmade pesto, along with bruschetta, focaccia, Parma ham, melon, and burrata.

It’s the kind of plate that makes you stop talking just to savor it.

Step 7: Sip Local Wine

Lunch includes a glass of crisp Cinque Terre white wine. It is light, refreshing, and perfect with pesto.

Step 8: That View Though

Throughout the whole experience, you’re treated to one of the most iconic views in all of Cinque Terre. Between the good food, the wine, and the laughter, it’s easy to lose track of time.

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Is The Nessun Dorma Pesto Experience Worth The Price?

Absolutely—yes!

If you walk by Nessun Dorma around lunchtime, the long lines wind down the stairs.

One of the biggest perks of the pesto experience is that you get to skip the line completely. You’re seated right away, and the best part? You get to soak up those jaw-dropping views the whole time.

It’s not just a cooking class. It’s interactive, social, and unforgettable. You’ll laugh, you’ll dance, and you’ll crush some basil like a pro.

At the end, you can enjoy the pesto you made on a delicious lunch plate or take it with you.

And the apron you wore? That’s your souvenir. A little reminder of the time you learned to make pesto with a sea view.

I also love that they offer a discount for younger kids (ages 6–9) and kids 5 and under are free.

If you’re traveling with older kids, it might feel a bit pricey, but honestly? I think they’d have a blast. It’s the kind of hands-on activity they’ll talk about for a long time.

Splurging on experiences like this is something I never regret. They’re the moments that make a trip shine, and the ones we remember most.

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My Experience And Two Cents

A few things I wish I had known before arriving…

I didn’t realize there would be a bit of a line before the experience started just to get inside and snag a good seat. If I had known, I definitely would have brought a big hat, a little travel umbrella for some shade, or one of those fans that spit water out at you.

It was hot. But honestly? It was worth every sweaty minute to sit with a view like that.

Seating is at smaller tables. I went solo, and I was seated with a super friendly couple. We had the best time!

If you go with your family, you’ll be seated at your own table, which is great for little ones or groups that want to stay together.

The setting isn’t a small class or intimate, but it also doesn’t feel too big. I always felt a part of the action.

And the fun doesn’t stop when the class ends. I’ve made the pesto at home several times now.

My oldest, Levi, who loves to cook, was especially excited to learn. I taught him how to make it, and now he’s become our little pesto master.

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Would The Nessun Dorma Pesto Experience Be Good With Kids?

The short answer? Yes, most of the time.

If you’re traveling with a toddler who needs space to run around, this might not be the best fit. The space is limited, and you’d likely spend more time chasing them than enjoying the experience yourself. In that case, skip it or save it for when they’re older.

If you have a baby, this can still work well. Bring a carrier, find a shady spot (most of the area is shaded), and enjoy the experience hands-free.

For kids around 6 and up, this is a blast. It’s super interactive, fun, and memorable, especially when everyone’s dancing while crushing basil. Plus, the lunch that follows is simple and kid-friendly (melon and bread for the win!).

That said, you know your kid best. If they enjoy hands-on activities and can sit for a couple hours with a snack and a view, they’ll probably love it.

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Final Thoughts On The Nessun Dorma Pesto Experience

If you’re headed to Cinque Terre and looking for something memorable, the Nessun Dorma Pesto Experience is hard to beat.

It’s more than just a cooking class. It’s an energetic, scenic, and flavorful adventure that lets you soak up the beauty of Manarola while learning to make one of Liguria’s most iconic dishes.

Whether you’re solo, with friends, or traveling as a family, this experience is a true highlight worth adding to your itinerary. Well…unless you have a toddler.

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