We are one of the oldest cooking schools in the center of Bologna.
We organize thematic cooking classes and courses for Italians, international audiences and corporate teams, under the banner of conviviality and sociability among participants.
At Salotto di Penelope you can access culinary knowledge in an easy and fun way.
Il Salotto di Penelope
where we can talk about food, prepare it, enjoy it, and soak in its aroma.
Hidden among the historic streets of Bologna, Il Salotto di Penelope represents a beacon of culture and conviviality in an increasingly hectic world. Our philosophy is rooted in the idea that cooking is more than just recipes: it is a wealth of knowledge, a bridge between different traditions, and an opportunity to weave deep bonds.
Founded in 2010 by Barbara, and later enriched by the presence of Pietro, the Salotto has always aimed to create an environment where passion for food and love of teaching come together, offering everyone the opportunity to learn in a simple and fun way.
Ours is a space where EVERYONE, Italian and foreign, comes together to share and grow, discovering the secrets of traditional regional cuisine and other culinary cultures around the world.
Il Salotto di Penelope aims to be a place of inclusion, where every participant, regardless of prior experience, is welcome. Through thematic courses and practical lessons, we offer a journey through flavors and stories, enriched by the pleasure of sharing cooking together.
What Are You Looking For?
Private Class
Garanteed exclusivity and personalized menù
If you are looking for an intimate and exclusive cooking class, just for you and a few other people you know, a private class is the perfect choice for you for you.
Designed specifically for foreign couples or families visiting Bologna who want to enjoy an authentic and traditional experience without other students.
If you wish, we will also take you around the historic market of Bologna to fully immerse you in the tradition and culture of our land.
Private Class
Garanteed exclusivity and personalized menù
If you are looking for an intimate and exclusive cooking class, just for you and a few other people you know, a private class is the perfect choice for you for you.
Designed specifically for foreign couples or families visiting Bologna who want to enjoy an authentic and traditional experience without other students.
If you wish, we will also take you around the historic market of Bologna to fully immerse you in the tradition and culture of our land.
What do you say about us
Have you already taken a class at Penelope’s Parlor and want to tell us about your experience?
Group Class
Sharing your passion and curiosity for food
If you are a foreigner visiting Bologna and want to learn more about the local food and culinary traditions and are willing to share your passion and curiosity with other travellers a group class is the best option for you.
You will book a class with us and if other students are interested in a class on the same day and time you will share with them the opportunity to learn how to make pasta in a very cheerful and relaxed environment.
Group Class
Sharing your passion and curiosity for food
If you are a foreigner visiting Bologna and want to learn more about the local food and culinary traditions and are willing to share your passion and curiosity with other travellers a group class is the best option for you.
You will book a class with us and if other students are interested in a class on the same day and time you will share with them the opportunity to learn how to make pasta in a very cheerful and relaxed environment.
Read about our Culinary Journeys
between Bolognese and international cuisine
Gastronomic Walk in Bologna: The Dishes You Must Absolutely Try
Bologna is undoubtedly a city rich in culture, but beyond its churches, towers, and ancient...
The Bolognese Dough: The Art of Making Fresh Pasta by Hand
The Charm of Tradition in Italian Cuisine The Bolognese dough is one of the excellences of Italian...
Team Building
for Companies
Salotto di Penelope is the ideal venue for team building activities that combine culinary learning and fun. From local companies to multinational corporations, we offer tailor-made events that reinforce team spirit, enhanced by the ability to personalize the experience with company gadgets. Plan your next team building event with us for an experience your employees won’t forget.
Team Building
for Companies
Salotto di Penelope is the ideal venue for team building activities that combine culinary learning and fun. From local companies to multinational corporations, we offer tailor-made events that reinforce team spirit, enhanced by the ability to personalize the experience with company gadgets. Plan your next team building event with us for an experience your employees won’t forget.
Why choose Il Salotto di Penelope
Conviviality
At Salotto di Penelope, food unites.
We value eating together, creating a welcoming and friendly atmosphere that fosters bonds between people of different backgrounds and cultures, enriching the dining experience.
Inclusion
Our philosophy welcomes everyone, regardless of culinary ability or cultural background. We offer accessible courses, from beginner to expert, promoting active participation and inclusive learning.
Accessibility
We are committed to making cooking accessible and fun. We share our passion and knowledge through thematic and practical lessons that are easy for all participants to absorb.
Tradition
We value culinary traditions, especially those of Bologna. With us, participants discover the techniques, stories and cultures that characterize traditional recipes. This helps us preserve the culinary heritage to deliver it vibrant and relevant to new generations.
Sustainability
We promote environmentally friendly cooking, using local and seasonal ingredients and reducing waste. Our approach encourages participants to reflect on the environmental impact of their culinary choices for a more sustainable and conscious practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions you ask us most often can be found below.
Do you only teach how to make fresh pasta?
No, we can offer a wide range of menus.
We do believe making fresh pasta is very interesting and hands on, we love spreading love and passion for regional food and believe that some things should be done in the right place (head to Naples if you want to learn how to make pizza).
However, if you want to try making some regional appetizers or desserts, try some general Italian cooking or have other specific requests do let us know and we will try to cater for that.
Are classes suitable for absolute beginners and children?
Yes, they are. Our group classes are tailored for students that have no-skills when it comes to cooking and we will guide you through them step-by-step from how to hold a knife to how to close a perfect tortellone.
Even more so private classes can be adjusted based on your skills.
Children aged 6yo and above can easily part-take in the class and younger ones can still have some fun playing with leftover pasta dough!
Are classes only available on the days shown in your Calendar?
Absolutely not, the Calendar is actually just the tip of the iceberg and those classes are the group classes for local Italian speakers.
Classes in foreign languages can be organized any day of the week any week and month of the year.
Send us an email or give us a call to check availability and arrange a group or private class with us!
Are classes on authentic regional cuisine?
They are indeed. Whether you are welcomed and taught by Barbara and Pietro or one of our collaborators – one happens to be American – the experience you get is totally authentic.
All teachers are very experienced with the local food, they will teach you all the skills required to knead pasta by hand, how to handle a rolling pin and are fully knowledgeable and ready to answers your questions on Italian food and culinary traditions.
Are there any dietary restrictions or dietary restrictions that cannot be accommodated in your courses?
At Salotto di Penelope, we strive to make our classes accessible to everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions or food preferences. We offer options for vegetarians, vegans, and can adapt our recipes to accommodate most food intolerances and allergies. Please let us know of any special needs when you make your reservation so that we can prepare a dining experience that meets your needs.
And if you want to ask us more please contact us.
We’ll get back to you sooner than you think.
