Cinque Terre Cooking Class: Why Nessun Dorma in Manarola Is More Than a Meal

Manarola in Cinque Terre

Pesto at Nessun Dorma

Krista Simonetti Nessum Dorma

A Cinque Terre Cooking Class Rooted in Passion and Perseverance

f you ever find yourself in Manarola, one experience should be at the very top of your list: Nessun Dorma. Known for its unforgettable views and simple, perfect food, it’s also home to one of the most memorable Cinque Terre cooking class experiences you can have.

But this isn’t just about learning to cook. It’s about the story behind it.

The heart of Nessun Dorma lies in its founder, Simone, whose journey deeply inspired me. His story is one of perseverance, passion, and believing in a dream even when the odds are stacked against you. As an outsider, Simone faced resistance from locals when trying to establish himself in Manarola, even though his wife, Sarah, is from the area. Acceptance didn’t come easily, but quitting was never an option.

Their love story began in Florence, where Simone was studying law. Frequent trips to the sea in Cinque Terre eventually sparked a shared culinary vision, a beautiful blend of food, love, and tradition that feels quintessentially Italian.

The location that would become Nessun Dorma was once nicknamed “the desert” by locals, having seen several failed businesses over the years. When the Mayor of Manarola launched a contest to manage the public space, Simone took a leap of faith and submitted a proposal. Against all expectations, his entry won, named after his favorite aria sung by Luciano Pavarotti.

With a kitchen measuring just nine square meters, Simone had to think creatively. Rather than cutting corners or relying on frozen food to meet demand, he stayed true to his values. He committed to fresh ingredients, local flavors, and honoring Ligurian cuisine. That determination ultimately gave birth to the now-famous Pesto Experience, a hands-on cooking class that celebrates the region’s culinary heritage.

Because Nessun Dorma is so popular, wait times can be long, but even that challenge was met with innovation. The team created a user-friendly app that lets guests see how many people are ahead of them in line, so you can explore Manarola and return at exactly the right time.

Simone’s journey with Nessun Dorma is proof that passion, resilience, and respect for tradition still matter. This Cinque Terre cooking class isn’t just about pesto or technique, it’s about storytelling, community, and honoring Italian culture through food.