Not JUST a cooking class in Cinque Terre

Pesto at Nessun Dorma

Krista Simonetti Nessum Dorma

Manarola in Cinque Terre

If you ever find yourself in Manarola, Cinque Terre, an absolute must-visit is Nessun Dorma eatery.

This exquisite dining destination not only provides the opportunity to partake in a delightful cooking class and craft your own piece of Ligurian history but also serves as an inspiring testament to the power of unwavering determination.

Simone's personal journey, which gave birth to Nessun Dorma, deeply inspired me. It's a remarkable tale of perseverance and the belief that nothing is unattainable. Despite facing challenges and resistance from the locals due to being an outsider, he never gave up on his dreams. Even though his wife, Sarah, hailed from the area, they encountered difficulty in gaining acceptance from the community.

Their love story began in Florence, where Simone was studying law. Frequent trips to the sea in Cinque Terre ignited their culinary adventure – a beautiful fusion of food and love, so synonymous with Italy.

The location of Nessun Dorma, once dubbed "the desert" by locals, had seen several failed businesses, making it seem like an unlikely choice. However, the Mayor of Manarola launched a contest to manage the public space, and against all odds, Simone decided to submit his entry, driven by unwavering ambition. His entry, bearing the name of his favorite aria sung by Pavarotti, emerged victorious.

Faced with a kitchen measuring a mere 9 square meters, Simone realized that to cater to the considerable number of guests the space could hold, he needed to be innovative. While others might have opted for selling frozen food, he refused to compromise his passion and culinary principles. He insisted on serving fresh ingredients and honoring the local cuisine, leading to the inception of the Pesto Experience.

Due to the restaurant's immense popularity, waiting times could be substantial. In response, the owners developed a user-friendly app to aid patrons. This ingenious app informs guests about the number of people ahead of them in the queue, enabling them to arrive at the restaurant at precisely the right time, no matter where they are.

Simone's journey with Nessun Dorma showcases the triumph of determination, love for food, and a commitment to upholding tradition, making it a truly inspiring tale of resilience and success.