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Host: Massimo

Venice, Italy

USD
$96-$110 per person

Rialto market visit, cooking class and meal in the heart of Venice

Host offerings
  • Apartment
  • Home cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food tour

Meet Massimo

Massimo learned to cook from his family - they owned a restaurant for many generations. His mother and nonna (grandmother) were influential in his appreciation for food. That said, he has also spent time in the kitchens of restaurants in Germany and France. By profession, Massimo is a seaman - an officer with the Merchant Navy. He loves traveling, good food and good company. He has traveled all the world, but never gets tired of getting to know new people! He enjoys hosting travelers at his home so he can share his passion for cooking and his beautiful city.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (2-30 guests) Massimo lives in a 600-year-old ancient building in the heart of Venice with a beautiful outdoor terrace. Massimo cooks dishes from the Veneto region - this includes Venice and Bologna. There is a strong tradition of serving both fish from the seaside and meat from the hills. A few dishes that you may enjoy during your meal with Massimo at his dining table are baked scallops or anchovies marinated in an orange sauce, salad, fish or meat pasta and homemade focaccia bread with rosemary. You will conclude your regional meal with a warm chocolate dessert.

Cooking experience: (2-30 guests) Join Massimo in his kitchen to learn to cook everyday Italian dishes. During your one-hour cooking class, learn to make homemade pasta and focaccia, using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Learn about the tips and techniques involved in cooking Italian food before enjoying the meal you helped prepare with Massimo. Massimo can offer vegetarian, vegan or gluten free menus upon request.

Market visit: (2-10 guests) Walk with Massimo to Mercato di Rialto, one of the main Venetian markets, always crowded with locals who come to buy fresh ingredients. Listen to interesting stories as Massimo helps you explore the market, discover local fish and colorful fruit and vegetable stalls. Purchase fresh fish from one of the vendors before returning to his home for your cooking class.

Notes: For groups larger than 10 guests, Massimo hosts at a different apartment in Venice with a large kitchen and garden near San Marco square. Please email reservations@travelingspoon.com for the exact location and pricing.

Languages spoken: English, Italian, Spanish

PERSONALLY VETTED REVIEW
A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.

Best meal in Italy so far! Massimo has a lot of personality and he's a ton of fun. His cooking class was hands on. We ate and chat, then cooked and ate, then chat and ate again. It was three courses over 3 hours. We had so much fun and think he'd be a great addition to the Traveling Spoon community. Also, I'm not a fish lover and Massimo helped me love fish. We had a blast with Massimo!

Alex & Mike, Traveling Spoon Ambassador

Traveler reviews

5.0 (11)
What an amazing experience! Massimo invited us into his home like we were family. He told us interesting facts about food from his region and he gave us a super entertaining cooking lesson. We had a great time and we now have a friend in Venice.
- Chris_S June 10, 2023
Massimo was the ultimate host! We were in Venice for the first time and he truly made our experience unforgettable. He was kind, fun, full of knowledge and made us feel at home. The food was AMAZING!!! Massimo sure has some high quality chef skills. Highly recommend this experience:) 11/10 recommend!!!!
- Melissa June 10, 2023
My husband and I did this tour/shopping trip to Rialto fish market and lunch cooking class with Massimo on my birthday as a special treat while we were in Venice. It was a wonderful experience, Massimo was such fun to talk to about his family and history and traditions of cooking and we made fantastic focaccia, hand made pasta with shrimp and a fish sauce that was scrumptious. We ate the lunch after with him and also had a beautiful local greens salad, wine from his family, prosciutto, cheese to go with the focaccia and ended with a decadent dessert, it was worth every moment and a lovely experience with Massimo. I would highly recommend to anyone who loves good food and learning first hand about some of the food culture of Venice.
- erinsY51 May 14, 2023
Massimo is an extremely charming host and a talented cook. He is genuinely enthusiastic and friendly. He was also flexible enough to accommodate a vegetarian in our group. We had a really enjoyable time and I recommend this experience unreservedly.
- Adrian May 10, 2023
What a fabulous way to end our Venice trip with a cooking experience with Massimo! We were met at a cafe near the Rialto markets and then taken to the best seafood stall where Massimo carefully and thoughtfully chose the best seafood for our meal: Tuna steak, mussels, scampi and octopus!!! We were welcomed into Massimo’s home where we were taken on a taste tour of flavoursome Italian family cooking! Lots of wine, conversation, food of course and fun. Massimo made us feel like we were old friends. An experience not to be missed !!!!
- Christina April 20, 2023
The ultimate combination of hospitality, local knowledge and good humour. Thoroughly recommend to first time visitors or even locals!
- clinton January 20, 2023
Massimo is one of the last sailors of Venice....he guide us to Rialto market and we prepared in his charming Venetian house the best meal of our whole trip!!! he is a true story teller, he cooks very well, and it was the best way to understand this enchanted city. we want to do this experience again as soon as possible!
- Dream January 06, 2023
Massimo was genuinely fantastic. We consider it the highlight of the trip. We will treasure his hospitality and shared experiences for a lifetime. If you want a genuine taste of Venetian and Italian life, I can't think of a better way. He also gave us great tips on places to eat
- Rober_L January 01, 2023
Massimo was very entertaining and taught us authentic pasta and focaccia recipes. We had fun and learned a lot too. Thank you Massimo for passing on family recipes.
- Tricia_W September 15, 2022
In a place supported by and dependent on tourism, it's a rare opportunity to have an intimate interaction with a local doing an everyday task – shopping in the Rialto market, cooking together and enjoying a meal with wine and conversation. We were warmly welcomed to the affable chef's home. Massimo was both attentive and flexible. It was a perfect afternoon.
- Patricia_P June 10, 2022
We had a great time with Massimo. He received us at his home with ease and shared his family cooking recipes with us in a good mood. We have fond memories of this moment of genuine and warm sharing. Ciao Massimo !! (translated by Google))
- Andr_V October 03, 2021
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Massimo

$96-$110 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • No waiting! Booking confirmed instantly
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ ppl
Cooking Experience + Meal
Not offered $96 $102
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
Not offered $110 $104
Alcohol
$6 per person
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 people 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
Not offered $96 $102
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
Not offered $110 $104
Alcohol
$6 per person
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
Lunch Dinner
Cooking Experience+ Meal
11:00am-2:00pm 6:00pm-9:00pm
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
10:00am-2:00pm

Meet Massimo

Massimo learned to cook from his family - they owned a restaurant for many generations. His mother and nonna (grandmother) were influential in his appreciation for food. That said, he has also spent time in the kitchens of restaurants in Germany and France. By profession, Massimo is a seaman - an officer with the Merchant Navy. He loves traveling, good food and good company. He has traveled all the world, but never gets tired of getting to know new people! He enjoys hosting travelers at his home so he can share his passion for cooking and his beautiful city.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (2-30 guests) Massimo lives in a 600-year-old ancient building in the heart of Venice with a beautiful outdoor terrace. Massimo cooks dishes from the Veneto region - this includes Venice and Bologna. There is a strong tradition of serving both fish from the seaside and meat from the hills. A few dishes that you may enjoy during your meal with Massimo at his dining table are baked scallops or anchovies marinated in an orange sauce, salad, fish or meat pasta and homemade focaccia bread with rosemary. You will conclude your regional meal with a warm chocolate dessert.

Cooking experience: (2-30 guests) Join Massimo in his kitchen to learn to cook everyday Italian dishes. During your one-hour cooking class, learn to make homemade pasta and focaccia, using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Learn about the tips and techniques involved in cooking Italian food before enjoying the meal you helped prepare with Massimo. Massimo can offer vegetarian, vegan or gluten free menus upon request.

Market visit: (2-10 guests) Walk with Massimo to Mercato di Rialto, one of the main Venetian markets, always crowded with locals who come to buy fresh ingredients. Listen to interesting stories as Massimo helps you explore the market, discover local fish and colorful fruit and vegetable stalls. Purchase fresh fish from one of the vendors before returning to his home for your cooking class.

Notes: For groups larger than 10 guests, Massimo hosts at a different apartment in Venice with a large kitchen and garden near San Marco square. Please email reservations@travelingspoon.com for the exact location and pricing.

Languages spoken: English, Italian, Spanish

PERSONALLY VETTED REVIEW
A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.

Best meal in Italy so far! Massimo has a lot of personality and he's a ton of fun. His cooking class was hands on. We ate and chat, then cooked and ate, then chat and ate again. It was three courses over 3 hours. We had so much fun and think he'd be a great addition to the Traveling Spoon community. Also, I'm not a fish lover and Massimo helped me love fish. We had a blast with Massimo!

Alex & Mike, Traveling Spoon Ambassador

Traveler reviews

5.0 (11)
What an amazing experience! Massimo invited us into his home like we were family. He told us interesting facts about food from his region and he gave us a super entertaining cooking lesson. We had a great time and we now have a friend in Venice.
- Chris_S June 10, 2023
Massimo was the ultimate host! We were in Venice for the first time and he truly made our experience unforgettable. He was kind, fun, full of knowledge and made us feel at home. The food was AMAZING!!! Massimo sure has some high quality chef skills. Highly recommend this experience:) 11/10 recommend!!!!
- Melissa June 10, 2023
My husband and I did this tour/shopping trip to Rialto fish market and lunch cooking class with Massimo on my birthday as a special treat while we were in Venice. It was a wonderful experience, Massimo was such fun to talk to about his family and history and traditions of cooking and we made fantastic focaccia, hand made pasta with shrimp and a fish sauce that was scrumptious. We ate the lunch after with him and also had a beautiful local greens salad, wine from his family, prosciutto, cheese to go with the focaccia and ended with a decadent dessert, it was worth every moment and a lovely experience with Massimo. I would highly recommend to anyone who loves good food and learning first hand about some of the food culture of Venice.
- erinsY51 May 14, 2023
Massimo is an extremely charming host and a talented cook. He is genuinely enthusiastic and friendly. He was also flexible enough to accommodate a vegetarian in our group. We had a really enjoyable time and I recommend this experience unreservedly.
- Adrian May 10, 2023
What a fabulous way to end our Venice trip with a cooking experience with Massimo! We were met at a cafe near the Rialto markets and then taken to the best seafood stall where Massimo carefully and thoughtfully chose the best seafood for our meal: Tuna steak, mussels, scampi and octopus!!! We were welcomed into Massimo’s home where we were taken on a taste tour of flavoursome Italian family cooking! Lots of wine, conversation, food of course and fun. Massimo made us feel like we were old friends. An experience not to be missed !!!!
- Christina April 20, 2023
The ultimate combination of hospitality, local knowledge and good humour. Thoroughly recommend to first time visitors or even locals!
- clinton January 20, 2023
Massimo is one of the last sailors of Venice....he guide us to Rialto market and we prepared in his charming Venetian house the best meal of our whole trip!!! he is a true story teller, he cooks very well, and it was the best way to understand this enchanted city. we want to do this experience again as soon as possible!
- Dream January 06, 2023
Massimo was genuinely fantastic. We consider it the highlight of the trip. We will treasure his hospitality and shared experiences for a lifetime. If you want a genuine taste of Venetian and Italian life, I can't think of a better way. He also gave us great tips on places to eat
- Rober_L January 01, 2023
Massimo was very entertaining and taught us authentic pasta and focaccia recipes. We had fun and learned a lot too. Thank you Massimo for passing on family recipes.
- Tricia_W September 15, 2022
In a place supported by and dependent on tourism, it's a rare opportunity to have an intimate interaction with a local doing an everyday task – shopping in the Rialto market, cooking together and enjoying a meal with wine and conversation. We were warmly welcomed to the affable chef's home. Massimo was both attentive and flexible. It was a perfect afternoon.
- Patricia_P June 10, 2022
We had a great time with Massimo. He received us at his home with ease and shared his family cooking recipes with us in a good mood. We have fond memories of this moment of genuine and warm sharing. Ciao Massimo !! (translated by Google))
- Andr_V October 03, 2021
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ ppl
Cooking Experience + Meal
Not offered $96 $102
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
Not offered $110 $104
Alcohol
$6 per person
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 people 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
Not offered $96 $102
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
Not offered $110 $104
Alcohol
$6 per person
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
Lunch Dinner
Cooking Experience+ Meal
11:00am-2:00pm 6:00pm-9:00pm
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
10:00am-2:00pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 3% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can’t make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host’s profile doesn’t work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host’s family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the “Notes” section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.