About

Chef Isa of Mama Isa's Cooking School cutting fresh handmade pasta by hand on a wooden board. Professional Italian cooking classes Venice
Welcome to my kitchen! I am Chef Isa, and I have dedicated my life to preserving the art of handmade pasta and the authentic flavors of my land. Let's start this culinary journey together.
I am Mama Isa.

I am a chef, food writer, historian and food photographer and I teach cooking classes in my apartment in Italy. I am the owner of Mama Isa's Cooking School.

I started this blog in 2010 to collect family recipes, and family stories.

I was born and grew up in Venice, where I received a master's degree in history at Ca’ Foscari University. After the graduation I worked as historian and researcher.

My friends over the years have tried to convince me to open a cooking school for people coming to Italy and share the family recipes with people from all over the world.

I learned about traditional Italian dishes, cooking and pasta making from my grandma Elisa, and my mother Paola, who taught me a lot of secrets of the Italian Cuisine and Gastronomy.

I want people to visit my cooking school and experience something different like the art of pasta making from scratch or pizza or bread or the old art of Regional Italian Cooking, because that's what I do at my cooking classes.
It’s very approachable but it’s also a lot of fun.

Why Follow Mama Isa’s Food Blog?

Authentic Italian Recipes: Discover time-tested secrets for handmade pasta, regional sauces, and traditional desserts directly from a local expert.

Specialized Cooking Tips: Whether you are looking for the perfect Gluten-Free dough or Vegan Italian classics, I share professional techniques for every dietary need.

Behind the Scenes: Get an insider’s look at the artisanal tools of the trade, from traditional Corzetti stamps to the secrets of the Chitarra.

Cultural Culinary Journey: Explore the history and stories behind Italy’s most iconic dishes and the hidden gems of the Venice and Padua region.

Interactive Learning: Beyond the recipes, I offer tips on how to host the perfect Italian-style dinner party at home.
Triptych image showcasing the art of traditional pasta-making at Mama Isa's Cooking School, featuring a flour well with fresh egg yolks, a close-up of dough being hand-rolled on a wooden board, and Chef Mama Isa in uniform cutting fresh tagliatelle with a knife.
Step into our Italian kitchen from home! We believe the secret to incredible food lies in fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional, artisanal techniques. From creating the perfect dough consistency with fresh eggs to cutting your own tagliatelle by hand, follow our Buon Appetito Food Blog for authentic recipes, professional cooking tips from Chef Mama Isa, and a true taste of Italy in every bite.



Mama Isa's Cooking School flyer featuring handmade pasta and tiramisu classes in Padua, Italy. Ranked among the Top 5 Cooking Schools by The New York Times and Lonely Planet.
Ranked among the Top 5 Cooking Schools in Italy by The New York Times—book your unforgettable cooking experience today at Mama Isa's Cooking School


Chef Isa's culinary philosophy and motto: Be simple, enthusiast, honest, happy, hospitable, and talented. Love what you do, and do what you love! Mama Isa's Cooking School.
Cooking is more than just recipes; it’s a way of life. At Mama Isa's, we believe in simplicity, passion, and the joy of sharing a meal made with love.

"Food is a living tradition"!

 If you like traditional, authentic and seasonal food, Italy and its history and culture and a pure approach to life, you’re in the right place!

Are you ready to experience the magic of Regional Italian cooking? Come and share the joy of food with me. Whether you're a beginner or a food lover, my kitchen doors are always open! 


Chef Isa smiling behind fresh handmade fettuccine pasta hanging to dry. Authentic Italian cooking classes in the Venice area Italy.
Behind every great plate of pasta is a lot of passion and the finest flour. This is how we do it at Mama Isa's Cooking School

Chef Isa of Mama Isa's Cooking School explaining the 'red line' of Italian regional cuisine: the use of simple, farm-to-table ingredients. Professional cooking classes in the Venice area.
In our classes, we don't just follow recipes; we explore the history and the simple ingredients that connect every Italian family tradition. Let's discover the 'red line' of Italian flavor together!



Chef Isa making fresh green pasta from scratch, mixing eggs and spinach into a flour well on a wooden table. Authentic Italian cooking school Venice area
Every great dish begins with the finest ingredients and a touch of passion. Here, I'm preparing the dough for our signature green pasta—simple, fresh, and deeply traditional.

Chef Isa teaching a group of students how to make authentic Italian tiramisu. Featured quote by Laurie Colwin: 'No one who cooks, cooks alone.' Mama Isa's Cooking School in the Venice area.
In my kitchen, we celebrate the generations of cooks who came before us. Every recipe we share is a bridge between the past and the present, created together in the spirit of friendship and joy.


Chef Isa of Mama Isa's Cooking School, recognized by Fox News, The New York Times, Lonely Planet, Fodor's Travel, and TripAdvisor. Ranked among the top 5 cooking schools in Italy for authentic regional cuisine.
Passion meets world-class recognition. I am honored to be recognized by the world’s leading travel and news organizations as one of the top culinary experiences in Italy. Join me for an award-winning, authentic cooking class in the Venice area ITALY

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