One afternoon not long ago I stepped into paradise. That’s really how it feels when you walk through the doors of the Mamma Agata Cooking School on the Amalfi Coast. The pretty ceramic tile sign outside the door says “The Hidden Treasure,” and as soon as I stepped inside I knew I had discovered one of the true gems on the Amalfi Coast. I invite you along as I recount the enchanting summer afternoon I spent in Ravello at Mamma Agata’s …

I arrived just as the morning’s cooking class was wrapping up. I received the warmest greeting from Chiara Lima, Director of Mamma Agata’s (and the daughter of Agata). Within minutes I found myself with a glass of red wine in hand and sampling an antipasto of Involtini di Melanzane, delicate rolls made with eggplant and filled with provolone, sun-dried tomatoes and arugula. It was the beginning of the best meal I’ve ever eaten!

Although I didn’t see the entire cooking class, I was happy to have a chance to see the part about preparing the antipasti. The classes are taught by Agata and Chiara, with Chiara’s wonderful English translations and good humor making it a lively and fun experience. I was welcomed into the group immediately and could tell from the moment I arrived that they were having a fabulous time. The class takes place in a beautiful kitchen located just steps from a gorgeous outdoor terrace. After enjoying the antipasti in the kitchen, while learning some invaluable tips on frying, we were all invited to retire to the terrace and enjoy a glass of wine and the views while Chiara and Mamma Agata put the finishing touches on lunch. 

The views from Mamma Agata’s are extraordinary and are certainly part of the enchanting setting.

The table was beautifully set on the terrace, and it was so inviting on a gorgeous summer day.

Everything served at Mamma Agata’s is grown in the family’s garden, located on the terraced land stretching down to the sea. They serve their own wines, which get the close attention of Chiara’s husband Gennaro, a professional sommelier and wine expert. If you’re interested in a Wine Tasting, Gennaro will be your sommelier for an unforgettable evening on the Amalfi Coast!

The lunch started off with a taste of Mamma Agata’s Parmigiana di Melanzane, which was hands down the best I’ve ever had. After that fine beginning, we were served two outstanding pasta dishes. The first was a Spaghetti del Contadino with olives, fresh cherry tomatoes from the garden, capers and arugula. Next came Pappardelle con Perperoni e Salsiccia, broad pasta noodles served with peppers and sausage. I would go back again simply for this pasta dish … it was that good!

The delightful Chiara serving the Parmigiana di Melanzane

But it didn’t end there! Out next came Mamma Agata’s famous Pollo al Limone, chicken cooked in the famous Amalfi Coast lemons from the family’s gardens. After that I had to get up and take a stroll around the terrace garden to make room for dessert!

The finishing touch of this wonderful meal was a slice of Mamma Agata’s Dolce al Limone, an absolutely divine lemon cake, and a glass of the family’s limoncello. Mamma Agata’s has hosted countless celebrities, and they have a fun book put together where you can see photos. Chiara has many great stories to share, too! All of the recipes I’ve mentioned in this post can be found in the Mamma Agata Simple and Genuine cookbook written by Chiara Lima. After enjoying the fabulous meal, I dare you to leave without one!

That afternoon I spent at Mamma Agata’s Cooking School was a dream. I felt like I had stepped into paradise! Not only do you get to learn about the secrets and cooking traditions on the Amalfi Coast, you also get to eat a meal of a lifetime. Perhaps the best part, however, is the feeling of being welcomed into a family. When you walk through the front door that’s how you feel—like you’re a part of the family. It’s an absolutely unforgettable experience on the Amalfi Coast!

For more information, visit the Mamma Agata Cooking School website, which has all the details on their cooking classes, wine tastings and how to get your own copy of the Mamma Agata Simple and Genuine cookbook.