My Flavorful Journey: A Taste of Italy in Downtown Savannah
Savannah, Georgia, has always been known for its cobblestone squares, oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and legendary Southern cuisine. But on a recent night, I did something so divine I have to share it with all my foodie friends. Many of you know how much I like to cook. So here’s the scoop: I discovered a unique Savannah cooking class experience that transported me straight to the heart of Italy—without ever leaving the South.
It all started at Hotel Bardo Savannah. My friend Jack and I joined a pasta-making class at Saint Bibiana Cooking School, tucked inside the stylish Hotel Bardo, and it turned out to be one of the most delightful, interactive, and flavorful adventures I’ve had in a while.
Cooking classes can be one of the coolest ways to experience a destination because they connect culture, flavor, and people. And in Savannah, where hospitality is an art form, blending Southern warmth with Italian culinary traditions in the form of a hands-on cooking class, created the perfect recipe for an unforgettable evening.
About Hotel Bardo & Saint Bibiana
Hotel Bardo is one of the hottest, most popular choices for Savannah’s chic urban resort. Located at 700 Drayton Street, in the city’s breathtaking historic district, it’s worth a visit on your trip to Savannah. As noted, when I blogged about the perfect itinerary, if you have only One Day in Savannah, I recommended Hotel Bardo because the property blends contemporary luxury with timeless Southern charm. Within its walls, you’ll find not only a boutique stay but also a dynamic food scene centered around Saint Bibiana, the hotel’s Italian-inspired restaurant.
The restaurant is known for its house-made pastas, coastal Italian flavors, and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The name itself pays homage to Saint Bibiana, the patron saint of hospitality and laughter—two elements that shine throughout the cooking school. Whether you’re dining in the restaurant or stepping into the kitchen for a class, you’re embraced by a spirit of generosity and joy.
Now, as we’re in the Halloween season, before I continue, I have to share this fun, somewhat spooky and personal side-story about the mansion.
Here are two ultra cool tidbits about this hotel: One, it used to be called the Mansion on Forsyth and was owned by hotelier Richard Kessler. It was decadently stylish with two Medieval Towers and a curved gable, adding to its distinct look. But, before that, the historic downtown Savannah mansion, which sits across from Forsyth Park, was the home to Fox and Weeks Funeral Home for decades.
Here’s the spooky twist—for a long time, I was the wife of an undertaker (yes, me! Can you believe it?) and was personally invited to the top floor of this Fox and Weeks location to look at an antique coffin for sale with my ex-husband Mark. (I know this sounds strange, maybe even a little morbid, but when you’re in the funeral home business, strange and unusual things happen pretty regularly.)
Well, while we were there, an authentic wooden toe-pincher coffin (queue your favorite Victorian gothic vampire movie) caught my husband’s eye. He was eerily drawn to it and ended up purchasing the iconic-style coffin from Fox and Weeks just one night before they sold the building to Mr. Kessler himself.
I bet you’re asking yourself, is it haunted? Well, did I hear creaky footsteps on the top floor? Maybe felt some eyes watching us as we perused the selection of antique coffins? I can’t be sure, but anything is possible.
Anyway, back to my authentic Italian culinary journey in Savannah…
Why a Saint Bibiana Cooking Class is the Perfect Savannah Experience
When people think of Savannah, they often picture fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and sweet tea. But Savannah’s culinary landscape is evolving, and food lovers are discovering that this city is about much more than traditional Southern fare.
Culinary tourism has exploded in recent years. Travelers want more than just a plate of food; they want the story, the craft, and the memory of creating something themselves. That’s exactly what Saint Bibiana Cooking School offers: a hands-on, immersive experience where you don’t just eat—you cook, laugh, and learn.
And because Savannah is such a social, hospitable city, this type of class fits perfectly. It combines the charm of the South with the elegance of Italian cuisine, offering a unique experience that you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Stepping Into the Kitchen of Saint Bibiana at Hotel Bardo
When I walked into the sleek, open-concept kitchen of Saint Bibiana, I was immediately struck by the inviting atmosphere. The room was bright, buzzing with energy, and filled with long counters already sprinkled with flour and bowls of fresh ingredients waiting to be transformed.
Our chef greeted us warmly, setting the tone right away: this wasn’t going to be a stiff, serious culinary lesson. It was going to be fun, approachable, and memorable. With aprons tied and wine glasses filled, we were ready to dive into the art of pasta-making.
What to Wear to Your Cooking Class
Like many social events in Savannah, we as Southerners tend to dress up for just about anything. You can call it Front Porch Fancy, Lowcountry Luxe, or Garden Party Ready, but just know you should wear something cute and appropriate for the Hotel Bardo. I suggest casual dressy items like this Tribal Print Boho Dress or Casual Loose Puff Sleeve top for women, and for men an edgy Button-Up Shirt.
Rolling, Shaping, Laughing: The Pasta-Making Process is Great for Groups and Couples
By the time we got to the rolling and shaping of the pasta, we all had a little red wine flowing, so the volume of laughter and chuckles began to increase in the expansive room. Some in our class had never seen a rolling pin and others of us took the lead and started working harder. (We knew we wanted to eat dinner.) 🙂
The class, a mix of solos, groups, and couples, focused on traditional Italian pasta, from mixing the dough to shaping it into silky ribbons of tagliatelle and plump little pillows of ravioli. As we cracked eggs into flour wells and kneaded dough with our hands, the chef guided us with a mix of humor and encouragement. He reminded us that pasta is as much about feeling as it is about following instructions—the texture, elasticity, and weight of the dough tell you when it’s ready.
There were moments of concentration, but more often than not, there was a lot of laughter and banter as we joked with each other about our kitchen skills. Flour dusted across countertops and aprons, pasta sheets stretched longer than our arms, and friendly competition sparked as we compared whose ravioli looked the most uniform (spoiler: not mine!).
By the time we laid out our creations to cook, I realized that the class wasn’t just about pasta—it was about joy. Cooking became less of a task and more of a celebration, only made better with the company of my friend and my (new) culinary family.
Beyond Pasta: Wine, Conversation, and Connection
One of the unexpected highlights of the experience was how social it felt. Between steps, we sipped wine, chatted with fellow participants, and swapped stories about travel, food, and favorite recipes back home.
There’s something about cooking together that breaks down barriers. Strangers became teammates, and by the end of the evening, we were cheering each other on like old friends.
It reminded me why I love experiences like this while traveling. You get to connect with people in a way that simply doesn’t happen when you’re dining at a restaurant. It’s interactive, it’s personal, and it leaves you with memories far more lasting than just a meal.
Coastal Italian Flavors Meets Southern Hospitality
What makes Saint Bibiana truly unique is its philosophy: blending coastal Italian traditions with local Southern ingredients and sensibility. While the pasta itself was authentically Italian, the experience carried the warmth and approachability that Savannah is famous for.
It’s this fusion that makes the cooking school stand out. The chefs are passionate about their craft but never intimidating. The environment is elevated yet relaxed. It’s the best of both worlds—an Italian culinary escape wrapped in Southern hospitality.
Top 5 Reasons Saint Bibiana Cooking School in Savannah Is A Unique Culinary Experience You Don’t Want To Miss
There are plenty of cooking schools around the world, but here’s why this one deserves a spot on your Savannah itinerary:
- Historic Location: Inside Hotel Bardo in historic downtown Savannah, a destination in itself, sitting across from the iconic Forsyth Park and lined with Spanish moss-adorned trees, it combines Southern charm with modern luxury.
- Hands-On Interactive Cooking: More like cooking with the chef than being taught by the chef. Playful, engaging, and collaborative.
- Classes for Every Culinary Passion: Beyond pasta, they offer “French and Fearless,” “A Very Important Brunch,” and cocktail classes.
- Casual, Fun Atmosphere: Equal parts educational and entertaining—you learn new skills without ever feeling pressured or out of your depth.
Truly Unique Social Experience: You don’t just leave with recipes—you leave with stories, laughter, and maybe even a new friend or two.
Practical Tips for Booking a Savannah Cooking Class
If you’re tempted to book a class (and if you want a unique Savannah cooking class experience, you should!), here’s what you need to know:
- Where: Saint Bibiana Cooking School, inside Hotel Bardo, 700 Drayton Street, Savannah.
- How to Book: Classes are listed on Hotel Bardo’s website under their “See & Do” section, and spots can be reserved online.
- Class Types: From pasta-making to market-inspired menus, there’s a rotating schedule of experiences.
- Length & Price: Classes typically last a few hours and include hands-on instruction, recipes, and plenty of tastings. Prices vary depending on the class.
- Who It’s For: Perfect for couples, groups of friends, solo travelers, or even locals looking for a new spin on a night out.
- What to Bring: Just yourself! Aprons, ingredients, and tools are provided. And yes, wine is often included.
Final Thoughts: Why I Recommend This Hands-On Cooking Class During Your Savannah Trip
Looking back, my pasta-making class at Saint Bibiana Cooking School was more than just an activity—it was an experience that brought together food, culture, and connection in a way that felt perfectly Savannah.
I left with flour on my hands, recipes in my pocket, and a heart full of laughter. It reminded me that travel isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about experiencing them, and sometimes that means rolling up your sleeves, getting a little messy, and savoring every bite along the way.
So, whether you’re visiting Savannah for the first time or you’re a local looking for something new, I can’t recommend Saint Bibiana Cooking School enough. It’s the kind of experience that blends the flavors of Italy with the soul of the South—and leaves you saying “mangia, mangia!”, but always hungry for more good times at Hotel Bardo Savannah.
