Rolling Out Tradition: Donna Mare’s Pasta and Pizza-Making Experience with Chef Luigi Iannuario

Miami’s dining scene is synonymous with innovation, but every so often an experience comes along that bridges luxury with authenticity in a way that feels truly special. At Donna Mare Italian Chophouse, adjacent to the iconic Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, guests are invited to do more than dine. They are welcomed into the kitchen itself through immersive pasta and pizza-making classes led by Executive Chef Luigi Iannuario.

That foundation of experience is what elevates the Donna Mare workshops. With decades of culinary expertise, Chef Luigi not only brings the soul of Italy to Miami Beach but also creates an approachable, engaging environment where even beginners can master the art of pasta-making.

Priced at $85 per person—or $125 with a wine pairing—the 60-minute class goes well beyond a cooking demonstration. Guests are greeted with a glass of prosecco before rolling up their sleeves to hand-mix, shape, and cut their own pasta. Each class spotlights an Italian classic, such as pillowy pesto ricotta gnocchi or silky tagliatelle alla Bolognese.

For me, the hands-on workshop was both fun and humbling. Chef Luigi’s friendly nature and knowledgeable staff ensured that even when I struggled at first, I quickly found my rhythm. The highlight came when I tried the Tagliatelle Bolognese myself—cooked perfectly al dente and paired with an extremely flavorful sauce.

Chef Luigi emphasized that the sessions are designed for all skill levels:

What makes this offering truly luxurious is the full-circle dining experience. After the workshop, participants are treated to a curated three-course meal: a seasonal appetizer or salad, their handmade pasta as the entrée, and a rich dessert to finish. It is, as I found, well worth the price—not only do you walk away with your own pasta to take home, but you also enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner that captures the essence of coastal Italy with a Miami twist.

Chef Luigi sees it as more than just entertainment for hotel guests or locals.

The classes run on select Thursdays through December 18 at 6:30 p.m., with complimentary valet parking provided. Private classes are also available for up to 12 guests, making it an ideal choice for birthdays, corporate gatherings, or intimate celebrations.

Upcoming dates include:

• Thursday, August 28

• Thursday, September 11

• Thursday, September 25

• Thursday, October 16

• Thursday, October 30

• Thursday, November 13

• Thursday, December 18

Miami is filled with dining experiences, but few combine the joy of learning, the satisfaction of cooking, and the indulgence of fine dining the way Donna Mare’s pasta and pizza-making workshops do. As I left with my own handmade pasta in hand and the memory of an exquisite meal still lingering, it was clear why this experience stands out.

Learning to cook under the guidance of a Milan-born chef, surrounded by the energy of Miami Beach, is more than just a class—it is an immersion into Italy’s culinary heritage. For locals seeking something new or travelers looking to enrich their stay, Chef Luigi’s pasta-making experience is a deliciously worthwhile addition to Miami’s luxury lifestyle landscape.