Gnocchi Making in NYC: Is it Worth the Dough?

I recently joined a gnocchi-making class in NYC that turned out to be the perfect addition to my weekend. Picture this: you’re learning to make homemade gnocchi from scratch with a room full of friendly instructors, sipping on wine, and bonding with fellow food lovers in a cozy, laid-back atmosphere (with a live DJ). Doesn’t get much better than that, right?

The class was designed to be both informative and fun. It was boozy, as the bar was open with a selection of different drinks. The bar was open throughout the session, offering a selection of drinks you could enjoy at your own pace. You actually start with drinks, which is a fun (and slightly surprising) twist once you realize there’s still cooking ahead. But it works. The early drinks help break the ice, making it easy to mingle and relax before diving into the hands-on part of the class. The focus on socializing first sets a great tone for the rest of the experience.

When it was time for the class to begin, the instructors gave a quick introduction of themselves and Evento before inviting us to find our stations at the large communal table in the center of the room. Everyone was paired up, so it was two to a station, with the idea being to alternate between cooking and hands-on tasks. In another setting, this might have felt a bit crowded or chaotic, but the setup here made it feel more natural. Taking turns with your partner gave everyone a chance to keep socializing, dancing, and drinking without risking the gnocchi. Honestly, there was always something to do even if your hands weren’t in the gnocchi bowl.

The class struck the perfect balance between hands-on learning and laid-back fun. We covered the basics of gnocchi-making from scratch, and you could feel the classic Italian cooking techniques woven throughout. What made it stand out was how approachable it all felt. This wasn’t a high-pressure culinary school vibe by any stretch of the imagination. It was more like a digestible, real-world cooking class where you actually pick up useful skills without feeling overwhelmed. 

The instructors broke everything down step-by-step and the ingredients were already prepared for you, so even if you’d never worked with dough before, you were in good hands. And the best part? Even if you don’t get to sit down and eat your gnocchi at the end of class, they provide a bonafide Italian meal for you anyway. Salad, pasta, sauce, meat, drinks—you get to sit down to a delicious plate of freshly made food in a vibrant, social setting.

So, question of the day: is it worth it? 

With confidence, I can say: absolutely. Honestly, it’s worth the money for the drinks alone. With the bar open throughout the class and a curated list of drinks available, you’re already getting a great value just on that front. Drinks can get expensive, and spending an evening at a bar can easily run you up $100+ dollars. With this, you’re getting all you can drink, a learning experience, food, and good company. 

But what really sets this experience apart is that it’s not just about the drinks. It’s a cooking class that manages to be both approachable and engaging, so you actually walk away having learned something useful in the kitchen. For those signing up hoping to pick up real culinary skills without feeling overwhelmed, this class hits the mark. It’s easy to follow, hands-on, and digestible for beginners. The recipe is something that can easily be recreated at home, and the techniques you learn are intuitive enough that they can be done even while you’re chatting and having fun. 

At $125, you get more than your money’s worth. It’s a few hours packed with fun, good food, good music, and great company. Whether you come solo, with a date, or in a group, the environment is incredibly social and welcoming. Between the cooking, dancing, drinking, and mingling, it feels more like a party with a purpose than a traditional class. For anyone looking to try something new and memorable in NYC, this experience is well worth the investment.

Final Thoughts

Evento doesn’t just specialize in boozy brunches—they offer a whole lineup of exciting, high-energy cooking experiences that put a fun twist on classic culinary classes. From pasta-making to pizza-making, each class is designed to be social, hands-on, and totally unforgettable. They really excel in creative food-focused events that bring people together over good food, drinks, and music. Some events are even branded as dance parties—but that doesn’t mean you won’t learn something new and exciting. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just looking for a unique night out, Evento has an experience that goes beyond your typical cooking class, and I highly, highly recommend them.