I bring Italy to the table through public dinner workshops, chef-curated private dinners, and informal gastronomic tours across Italy. Each experience is designed for Canadians who love cooking, traveling, and discovering history through food. Warm, elegant, and personal, my approach is rooted in authentic Italian flavors, traditions, and the stories that make them unforgettable.
What I Offer
Three unique ways to immerse yourself in the art of Italian cuisine
Popular
Hands-on classes where you'll learn to prepare authentic Italian dishes, from fresh pasta to traditional regional recipes. Perfect for food lovers of all skill levels.
An intimate dining experience in your home or venue. I'll craft a personalized menu and prepare a memorable Italian feast for your special occasion.
Adventure
Informal culinary adventures through Italy's finest food destinations. Discover hidden gems, meet local artisans, and taste authentic regional flavors.
"Cooking is not just about food—it's about connection, tradition, and sharing the passion that makes Italian cuisine so special."
About Me
Davide Rizzardi is an experienced chef with 21 years working in different countries behind a kitchen. He is energetic and dynamic, with a bright personality, passionate, creative and capable to cook and create a dish with any available ingredients on hand.
He has a devotion for traditional Italian cuisine that loves to share with his diners and customers, also sharing his knowledge when teaching cooking courses around the world.
Recipes passed down through generations
Quality products, locally sourced
Intimate, customized experiences
Love for food and la dolce vita
Visual Journey
A glimpse into the experiences, flavors, and memories we create together
Whether you're looking for a cooking workshop, a private dining experience, or an unforgettable tour through Italy, let's create something special together.
Request a Quote5 Stars Only
Around the World
"My husband and I did the pasta making with wine pairing class with chef Davide and sommelier Georgia. We truly had a wonderful experience. The hands on pasta making experience was very helpful. The food and wine pairings were both delicious! The team was professional and well educated but also created a very fun environment."
"Wow! What an incredible experience! I thought it would be boring, but this class was so much fun! Davide was a great instructor and a very funny guy. He made the experience interesting and was engaging with his audience. My husband ended up having a blast. I highly recommend this class for a fun, unique, and interactive experience."
"Before I retired, I was a university professor of education in curriculum and instruction. Basically, I taught already certified teachers how to think about and improve their practice of teaching. In my class Davide would have been an A student. He is extremely good at what he does!"
"This pasta making class with Chef Davide is an amazing experience. It was recommended to us by our friends, and we'll be recommending it to everyone else. Learn to make 4 styles of pasta. The 'Pasta Whisperer' will show you how to save your pasta from any of your kitchen missteps. A lot of fun with wine and essentially dinner as well."
"It was a great experience and we had a lot of fun! Chef Davide was amazing: he taught us techniques, made us participate so the ambiance was very nice because it made us feel like you're cooking with your friends or family. He's funny so he made this cooking class entertaining! The food was delicious. I really recommend the experience!"
"This class was amazing! Davide was excellent! He was super nice and extremely talented! It was so fun and covered so many things! He made the class special! I definitely recommend!!!"
"Merci pour la belle expérience avec les enfants au Time Out Market. Nous avons été accueillis par une équipe sympathique. Le chef est attentionné et aime les enfants. Il les fait participer dans le plaisir. Vraiment agréable."
"I took a pasta-making class here and absolutely loved it! Not only did we learn how to make pasta, but we also learned how to make three completely different sauces. The class was super hands-on and interactive. Highly recommend signing up for a workshop!"
"We had an incredible evening. From start to finish, the experience was perfect. The staff was amazing, the service was excellent, and they truly know how to make guests feel welcomed and taken care of. The food was absolutely outstanding - every dish was memorable. Highly recommend!"
"Wow! What an experience. I am an avid cook and like to experiment in the kitchen. They have cooking classes or 'experiences' featuring local chefs and from abroad. Not only do you eat very well, you learn how to make the dishes. The current resident chef is from Italy (Davide) - I now have mastered making pasta, what a treat! Five star experience!"
Why Squisita Passione
Chef Davide Rizzardi is one of the few Italian chefs in Canada offering authentic, hands-on culinary experiences rooted in 21 years of professional kitchen expertise. Unlike cooking schools or large group tours, every experience with Chef Davide is personal, intimate, and designed around the traditions of Italian home cooking.
Chef Davide has worked in professional kitchens across multiple countries for over two decades. His expertise spans fresh pasta, regional Italian sauces, risotto, and traditional techniques passed down through generations of Italian cooks.
With a maximum of 12 guests per workshop and intimate private dining settings, every experience is personal. Chef Davide adapts to your skill level and interests, ensuring you leave with real skills you can use at home.
Chef Davide operates seasonally between Canada and Tuscany, Italy. Book a cooking workshop or private chef dinner in Canada, or join one of his curated gastronomic tours through Florence and the Tuscan countryside.
Guests consistently praise Chef Davide for his engaging teaching style, warm personality, and exceptional food quality. He is known as the "Pasta Whisperer" for his ability to make Italian cooking accessible and fun for all skill levels.
Get in Touch
Have questions about my services? Ready to book an experience? I'd love to hear from you. Reach out and let's start planning your culinary journey.
Canada & Italy