Italian cooking class in Sofia with Chef Luigi is an invitation to step into the world of Roman cuisine through hands-on cooking, taste, and precision. At Atelier Nemigenchev, you join an experience that combines learning, inspiration, and practical techniques for preparing iconic Italian dishes.

Who is Chef Luigi? Nikolay Popov – Luigi is the head chef of UNICA restaurant and a member of JRE (Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe). Born in Burgas and raised in Rome, he has spent more than 20 years mastering Italian cuisine. He graduated from the respected Italian Chef Academy and built experience in Michelin-starred restaurants, refining his approach to balance, simplicity, and elegance in every detail. In Bulgaria, he created one of the most recognisable Italian restaurants – UNICA – where tradition meets carefully selected local produce and the character of terroir.

What will you cook? During the class, Chef Luigi guides you through three dishes that show different faces of Roman cuisine:

• Gnocchi all’Amatriciana – hand-shaped potato gnocchi with a classic sauce of guanciale, tomatoes, pecorino, and a gentle hint of spice. It is a dish that captures the comfort of Roman home cooking and the balance of savoury, sweet, and fresh acidity.
• Lamb chops with Roman vignarola and savoury pecorino zabaglione – a spring combination of tender meat, artichokes, peas, green beans, and spring onions, finished with a rich, creamy savoury zabaglione. This recipe shows how traditional Roman cooking can feel both classic and modern.
• Ricotta and sour cherry crostata – an Italian dessert with buttery crisp pastry, delicate ricotta, and bright fruit acidity from sour cherries. The result is light, clear, and memorable.

Why choose this class? This is more than a recipe session. It is a real encounter with the philosophy of Italian cooking, built around new techniques, direct guidance from a professional chef, and the confidence to recreate what you learn at home. You also receive the recipes and a certificate of completion.

Choose or gift a voucher for an Italian cooking class in Sofia if you want a refined gourmet present with character, flavour, and real substance.