From Naples to the Gold Coast: How Italian Craft Found Its Way Home
Some stories begin in the kitchen. For Luke Marino, it started with the scent of rising dough, the hum of conversation around the table, and the steady hands of his nonna pressing love into every fold.
Marino & The Dough is more than a cooking class. It is the continuation of a legacy passed from one generation to the next, shaped by heritage and hospitality, and brought to life on the Gold Coast with passion and precision.
Where Tradition Meets Curiosity
Luke grew up between two cultures. One rooted in the coastal rhythm of Australia, the other steeped in the slow, soulful traditions of Italy. Summer afternoons were split between beach swims and Sunday lunches that lasted well into the evening.
Food was never just food. It was a memory. It was a ritual. And pizza dough — made from scratch and left to rise quietly — was at the centre of it all.
His curiosity took him deeper. He is a self-taught master of the dough, with inspiration and a lot of testing along the way. What he found was not just technique but intention. The care, the time, the respect for ingredients. It all stayed with him.
Bringing Authentic Italian Pizza Home
When Luke returned to Australia, he brought more than skills. He carried a vision. He wanted to create a pizza masterclass in Australia that honoured Italian technique while feeling at home in a laidback Aussie kitchen.
The result is Marino & The Dough — a high-touch, private cooking class on the Gold Coast that makes authentic Italian pizza accessible and memorable. No stainless steel workbenches or studio kitchens. Just you, your space, and the knowledge to craft something truly special.
A Class That Feels Like a Gathering
Each masterclass is personal, warm, and hands-on. Guests learn to make dough from scratch, shape it with confidence, and top it like a true pizzaiolo. It is more than a recipe — it is a shared experience.
Many describe it as the most relaxed and joyful cooking class they have ever had. One guest said, “It felt like I was back at my nonna’s house, learning without even realising it.”
And that is the heart of it. This is about more than pizza. It is about reconnecting with the feeling of making something together. Slowing down. Laughing over a glass of wine. Watching the dough rise not just in the bowl, but in the room.
The Craft Lives On in You
Luke believes great food should be felt as much as tasted. That belief drives every element of the experience. From sourcing the right flour to mastering the art of the slow rise, every detail is shared with generosity and clarity.
If you are looking for an Italian cooking class on the Gold Coast that brings technique and tradition to life, this is it. You do not need to be an expert. You just need to be open — to learning, to laughter, to flour on your hands.
FAQ: Looking for a Pizza Making Experience Near Me?
Marino & The Dough offers private pizza masterclasses across the Gold Coast and surrounding areas. Whether you are booking for a birthday, team night, or family gathering, the class is tailored to your group, your kitchen, and your pace.
Discover Your Own Slice of Italy
This is food as it was meant to be — simple, generous, and shared. A tribute to Italian-Australian food culture, brought home with heart.
Let Luke show you what real dough feels like. And maybe, like him, you will find something bigger in the process.