Nothing beats learning Italian cooking right in the heart of Tuscany. Florence’s best cooking classes range from practical pasta workshops to memorable truffle hunts with meals included.
My favorite experiences are the small-group lessons in family homes, where you’ll learn authentic recipes passed down through generations. You’ll master classics like bruschetta, fresh pasta, and tiramisu, plus regional specialties.
Many classes include morning market visits to select fresh ingredients – a great chance to experience local culture. For a true taste of Florence, some schools offer lessons in rustic countryside villas just outside the city.
Check out these top cooking experiences we’ve personally tested and loved:
Top Tours
- Tuscan Farmhouse Cooking Experience offers a full-day tour with a market visit, expert chef guidance, and a 4-course lunch with Chianti wine.
- Tuscan Cooking Class and Dinner focuses on traditional Tuscan cuisine, including chicken stew and gnocchi, with a maximum of 15 participants per chef.
- Private Cooking Class in a Florentine Villa provides an intimate experience preparing four classic Florentine dishes in a scenic villa setting.
- Pasta Cooking Class: Mastering Nonnas Recipes is a 5-star rated class teaching authentic Italian pasta-making with a maximum of 12 travelers.
- Private Cooking Class With a Florentine Local offers a personalized and immersive culinary experience in a local’s home kitchen.
Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse With Local Market Tour From Florence
For visitors to Florence, a highly popular cooking class experience is the Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse With Local Market Tour From Florence.
This full-day tour offers an immersive culinary journey, starting with a visit to a Florentine food market to select fresh ingredients. Participants then travel to a Tuscan farmhouse, where an expert chef guides them in preparing traditional dishes like bruschetta, handmade tagliatelle, and tiramisu.
The class culminates in a 4-course lunch complemented by Chianti wine, allowing guests to savor the flavors they’ve learned to create. With a maximum group size of 26, this highly rated experience provides an intimate and engaging introduction to Tuscan cuisine.
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Florence Cooking Class: Learn How to Make Gelato and Pizza
Located in the heart of Florence, the Towns of Italy Cooking School offers a captivating Florence Cooking Class that teaches guests the art of making authentic Italian gelato and pizza.
The class, which accommodates up to 20 travelers, provides hands-on instruction in crafting classic pizza Margherita and vegetable-topped pies. Participants also learn the history of pizza-making in Italy and receive insider tips from the engaging and knowledgeable chefs.
The experience includes a gelato demonstration, a graduation certificate, a digital recipe booklet, and a delightful lunch or dinner with unlimited wine.
With glowing reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this cooking class is an excellent way to take in the culinary heritage of Florence.
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Wanna Be Italiano – the Original Cooking Class & Market Tour in Florence
Enjoy the authentic culinary traditions of Florence with the highly acclaimed “Wanna Be Italiano – the Original Cooking Class & Market Tour”.
This cooking class boasts 1,274 reviews and a 96% traveler recommendation rate. Participants visit the Central Market to select local ingredients before heading to a cooking school to learn from expert chefs.
The hands-on experience covers classic Italian dishes like bruschetta, homemade pasta, and tiramisu. With class sizes limited to 20, guests enjoy personalized attention and unlimited Chianti wine.
Travelers praise the engaging chefs, informative market tours, and the overall camaraderie and learning experience, making this a highlight of any Florence visit.
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Tuscan Cooking Class and Dinner in Florence
The Tuscan Cooking Class and Dinner in Florence is a highly-rated culinary experience that invites participants to explore the rich gastronomic heritage of the region.
With a maximum of 15 participants per professional chef, the class offers a personalized and hands-on approach to traditional Tuscan cuisine.
During the session, located near Piazza Santa Trinita, attendees learn cooking techniques while preparing dishes such as chicken stew, potato gnocchi, and tiramisu.
After the cooking, participants enjoy the fruits of their labor, accompanied by local wine.
With a wealth of positive reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this class provides an immersive and enjoyable way to discover the flavors of Tuscany.
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Pasta Cooking Class: Mastering Nonnas Recipes
Diving into the Pasta Cooking Class: Mastering Nonnas Recipes, participants embark on a culinary journey to uncover the time-honored traditions of authentic Italian pasta-making.
Set in the heart of Florence, this 5-star rated class is led by a team of passionate chefs who guide learners through preparing classic Tuscan dishes like tortelli with ricotta, tagliatelle in ragù, and ravioli with Gorgonzola and porcini.
With a maximum of 12 travelers, the class offers a personalized, hands-on experience filled with cultural storytelling and practical cooking tips.
Participants leave empowered to recreate these beloved family recipes at home, having savored an abundance of food, wine, and the joy of Italian culinary tradition.
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Handmade Italian Pasta Cooking Course in Florence
Participants of the Handmade Italian Pasta Cooking Course in Florence embark on a captivating culinary journey, guided by a team of passionate chefs.
With a maximum of 15 participants per class, this cooking masterclass ensures an interactive and personalized experience. Attendees will learn to craft iconic Italian dishes, including Fettuccine alla Norma, potato dumplings, and ricotta ravioli.
The course also includes a delectable dessert, panna cotta with seasonal dressings. Equipped with recipes to recreate the meals at home, participants can relish the flavors of Florence long after the class.
With a 93% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this course promises an unforgettable culinary adventure in the heart of Italy.
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Florence: Pasta Cooking Class With Unlimited Wine
Set out on a captivating culinary journey at the Florence: Pasta Cooking Class With Unlimited Wine. This highly-rated activity offers an immersive experience, with a 98% recommendation from travelers.
For $54.02 per person, participants learn to craft fresh pasta under the guidance of professional chefs. The class includes all necessary ingredients and equipment, along with Tuscan wine and a delectable lunch.
Reviewers praise the engaging instruction and friendly atmosphere, making it a highlight of their trips. While some note the need for more intimate group sizes, the class overall provides an authentic taste of Florentine cuisine.
Wheelchair and stroller accessible, this class is a must for culinary enthusiasts visiting Florence.
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Private Cooking Class in a Florentine Villa With Transfer
For those seeking a more intimate culinary experience beyond the bustling streets of Florence, the Private Cooking Class in a Florentine Villa with Transfer offers an idyllic escape into the Tuscan countryside.
Nestled in a scenic villa, you will prepare four classic Florentine dishes under the guidance of a local chef. The menu includes a ricotta and zucchini flan, tagliatelle or gnocchi, pork tenderloin with plums, and a potato soufflé, followed by a delectable tiramisu or cantuccini toscani for dessert.
Paired with regional wines, the four-course lunch is enjoyed on the villa’s panoramic terrace, providing a truly memorable dining experience.
With a maximum of six travelers, this private class promises a relaxed, authentic Tuscan adventure.
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The Cooking Lab – Authentic Food Experience
Those seeking an authentic Florentine culinary adventure need look no further than The Cooking Lab.
Located in the heart of Florence, this highly-rated cooking school offers hands-on classes in a home kitchen, led by host Luca Polverini.
The experience includes preparing two types of pasta, sauces, appetizers, and the classic Italian dessert, tiramisu. Guests enjoy a welcome aperitif, snacks, and a full meal or lunch paired with local wines.
With 100% positive reviews from travelers, The Cooking Lab promises an informative and delicious exploration of Tuscan cuisine in an intimate, private setting.
It’s an exceptional opportunity to take in the flavors and traditions of Florence.
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Traditional Italian Cooking Class in the Florence Countryside With Fabio
Travelers seeking an immersive Tuscan culinary experience can discover the secrets of traditional Italian cooking with Fabio’s private class in the Florence countryside.
With a 5.0 rating and 100% recommendation from 43 reviews, this hands-on class focuses on Fabio’s insider knowledge of Tuscan cuisine. Guests will learn to make fresh pasta, seasonal sauces, pork fillet with almonds and herbs, and the classic dessert, panna cotta.
The private class includes transportation to and from the city, and Fabio’s home is just 10km away. Vegetarians are accommodated, and the experience can be customized for group sizes, starting at $249.
Reviewers praise Fabio’s hospitality, cooking lessons, and the quality of the locally sourced ingredients.
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Florence: Crazy for Pasta Cooking Class and Gelato Making
Amid the bustling streets of Florence, travelers seeking an immersive culinary experience can explore the art of pasta and gelato making with the “Crazy for Pasta Cooking Class and Gelato Making” offering.
This half-day hands-on class at the renowned Towns of Italy – Cooking School guides participants through the creation of classic pasta dishes and gelato using seasonal ingredients.
Led by professional chefs, the class is suitable for all skill levels, including beginners and vegetarians. Along with hands-on instruction, participants enjoy unlimited wine, a digital recipe booklet, and a gelato demonstration, culminating in the receipt of a certificate upon completion.
With a 98% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this class is a must-do activity for those wanting to savor the flavors of Florence.
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5 Hours Truffle Hunt Experience With Cooking Class
For those seeking to explore the gourmet side of Tuscany, the 5-Hour Truffle Hunt Experience with Cooking Class in Florence offers an immersive opportunity.
With 100% traveler recommendation, this hassle-free experience includes round-trip transfers and guides participants through the history of truffles in the Mugello Valley.
Travelers will participate in a woodland truffle hunt led by an expert hunter and their trusty dog, then head to the kitchen for a cooking class with a local chef.
The class culminates in a three-course lunch featuring homemade pasta, a main dish, and traditional Cantuccini dessert – all highlighting the hero ingredient, the truffle.
This comprehensive experience is capped at 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized exploration of Tuscany’s gourmet delights.
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Semi-Private Gluten-Free Cooking Class in Florence
The Semi-Private Gluten-Free Cooking Class in Florence offers an immersive culinary experience for those seeking to indulge in the region’s delectable specialties while catering to dietary needs.
This hands-on class, led by the knowledgeable Chef Vary, accommodates a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention. Participants will learn to prepare classic Tuscan dishes, including fresh tagliatelle, ravioli, lasagne, and gnocchi, with customizable sauces and fillings.
After the cooking session, guests can savor their creations paired with wine, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. The class also provides access to an online cookbook, allowing participants to recreate the mouthwatering gluten-free meals at home.
With a 98% traveler recommendation and positive reviews, this class promises an educational and delicious experience.
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Pasta Cooking Experience in Florence
Stepping away from the semi-private gluten-free cooking class, the Pasta Cooking Experience in Florence immerses participants in the art of traditional Italian pasta-making.
Located on Via Camillo Cavour, this 5-star activity offers a hands-on experience for up to 20 travelers, guiding them through the preparation of three types of pasta and sauces.
Priced from $62.76 per person, the class includes a communal meal with wine and water after cooking.
Reviewers praise the fun, engaging atmosphere and the instructors’ patience and knowledge, though some find the environment a bit impersonal.
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Learn How to Make Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class in Florence
This 2.5-hour cooking class in Florence teaches participants the art of making authentic Italian pizza and gelato.
Held in small groups of up to 12 travelers, the class takes place in the heart of Florence, near the city’s central market. Guests will learn from a local chef, preparing a handmade pizza with their choice of toppings and homemade gelato.
The class includes dinner with the prepared dishes, along with wine or a soft drink. Participants receive a certificate and recipes to take home.
While the class isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and near public transportation. However, those with gluten intolerance should avoid this experience.
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Private and Authentic Cooking Class Experience With Family
Travelers seeking an immersive culinary experience can delight in a private cooking class hosted by a welcoming Florentine family.
With a 5.0 rating from 51 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this class promises an authentic, family-oriented encounter. Guests can expect to prepare classic Italian dishes, from tagliatelle to ravioli, in a cozy home setting.
The hosts, Camilla and Samuel, receive high praise for their warmth and hospitality, making participants feel like part of the family.
This unique experience not only teaches traditional cooking techniques but also provides insights into Italian culture and fosters meaningful connections with the local hosts.
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Chefactory Market Tour in Florence+ 4 Courses Cooking Class
An immersive culinary adventure awaits those who partake in the Chefactory Market Tour in Florence, followed by a delectable four-course cooking class.
Accompanied by a professional chef, participants explore the vibrant Mercato Centrale, learning about its rich history. The class then transitions into hands-on preparation of a four-course Italian lunch, featuring dishes like Pollo all’aceto balsamico di Modena IGP.
With inclusions like unlimited local wine, the experience provides an authentic taste of Florentine gastronomy. Praised for its informative and friendly chefs, the class caters to various dietary needs and attracts participants from diverse backgrounds, creating an engaging atmosphere.
This highly-rated cooking class is an excellent way to take in the culinary traditions of Florence.
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4 – Courses Dinner Interactive Cooking Lesson In Florence
For those seeking an immersive culinary adventure in the heart of Florence, the Courses Dinner Interactive Cooking Lesson offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s renowned gastronomy.
This 4-course experience allows participants to prepare an appetizer, fresh pasta, a meat dish, and dessert under the guidance of expert chefs.
With 90% of 105 reviews recommending the class, it’s clear that the hands-on learning and social atmosphere appeal to foodies.
Dietary requirements can be accommodated, and COVID-19 safety protocols ensure a worry-free experience.
Whether you’re a novice or seasoned home chef, this lesson promises a memorable introduction to the flavors of Tuscany.
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Cooking Class in Florence With Panoramic View
Those seeking an immersive culinary experience in Florence can indulge in a cooking class with a panoramic city view.
This highly-rated 60-review class in the heart of the city offers a small group setting, ensuring personalized attention. Participants will explore a local market, craft fresh pasta, and savor a menu of Tuscan favorites like bruschetta and tiramisu, accompanied by wine.
While not wheelchair accessible, the class accommodates most travelers. With positive feedback highlighting the amazing views and delicious food, this cooking class promises an unforgettable taste of Florence’s rich culinary heritage.
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Private Cooking Class With a Florentine Local in His Home Kitchen
Visitors seeking a more intimate culinary experience in Florence can enjoy a private cooking class in a Florentine local’s home kitchen.
Led by chef Alessio, the 3-hour class teaches participants to prepare three authentic dishes: an antipasto, a pasta course, and a dessert. Guests get hands-on experience and can savor the homemade meal, accompanied by local wine.
The class accommodates vegetarian and vegan diets upon request. While some past guests reported minor issues with cleanliness, the private setting and personalized instruction from a local chef earn the class an overall rating of 4.5 stars from 30 reviews.
It’s an excellent opportunity to take in Florentine cuisine and culture.
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Common Questions
Are There Vegetarian or Vegan Options Available in the Cooking Classes?
Many cooking classes in Florence offer vegetarian and vegan options, catering to a variety of dietary needs. Students can expect hands-on instruction in preparing plant-based dishes that showcase the region’s fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Can Dietary Restrictions or Allergies Be Accommodated During the Classes?
Most cooking class providers in Florence accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies. They work closely with participants to ensure all needs are met, providing vegetarian, vegan, and allergen-free options during the hands-on cooking sessions.
What Is the Minimum/Maximum Number of Participants in the Cooking Classes?
The number of participants in the cooking classes typically ranges from a minimum of 4 to a maximum of 12 students. This ensures a personalized learning experience and allows the instructor to provide individual attention to each participant.
Are the Cooking Classes Suitable for Children or Families?
The cooking classes are suitable for both children and families. Most providers offer specialized programs catered to kids, ensuring an engaging and educational experience for all participants.
Are the Cooking Classes Conducted in English, or Are Other Languages Available?
The cooking classes typically offer instruction in multiple languages, including English, to accommodate international visitors. Many classes cater to families and provide child-friendly options, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all participants.
Sum Up
Florence offers a diverse range of cooking classes that allow visitors to enjoy the city’s rich culinary tradition. From hands-on lessons at local farmhouses to interactive sessions in private homes, these classes provide an authentic taste of Tuscan cuisine. With options to learn everything from classic pasta-making to the art of gelato, there’s something for every food enthusiast looking to enhance their cooking skills and deepen their appreciation for Florentine gastronomy.