Florence Cooking Classes

Among all the things to see and do in Florence, immersing yourself in its rich culinary tradition is a different approach to its culture. With cooking classes in this city, you can learn the secrets that make Italian gastronomy a world treasure.

In this article I present you the best options in Florence that will allow you to perfect your culinary skills. Guided by local chefs, you'll make classic dishes such as pizza and fresh pasta, and even iconic desserts such as Tiramisu.

If you've already been on a food tour of Florence or are looking for a different cooking-related activity, you can sign up for a class to learn how to make pizza and gelato, two typical Italian foods. At the end of the class, you will be able to prepare a pizza with a crunchy base and an ice cream with the right mixing and cooling process.

With this proposal you will not only learn recipes, but you will also connect with the Florentine culture and lifestyle. Whether it's the traditional technique of kneading pizza dough or churning gelato, you'll take a piece of Italy home with you and surprise your loved ones with what you've learned, and even show them a certificate of attendance.

The most comprehensive and interesting classes can last around five hours, and are conducted by a professional chef. They usually include the preparation of various food dishes for lunch or dinner, and the tasting of wine or beer typical of the region. In addition, many of these classes are held just outside Florence, with transport included, adding to the warmth of the Tuscan countryside.

Interesting details

• Price: about 184 € per person.
• Duration: about 5 hours.
• Means of transport: minibus.
• Advantages of this option: you will acquire knowledge directly in the place of origin of these emblematic dishes.

Disadvantages of this option: it lasts longer than other similar classes.

It is well known that if you want to understand the essence of Italian history and culture, you must visit the best museums in Florence. But if you want to understand its culinary essence, from the selection of ingredients to the pleasure of sharing a freshly made meal, you'll have to opt for a cooking class that offers a tour of Florence's central market.

Florence' s central market is a spectacle in itself, thanks to the products that stand out with their vibrant colours and aromas that whet the appetite. If you opt for this activity, you will walk around the market with professional chefs, who will guide you in obtaining the food and ingredients you need for the class.

Once you've gathered everything you need, it's time to head to the kitchen. Under the expert guidance of your chef, you will transform fresh ingredients into authentic Italian meals. Generally, the dishes cooked in these classes will not be the same whether you are travelling in summer or winter in Florence, as it depends on the ingredients that are available at each time of the year.

Many of the classes that include a market visit also often offer tastings of typical Tuscan food and wine. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, just let them know in advance when you make your booking, so that they can take your preferences into account. In addition, many of the schools will give you a diploma at the end of the class, with which you can demonstrate your knowledge of Italian cuisine.

Interesting details

• Price: from €235 per person.
• Duration: approximately 4 to 5 hours.
• Disadvantages of this option: these classes tend to fill up quickly and may require advance booking.
• Please note: the central market is closed on Sundays and public holidays, such as Christmas in Florence. Some schools replace the market visit with a special presentation and additional tastings.

If you are looking for cooking classes in a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere, with few participants and personal attention from the chefs, Florence offers a wide variety of bars and schools that provide this experience. After an intense day exploring places like the Duomo of Florence or the Uffizi Gallery, a cooking class can be a great way to relax and enjoy something different.

This small group format allows you to ask questions, experiment with techniques and receive instant feedback, ensuring that you will better integrate every detail of the recipes. Classes last about three hours and usually include the preparation of pastas and the typical tiramisu dessert. In some places, to complete the gastronomic experience, they offer you a traditional Italian aperitif from the beginning of the class.

If you are travelling to Florence with children, this is an activity that they will be able to take advantage of, as they tend to love it. In addition, many places offer discounts for young people and children who wish to participate.

Interesting details

• Price: from 179 € for adults, 143 € for young people up to 14 years old and 90 € for children under 8 years old.
• Duration: approximately 3 hours.
• Advantages of this option: you will learn in a more intimate and less formal setting, where you can ask questions and share ideas more comfortably.

If your stay in the city is going to be short, such as 1 day in Florence, and you want to learn about Italian gastronomy from someone who has perfected her art over generations, attending an Italian cooking demonstration under the guidance of a cesarina is the best option. A cesarina is an Italian cook or hostess who welcomes guests into her home to prepare and share a traditional home-cooked meal, which can be different types of pasta.

Taking place in a homely atmosphere, they usually begin with a warm welcome and an authentic Italian aperitif, such as prosecco, and traditional small snacks. Often, at some of these demonstrations, you can take a trip to the local market to select fresh and seasonal ingredients before participating in the preparation of the meal.

These demonstrations are offered at various times, including in the morning, and are held privately, meaning that you will only share the experience with your family or groups of friends. In fact, they are a great way to enjoy an evening out in Florence. Under the guidance of the cesarina, you can watch traditional dishes such as fresh pasta, homemade sauces and desserts being made in an intimate and comfortable atmosphere.

Interesting details

• Price: from €149 per adult and €75 for children under 8 years.
• Duration: options without market visit usually last around 3 hours.
• Pros of this option: You will experience Italian hospitality at its best, sharing a home-cooked meal with a local family.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is not a cooking class as such, but a demonstration, which is also a good way to learn.

If you plan to spend just 1 day in Florence and want to sample both the local gastronomy and wines, a good idea is to attend a cooking class with unlimited wine. During these classes you will learn how to cook fresh pasta and traditional sauces, while enjoying the exquisite Tuscan wine.

The atmosphere in these classes is relaxed, ideal for a couple or a group of friends. You will learn the secrets of a good pasta, while tasting different wines from the region and benefiting from the instructors' commentary on each variety. In addition, at the end of the session you will be able to taste the dishes you have prepared, with more wine.

These experiences usually last a few hours, giving you time to explore the city and visit attractions such as the Florence Cathedral. Without a doubt, the combination of cooking and wine will allow you to get to know Italian gastronomy and culture in a more entertaining way.

Interesting details

• Price: from 64 € per person.
• Duration: these are usually short activities of no more than 3 hours.
• Advantages of this option: includes drink and dinner.
• Disadvantages of this option: private classes are usually more expensive than group classes.

If you decide to experience a cooking class in Florence, you will immerse yourself in authentic Tuscan gastronomy and take away typical recipes, both sweet and savoury. Depending on the format of the class, you will be able to actively participate in the preparation of the ingredients, the assembly of the dishes and the cooking under the supervision of a chef.

You will also have the possibility to enjoy a full meal with the dishes you have prepared. This is a great way to savour the fruits of your labour while sharing the moment with fellow travellers, your family or friends.

In addition, many of the cooking classes include a pre-class visit to local markets, where you can select the fresh ingredients you will use during the class. This will help you appreciate the importance of quality produce in Italian cuisine.

To complete your introduction to Tuscan food, I recommend booking an excursion to the vineyards, where you can enjoy the scenery and wines for which this region is famous. It's the perfect combination.

In Florence, cooking classes usually cost between 70 and 150 € per person. The price can vary depending on the length of the class, the type of cuisine taught, the number of participants and the extra activities included, such as visits to markets or wine tastings.

The cost also varies according to the season in which you take the classes, as it is usually higher in summer than in winter in Florence, due to the different demand for these classes in high and low season.

Shorter classes tend to be cheaper, while more complete or specialised experiences, which include more services or exclusive ingredients, can be more expensive. It is best to compare different options and read reviews before booking to make sure you choose the class that best suits your expectations.

Here are the tips to keep in mind before booking a cooking class in Florence, to ensure you get the best culinary experience in Florence:

• Book in advance: make sure you book early, especially during the high season, which is from the end of May to the beginning of October in Florence.
• Communicate if you have any specific dietary requirements: if you have any dietary preferences or restrictions, be sure to inform the chef in advance. Most classes will be able to accommodate your needs.
• Explore the options: to make sure that the cooking classes will meet your expectations, it is best to research the classes offered in Florence, taking into account the recipes included, the number of participants, whether it is private or for groups, etc.
• Include a market visit: at local markets, such as the Central Market or the Sant'Ambrogio Market, you will have the opportunity to select fresh ingredients and discover more about daily life in Florence.

Around Florence there are many charming villages that are ideal for an authentic cooking class, each with its own culinary speciality. They are also the ones that are often included among the best excursions to do from Florence

San Gimignano

This is one of the most recommended destinations. Known for its impressive medieval towers and Vernaccia wine, San Gimignano offers a culinary experience centred on traditional dishes such as panzanella (bread salad) and ribollita, a Tuscan vegetable and bread soup. It is about 60 km from Florence and can be reached by car in about an hour.

Greve in Chianti

Another must is Greve in Chianti, located in the heart of the Chianti wine region. Cooking classes there often focus on preparing dishes paired with local wines, such as bistecca alla fiorentina (a cut of beef) and crostini toscani (small toasts with liver pâté).

Cinque Terre

A trip to Cinque Terre, known for its colourful seaside villages, can also be an interesting destination for a cooking class. This collection of five picturesque villages on the Ligurian coast offers a different culinary experience centred on the flavours of the sea and Ligurian cuisine.

If you decide to add Cinque Terre to your itinerary, you could learn how to prepare typical Ligurian dishes such as pesto alla Genovese, which is native to Liguria, or seafood specialities such as acciughe al limone (anchovies with lemon). Cooking classes in this village often focus on fresh ingredients from the sea and local herbs, which form the basis of the region's cuisine.