Join lessons at an official cooking school, at a local’s home in Florence or in the hillsides of Chianti to learn the art of pasta-making, master your pizza skills and even visit farm-fresh markets for an added authentic moment!
Check out our 3 top picks or scroll down to see all the best cooking classes in Florence!
| # | Activity | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class | From 79€/person | 3h |
| 2 | Pasta Making Cooking Class | From 80€/person | 3h |
| 3 | Cooking Class in a Local Chef´s Home | From 105€ (2 people) | 3h |
Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!
1 – Make pizza and gelato with Towns of Italy Cooking Schools
Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 (751 reviews)
“We loved the class. I felt like I learned a lot and can’t cant wait to try to make our own at home. Chef Roberta was very nice and informative. The pizza was great and the gelato was the best we have ever had!” Tikia, Getyourguide
Fun fact: Each region across Italy has its own style of pizza, and the flat dough dish traces back centuries to the Romans.
Learn first-hand how to roll, spin and craft your own — during this Towns of Italy Cooking Schools class, you’ll make Florentine-style pizza known for its thin, crispy base!
With an expert pizzaiolo (a professional pizza maker in Italy) leading the way, you’re shown how to season and flavor your base.
As if you couldn’t get more authentic, next up, it’s onto the gelato. Hear more of the history of traditional ice cream making, then get to make your own and taste artisan-made gelato.
- English
- All ingredients and cooking utensils are included in the price
- Inclusive of wine and/or soft drinks
- Receive a class certificate at the end
Our review
Learning how to make two of Italy’s most iconic foods is something else and an unparalleled experience.
Walk away with new skills. These two foods are simple to replicate back home … now that you know the real secrets behind a proper pizza and gelato. It’s time to blow the socks off your family and friends next dinner party!
2 – Choose between three classes at Pasta Class Florence
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (457 reviews)
“Highly recommend, we had an absolute ball. The chef really made the class – he was extremely talented, kind and hilarious. We thoroughly enjoyed his class and learnt a lot. So much fun making our own pasta and then getting to eat delicious dishes and drink good wine with great company.” Megan, Google review
Become a maestro in the art of pasta making thanks to Pasta Class Florence, who offer not one, but three different types of pasta-centric classes.
Guided by professionals who have chefed in top restaurants around the world, they’re here to share their knowledge and secrets behind the craft and Italian gastronomic traditions.
First, learn about your ingredients (and kitchen equipment), then it’s on to making fresh pasta from scratch, like tortelli, tagliatelle and fettuccine, and classic Italian pasta sauces.
Choose between a standard pasta-making class, a lesson coupled with wine tastings under the guidance of a professional sommelier or a class that ends with a gelato tasting!
- The Art Of Pasta: from €80
- The Art Of Pasta + Gelato Tasting: from €110
- The Art Of Pasta + Italian Sommelier | Tasting + Dinner: from €120
- English and Italian
- Chef with Michelin star background
- Pasta tasting and wine pairings inclusive
- Drinks are included
- Receive an E-recipe book at the end
Our review
Sweet tooths or families with kids, we suggest the pasta and gelato option, ending off on a satisfying note.
Veggies: there are multiple vegetarian options for each class, and many quintessential Italian pasta dishes are meat-free anyway, such as pasta al pomodoro (made with olive oil, fresh tomatoes and basil).
3 – Authentic class in a local chef´s home with The Cooking Lab
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (69 reviews)
“Luca was amazing!!! A favorite part of the trip. He gave us an authentic Italian experience and we learned so much. He is very kind and well experienced in the kitchen. He treated us like family as we all gathered together at his dinner table to enjoy what we had created together!” Paul, Viator
If you’ve got an affinity for gnocchi and haven’t quite mastered the perfect plate yet, a hands-on lesson with The Cooking Lab will change all that.
Headed up in a local’s home, this class is led by a real professional chef — you’re exposed to the proper steps and techniques, from selecting the correct potatoes to the ideal temperature for boiling.
The lesson isn’t limited to just gnocchi with pasta-making options instead. Create two pasta varieties (for example, fettuccine) or gnocchi along with two complimentary sauces, as well as some antipasti classics.
Mouth-watering bites like Coccoli Prosciutto e stracchino will have you licking your lips in no time!
- English, Italian, French
- This is a private lesson at a local’s home, limited to your group only
- Time-dependent, you will either make lunch or dinner
- Snacks, alcoholic beverages and tea or coffee are inclusive
- Infant seats are available
- There is a family dog at the chef’s home
Our review
We love the more informal style setting that this class takes place in, feeling like you’re cooking and hanging out with old friends.
Throughout the hours, the conversation free flows and your host will lead discussions over the types of dishes and Tuscan specialties you’ve made. You may even leave with a few new travel tips!
4 – Experience a Genuine Cesarine Cooking Class
Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)
“Definitely the highlight of our trip. Ivana’s expertise in cooking was excellent and she shared her personal tips that made the food exceptional. Both her and her husband made us feel welcome in their home and we had a lovely evening. I could not recommend the class more highly.” Natalie, Headout
Did you know that the term Cesarine in Italy is held in high regard and refers to a nationwide network of official local home cooks?
Operating since 2004, it’s time for a culinary experience you won’t find in any restaurant (or even cooking school) as you join a Cesarine in their home in Florence.
In the best hands, your Italian mama or nonna will show you how to make three different regional dishes using secret family recipes passed down generations.
Become proficient with pukka cooking techniques, tips and tricks employed in the kitchen, and enjoy the conversations that flow when good food, wine and company are involved.
- From 30 March 2022 to 31 December 2029
- Classes run daily between 10 AM and 5 PM
- This private cooking class is family-friendly
- All beverages and meals included
- There is a cloakroom and room for luggage
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the class with a full refund
- Photos are allowed
Our review
This is undoubtedly one of the most authentic cooking classes you can get! Plus, the bona fide experience extends beyond the kitchen, filtering into shared conversations over a bottle of vino.
You’re lucky; it’s not often that family recipes are shared, but with a Cesarine cooking class, it’s all part and parcel of the experience.
5 – Learn how to hand-roll pasta with Chefactory
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (439 reviews)
“Wonderful experience, literally hands-on. Great to meet other people, and very attentive teachers.” Davi, Headout
Forget everything you know about the typical kinds of pasta we’ve popularized in the West, and become educated on how Italians really eat pasta with Chefactory! (You won’t find spag bog on any menus here, folks!)
Putting some elbow grease into it, it’s time to see first-hand why nonnas have such strong arms — it takes work hand-rolling pasta dough.
Learning everything from scratch, from what flour to use to how to make the perfect well, you create three different types of pasta accompanied by three sauces (each suitable for the various pasta shapes and styles).
Add the final cherry and concoct a traditional Italian dessert, all coupled with a glass of Tuscan wine.
- Jan 1 and 6-9
- Easter Monday
- April 25
- May 1
- June 2
- Aug 15
- Nov 1
- Dec 8, 25, 26 and from 28 to 31
- Group sizes are limited to 15 pax
- No prior cooking experience is required
- Drinks are included
- Receive recipes to take home
- No latecomers will be allowed to join the class, so it’s advised to be on time. No refund will be given
Our review
Once you’ve rolled out your dough using a hand-rolling pin, learn how to use an old-school pasta machine. You’re shown how to thread the dough through here and set the dial to get the perfect thickness (this varies with the different types of pasta).
If you love making handmade pasta but have only used recipe books or YouTube videos as guidance, don’t miss out on this one!
6 – Enjoy gluten-free options thanks to Chef Vary
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (40 reviews)
“We had the most amazing time in our class!!! Chef Vary was absolutely amazing and a wonderful teacher. We made the most amazing gluten free pasta I have ever had and I cannot wait to make these recipes at home!” Sarah, Viator
For anyone who has ever said you can’t enjoy the land of pasta and pizza with dietary restrictions, you’re wrong!
Chef Vary offers gluten-free recipes for Italian staples that are ordinarily packed with a gluten punch, such as pizza, gnocchi, pasta and even dessert (think tiramisu).
Adapting classic recipes and swapping typical ingredients, the semi-private lesson demonstrates how to make these tummy-happy versions.
Expect the likes of focaccia, ravioli and crostata (an Italian baked tart/pie) on the menu — all gluten-free, of course!
- English and Italian
- This is a private cooking lesson for your group only
- This class is limited to 10 pax
- No participants under 16 years old
- Opt for a lunch or dinner experience
- After the class, get access to an online cookbook
- Participants with dietary requirements to inform the operator when booking
- A vegetarian option is available, request at booking essential
- No vegan options
- Includes drinks
Our review
Work comfortably in a beautiful, open-spaced kitchen.
As this is a private class, the personalized attention is much appreciated. If there’s a technique you don’t understand, feel free to let your instructor know and enjoy the hands-on demonstrations.
Walk away feeling like you’ve truly gained new cooking skills!
7 – Whip up a 4-course feast with InTavola
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (72 reviews)
“From the time we got there till the time we left we felt so welcomed. We cooked a four course meal and then sat down to eat it with the other people on the tour. The recipes were very easy and instructions we were given by the chef Matteo were really great tools I will take away and use in my own kitchen.” Samantha, Viator
Join InTavola Cooking Academy in preparing a four-course dinner extravaganza, including appetizers, starters, mains and dessert!
The dishes you create during this cooking lesson are the traditional kind, typical of what you’d find on the table of a local famiglia.
Classes begin before sunset and end in the evening, fitting the theme of this dinner affair. Afterward, enjoy the fruits of your labor and relish in your 4-course supper in the wine cellar — how romantic is that?
A sample menu includes the likes of eggplant caprese, ricotta and spinach ravioli, chicken marsala and panna cotta.
- English, Italian, Spanish
- Vegetarian and vegan options are available
- Please advise of any dietary restrictions beforehand
- Bottled water and red wine included
- No children under seven years old
- Stipulate any dietary requirements at the time of booking
- Classes are limited to 12 pax
Our review
Get to work in a professional kitchen environment for this one!
Menus vary daily, but on some, you will make gnocchi (a tricky dish to master, speaking from experience here).
This one is also great for couples and the small class sizes ensure an intimate time.
8 – Sample the tastes of Tuscany with a SiChef Cooking Experience
Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)
“We first cooked the pasta making class and we enjoyed it so much we booked the pizza and tiramisu class the following week. Both classes were wonderful, we learned a lot and the food was amazing. Extremely personalized service and a stunning location, kitchen, and view.” Dave, Google review
As the capital city of the Tuscan region, the food you’ll find in this part of Italy is inspired by the countryside.
Deep dive into the cuisine and head into the heart of Tuscany for a cooking class with SiChef Cooking Experience, followed by lunch, utilizing the freshest ingredients and produce from around the Toscana hillsides.
Guided step by step, become a pro at fresh pasta-making.
Next, work on your sauce skills, acquiring knowledge of which works best with the different types of pasta.
What’s the best type to accompany ravioli or the perfect texture for a silky smooth bowl of tagliatelle? Discover all this and more!
- Family-friendly
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options are available; request directly with the cooking school
- Drinks are included
- Classes are limited to small sizes
Our review
Leaving behind the city buzz, lap up the relaxing environment and the stunning Chianti countryside views!
Although the highlight of the lesson is pasta-making, you will also prepare appetizers, for example, stuffed fried coccoli and pappa al pomodoro (tomato and bread porridge) and dessert.
9 – Vegetarian Italian dishes with Antonella Cooking Experiences
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (16 reviews)
“Words cannot describe how marvelous this cooking class was. Not only were we enraptured by the experience of cooking in the Florentine hills, but Antonella was absolutely phenomenal! We feel as though we made a dear friend for life!” Asia, Viator
Another myth here to bust: vegetarians can enjoy Italian cuisine just as much as anyone!
If you’re vegetarian or looking to brush up on alternative recipes, Antonella Cooking Experiences presents a complete vegetarian cooking class in the Florentine hills.
Utilizing farm-fresh seasonal ingredients, you’ll be delighted to know that everything you cook with is sustainably sourced.
Veggie flan, cecina Toscana (Italian farinata chickpea flatbread), handmade cavatelli, mezzelune and baked ricotta pudding are a few tasters of what’s in store.
Learn how to make each dish from start to end, with samplings of Tuscan wine for an extra confidence boost.
- English
- The class is located 15 to 25 minutes from Florence - Porta Romana
- A private transfer is available upon request
- Welcome drink and alcoholic beverages included
- Specify any dietary requirements with the operator beforehand
- Vegan options available
- Lessons are limited to six pax
Our review
Get slightly out of the city, traveling no more than 20 minutes, with Tuscany’s countryside on your doorstep — the ambiance makes all the added difference.
No one has to feel like they’re missing out with this one — which can sometimes happen in a classroom when meat is the hero.
If there’s a particular dish that catches your eye that you’d like to make, let the chef know beforehand. On that note, we love the variety!
10 – Learn how to make pizza and gelato with Florence Food Studio
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (32 reviews)
“Friendly and personable staff, a wonderful experience and fantastic value. Highly recommended!” Chelsea, Google review
After a couple of hours in the kitchen apprenticing with Antonella Cooking Experiences, walk away with a newfound appreciation for two quintessential Italian foods — and the detective skills to know when you’re not being served an authentic pizza or proper gelato, for that matter.
During this pizza and gelato cooking class, learn the ropes behind pizza-making and what actually goes into the process of perfecting a delectable creamy swirl of gelato.
Not just physical; also enjoy hearing of the history behind each food during a theological introduction.
Moving onto the cooking side of things, create your pizza base, add (minimal) fresh ingredients, and get to make two yummy gelato flavors with locally sourced products.
- English and Italian
- All beverages are included (wine, beer and soft drinks)
- You can cancel up to 24 hours before the lesson with a full refund
Our review
There’s really so much more behind crafting the perfect batch of gelato, from freezing techniques to selecting correct colorings and flavorings that work when converted into a frozen stage.
After this class, leave with bowls full of new knowledge (practical and theory) and proudly know how to spot faux gelato and an authentic Italian pizza!
11 – Authentic recipes and garden tour with Il Borghetto Cooking Class
Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 (16 reviews)
“The cooking class was also a lot of fun and allowed us to learn more about tuscan cuisine and the lovely folks. Already dreaming about coming back!” Jeniffer, Google review
Elevate your cooking class at Il Borghetto with not just a lesson but time spent in the property’s luscious garden, picking out ingredients to use throughout your time in the kitchen.
Headed up in Tuscany’s countryside, this adds extra authentic ambiance to the experience.
Menus comprise of traditional Tuscan dishes (using seasonal produce and what’s available), but you can be certain that pasta will always feature.
Cook up a storm featuring a primi (first course) or secondi (second course) and dessert. Sample the farm’s Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Organic Wines during lunch.
Become a little more educated on organic farming practices — shared by your host throughout the course of the day.
- This is a private tour for your group only
- Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request
- Includes alcoholic beverages
Our review
This expedition is a serious delight for foodies — because nothing beats cooking with ingredients you’ve hand-picked yourself.
Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the setup here is sublime!
The menu focuses on healthy, Italian/Mediterranean cuisine, and you’ll prepare dishes like fiori di zucca fritti (fried and stuffed zucchini blossoms) and ragu.
12 – Market Visit and Pasta Making at MaMa Florence Cooking School
Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 (2 review)
“This was a wonderful experience! We did the group class and met fun couples, picked fresh vegetables from the garden and learned how to multiple appetizers and pastas with them! Then we dined in the garden with champagne and wine. Each dish was fun to make and so delicious.” Mary, Viator
It’s a complete sensory overload with MaMa Florence Cooking School, kicking off this foodie adventure at a fresh local Florentine market!
Meandering through stalls brimming with bright fruit and veggies, fresh cheeses and yummy salt-cured meats really works up an appetite.
Here, you’ll grab all the ingredients to be used throughout the course.
Back at the cooking school, it’s time to get your hands full of flour, mastering the art of fresh Italian pasta!
Your chef demonstrates how to knead, roll and cut various pasta shapes and explore the perfect sauces to accompany the different varieties. Flavors dependent, enjoy two selected paired wines.
Other than the pasta, also create an appetizer and dessert.
- If you have any food allergies or dietary requirements, get in touch with the school to let them know otherwise they cannot accommodate these on the day
- The experience is limited to 20 pax
- No alcohol served to anyone under 18 years old
Our review
The market is the highlight for this one and going through it with a local guide is incomparable — learn Italian phrases and the names of produce and get to interact with the farmers/producers.
Leave this class with an in-depth understanding of pasta, and you will make and cook three different pasta dishes.
13 – Mugello & Tuscany Truffle Hunting and Cooking Experience
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (18 reviews)
“The truffle hunting dog was very well trained. We all enjoyed the walk along the wooded path and were able to see where black truffles can be found. Back at the villa, chef Gabriel led us through an entertaining and educational cooking class. We all learned lots of tips and tricks to making various types of pasta.” Barbara, Viator
Home to both the treasured black and white truffles, Tuscany is a forager’s paradise for the prized fungi!
While you’re here, don’t miss out on a truffle hunting tour from Florence led by Mugello & Tuscany, with time spent in the kitchen afterward cooking up a feast where truffles are the star of this culinary show!
With sustainability at the forefront, join an agritourism guide, a professional truffle expert and his clever, truffle-sniffing dog out into the woods around the Mugello Valley.
Once the search is over, gain knowledge on how to prepare and use truffles in different dishes. Proceed to cook your own three-course in the kitchen of an organic farm.
- English and Italian
- A driver will pick you up from the meeting point
- Lunch is inclusive
- Bottled water and tea and coffee are included
- The truffle hunt is led by an expert local truffle hunter and his dog
- Tours are limited to 10 pax
- In case of extremely bad weather (and truffle hunting is not possible), choose between a full refund or alternative date
Our review
This is probably the most truffles you’ll eat in one sitting! Back at the estate, you make between a whopping six to eight different pasta dishes!
Thanks to your Tuscan location, you can expect to find both varieties year-round.
If it’s raining on the day, the venture will still go on, and guests are then equipped with rain gear!
Read more: Best Truffle Hunting Tours in Florence
14 – Cook in the Central Market at Cucina Lorenzo de’ Medici
Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 (16 reviews)
“We were incredibly impressed. The class was informative and fun and the instructors were fantastic. We wanted something beyond the typical pizza making class and that is exactly what we got. It was a highlight of our time in Florence and I highly recommend.” Suzanne, Google review
Offering a different cooking class most days of the week, even if you’ve completed a course with Cucina Lorenzo de’ Medici before, you’ll learn new recipes and techniques!
From pasta to pizza, your options are plentiful.
Plus, this cooking school is situated within the Mercato Centrale, so the buzz from vendors and visitors provides added charm and is an inspiring setting for a culinary lesson.
Working in a professional state-of-the-art kitchen, spend time learning about ingredients and analyzing the recipes, and even how to play with food design and plating.
There are pastry, fish, pizza, risotto and dessert courses, pasta-making classes and a traditional Tuscan dinner to take your pick.
- Choose between multiple courses
- Not suitable for participants under 14 years old
- You will need to register online prior to the experience (registration closes one day before the class at 1 PM)
- The price includes all ingredients, an apron with the logo of Scuola di Cucina Lorenzo de’ Medici, a folder with all the information, insurance and recipes
- Receive a certificate at the end
Our review
We’re mega fans of the variety of classes to choose from, so you’re not limited to just making pasta or pizza.
We say go for something different, like honing your skills to create the perfect risotto!
The pasta classes on offer diverge from the typical fettuccine and ravioli. Learn to make Roman-style tonnarelli cacio e pepe or Tuscan pici all’aglione.
15 – Farmer’s Market and Pasta Making with The Dolce Vita Experience
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (36 reviews)
“Don’t hesitate to register for one of Ileana’s classes. We had an amazing time learning how to make some seasonal Tuscan dishes. Truly a memorable experience and I look forward to returning again one day.” Renee, Google review
If you’re utterly passionate about pasta, you’ll love The Dolce Vita Experience, where your host (and cook) shares the same love affair.
Opt for a standard fresh pasta class, or pair your time with a trip to a local market in the Sant’Ambrogio district before the lesson begins.
Pause for food tastings and samplings — think fresh salami, biscotti and Tuscan bread — mingling with the local folk.
In the kitchen, create two kinds of fresh pasta. If you’ve booked the dinner option, skip the market and cook up a feast of antipasti, pasta and dessert.
Not keen on a cooking class? Then go for just a market tour with tastings.
- Choose between day and night courses
- Gluten-free options aren’t available
Our review
Running classes since 2016, you’ll feel totally comfortable and at ease with your host, Ileana.
The meet and greets with vendors is one of our favorite parts, exploring the ins and outs of the marketplace.
If you loved the experience that much, or you don’t have the time for a physical lesson, online classes are available, too!
How to book cooking classes in Florence?
As one of Italy’s top destinations for foodies, thousands of tourists flock to Florence!
This has resulted in an overload of companies offering food tours in Firenze, and also many travel websites now sell the various tours online, most offering discounted rates as a hook.
Prices may vary from one website to another, so it pays to do your research!
Using our search engine, conveniently compare offers, reviews and prices under one platform in a few simple clicks.