Imagine walking through the cobblestone streets of Florence as the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread, simmering tomato sauce, and bubbling cheese wafts through the air… Can you see yourself there? And what if you became the chef of that deliciousness for one day?
If there’s anything better tasting than Italian pasta, it has to be Italian pasta that you made from scratch! Italy is world-renowned for many things, but its delicious cuisine is in a league of its own. And yes, I might be biased as I’m Italian, but you agree with me, don’t you? 😉
There’s no better way to savor local cuisine (and learn all of its secrets) than by joining a class with a professional chef. Not only will you be cooking in Florence your own lunch or dinner, but taking home all the tips!
If you’re spending at least a couple of days in town, a cooking class should definitely be on your Florence itinerary.
I was born and raised in Bologna, just one hour north of Florence. Clichè enough, I grew up watching my nonna and my great grandma making fresh pasta and cooking all sorts of delicious things in the kitchen – lasagna, tortellini, tortelloni… you name it!
Yet, I never learned how to make fresh pasta until I took one of these Florence cooking classes below with my Argentinian partner. I thought the cooking class was going to be too touristy for me, but I loved it!
In this article, you’ll find the best cooking classes in Florence, which will equip you with the skills to craft mouthwatering Italian dishes. So, let’s dive in and discover the magic of Italian cooking in the heart of Tuscany!
I personally use (and trust) Get Your Guide and Viator to book tours and activities around the world. Both companies offer a 24-hour cancellation policy. If your plans change, you can cancel most tours 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
In a rush? These are the top tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | The Original Cooking Class & Market Tour |
| PASTA MAKING CLASS | Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine |
| TUSCAN COOKING CLASS | Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Private and Authentic Cooking Class Experience |
| FAMILY-FRIENDLY TOUR | Pizza and Gelato Family-Friendly Cooking Class |
Table of Contents
OUR PICK: The BEST Cooking Class in Florence
Discover the secrets of Florentine cuisine on the Wanna Be Italiano – The Original Cooking Class & Market Tour. Explore the Central Market with a chef, learning about the local produce and picking fresh ingredients.
Then, learn to make tasty Italian dishes like bruschetta, homemade fresh pasta, and tiramisu in a cozy kitchen.
The chefs will guide you as you prepare your dishes and sauces, and you’ll then sit to enjoy your homemade meal with some Chianti wine. The menu can be adapted for vegetarians.
Why this cooking class? With hundreds of 5-star reviews, this is the top-rated cooking class on Viator. We believe it’s the most comprehensive class on this list, as you get to whip up multiple dishes and also visit the local market with the chef.
If you’re looking for the ultimate experience but don’t want to travel outside Florence, choose this class.
Read what the reviews say:
“What a cool experience!! Honestly, neither of us completely knew what to expect nor were really any good at cooking before and were blown away by how fun this was. Started with a cool visit to the food market (which we never would have found on our own) then learned to make three different courses. It was great fun! tomosso was a great chef and instructor!!”
Joe_G – Read more reviews
This tour includes: All the ingredients, a market visit, two glasses of Chianti wine, a recipe booklet, and a diploma. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Pasta Making Classes in Florence
▶️ If pasta is all you can think about when in Italy (we don’t blame you!), you should join a Florence: Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine.
You’ll learn all the secrets behind Italian pasta as you prepare it from scratch in a local restaurant, following the instructions of a chef. Then, delve into the creation of Tiramisu, one of Italy’s most famous desserts.
Needless to say, at the end of the lesson you’ll get to indulge in your homemade dishes with 3 glasses of wine, followed by coffee or limoncello.
The pasta-making class I joined (and loved) is unfortunately not available anymore. This class, though, offers a very similar program and looks like a great alternative! It’s one of the top-rated cooking classes in Florence, Tuscany.
This Florence pasta making class includes: All ingredients, a chef, lunch paired with wine, and recipes. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ If you’d rather choose a private experience, check out this Pasta Making Class in Florence. Under the watchful eye of a local chef, you’ll master the art of crafting ravioli, tagliatelle, and tortelli.
After making the fresh pasta from scratch, prepare a delectable tomato sauce to enjoy your meal with. You’ll cap off the class by relishing your creations, paired with fine Tuscan wine.
This private cooking class in Florence includes: Pasta making class, dinner, and wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Cooking Classes in the Tuscan Countryside from Florence
But why stay in Florence when you can travel to the Tuscan countryside and learn there? The picturesque Tuscany provides a serene and beautiful backdrop for your culinary adventures.
It allows you to truly immerse yourself in the heart of the region, and cook with striking views! If you have the time, these classes below offer an unforgettable experience.
▶️ Embark on a culinary escapade in this Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse With Local Market Tour from Florence. You’ll visit a local market to shop for fresh ingredients, and then head to the Tuscan countryside for a hands-on lesson.
Prepare a scrumptious 4-course feast featuring bruschetta, tagliatelle, roast pork, and tiramisù. Learn super useful skills and cooking techniques, and then relish your meal with Tuscan wine.
It’s a day of shopping, chopping, and laughter—plus, you’ll leave with a diploma, recipes, and memories to cherish!
This cooking class includes: A market visit, a cooking class, a 4-course meal with wine, a recipe booklet, and transfers. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Pizza is more of your thing? Then join this Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class in Tuscan Farmhouse.
You’ll visit a wonderful farmhouse in the rolling hills of Tuscany, where you’ll indulge in a tasting of focaccia and wine. Then, teach your hands how to make and knead the perfect pizza dough.
You’ll learn about Italy’s two most famous foods, and prepare a creamy gelato. When the class is over, savor your delicious creations paired with wine or beer, with scenery that truly beats any restaurant in town.
This class includes: A cooking class, a 3-course meal with wine and beer, a recipe booklet, a cooking diploma, and transfers. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Gelato and Pizza Cooking Class: The Best Combo!
Truly, though: is there a better combo than pizza and gelato?! Learn how to prepare Italy’s iconic food in this Florence Cooking Class: Learn How to Make Gelato and Pizza.
You’ll be introduced to the history of the dishes and discover all the secrets and techniques to make an authentic and mouthwatering pizza.
When you’re done, move on to prepare your own gelato, and enjoy samples of different flavors.
You’ll also be treated to pizza slices while you wait for yours to be ready! Finally, relish your meal and dessert paired with wine tasting.
This class includes: A cooking class, a meal, and wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Cooking Classes
▶️ The Private and Authentic Cooking Class Experience with Family is excellent for groups of up to 8. You’ll join a Florentine family at their home, and prepare traditional dishes using produce from their garden.
You’ll make antipasti, and a pasta main dish, which can be anything from tagliatelle to ravioli or lasagna with sauces. Ask your hosts to teach you how to make a Spritz, and craft cantuccini or mousse for dessert.
Vegetarian options are available, and if the weather permits, you’ll enjoy your meal in the garden paired with local wine. You can add a visit to a market for an extra fee.
This tour includes: All ingredients, a cooking class, and a meal with wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Private Cooking Class with a Florentine Local in his Home Kitchen is a great alternative. It caters to groups of up to 5 people, and takes place in the chef’s house.
Together, you’ll be crafting a 3-course Italian meal consisting of an appetizer, a main, and dessert. Learn to make pasta from scratch, or prepare a tasty risotto which you’ll enjoy with wine at the end of the class.
This tour includes: A private cooking class, all ingredients, and a meal with wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Cook Your Own Florentine Steak
You can’t leave Florence without having enjoyed a true Florentine Steak Experience. One of the Tuscan cuisine’s staples, you’ll be in charge of grilling your own Florentine steak under the careful watch of an expert chef.
Learn all about this traditional dish, from the adequate cut and the cooking to the best wines to pair it with. You’ll then indulge in your 3-course meal in a beautiful trattoria, with, bruschetta, dessert, and wine included.
This class includes: Steak cooking class, dinner, and alcoholic beverages. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
A Family-Friendly Cooking Class in Florence
If you’re traveling with your kids, this Florence: Pizza and Gelato Family-Friendly Cooking Class is a great option to check out. It enables you to enjoy some quality (and delicious!) time with them.
You’ll travel to the neighborhood of Oltrarno, and under a pro chef’s watchful eye, prepare authentic Italian pizza. Learn how to make the perfect crust, and whip up two gelato flavors using local ingredients.
You’ll then enjoy your creations with a glass of wine or Prosecco, and soft drinks for the children.
This class includes: A cooking class, all ingredients, pizza paired with wine, gelato, and recipes. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
A Gluten-Free Cooking Class in Florence
If you’re celiac or following a gluten-free diet, check out this Semi-Private Gluten-Free Cooking Class in Florence.
Embark on a hands-on lesson and learn how to adapt the glorious Tuscan flavors to your lifestyle, so you can continue to savor them after your trip.
You’ll discover the secrets of gluten-free pasta making in Florence, and also make some other dishes such as meatballs and focaccia. Finally, enjoy your meal with tastings of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and wine.
This class includes: Cooking class, lunch or dinner, alcoholic beverages, recipes. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Interested in other foodie experiences in Florence? I mean, there’s never such a thing as too much when it comes to food in Italy! Check out my other posts about the best wine tours from Florence and the top Florence food tours.
