11 Best Cooking Classes in Florence, Italy – Our Top Picks for 2026

Looking for the best cooking classes in Florence?

This guide highlights our favourite hands-on experiences with passionate local chefs, delicious homemade meals, and plenty of wine.

As passionate food lovers, we set out to discover the top cooking classes in Florence—ones that are not only fun and hands-on, but also truly authentic and worth your time (and money).

What we found? There’s no single “best” class. Instead, Florence is full of incredible options tailored to every interest, skill level, and appetite.

This guide will help you find the perfect culinary experience in Florence — whether you're dreaming of mastering fresh handmade pasta (like ravioli, tagliatelle, or pici), pillowy gnocchi, traditional Tuscan dishes (think coccoli, rich ragù, or roast pork with seasonal vegetables), or iconic Italian favourites like pizza, tiramisù, and gelato.

1. Mastering Nonna's recipes - Florence pasta class

Handmade pasta (and sauces) class at a modern studio in the historic centre

Hands down one of the best cooking classes in Florence — and it’s no surprise, the reviews speak for themselves.

Held in a cosy studio in the heart of the city, this fun 3-hour class teaches you how to make perfect pasta dough and shape a variety of traditional pasta shapes

You’ll be guided by Chef Michele — who learned from his grandmother, a true pasta master from Bologna — and his talented team.

You’ll cook three Tuscan classics—tortelli filled with ricotta in a buttery herb sauce, tagliatelle with a slow, rich Tuscan ragù, and ravioli stuffed with gorgonzola or porcini—each one giving you a true taste of Tuscany right from the kitchen.

And of course — the best part — you’ll sit down to enjoy your handmade meal, paired with generous pours of great local wine.

We’re planning to take this Florence pasta class on our next Italy trip!

2. Florence pizza or pasta class with gelato making at a Tuscan farm

Hands-on culinary class near Florence with transfers included

This cooking class in the hills above Florence is perfect for taking a day break from sightseeing and is one of the best cooking classes Florence has to offer.

You don’t have to worry about transfers—the coach to and from the farm estate is organised (15-minute ride); you just need to show up.

You’ll enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of this Tuscan culinary experience, friendly instructors, and delicious food—all at a price that’s surprisingly affordable for what you get.

Walkabout offers two class options:

🥣 Pasta Class + gelato

• Make three types of fresh pasta from scratch
• Cook classic Italian sauces like: carbonara, amatriciana or pesto
• Get hands-on (and a little floury!) as you knead, roll, and cook

🍕 Pizza Class + gelato

• Learn to make perfect pizza dough
• Pick your toppings straight from the on-site vegetable garden
• Bake your pizza in a traditional wood-fired oven

In the end, you'll sit down with your group and enjoy a full meal of everything you’ve prepared. It might just be the best meal of your entire trip.

By the end of this Florence cooking class, you'll be full, happy — and probably wishing you didn’t have to leave.

3. Pastamania Florence pasta making class

Hands-on pasta-making class in a cosy studio across the Arno

We chose the Pastamania Florence cooking class for its excellent reviews, small group size, and great value.

The location—near Ponte Santa Trinita—was also super convenient from our base, Casa di Chiara (a cosy, stylish Florence apartment).

We loved getting our hands into the dough, kneading, rolling, and cutting it into tagliatelle, ravioli, and tortelli. We also learned how to make the perfect pomarola, a classic Tuscan tomato sauce.

Afterwards, we feasted on the pasta we made, paired with organic Tuscan wine from the owner’s family farm. A delicious dessert followed, along with a recipe booklet to take home.

To top it off, we enjoyed a relaxed stroll around Oltrarno, picking up unique souvenirs along the way.

4. Francy's pasta & gnocchi class on top of Florence hills

an intimate pasta cooking class hosted in a local Florentine home

Join this class and discover why this is often called the best cooking class in Florence for food lovers.

A local, Francesca, welcomes you into her home set in a historic villa, where you'll spend around three hours cooking, chatting, and having fun.

Freshly made coffee and cookies await you at the start of the class. Next, the cooking session begins with kneading the perfect pasta dough—you'll get insider tips from someone who makes pasta every day.

You'll be making one of several pasta shapes, such as spaghetti alla chitarra, ravioli, or cappelacci (a hat-like shape), as well as potato gnocchi. You'll also cook various sauces and enjoy a surprise dessert at the end.

This Florence cooking class is completely hands-on, meaning you'll knead, chop, cook, and bake, all while enjoying insights into Italian cuisine from your friendly host.

Top off your experience by sitting down to feast on the fresh dishes you've prepared together.

5. Cooking with a Chef Luca in Florence

Private cooking class at the chef's home in Florence

What sets this Florence cooking class apart?

It takes place in Chef Luca’s own home—a warm, intimate setting that feels more like cooking with a friend than a formal class.

It’s one of the most authentic culinary experiences Florence has to offer.

What’s Included in The Cooking Lab Florence Class

• Start with warm coccoli (fluffy fried dough balls) served with Tuscan ham and creamy stracchino cheese and refreshing aperitif

• You'll make two types of fresh pasta (e.g. tagliatelle and gnocchi or filled pasta)
• You'll prepare seasonal sauces like Tuscan ragù, fresh tomato sauce, or mushroom sauce
• You'll pick up real Italian techniques from a passionate local chef
• You'll make tiramisù - Italy’s favourite dessert from scratch

In the end, you'll sit down to savour the dishes you’ve prepared, perfectly paired with a glass of local Chianti.

Chef Luca shares expert tips, stories, and answers all your cooking questions, making the experience personal and memorable.

👉 Book early—this class tends to sell out fast.

6. Traditional Italian pasta class in Florence

A cooking class in a studio within walking distance from the Duomo

Chefactory’s cooking class is one of the best cooking classes Florence features for food lovers.

Offered twice daily in a cosy, air-conditioned studio near the city center, this 3.5-hour hands-on Florence experience is led by professional chefs who’ll teach you to create a full Italian meal using fresh, high-quality ingredients.

The highlight? Homemade pasta, made entirely from scratch. It’s one of the best cooking classes Florence has to offer!

You’ll make three delicious Italian pasta dishes:

• Ricotta and spinach ravioli
• Potato gnocchi with ragù sauce
• Fettuccine alla Norma (Sicilian pasta with eggplant, tomatoes, and ricotta)

And don’t worry—you won’t skip dessert! You’ll prepare either panna cotta or tiramisù to sweeten the day.

At the end of the class, you’ll enjoy the delicious meal you’ve made, paired with a glass of good Tuscan wine. Plus, you’ll receive a recipe booklet so you can easily recreate the dishes at home.

7. The original Florence cooking class with a market tour

Market shopping experience followed by a cooking class in central Florence's location

This cooking class in Florence stands out because it starts with a trip to the Mercato Centrale, the city’s biggest and busiest food market.

You’ll meet your chef nearby and shop together for fresh, seasonal ingredients. Along the way, you’ll taste local favourites like olive oil, truffles, and other Tuscan specialties.

Back in the kitchen, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and:

• Learn to knead the perfect pasta dough with expert tips from your chef
• Shape tagliatelle and ravioli, served with classic sauces like meat ragù and pesto
• Prepare bruschette, and finish with a hands-on tiramisù.
  

Once the cooking’s done, sit down to enjoy your meal with a glass of Chianti, and take home a recipe booklet and graduation diploma.

8. Florence pasta making classes

• Chef Vary offers pasta making classes at 10:15 and 5:30pm
• Classes take place in the cooking studio near the Boboli Gardens (Via Romana, 41R); the meeting point is inside the store TUSCAN TASTE
• These classes are not suitable for children under 16
• 👍 These are among the most popular cooking classes in Florence!

You'll love taking Florence cooking classes with Chef Vary! During 2.5 hours, you'll learn making fresh pasta from scratch as well as cook traditional sauces. As soon as you arrive to the class, you'll agree what to cook with your chef. Some of the dishes you'll be preparing: ravioli with lemon, tagliatelle with ragù sauce, spaghetti pesto, fusilli with zucchini and lemon, spaghetti with porcini mushrooms...

In the end, you'll feast on everything you've cooked along 2 glasses on wine. Note that minimum age of participants is 16 years! You can opt for a cooking class that includes a visit to the local market! Chef Vary's cooking classes in Florence are limited to eight people, ensuring attention from the chef! 👉 Grab your spot on these Florence cooking classes!

9. Pasta and tiramisù cooking class in Florence with optional market tour

Florence culinary experience combining a market tour with hands-on cooking in a local neighbourhood

Ciao Florence’s cooking class is one of the best cooking classes Florence provides for hands-on learning. The morning tour includes a visit to Sant’Ambrogio Market to shop for the freshest local ingredients with your chef (note: classes later in the day and on Sundays skip this).

Back in the kitchen, you’ll knead pasta dough from scratch, shaping tagliatelle and ravioli (stuffed with ricotta), and preparing sauces like meat ragù and tomato sauce. Sweet lovers will enjoy crafting tiramisù.

While cooking, you can nibble on Tuscan appetizers, and once the meal is ready, you’ll feast on the delicious dishes you prepared, paired with local wine.

You won’t believe how affordable this Florence pasta class is—and the reviews are glowing!

10. Cooking class and lunch at a Tuscan farmhouse with market tour from Florence

Full-day culinary experience at a Tuscan farm with transfers from Florence included

Looking for an unforgettable cooking experience in Florence? This hands-on class is perfect for food lovers who want a true Tuscan adventure!

Start your day with a visit to Florence’s Mercato Centrale, where your local chef-guide will help you select the freshest ingredients — think cheeses, cured meats, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Then, hop on a comfy minibus and head to a charming Tuscan farmhouse for the real fun.

In the heart of the countryside, you'll dive into preparing a full traditional meal:

• fresh tagliatelle with rich meat sauce
• bruschetta
• roast pork with potatoes and 
• homemade tiramisù.

After cooking, sit down to savour the meal you created, paired with delicious Tuscan wine.

Before heading back to Florence, you'll get a cooking diploma and recipe booklet to recreate the magic at home.

It’s the perfect blend of market shopping, hands-on cooking, and authentic Tuscan vibes — an experience you won’t want to miss!

11. Cooking class with wine tasting in a Tuscan castle

Small-group culinary classes in historic Castello del Trebbio close to Florence

If you’ve ever dreamed of cooking in a real Tuscan castle, this 3.5-hour culinary experience near Florence is for you. Set on a stunning estate surrounded by vineyards, it includes hands-on cooking, a delicious lunch with wine pairings, and time to explore the castle grounds.

You can choose between two cooking class options:

• Pasta Lovers’ Class: Learn how to make two types of handmade pasta — tagliatelle and tagliolini — along with two sauces and a traditional starter. This option includes a tasting of three local wines.
• MasterChef Class: Go beyond pasta and prepare a full Tuscan meal! You’ll make a starter, handmade pasta, a chicken main course, and a dessert — all paired with four regional wines.

After cooking, you'll sit down to enjoy the meal you've created, served with local wines in a beautiful castle setting. Once lunch is over, feel free to stroll through the vineyards or explore the castle at your own pace.

This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience near Florence — the perfect blend of food, wine, and Tuscan charm you won’t find anywhere else!

Different Types of Cooking Classes in Florence

Here are some common types of cooking classes in Florence — plus what makes each one special:

• Pasta‑making classes — Learn how to make fresh pasta by hand (tagliatelle, ravioli, tortelli, etc.).
  
  
• Dessert classes — Focused on Italian sweets like tiramisù or gelato.
  
  
• Pizza & Gelato classes — Especially fun for groups and families: make pizza and then a scoop (or two) of gelato.
  
  
• Tuscan traditional cooking classes — More full‑meal style: make local dishes like ragù, crostini, soups, and more.
  
  
• Market tour + cooking class — Start with a guided visit to a local market (like Sant’Ambrogio) to pick out fresh ingredients before cooking.
  
  
• Countryside / farmhouse cooking classes — Held at a Tuscan estate; often includes transport, a relaxed rural setting, and a multi-course lunch.
  
  
• Multi‑day or intensive courses — More in-depth programs over several hours or days, often combined with wine tasting or more advanced techniques.
  
  
• Private cooking classes — One-on-one or small private groups, often more personalized and intimate.
  
  
• Ingredient‑specialty classes — For example, meat cooking courses or seafood-focused classes.
  
  

How to choose the best cooking class in Florence

With so many great options, it can be hard to decide. Think about what kind of experience you’re after — do you want a hands-on pasta-making class with traditional sauces, a gnocchi-making session in a welcoming local home, or a full Tuscan meal at a countryside farmhouse?

The best cooking class in Florence will match your interests, skill level, and schedule, all while giving you a true taste of local culture.

Craving more Italy? Check out these:

Florence on a budget

Best food cities in Italy

Day trip from Rome to Florence

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