Florence is a city that boasts more than just stunning Renaissance architecture and world-class art. Its culinary scene is equally captivating, offering authentic cooking experiences that bring you closer to Italy’s beloved flavors. Whether you’re kneading pasta dough in a medieval tower or learning to make tiramisu in a cozy Florentine kitchen, these classes give you genuine insights into Italian cuisine. We especially love the Florence: Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine because it combines hands-on cooking with relaxed, city-center ambiance, plus unlimited wine and a friendly instructor. For those on a budget, the Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine offers a fantastic value at just $35 for three hours of culinary fun. Each experience listed below promises not only delicious food but a chance to learn secrets that you can recreate back home.
Quick Overview
Florence’s top cooking classes span a variety of formats—from group workshops in historic towers to private villa experiences. You can learn to make fresh pasta, gelato, or tiramisu, explore local markets, or even combine a castle wine tasting with pasta making. Prices range from around $35 to over $300, each offering different levels of intimacy, duration, and extra activities. Now, let’s dive into each of these top options.
1. Florence: Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine
This class is a winner with over 5,113 reviews rating it at 4.9/5, and it’s easy to see why. Held in a local restaurant in Florence’s city center, it’s perfect for travelers eager to make their own pasta and tiramisu while enjoying unlimited wine and coffee. The class lasts about 3 hours, during which you’ll learn tips and tricks from an engaging instructor, making perfect pasta dough, ravioli, and tiramisu from scratch. The meal is served at the end, allowing you to savor your creations with your new friends over a few glasses of wine. Many reviews praise the instructor’s enthusiasm and the friendly, informal atmosphere. This class is great for those who want a hands-on experience with authentic flavors, combined with the social aspect of shared food and drink. It’s an excellent value at $67 per person, especially considering the unlimited wine and lively group setting.
Bottom Line: If you want a fun, full-flavored introduction to Italian cooking with plenty of wine, this class hits the spot.
2. Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine
For around $35, this pasta-focused class inside Florence’s Medieval Tower offers an affordable way to learn traditional Italian pasta making. Over three hours, led by a chef, you’ll craft three types of fresh pasta—ravioli, tortelli, and pappardelle—and enjoy eating all your dishes paired with Tuscan wine and soft drinks. The setting inside a historic medieval tower is especially charming, adding a sense of stepping back in time. Guests frequently comment on the chef’s detailed tips and the lively, giggling atmosphere. While the noise level can be high with multiple groups, most find it adds to the authentic, convivial vibe. This class is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive hands-on experience at a very accessible price point.
Bottom Line: Great value for a fun, interactive pasta-making session with unlimited wine, ideal for a casual introduction to Italian cooking.
3. Florence: Premium Pasta and Gelato Cooking Class
A step above the usual, this 3-hour class combines pasta and gelato making in an elegant Florence kitchen. Led by passionate chefs, you’ll knead, roll, and cut your own pasta—learning regional techniques and secrets. Afterward, you’ll craft authentic Italian gelato using seasonal ingredients, then enjoy your creations with wine or soft drinks. The class not only teaches practical skills but also gives you a certificate and recipe book to take home. Guests rave about the professionalism of the instructors, Tomasso and Jon, and the delicious results. This experience is ideal for those eager to master more than one culinary skill during a short visit. While the price is higher, the focus on quality and craft makes it a worthwhile investment.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies wanting a dual experience of pasta and gelato with professional guidance in a stylish setting.
4. Pasta Cooking Class: Mastering Nonna’s Recipes
This class stands out with its small-group format and a Michelin-level chef guiding you through authentic Italian pasta recipes from scratch. With a duration of about 3 hours, you’ll learn to make several types of pasta, plus sauces, all in a cozy kitchen setting. The focus is on learning traditional techniques passed down from Italian grandmothers, and at the end, you enjoy a hearty meal pairing your pasta with wine. Many travelers note how the chef’s hints and tips make them confident enough to replicate the dishes at home. At $121.91, it’s a bit pricier but offers more personalized attention and a memorable, hands-on experience.
Bottom Line: A small-group, authentic pasta course perfect for those wanting a deeper dive into traditional recipes.
5. Cooking Art Brunelleschi with Unlimited Wine
This class takes place inside a medieval tower dating back to the 1200s, offering a truly historic setting for your pasta-making adventure. Guided by a professional chef, you’ll learn to make fresh pasta and regional sauces such as arrabbiata and ragu, then enjoy your meal with unlimited Tuscan wine. Guests highlight the engaging instructor, Valentino, and the atmospheric surroundings near Brunelleschi’s Dome. The class duration is about 3 hours, making it manageable for most travelers. It’s especially suited for history lovers who want to combine culinary skills and cultural ambiance.
Bottom Line: Authentic pasta classes with a medieval backdrop, ideal for history buffs wanting a relaxed, wine-filled experience.
6. Florence: Tiramisu & Pasta Making Class with Unlimited Wine
This shorter, 2 to 2.5-hour class is perfect for a quick but rich culinary taste of Italy. You’ll learn to make tiramisu, ravioli, and pasta, all while sipping unlimited wine. Held in Tuscany, it includes a brief art and political history intro and takes place in a 15th-century Medici stable. Many reviews mention how fun and engaging the instructor is, and the small group size fosters intimacy. It’s an excellent choice for travelers with limited time who want a hands-on, delicious experience.
Bottom Line: A compact, lively class that combines history, food, and wine in a short time.
7. Florence: Cooking Class with Local Food Market Tour
For those who love shopping as much as cooking, this 3- or 5-hour class offers a market tour before cooking. Led by an expert guide, you’ll learn to select fresh ingredients at Florence’s central food market (if you choose the longer option) and then cook a Tuscan feast in a well-equipped kitchen. The 5-hour version is especially popular, as it combines market sourcing, cooking, and a meal with Chianti wine. Many mention the professionalism of the instructor, Alice or Roberta, and how the market visit adds a true local flavor. The class is suited for travelers wanting a complete, immersive experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for food lovers who want to shop, learn, and eat their way through Tuscany.
8. Cooking Art Brunelleschi
This 3-hour group class is held in a historic tower near Florence’s iconic dome. You’ll learn to prepare three pasta shapes—ravioli, tortelli, and pappardelle—and accompanying sauces with all ingredients provided. The class culminates in enjoying your dishes paired with Tuscan wine. Guests praise the instructor Lorenzo for his engaging style and the lively group atmosphere. It’s perfect for those who want a hands-on, authentic experience in a historic setting, with the added bonus of unlimited drinks.
Bottom Line: A lively, authentic pasta class in a medieval tower, excellent for social learners who enjoy good wine.
9. Tuscan Cooking Class and Dinner in Florence
This 4-hour experience combines cooking four classic Tuscan dishes—including pasta, chicken stew, and tiramisu—with dinner on a palace terrace. Led by an expert chef, you’ll create a full menu, then sit down to enjoy your meal with Tuscan wine. The class is small, ensuring personalized attention. Reviewers mention the quality of instruction and the memorable setting. It’s excellent for those wanting a complete, immersive dinner experience with a cultural twist.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers looking for a longer, more comprehensive cooking and dining experience.
10. Small Group Pasta Making Class with Castle Wine Tasting
Combine pasta making with wine tasting at a 900-year-old Tuscan castle on this 3.5-hour tour. After learning to knead and shape pasta, you’ll enjoy a lunch of your own creations paired with three local wines. Guests love the atmosphere of the castle, the quality of the wines, and the opportunity to explore the grounds afterward. It’s perfect for those combining culinary interest with wine appreciation, especially if you want to escape the city.
Bottom Line: A unique blend of history, food, and wine in a castle setting, suited for lovers of both.
11. The Cooking Lab – Authentic Food Experience
A cozy, home-based class led by a Florentine chef, this hands-on experience involves making two types of pasta or gnocchi, along with sauces, antipasti, and tiramisu. Held in a private home, it offers a personalized, informal setting. Many reviews highlight the chef’s expertise and how confident guests feel cooking at the end. The class ends with a shared meal featuring the dishes you’ve prepared, all served with wine. It’s ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, intimate experience.
Bottom Line: Small, relaxed, and personal—great for those who want real home-style cooking.
12. Private Cooking Class in a Florentine Villa with Transfer
Perfect for a more exclusive experience, this private 5-hour class takes place in a scenic villa outside Florence. You’ll cook four courses of Tuscan dishes with a local chef, then enjoy your meal on a panoramic terrace paired with wine. The included transfer makes logistics easy, and the elegant setting makes this ideal for couples, families, or small groups wanting a luxurious, personalized day. Many guests praise the beautiful estate and the quality of the food.
Bottom Line: An upscale, private experience perfect for special occasions or those seeking tranquility outside the city.
13. Cooking Date in the Heart of Florence
This class is designed for couples and small groups looking for a fun, casual experience. In about 3 hours, you’ll learn to make three pasta dishes and tiramisu, then enjoy your meal with wine. The instructors focus on passion and entertainment, making it especially attractive for romantic getaways. Reviewers mention how friendly and patient the chefs are, especially with kids. It’s a good choice for families or couples wanting a relaxed yet authentic Italian cooking session.
Bottom Line: A lighthearted, intimate class ideal for couples and small groups.
14. Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Optional Market Tour
This 4-hour class offers a comprehensive experience combining pasta, tiramisu, and a market tour of Florence’s Sant’Ambrogio food market. Guided by a local chef, you’ll learn to source ingredients and prepare three classic dishes. Many reviews emphasize the instructor’s skill and the quality of the food, along with the value of the market visit. It’s perfect if you want a full immersion in Italian food culture, with the option to shop for ingredients as part of your learning.
Bottom Line: For foodies who want to combine shopping and cooking in a relaxed setting.
15. Pasta and Gelato Cooking Class in the Heart of Florence
This class offers the chance to learn two quintessential Italian treats—pasta and gelato—in a 3-hour session. Led by professional chefs, you’ll make handmade pasta and seasonal gelato, then enjoy your dishes with unlimited wine. It’s beginner-friendly and perfect for all ages, with options in the afternoon or evening. Many reviewers mention how much they learned and how fun the experience was, especially when making classic pasta and gelato from scratch.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting a well-rounded, delicious Italian cooking experience in a short time.
How to Choose the Best Cooking Class in Florence
When selecting your ideal culinary experience, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you want a full-day immersion, the private villa here might be perfect. For a cost-effective, lively group setting, try the Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine. Those eager to learn regional recipes and techniques should check out Mastering Nonna’s Recipes. If you love history and ambiance, the classes in medieval towers or castles are especially appealing.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular classes like the Pasta & Tiramisu Class or the Private Villa Experience, to secure your preferred time and avoid disappointment.
In the end, Florence offers a wide range of cooking classes suited to every passion and budget. Whether you choose a small-group pasta workshop or a luxury private villa experience, you’ll walk away with more than just recipes—you’ll have lasting memories and new skills to impress at home. Planning ahead and choosing a class that matches your style will ensure your culinary journey in Florence is one to cherish. So, don’t wait—book early and get ready to cook like an Italian!