Chicago is a city that loves its food—from its famous deep-dish pizza to the innovative craft cocktails. But beyond the well-known spots, Chicago offers a surprising variety of hands-on cooking classes that let you learn new skills and enjoy authentic flavors. We’re particularly fond of the Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery, which combines culinary craftsmanship with a lively local setting, and the Deep Dish Cooking Class at Pizzeria Uno, where you get to make and eat a true Chicago classic. These classes provide a fun, interactive way to deepen your appreciation for Chicago’s food scene while taking home new recipes and skills.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, Chicago’s cooking experiences are designed to match your interests. From sushi rolling to tavern-style pizza and even working with a celebrity chef, there’s something here for every food lover. Below, you’ll find a detailed rundown of the top six cooking classes in Chicago, each with its own unique appeal.
1. Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Chicago
This hands-on pasta-making class takes place at a vibrant local distillery, blending culinary skills with a lively atmosphere. For about $65, you spend roughly two hours learning how to mix, knead, roll, and cut fresh pasta from scratch—using simple ingredients like eggs, flour, and olive oil. The instructor, a talented chef, guides you through making both classic pasta and a rich marinara sauce with onions, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes. You also have the option to add beef for a hearty twist or keep it vegetarian.
What truly makes this class stand out is the combination of craft spirits and culinary skills. After preparing your meal, you get to enjoy it in the energetic setting of the distillery, which often features tastings and socializing. The small-group format ensures personalized attention, and the lively environment adds a fun, informal vibe. If you’re interested in learning pasta from scratch while sipping craft spirits, this is a unique experience.
Guests consistently praise the fun atmosphere and the clear instructions—”the best part was kneading the pasta and making a sauce that tastes like it came from a top Italian kitchen,” said one reviewer. The class offers good value for money and leaves you with recipes to recreate at home.
Bottom Line: Perfect for pasta lovers who want a relaxed, interactive experience paired with local spirits and a lively setting.
$65
2. Deep Dish Cooking Class at Pizzeria Uno in Chicago
At number 2, the Deep Dish Cooking Class at Pizzeria Uno offers an authentic slice of Chicago’s culinary heritage. For about $59, you’ll learn how to make the city’s iconic deep-dish pizza from the birthplace of this style. The class lasts around 90 minutes and includes hands-on instruction in creating the dough, layering toppings, and baking the perfect crust.
What makes this experience stand out is its historical significance—you’re cooking where deep-dish pizza was born. Plus, you get to eat your creation with a salad and a drink, making it a well-rounded meal. The class is highly praised for its knowledgeable and humorous guides, making it an engaging experience for solo travelers or groups. One review notes, “It was lots of fun, and the pizza was delicious. I learned how to make it at home too.”
The value here is excellent, especially considering you leave with the skills to replicate the pizza at home. The only potential downside is the shorter duration, which might leave some wanting more advanced techniques. Still, for a quick, fun introduction to Chicago’s most famous dish, it hits the mark.
Bottom Line: Great for casual pizza fans and those eager to master Chicago’s signature deep dish in a friendly setting.
3. Chicago: Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery
This pasta-making class in Chicago offers an immersive experience where you’ll discover how to craft fresh pasta and a flavorful marinara sauce from scratch. For $75 per person, the two-hour session is led by a local chef who shares the secrets of pasta-making, including techniques for kneading, rolling, and cutting your own noodles. You can opt for a vegetarian sauce or add beef for a more substantial meal, making it flexible for different tastes.
What makes this class special is its interactive format and setting—hosted at a local distillery, it combines culinary skills with a social, lively ambiance. The chef emphasizes authenticity, ensuring you learn traditional techniques. Reviewers highlight the engaging teaching style and the chance to make food they can actually recreate at home.
Key highlights include the opportunity to learn how to prepare a rich Marinara sauce and the chance to impress friends with freshly made pasta. The class offers good value at $75, especially considering the quality of instruction and the delicious results.
Bottom Line: Ideal for pasta lovers wanting detailed, hands-on techniques in a relaxed, fun environment.
$75 per person
4. Chicago: Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery
Up next is a sushi-making class that transforms beginners into sushi artists in just two hours. For $75 per person, this class covers preparing sushi rice, selecting the best ingredients, and mastering precise slicing techniques. Hosted at a local distillery, it creates a social atmosphere where you can enjoy crafting and tasting.
What makes this class unique is its focus on professional sushi techniques that elevate your home rolls. You will assemble familiar favorites like California rolls with surimi and avocado, along with veggie options featuring mango and cucumber. The instructor emphasizes proper rice preparation and slicing finesse, making it perfect for newcomers who want a solid foundation.
Reviewers note that the class is accessible, fun, and perfect for those without prior experience. “It’s a social event that’s surprisingly easy to follow,” one participant shared. The $75 price includes all ingredients, making it excellent value for a two-hour, hands-on sushi session.
Bottom Line: Perfect for anyone curious about sushi and eager to learn professional techniques in a fun, interactive environment.
$75 per person
5. Make Chicago Tavern Style Pizza! A Cooking Class + Dinner Party
This family-friendly pizza-making and dinner class offers a full evening of cooking and eating. For $59, you will roll out your own homemade tavern-style pizza, make a zesty sauce, and top it with fresh ingredients. The class also features a unique activity—drinking Illinois State Fair’s famous “shaken lemonade” and making Palmer House Brownies, a Chicago classic.
Held at the Schoolhouse Kitchen + Studio in Wicker Park, the class combines history, fun, and food. The itinerary includes making three Chicago favorites: tavern-style pizza, brownies, and lemonade. It’s designed to be interactive and suitable for families or small groups. One highlight is the opportunity to take home leftovers and recipe cards to recreate your dinner at home.
The experience is well-rated for its lively, friendly atmosphere and the chance to learn traditional recipes. It’s a longer, more social experience than some others, making it ideal for a relaxed evening out.
Bottom Line: A great choice for families or groups wanting a relaxed, hands-on dinner experience with a local Chicago twist.
$59
6. Cooking Class with Celebrity Chef Tony Hu
Finally, for a more exclusive experience, the Cooking Class with Celebrity Chef Tony Hu offers a 90-minute workshop on two signature dishes—Chef’s Special Dry Chili Chicken and Crispy Lemon Shrimp. Priced at $135, it’s the most upscale option on our list, but it promises a behind-the-scenes look at Asian cuisine with one of Chicago’s most well-known culinary figures.
Chef Tony Hu’s name is linked to 14 Lao Sze Chuan restaurants, and his expertise brings a level of professionalism and authenticity. The class is interactive, with participants actively preparing the dishes, then sitting down to enjoy a meal together. The class focuses on techniques and flavors that define Hu’s style, offering an inside perspective on Chicago’s diverse culinary scene.
While no reviews are available, the price reflects the exclusive nature of the experience. It’s best suited for serious foodies or those interested in Asian cuisine and cultural cooking lessons. Its value lies in learning from a renowned chef and gaining skills that will impress at your next dinner party.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for dedicated food lovers interested in authentic Asian dishes prepared by a celebrity chef.
$135.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Chicago Cooking Class
When selecting your culinary experience, consider your budget, interest, and time available. For example, if you want a quick introduction to Chicago’s pizza heritage, the Deep Dish Cooking Class at Pizzeria Uno offers a fun and informative session. If you’re eager to learn pasta from scratch, the Pasta Making Class at a Local Distillery might be a better fit, especially for those who enjoy craft spirits.
For families or groups who want a relaxed evening, the Chicago Tavern Style Pizza class combines hands-on cooking with social fun. Meanwhile, adventurous eaters interested in sushi or Asian cuisine should look at the Sushi Making Class or the Chef Tony Hu workshop.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular classes or special experiences like the celebrity chef workshop. Also, check if classes are suitable for your skill level—most are beginner-friendly, but some, like the sushi or chef-led classes, may require more enthusiasm than experience.
Final Thoughts
Chicago offers a diverse array of cooking classes that cater to all tastes and skill levels. Whether you want to master pasta, recreate deep-dish pizza, learn sushi techniques, or enjoy a family dinner experience, these options provide memorable ways to connect with Chicago’s food culture. We recommend booking early, especially for exclusive or popular classes, and picking based on your culinary curiosity and schedule.
For those seeking a fun, authentic experience that also enhances your cooking skills, options like the Pasta Making Class and the Deep Dish Pizza class stand out. If you’re a serious foodie, the Celebrity Chef Tony Hu delivers a one-of-a-kind culinary lesson. Whatever your choice, Chicago’s cooking classes promise to leave you with new skills—and a full belly.