Cooking Class in Florence: A Market to Table Tour
From the stalls of San Lorenzo to a handcrafted Italian meal at the table
This Florence market to table cooking class takes participants from the lively aisles of the San Lorenzo food market directly into a hands-on kitchen session guided by an expert local chef. The experience spans five and a half hours and covers a full Italian menu built around seasonal, freshly sourced ingredients. It is designed for all skill levels, rated easy, and requires no prior cooking experience.
Participants begin by exploring the San Lorenzo market alongside the chef, learning how to select quality produce, cured meats, and local specialties the way Florentine cooks have done for generations. This market visit is not a passive tour but an active part of the cooking process, where the ingredients chosen become the meal prepared.
Back in the kitchen, guests roll up their sleeves to knead and shape fresh pasta by hand, prepare a choice of sauce including tomato, ragu Bolognese, or pesto, and assemble bruschetta as a starter. The session closes with a dessert course and a wine tasting featuring two glasses of Italian wine paired with the finished dishes.
Each participant receives a graduation certificate and a printed recipe booklet at the end of the class, providing a practical reference for recreating the dishes at home. The combination of market knowledge, hands-on technique, and a shared meal makes this a structured yet convivial introduction to Tuscan culinary culture.
Tour Highlights
Guided shopping at Florence's historic San Lorenzo food market with a professional chef selecting the freshest local ingredients.
Hands-on fresh pasta making from scratch, including kneading the dough yourself under expert guidance.
Preparation of a full Italian menu covering bruschetta, a pasta dish with your choice of sauce, and a dessert course.
Wine tasting with two glasses of fine Italian wine, paired with the meal prepared during the class.
Graduation certificate and a recipe booklet to take home, so the dishes can be recreated in your own kitchen.
Sampling of local market products during the tour, offering a taste of authentic Florentine ingredients and food culture.
How the Experience Unfolds
The group gathers at the San Lorenzo food market in central Florence, one of the city's most established and lively food markets. The chef introduces the session and provides context on the ingredients that will be used throughout the class.
Participants walk through the market stalls with the chef, selecting fresh vegetables, herbs, and other seasonal produce. The chef explains what to look for when choosing quality Italian ingredients and shares practical tips on sourcing.
Back in the cooking space, guests prepare bruschetta as a starter before moving on to making fresh pasta dough from raw ingredients. Each person takes part in kneading and shaping the pasta, guided step by step by the chef.
Participants choose one sauce from tomato, ragu Bolognese, or pesto and cook it to accompany the fresh pasta. A dessert is also prepared during this stage, rounding out the full three-course menu.
The group sits down together to enjoy the meal they have prepared, accompanied by two glasses of Italian wine selected by the chef. This communal setting brings the culinary and cultural elements of the experience together.
Each participant receives a certificate of completion and a booklet containing the recipes from the class. The session concludes with a final exchange of tips and recommendations from the chef.
What Is Included
Included
- Expert chef guide throughout the market and kitchen session
- All cooking ingredients sourced at the San Lorenzo market
- Fresh pasta making from scratch
- Bruschetta, pasta with sauce, and dessert preparation
- Two glasses of Italian wine during the meal
- Sampling of local market products
- Graduation certificate
- Printed recipe booklet to take home
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Additional alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages beyond the included wine
- Personal purchases at the market
- Gratuities for the chef or staff
Important Information
Reserve Your Place in the Kitchen
Spots in this class are limited to maintain a personal and hands-on experience for every participant. Secure your place to avoid disappointment.
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