Montreal: Cooking Class & Lunch with Michelin-Trained Chef

If you’re craving a hands-on taste of Montreal’s vibrant food scene, this cooking class and lunch experience offers a fantastic way to learn from a chef with Michelin-star credentials. Set in the charming Old Port, it combines culinary education with a delicious meal, making it perfect for food lovers eager to go beyond just eating out. We appreciate how it offers both professional cooking techniques and a chance to enjoy authentic Montreal-inspired dishes—all in a relaxed, intimate setting.

Two things we especially like about this experience: first, the insider knowledge shared by Chef Rob, whose background and travels shine through in his teaching; second, the interactive element where everyone gets to contribute to a course, making it more than just a demonstration. On the flip side, a consideration is that start times vary due to local deliveries, which could be slightly inconvenient if you’re on a tight schedule. This tour is best suited for culinary enthusiasts and travelers who want a meaningful, engaging way to spend an afternoon in Montreal.

Key Points

• Hands-on Cooking: You’ll learn techniques like searing, pan-roasting, and plating from a Michelin-trained chef.
• Diverse Flavors: The menu showcases Montreal’s multicultural food influences—Caribbean, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Quebecois.
• Three-Course Meal: After cooking, enjoy a carefully curated tasting menu inspired by global cuisines.
• Flexible Timing & Private Group: The experience is private, usually in the afternoon, with a flexible start time based on local deliveries.
• Informative & Fun: Guests rave about the chef’s thorough explanations, humor, and insider tips.
• Value for Money: For $128, you receive a comprehensive culinary experience, including professional instruction and a delicious meal.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Montreal Cooking Class & Lunch

This experience is a blend of culinary education and tasting adventure. You’ll meet at 375 Rue Saint-Paul East, an atmospheric spot in the Old Port area, and prepare to spend about 2.5 hours with Chef Rob, who is not only knowledgeable but also engaging and approachable. The class is designed as a hybrid—part workshop, part meal—giving you both skills and sustenance.

The Structure of the Class

The experience begins with a brief introduction to global food cultures, setting the stage for the dishes you’ll make. Each course will tell a story—whether it’s Caribbean, Asian, Middle Eastern, or Quebecois flavors. More than just following recipes, you’ll learn professional techniques like sauce ratios, flavor building, and plating. The goal is to give you practical skills you can take home, whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out.

The Cooking Component

You’ll be involved in collaborating on one course, which makes the experience interactive and memorable. Chef Rob emphasizes techniques such as searing, oven poaching, and pan-roasting, so expect to get your hands dirty and learn how to create balanced, flavorful dishes. According to reviews, he’s thorough—”Chef Rob was very detailed in his explanations and took his time to make sure I understood.” Many guests appreciated his ability to break down complex techniques into manageable steps.

The Tasting Menu

Once the cooking is done, it’s time to sit down and enjoy a three-course tasting inspired by diverse cuisines. Expect dishes like smoked pork belly with Caribbean spices or intriguing seafood preparations. What’s special is that the menu is curated to reflect Montreal’s multicultural identity, giving you a flavorful tour of the city’s diverse food scene.

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The Meal & Pairings

While drinks aren’t included, many guests mention the wine pairings or non-alcoholic options that complement the dishes well. The tasting portion is a generous finale to what was a hands-on culinary journey, with many reviewers noting the delicious flavors and beautiful presentation.

The Experience in Detail

The Location & Meeting Point

The meeting point is a quiet spot in the Old Port at 375 Rue Saint-Paul East. Once downstairs, you’ll buzz number 5, and it’s a cozy, welcoming setting. The location adds a charming, local vibe to the experience, far from touristy spots, which many guests find appealing.

Group Size & Atmosphere

It’s a private group experience, which means fewer distractions and more personalized attention. The class generally runs in the afternoon, with start times varying by about an hour or so due to farm and fisherman schedules—something to keep in mind if you have tight plans afterward.

Accessibility & Language

The class is conducted in English and is wheelchair accessible, making it open to a wide range of guests. Chef Rob’s approachable style makes it easy for all skill levels to participate and learn.

Cost & Value

At $128 per person, this experience offers a lot. You’re getting professional culinary instruction, a curated tasting menu, and the chance to improve your cooking skills. Considering similar classes often don’t include a meal, this is quite good value, especially given the personalized nature of the experience.

Cancellation & Flexibility

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds flexibility—helpful if your plans change unexpectedly. Booking now allows you to reserve your spot without paying upfront, accommodating flexible travel plans.

What Travelers Say

Most reviews are glowing, often giving 5 stars. Guests rave about the knowledgeable chef—“Chef Rob was a fantastic guide to Montreal, welcoming, dedicated, and incredibly knowledgeable.” Others highlight the fun atmosphere: “It was a wonderful 5-star afternoon,” and appreciate how the class has inspired them to recreate flavors at home. Several mention the attention to detail—from sauce ratios to plating techniques—and how that elevates their cooking.

A common theme is the insider access to Montreal’s food scene. One reviewer even got last-minute restaurant tips after class, showing how much Chef Rob shares beyond just recipes. The opportunity to learn techniques while sampling delicious dishes makes this an enriching experience.

Who Is This Experience Best For?

If you’re someone who loves to cook or is curious about global cuisines, this class offers not just a meal but a way to expand your culinary toolbox. It’s suitable for adventurous eaters who want to understand how to balance flavors and plate like a pro. Foodies and amateur cooks alike will appreciate the professional insights and the chance to recreate these dishes at home.

While it’s not specifically designed for families, the focus on skill-building might appeal to older teens or young adults interested in cooking. If you’re looking for a relaxed, engaging way to spend an afternoon, this experience will serve you well.

FAQs

How long is the class?
The experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours, usually in the afternoon, with start times varying slightly due to local farm and fish deliveries.

Is the experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed to teach professional techniques in a relaxed environment, so both beginners and experienced cooks will find it valuable.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, but guests often enjoy wine pairings or non-alcoholic beverages that complement the meal.

What is the location?
The meeting point is at 375 Rue Saint-Paul East in the Old Port of Montreal.

Is it accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the class is wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.

How many people participate?
It’s a private group experience, ensuring personalized attention and a cozy atmosphere.

What kinds of cuisines are featured?
The menu draws inspiration from Caribbean, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Quebecois food cultures, providing a well-rounded global tasting experience.

Is there an option to pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, which is great for flexible travel plans.

Final Thoughts

This Montreal cooking class with a Michelin-trained chef offers a rare chance to learn professional techniques while enjoying a culinary journey through the city’s diverse food scene. Perfect for foodies eager to elevate their skills and experience Montreal’s flavors firsthand, it provides good value for the money. The small, private setting and personalized instruction make it a memorable and enriching activity, even if you’re not a seasoned cook.

Whether you want to impress friends with your newfound sauce-building skills or simply enjoy a delicious, educational afternoon, this experience hits a lot of right notes. Just remember, start times can fluctuate, so plan accordingly, and come ready to get your hands dirty and your taste buds excited.

You can check availability for your dates here: