Split is a fantastic city for food lovers and aspiring chefs alike. Its vibrant markets, fresh seafood, and traditional recipes make it an ideal place to learn Croatian cooking firsthand. Among the many options, some stand out for their authenticity, expert guidance, and memorable experiences. We particularly like tours that combine market visits, local wines, and hands-on cooking—these give you the best taste of Split’s culinary scene. For example, the Split Cooking Class offers a genuine way to learn from a chef with top restaurant experience. It’s a great way to enjoy a local meal you’ve made yourself, with the bonus of exploring a fish and vegetable market if you choose the morning option.
Split’s cooking classes range from simple demonstrations to full multi-course meal preparations, often including market visits and tastings. To help you decide, here’s a quick look at the best options currently available, with details on what makes each special.
1. Split Cooking Class
At number one, the Split Cooking Class offers a highly-rated, immersive experience. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 127 reviews and priced at about $210, this 5-hour experience is well worth the cost. You start with a tasting of local Croatian wines and liqueurs, then head into the kitchen under the guidance of an award-winning local chef. The class offers two options: a morning session that includes a visit to the fish and vegetable markets, or an afternoon class focused solely on cooking.
What sets this experience apart is the opportunity to select ingredients directly from Split’s market, giving you a real sense of local flavor. The chef shares insider tips, and you get to learn how to cook traditional dishes, tasting your creations with wine at the end. Reviewers praise the instructor’s patience and the hands-on approach, noting how much they learned about Croatian cuisine—risotto, fish, and more. The proximity to the city’s landmarks makes it easy to include in your sightseeing day.
Bottom Line: If you want a comprehensive, authentic, and well-reviewed class that includes a market visit, this is the top choice. It’s ideal for foodies eager to learn true Croatian cooking.
2. Culinary Experience – Cooking Class & Walking Tour Split
Coming in at number two, the Culinary Experience – Cooking Class & Walking Tour Split offers a blend of sightseeing and hands-on cooking. For about $336, you spend roughly four hours exploring Split’s culinary scene with a knowledgeable guide. The tour includes visiting the green market where you sample local products, a bakery to taste baked goods, and a fish market to see fresh seafood. Then, you meet with a local chef to prepare a three-course meal that you’ll enjoy together.
This experience is especially good for travelers who want a deeper understanding of Split’s food culture alongside the cooking. The small group size, capped at eight, offers intimacy and personalized attention. Reviewers mention the guide’s expertise and the opportunity to learn authentic recipes like grilled sea bass and homemade noodles. The combination of market visits, tastings, and cooking makes this a well-rounded cultural and culinary introduction.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who value a guided, comprehensive day that mixes sightseeing, tasting, and cooking, all in one. It’s slightly more expensive but provides a richer experience.
3. Split Cooking Class – Afternoon Edition Shared Activity
Finally, the Split Cooking Class – Afternoon Edition is a smaller, more intimate class, with a maximum of 8 reviews. Priced at about $210, this 4-hour experience focuses on teaching you to make five different dishes using local ingredients like seafood, fresh vegetables, and spices. It’s a cooking-focused class that ends with everyone enjoying the meal, accompanied by Croatian wine.
What makes this stand out is the small group setting and the chance to learn multiple recipes, especially seafood dishes like fish stew. The class provides all ingredients, making it a hassle-free option, and the emphasis on local flavors makes it a good pick for foodies who want variety. Reviewers highlight the fun, relaxed atmosphere and the tasty outcome.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want to learn a variety of dishes in a small, friendly setting. It offers good value for those interested in seafood and Croatian staples.
How to Choose Your Perfect Cooking Class
When deciding between these options, consider your priorities: Do you want a full day of market exploration and cooking? The Culinary Experience might suit you best. If you prefer a shorter, more focused class that includes market visits, go for the Split Cooking Class. For those looking to learn multiple dishes in a small group, the Afternoon Edition offers practical skills and a relaxed atmosphere.
Consider your budget, time, and culinary interests. If seafood is your passion, the seafood dishes in the third tour might appeal most. For a more comprehensive cultural experience, the second tour’s walking component is excellent. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak season, to secure your spot in these popular classes.
Final Thoughts
Split offers a rewarding variety of cooking classes that cater to different interests and schedules. Whether you want a deep dive into Croatian market shopping and traditional recipes or a shorter, fun-focused session, there’s a class for you. We recommend the Split Cooking Class for its stellar reviews and authentic approach, or the Culinary Experience if you want a guided tour plus cooking. The Afternoon Edition is perfect for a relaxed, multi-dish learning session in a small group.
Whichever you choose, booking in advance ensures you won’t miss out on a delicious, hands-on adventure in Split’s lively culinary scene.