Choose three recipes to cook from all the traditional cuisine

If you’re heading to Milan and looking for a way to dive deeper into Italian culture, a cooking class might be just what you need. Based on the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions, this tour offers a chance to learn how to make classic Italian dishes in a cozy, private kitchen with local chefs. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a culinary newbie, this experience promises hands-on fun and delicious results that you can recreate long after your trip ends.

What truly stands out about this class are the approachable recipes and the intimate atmosphere. You get to choose three dishes from a wide range of Italian classics, from veggie-filled favorites like zucchini flowers and eggplant parmigiana to sweet desserts like tiramisu. Plus, the opportunity to sit down and enjoy your creations with Italian wine is a perk that many reviews highlight as a highlight. That said, a potential consideration is that this isn’t a full-day experience—so if you’re looking for a deep culinary immersion, it might feel a bit short.

This experience is especially suited for travelers who want to connect with local culture through food, enjoy a relaxed, small-group setting, and come away with practical cooking skills. Families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate good food and engaging guides will find this class appealing. Just keep in mind that children need to be accompanied by an adult, and the group size is capped at 10, making for a more personal experience.

Key Points

• Authentic Recipes: You’ll learn to prepare dishes that are representative of Italy’s diverse regional cuisines.
• Hands-On Learning: Expect to cook everything yourself, with guidance from passionate local chefs.
• Recreate at Home: Recipes are designed with ingredients available worldwide, so you can try them back home.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: The small-group format fosters a friendly, informal environment—perfect for questions and interaction.
• Tasty Finish: End your session with a multi-course meal, complemented by Italian wines and limoncello.
• Rich Stories: Chefs share background and cultural insights behind each dish, bringing the experience to life.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Meeting the Chefs and Setting the Scene

You start this experience at a central location in Milan—Via Mantova, 19—conveniently accessible via public transportation. The meet-up is straightforward, which is great if you prefer to walk or take the metro. Once inside, you’re greeted by Chef Aurora or Chef Lucrezia, who immediately set a warm tone. Reviews frequently mention the friendly, welcoming atmosphere; one reviewer even said, “Aurora and Elena create a great atmosphere, and you’re made to feel like an Italian home chef.”

The Menu: What You Can Expect to Cook

The chefs send out a list of recipes beforehand, giving you the chance to pick three dishes from across Italy’s culinary spectrum. Options include mozzarella-filled zucchini flowers, a beloved Italian starter, eggplant parmigiana, a hearty and flavorful dish, and classic desserts like tiramisu. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available, making it flexible for different dietary needs.

One reviewer noted they chose pizza, fettuccine with Bolognese sauce, and Caprese cake. These choices highlight the variety you can explore—freshly made pasta, vegetable-based antipasti, and decadent desserts. The recipes use everyday ingredients, so you don’t need to hunt down hard-to-find items, which is a big plus for travelers wanting to replicate these dishes at home.

The Hands-On Cooking Process

During the roughly two hours of cooking, you’ll get plenty of direct involvement. The chefs emphasize teaching proper techniques—how to cut herbs, fry vegetables, and boil pasta correctly. You’ll learn how to work with herbs and spices, and the importance of timing in cooking.

A key positive from reviews is the patience and guidance of the chefs. One family team described Elena as a “master chef” who was “so nice, gave step-by-step instructions, and was patient with our kids.” Many reviews mention the instructors’ passion and dedication, which makes the class not just educational but also genuinely enjoyable.

The Meal and Wine

After your hard work, you sit down at a table with your fellow participants to feast on the fruits of your labor. The meal is a three-course affair—an appetizer, main dish, and dessert—accompanied by two glasses of Italian wine per person, plus a Prosecco welcome drink and limoncello to finish. This setup isn’t just about the food but about sharing a moment, chatting, and celebrating your culinary accomplishments.

One reviewer shared, “Cooking is not my thing, but I really enjoyed meeting Aurora and the experience itself. The meal was delicious, and the wine was a perfect touch.” Another said the food was “better than in some high-end Milan restaurants,” which speaks volumes about how satisfying and authentic the dishes turn out.

The Value and Pricing

Costing around $139 per person, the experience offers a lot for the price. You get a multi-course meal, a hands-on cooking lesson, recipes in English, and local wine—making it a worthwhile splurge for food lovers. Given the personalized attention, the ability to learn practical skills, and the opportunity to enjoy a homemade Italian feast, many reviewers feel it’s excellent value.

Some comments mention that they wish they could get the recipes via email afterward, but the chefs do send the recipes in English, usually shortly after the class. This ensures you can attempt your new skills at home, which is often a big selling point.

Group Size and Logistics

With a maximum of 10 travelers, the class maintains an intimate vibe, encouraging interaction and enough space for everyone to participate comfortably. The class doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan to meet at the designated spot. The experience is approximately three hours long, which is manageable for most travelers, even during busy itineraries.

Potential Drawbacks

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few mention minor downsides. One guest commented that they expected more hands-on involvement, like making pasta dough from scratch, but the class focused more on finishing touches. Another person shared that during a particularly busy day, the instructor appeared a little stressed, which affected the atmosphere temporarily. Construction noise was also noted in one review, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule.

Authentic Italian Cooking in Practice

The Recipes That Make It Special

The appeal of this class lies in learning dishes that represent Italy’s regional diversity. You might attempt eggplant parmigiana, a staple from the south, or risotto, which hails from the north. The recipes are designed so you can recreate them in your own kitchen using ingredients common worldwide. One reviewer mentioned they loved making gnocchi and planned to try it back home—highlighting the practical value of the class.

The Personal Touch

One of the most praised aspects is the knowledge and enthusiasm of the chefs. They’re described as caring, patient, and passionate about sharing their culture. For instance, Elena was called “very knowledgeable and fun,” and Aurora’s instruction turned a simple cooking lesson into a memorable cultural experience.

The Atmosphere and Cultural Sharing

Beyond the cooking, part of the joy comes from the stories and background shared by the chefs. These insights deepen your appreciation for each dish, making it more than just a recipe—it’s a glimpse into Italy’s culinary soul. Many reviews mention the friendly, relaxed environment that makes everyone feel comfortable, whether they’re cooking for the first time or trying to perfect a technique.

Who Will Love This?

This class suits travelers seeking an authentic taste of Italy, eager to learn practical skills that last, and enjoy relaxed, friendly environments. Families and couples alike find it enjoyable, especially since the small group size fosters a warm, social setting. If your goal is to bring home an actual Italian recipe book and the skills to cook like a local, this is a solid choice.

The Sum Up

This Milan cooking class offers a genuine peek into Italy’s culinary traditions, taught by passionate chefs in an intimate setting. You’ll walk away with three recipes that are easy to recreate, along with a lovely meal paired with Italian wines. The experience is well-suited for those who appreciate authentic food, cultural stories, and the chance to cook in a friendly, no-pressure environment.

While it doesn’t cover every aspect of Italian cuisine or involve a full-day immersion, the focus on practical skills and enjoyable atmosphere makes it a memorable highlight for many travelers. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this class is a chance to create delicious memories and carry a piece of Italy home.

If you love hands-on experiences, good wine, and authentic recipes, this tour ticks all the right boxes. Just be prepared for a lively, fun, and flavorful session—you might find yourself craving Italian food long after you return home.

FAQ

What recipes can I choose from?
You’ll receive a list of options covering various regions of Italy. Popular choices include mozzarella-filled zucchini flowers, eggplant parmigiana, tiramisu, and more. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

How long does the class last?
The experience lasts approximately three hours, which includes cooking and sitting down to enjoy your meal with wine.

Is this suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the class is generally small, making it suitable for families with kids old enough to participate in cooking.

What’s included in the price?
You get a three-course meal, a cooking class, two glasses of Italian wine per person, a welcome Prosecco, limoncello, and all recipes in English.

Are the recipes easy to recreate at home?
Yes, the recipes are made with ingredients available worldwide, and many reviewers have successfully made the dishes back home.

Is transportation provided?
No, the class begins at Via Mantova, 19, Milan. You should plan to meet there, as hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How many people can join?
The maximum group size is 10, which helps keep the environment friendly and interactive.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance. After that, no refunds are offered.

If you’re eager to learn authentic Italian recipes and enjoy a lively, friendly atmosphere, this class offers a fantastic way to experience Milan’s culinary charm.