Private Cooking Class with a Florentine Local in his Home Kitchen
4
Private Cooking Class with a Florentine Local in his Home Kitchen
By Traveling Spoon
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About
Ages 0-99
Duration: 4h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, Italian, French
More
- Private cooking class and homecooked meal with your host Alessio
- Local alcohol (1-2 glasses)
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Alcoholic Beverages
What's not included- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Start:
- Hilti Store Firenze - Aretina, Via Aretina, 115/117 R, 50136 Firenze FI, ItalyPlease meet your host at his apartment in Bellariva neighborhood of Florence. Please check the 'Before you go' section on your voucher for the exact address, the above only offers neighbourhood details, and not the exact address. Exact address can be found in your ticket upon booking confirmation.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 7626P279- Menu may vary depending on the season
- If any travelers in your party have any allergies, dietary restrictions or cooking preferences please advise at time of booking
- Vegetarian and vegan option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Private, personalized experience
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- If you cancel at least 3 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
- If you cancel within 2 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 7626P279
Similar experiences
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- H915MRpaiges0 contributionsThe best time cooking amazing italian food with the best host!My Husband and I are on our honeymoon and we had the privilege of joining Maria in her home to cook an authentic Italian meal! This was a bucket list for us in Florence on our trip but it was beyond our expectations! This was the best meal we have had all 2 weeks of our trip abroad and we got to be in the comfort of Maria’s gorgeous home while enjoying her company and eating such delicious food. I would recommend this to anyone and will be doing it again with Maria when we find ourselves back in Florence. Both my Husband and I agree this will be an experience we cherish forever! We cannot wait to replicate it when we get back home!Written January 17, 2025
- Navigate937590 contributionsPasta from scratchMaria was so very nice. Her home is beautiful as is the location. We had a lot of fun learning to make pasta and are motivated to try it at home. Our meal was delicious! I am so glad we had this experience Melanie and CarolWritten January 16, 2025
- Z9301XBmr0 contributionsWonderful ExperienceWe had a wonderful experience from the moment we booked our reservation, Fabio was in contact with us in preparation for the menu and the meeting location for our cooking class . He arranged the time so that we could see the sunset overlooking Florence from the countryside, It was an amazing view! We made a traditional Italian Christmas dinner with Bollito and meat broth, Salsa Verde" Green sauce for the "bollito", Capelletti in the meat broth, Pears tart with chocolate. The meal was delicious and the company was wonderful. Fabio and Christiane were very warm and welcoming hosts with great conversation It was all we expected and more.Written January 10, 2025
- Jennifer M0 contributionsA Perfect Day!Maria Cristina was the perfect host and my husband and I agreed this was the best day of our trip! The day started when we met her at the market to shop for local ingredients to use for our lunch. She then drove us to her beautiful countryside home in the hills of Tuscany that she shared she and her husband renovated themselves. It was stunning! We spent the morning learning how to make pasta from scratch and the best techniques to use along with how to make a bruschetta appetizer and tiramisu for dessert. We met her husband, Marco, and the four of us enjoyed a great lunch together full of lively conversation and fun getting to know new friends. I would highly recommend booking this experience! You will NOT be disappointed!Written January 4, 2025
- B519LEjeffh0 contributionsA highlight of our trip to Florence!The food was delicious and fun to make! She made it seem like something we can do at home as well. We also enjoyed the drive out to the countryside and the beautiful setting. Christina is a warm and welcome host and her home is incredibly beautiful. We can't wait to get home and start cooking. Thank you!Written January 3, 2025
- Explore042751055670 contributionsHighlight of our Italy Trip !Thank you Maria for a beautiful cooking experience ! Unique unlike any other ! What a GEM to find! Matt and I talk about your cooking class till this day! It truly was one of our favorite experiences and highlights of our trip to Italy! It was a cooking class we will never forget with fantastic food, great company and exceptional views ! Your thoughtfulness, warmth and hospitality was greatly appreciated. You made us feel like family! Highly recommended ! - Gina and MattWritten December 31, 2024
- Z4433RMkellym0 contributionsOur favorite experience during our time in Tuscany!We loved the cooking class with Mirella and Stefano. Authentic Italian cooking experience with delicious food, drinks, and desserts! Mirella printed certificates and recipes for us to take home and made the birthday celebration in our group extra special. Our favorite experience during our time in Tuscany!Written December 26, 2024
- S9166HEdeborahe0 contributionsChef for a nightThey came to our villa and cooked us the most wonderful meal! It was the perfect end to our Italy vacation. They are delightful people, kind and humorous. Would recommend them to anyone thinking about wanting a personalized experience.Written December 5, 2024
- janetcL1215EV0 contributionsWarm, interesting and great cooking tips!Cinzia was a wonderful hostess as she welcomed us into her home and began to teach us to make homemade pasta (gnocchi, ravioli and tagliatelle) along with sauces using pumpkin, artichokes, pears, sausage and leaks. She was patient and wise and we had fun and enjoyed her amazing kitchen with all the best equipment-it was such a great experience for us and the food turned out to be delicious and very “Florentine”! By the end of the evening we were like family…highly recommend this experience while you are visiting Florence.Written November 30, 2024
- 869staceyr0 contributionsUnique cooking and dining experience, a real highlight of our trip.This unique cooking and dining experience was a real highlight of our trip. We met Fabio at a specific location in Florence and he drove us to his beautiful countryside home located on a hill top. He stopped along the way so we can enjoy the breathtaking views and beautiful sunset. Christiane, Fabio's warm and charming wife welcomed us into their home when we arrived and we toasted the evening with a delicious glass of wine. Fabio's passion for cooking becomes evident the minute you step into the kitchen and we begin to prepare the meal. All ingredients were fresh and local, Christiane even went outside to pick some fresh herbs which we added to the creation. The food was spectacular and the risotto was the most delicious I have ever tasted. Not only is the evening filled with the most delicious meal it's packed with conversation as if you are dining with friends who have known for many years. This truly was an experience not just a cooking class.Written November 18, 2024
- wineloversofirvine0 contributionsTuscan Cooking Experience with MariaOur cooking experience with Maria was absolutely wonderful. Her countryside home was beautiful and we felt immersed in the Tuscan culture. We made 2 Italian dishes that were new to us and loved both of them. She emailed us all of the recipes as well as others that we can make at home. We also enjoyed learning about her life as an architect and enjoyed the house tour. We highly recommend this experience with Maria!Written November 16, 2024
- melissabT5180PX0 contributionsMagical day with Maria in the countryside!Our day with Maria was magical. She is so kind and gracious. We loved our tour of the market and our time at her home cooking and chatting was perfect. We loved learning all that we did and she has I inspired us to cook more Italian at home in Texas! You will enjoy Maria’s hospitality if you choose to take a class from her.Written November 2, 2024
- Mary D0 contributionsA uniquely informative retreat that every tourist will eat up. Create a delicious meal in a beautifully renovated homeFantastic food and beautiful home aside, Maria delivered the passion for hospitality that the Italian culture is known for. My husband and I visited many historic places while in Italy. This experience was a standout; delicious food and a welcome respite for the road weary traveler. All that, and finally, I can make my own pasta!!!! Grazie, Grazie, Maria!Written October 25, 2024
- perennialp20200 contributionsGreat cooking class for both gluten free and regular cooks!We had the best time at the Tuscan Cooking Class! I am gluten free and my husband is not. We made every dish both ways. Miravella and Stephano were very careful not to have any cross contamination. The gluten free pastas were outstanding. It was a lovely day in their kitchen and garden. They are wonderful cooks, teachers, and hosts.Written October 24, 2024
- L6067IMjackd0 contributionsCooking with Maria in a beautiful settingOur cooking experience with Maria was informative, fun, and delicious. We learned the techniques and recipes for a 4-course meal in a beautiful Tuscan setting outside the city of Florence. Maria was a relaxed and gracious host, and we would be happy to experience a cooking session with her again.Written October 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
14 reviews
Excellent
11
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Jana W
1 contribution
Sep 2024 • Couples
We met Alessio at the market and he gave us a very friendly welcome, from then on we had a lot of fun and felt very comfortable. Alessio was able to show us lots of things at the market and give us background information on some of the ingredients.
Once we arrived at his home, we started cooking. Every dish was delicious and Alessio let us prepare most of it ourselves while he continued to give us lots of information. Alessio is very knowledgeable about mushrooms and can probably answer any question you have on the subject.
All in all, we felt very comfortable right from the start and would recommend it to anyone.
Once we arrived at his home, we started cooking. Every dish was delicious and Alessio let us prepare most of it ourselves while he continued to give us lots of information. Alessio is very knowledgeable about mushrooms and can probably answer any question you have on the subject.
All in all, we felt very comfortable right from the start and would recommend it to anyone.
Written September 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda T
Indianapolis, IN8 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
I wish I could give more than 5 stars! We had an amazing time with Alessio. He taught us the skill behind making pasta and the versatility of bruschetta! Together we created and shared a meal that really demonstrated the beauty of Florentine Cuisine. He was a gracious and welcoming host. We showed up 30 mins early by accident and he immediately let us inside and got us started. If you're in Florence-- book this experience with Alessio. Ask to make his grandmother's orange cake!!
Written September 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve C
Hanover, NH2 contributions
Sep 2022
Fabio was wonderful, generous and made this a highlight of our trip to Italy. His wife Christiana joined as well and shared her delicious homemade plum chutney and shared how they cured olives from the grove outside their house.
I wish I could give them 6 stars. Thank you!
I wish I could give them 6 stars. Thank you!
Written September 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
john369xyz
4 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
This experience was the worst we have encountered and the most expensive given the lack of any real value and ambience. We had great expectations of the cooking session being in Florence and were bitterly disappointed.
The cook (rather than chef) looked as though he had just got out of bed and certainly did not look as though he was a serious cook/chef with poor clothing which exposed unpleasant parts of his body!! - certainly no apron or white chef's jacket were worn.
The venue was small and very untidy and there seemed to be no flow to the cooking process. The mushrooms he had picked the previous day had worms coming from them which was offputting for us to say the least!!
The eventual pasta and mushroom dish was very sticky and heavy however the orange sponge cake was OK.
The wine he provided was very average and came from a bottle that was already open.
The photo on your/Viator's site must be at least 10-15 years old as the cook is now 20 kgs heavier and looks nothing like the photo and the ktchen is much tidier in your photo, all of which was very misleading!!
If we had known more about this experience beforehand, we certainly would have looked elsewhere for a cooking session.
For around US$100 per person this was shocking value and I am surprised that you/Viator are able to keep offering this session. This individual is not helping your reputation for attracting visitors to Florence and to a cooking experience.
The cook (rather than chef) looked as though he had just got out of bed and certainly did not look as though he was a serious cook/chef with poor clothing which exposed unpleasant parts of his body!! - certainly no apron or white chef's jacket were worn.
The venue was small and very untidy and there seemed to be no flow to the cooking process. The mushrooms he had picked the previous day had worms coming from them which was offputting for us to say the least!!
The eventual pasta and mushroom dish was very sticky and heavy however the orange sponge cake was OK.
The wine he provided was very average and came from a bottle that was already open.
The photo on your/Viator's site must be at least 10-15 years old as the cook is now 20 kgs heavier and looks nothing like the photo and the ktchen is much tidier in your photo, all of which was very misleading!!
If we had known more about this experience beforehand, we certainly would have looked elsewhere for a cooking session.
For around US$100 per person this was shocking value and I am surprised that you/Viator are able to keep offering this session. This individual is not helping your reputation for attracting visitors to Florence and to a cooking experience.
Written October 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
I am so sorry that you had such a disappointing experience with our host. We were sad to read it.
We did want to state that this is not a professional cooking experience in a cooking studio but rather a home experience with a trained chef in his apartment. However, I do apologize that your host was not dressed appropriately. While we don't require our hosts to don white aprons or jackets as these are in-home experiences to understand the local culture and cuisine, we do expect our hosts to be dressed appropriately and we are working with this host to ensure he does so in the future.
Alessio is passionate about mushrooms and provided ones that he foraged in the wild for the experience. It sounds like these porcini mushrooms had worms but Alessio assured me that he cleaned them well and prepared them safely. Alessio mentioned that he offered an open bottle to see if you'd like the taste before opening a new one of it but we are making sure that he only offers a newly opened bottle of wine.
Thank you for sharing your feedback as we are always looking to improve. It sounds like your expectations and what this experience offers were mismatched and we have edited the profile to better manage future guests' experiences.
Sincerely,
Aashi
Written October 23, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laurence M
new york, United States2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
When we arrived, the chef seemed to be either stoned or had just woken up. When you are hosting people who have paid a lot of money for an experience, you should be personable and entertaining, he was neither. The food we prepared was ok, but probably cost $10 for all the ingredients, there should have been better dishes based on what we paid. It was one of the most anticipated parts of our trip and turned out to be the worst experience of the trip.
Written September 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear guest,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are always looking to improve and appreciate you sharing feedback so that we can take steps to do so. I am the founder of Traveling Spoon and was sorry to hear that your experience was so disappointing. We pride ourselves in personally vetting and bringing on hosts that provide our travelers with meaningful food experiences so this was a surprise.
Alessio mentioned that he went out to get you as you had the incorrect address and felt badly that you missed most of the ravioli making lesson as you were trying to solve on your phone a taxi problem. Alessio felt a little uncomfortable as he wasn't able to to understand your jokes so I can see how you didn't think he was being personable. Please know that it was because he has having trouble understanding you.
Alessio offered sausage and cheese crostini, homemade ravioli, and schiacciata alla fiorentina filled with cream, a well-loved dessert by most guests along with wine. Alessio is a trained chef and does offer a seasonal menu but we are working with him to communicate the menu ahead of time so guests can request changes if needed.
We are so sorry that you weren't able to have an authentic Florentine experience with our host Alessio and hope you might give us another chance to host you in the future.
Sincerely,
Aashi
Written September 26, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cherylbrownclnc
Austin, TX18 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
We (2 of us) met Alessio at his apartment ready for an authentic cooking experience. He buzzed us into the building and enthusiastically met us in the stairwell. We entered his apartment; he offered us aprons and we discussed menu options. We settled on a meal of multiple tapas, risotto, wine and desert. While Alessio instructed and educated us on our meal details we chopped, stirred, brushed, measured, fried, baked, toasted, roasted, zested, and grated all of the ingredients. Alessio spent time demonstrating techniques that included the best way to cut tomatoes, cut/bread/fry mushrooms, measure ingredients etc. We prepared: Tomato Bruschetta, Pumpkin Mushroom Risotto, Stracchino (Pork & Cheese Crostini) and Mushroom Crostini coupled with Prosecco. For dessert: Schiacciata A La Florentina and Vin Santo. Alessio is serious about sourcing his ingredients: Parmesan cheese, Mushrooms etc. Alessio is a mushroom expert who travels hours hunting, identifying and self harvesting multiple varieties of mushrooms from Italian forests. He also has his own Facebook mushroom page: Fungomaniaci. It was fun, relaxing, and educational. Alessio is a warm and welcoming host. A must book. You’ll be happy you did.
Written October 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Guide718122
3 contributions
Jun 2023
This was truly one of the highlights of our trip. Booking was clear and easy to follow. Alessio provided the ingredients and skill to guide us in making a delicious dinner in his home. We made fresh pasta and used mushrooms that Alessio had personally foraged.. The conversation was engaging and we laughed! Highest recommendation.
Written June 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert W
7 contributions
Nov 2021
We had a truly exceptional time cooking with Alessio on our trip to Florence!
First, logistics: Communication was easy and responses prompt, and the apartment was an easy cab ride from the city center. There is a single flight of stairs to climb; not difficult at all, but maybe worth noting for some.
Alessio's kitchen was comfortable and well-equipped, and Alessio himself was an excellent teacher and host! I was nervous about an Italian cooking class being too advanced for me, but our host made it accessible, fun, and ultimately delicious (we left STUFFED and can't wait to replicate the recipes at home!) Felt more like a relaxing evening prepping dinner with a friend than a proper stuffy cooking class. Can't recommend enough-- an excellent experience and really fantastic host!!
First, logistics: Communication was easy and responses prompt, and the apartment was an easy cab ride from the city center. There is a single flight of stairs to climb; not difficult at all, but maybe worth noting for some.
Alessio's kitchen was comfortable and well-equipped, and Alessio himself was an excellent teacher and host! I was nervous about an Italian cooking class being too advanced for me, but our host made it accessible, fun, and ultimately delicious (we left STUFFED and can't wait to replicate the recipes at home!) Felt more like a relaxing evening prepping dinner with a friend than a proper stuffy cooking class. Can't recommend enough-- an excellent experience and really fantastic host!!
Written November 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samara G
1 contribution
Mar 2022 • Family
Traveled to Florence with my sister and nephew, where we wanted to learn how to cook the local Florentine cuisine. Alessio was great in doing so! We made three local dishes that were equally delicious and easy to follow. Can’t wait to recreate them at home.
Written April 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave
Chicago, IL4 contributions
This is a total scam. We callled and emailed multiple times prior to the date of the class to no avail.
Once we received the confirmation, it was too late, as they require three days to cancel. The confirmation came past that time period .
On the confirmation, the directions are written crystal clear. They state that the studio for cooking is 5 minute car ride or 15 minute walk. There is also a fake map in the confirmation.
We had our concierge call, as we mapped this distance from the Duomo, which is as central Florence as you get, and it is a 45 minute car ride. It is almost 4km away. We are staying virtually one block from the Duomo.
We also tried to call the operator and he hung up on us and told us he speaks "little English", when confronted with this absolute lie. How can someone teach an English cooking class who self-professed speaks little to no English.
STAY AWAY FROM COOKING SPOON AND THIS TOUR AS IT IS A SCAM.
Once we received the confirmation, it was too late, as they require three days to cancel. The confirmation came past that time period .
On the confirmation, the directions are written crystal clear. They state that the studio for cooking is 5 minute car ride or 15 minute walk. There is also a fake map in the confirmation.
We had our concierge call, as we mapped this distance from the Duomo, which is as central Florence as you get, and it is a 45 minute car ride. It is almost 4km away. We are staying virtually one block from the Duomo.
We also tried to call the operator and he hung up on us and told us he speaks "little English", when confronted with this absolute lie. How can someone teach an English cooking class who self-professed speaks little to no English.
STAY AWAY FROM COOKING SPOON AND THIS TOUR AS IT IS A SCAM.
Written May 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear guest,
Thank you for your feedback. We are always looking to improve and appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. I am the founder of Traveling Spoon and was really surprised to receive this review. We pride ourselves in personally vetting and bringing on hosts that provide our travelers with meaningful food experiences. Alessio is one such host and has received several reviews, all of which are five-star ratings, over the past few years. I can personally attest that Alessio is a wonderful host because I myself experienced a delightful meal with him in his apartment in Florence. Alessio speaks English well and I can guarantee you that he is a real Florentine chef who delights in sharing his culture and cuisine and that this is not a scam.
It sounds like you didn't receive a confirmation until you were outside the cancellation window. I looked at our records for your booking on Viator's platform and they indicate that we received your reservation request on May 17 and your experience was confirmed within 48 hours and 10 days prior to your experience date on May 29.
We do apologize that there was confusion about the walking distance to Alessio's home. You also mention that you didn't trust the Google Maps link but we have double-checked it and it is an accurate link that shows Alessio's home on the map. We do not state it in the profile but I see that in the address details you received after receiving a confirmation, it states that Alessio's home is about a 15-min walk from the city center. From the Duomo which is close to where you were staying, it is about a 35-min walk. Alessio mentioned that he informed you of this during the call you had with him through your concierge the day before your experience. We recognize that the city center is not an explicit location, and while he is 15 minutes from many central city points he is further from where you were staying near the Duomo; we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and have updated Alessio's profile to be clearer about the location.
We are so sorry that you weren't able to have an authentic Florentine experience with our host Alessio and hope you might give us another chance to host you in the future.
Sincerely,
Aashi
Written June 2, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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