The Best Cooking Classes in Europe: Pasta, Pizza, Paella & More
The best cooking classes in Europe: pasta in Bologna, Rome and Florence, pizza in Naples, paella in Valencia, pastry in Paris, nata in Lisbon, and how to book.
The short version: the best cooking classes in Europe teach the dish a place is famous for, in the place it comes from: fresh pasta in Bologna, Rome and Florence, pizza in Naples, paella in Valencia, macarons and croissants in Paris, pastéis de nata in Lisbon, and mezze in Istanbul. Most last three to four hours, end with you eating what you made, and many start with a market visit. Here is where to go, what you cook, and how to book.
The best cooking classes at a glance
| Where | What you cook | Read the guide |
|---|---|---|
| Bologna | Tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini | Bologna pasta classes |
| Rome | Carbonara, cacio e pepe, fettuccine | Rome cooking classes |
| Naples | Neapolitan pizza | Naples pizza classes |
| Florence | Pasta and gelato | Florence cooking classes |
| Valencia | Paella valenciana | Valencia paella classes |
| Paris | Macarons, croissants, French market cooking | Paris cooking classes |
| Lisbon | Pastéis de nata, petiscos | Lisbon cooking classes |
| Istanbul | Manti, meze | Istanbul cooking classes |
Italy: pasta, pizza and risotto
Italy is the cooking class capital of Europe. For pasta, Bologna is the home of the rolling pin and sfoglia, Rome teaches the four Roman pastas and Florence often adds gelato or tiramisu. Learn pizza in Naples, risotto in Milan, agnolotti in Turin, and lemon-scented pasta and mozzarella on the Amalfi Coast. Classes in Sicily and on Lake Como come with views; in the countryside, see Tuscany cooking classes and Puglia’s masseria kitchens.
Spain, France and Portugal
In Spain, learn the real paella with rabbit and chicken in Valencia, or paella and tapas in Madrid and Barcelona. In France, Paris classes split between pastry and market cooking (see also our market visit and cooking class guide). In Portugal, Lisbon teaches the custard tart everyone queues for.
Central Europe, the Balkans and beyond
Learn peka and black risotto in Split, štruklji and pogača in Ljubljana, schnitzel and strudel in Vienna, goulash in Budapest, Greek classics in Athens and on Crete, and manti and meze in Istanbul.
How to choose a cooking class
Hands-on classes (everyone cooks) beat demonstrations. Check the group size, whether a market visit is included, whether wine comes with the meal, and whether you can take the recipes home. Morning classes with a market tour give the best ingredients; evening classes feel more like a dinner party.
Our pick: the Bologna Pasta, Tagliatelle and Ragù Cooking Class with Wine teaches the city’s two signature skills, rolling fresh egg pasta and slow-cooking ragù, and ends with lunch and wine.
Compare every region: the best cooking classes in Italy.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place in Europe to take a cooking class?
Italy, for pasta in Bologna, Rome or Florence and pizza in Naples; Valencia for paella; Paris for pastry.
How long is a cooking class?
Usually three to four hours including the meal; classes with a market visit can run five hours.
Do I need cooking experience?
No. Most classes are designed for beginners and families, and the teacher walks you through every step.
Book a cooking class
Compare cooking classes in the best European food destinations.
