Cooking Classes in Lucca

Known for its fresh produce and mouth-watering Italian dishes, the highlight of your trip to Lucca may very well be the food. From hearty plates of pasta to crunchy salads, Tuscan cuisine offers something for everyone.

Learn to make a few of the region’s most-loved dishes from an experienced local chef when you join a cooking class in Lucca. Familiarize yourself with traditional flavors and develop skills that will come in handy next time you throw a dinner party!

Here's all you need to know about cooking classes, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Lucca.

What are the best cooking classes in Lucca?

Cooking class in Lucca’s historic center

Spend the morning acquiring new skills when you join this 5-hour cooking class in Lucca’s historic center. Before you begin cooking, you’ll go shopping for ingredients with your guide at the local produce market.

Next, you’ll make your way to the 18th-century palace where you'll enjoy an olive oil, cheese and honey tasting before preparing lunch. Your instructor will guide you through creating a 4-course meal, providing you with helpful tips and advice along the way.

Once you’ve finished cooking, you’ll get to eat the lunch you lovingly prepared while sipping on regional wine provided by your host. As this is a small-group class, you’ll enjoy a personal experience with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and hone your skills.

Pasta cooking class with a local chef

Make the most of your time in Tuscany by joining a pasta cooking class with a local chef. The class takes place at a charming farmhouse located in the countryside near Lucca. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a hands-on cooking experience and learn practical skills.

In addition to pasta, you’ll also learn how to make a few other traditional recipes from a professional chef. This fun-filled experience allows you to relax and feel right at home as you get to know the other tour participants and chat with your hosts.

Once you have finished preparing your delicious meal, you’ll sit down in the main hall of the farmhouse and tuck in. Another highlight of the class is the regional wine tasting that you’ll be treated to!

Private home cooking class in Lucca

Discover secrets behind tasty Italian recipes that have been passed through family members for generations when you book a private home cooking class in Lucca. As you page through decades-old family cookbooks, you’ll soon see why Tuscan cuisine is so special!

An experienced and passionate home cook will share their skills and knowledge with you as you embark on a culinary adventure. Don’t be shy to ask questions as you prepare fresh ingredients and sip on local wine.

Learn to make three traditional dishes during your time at your host’s home and leave with skills that you didn’t have when you first arrived in Lucca! A private class allows for a customizable experience perfectly suited to your needs.

Which places are visited?

While cooking classes in Lucca typically take place inside a local home or at a culinary school, you may also get the chance to visit a food market and shop for ingredients with your instructor.

You’ll get to see regional produce and see where chefs and home cooks in Lucca purchase their produce.

How much do cooking classes in Lucca cost?

Small-group cooking classes in Lucca, such as the class that takes place in Lucca’s historic center, typically cost around US$150 per person for a group experience that is limited to 6 people.

Private cooking classes in Lucca, which usually take place at a local home, generally cost around US$160 for a private, customizable experience. Cooking classes that include a market tour usually cost around US$200 per person.

What is included?

When you book a cooking class in Lucca, everything you need is included in the cost of the tour. You’ll be provided with the necessary ingredients to create a three or four-course meal as well as refreshments like bottled water, coffee and wine.

Depending on the class you choose, you may also be given a recipe booklet to take home with you as well as a certificate of achievement.

Where does it start?

Most cooking classes in Lucca take place in a local home, a restaurant or a culinary school. You may be asked to meet your instructor at the venue used to host the class, or you may be asked to meet at a nearby food market or easy-to-find landmark in the city.

How long does it last?

The typical duration of a cooking class in Lucca is around 3 hours. However, there are also slightly longer cooking classes—lasting up to 5 hours—for those looking for a more comprehensive experience.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

While most cooking classes in Lucca are suitable for wheelchair users, you should always check accessibility details before making a booking. Unfortunately, some of the locations used for cooking classes do not have wheelchair-friendly surfaces.

When is the best time for a cooking class in Lucca?

The best time for a cooking class in Lucca, is in late summer and early fall, from September to October, this is when the freshest local ingredients are available, making it an ideal time to learn about and prepare traditional Tuscan dishes.

Travel tips

• Reserve your cooking class in Lucca ahead of time, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Explore local markets and start by visiting local markets to learn about fresh ingredients and select the best produce.
• Wear suitable attire for cooking, as you'll be actively participating in meal preparation.
• Ask questions to engage with the chef to gain insights into Italian cuisine and cooking techniques.