3 Best Cooking Classes in Milan Italy

Milan might be known as a cultural, fashion and design hub, but the city is also home to some of the best food in Italy. Food tours and cooking classes are a fun way to discover the local specialties.

In this guide, I recommend the best cooking classes in Milan, Italy, where you can learn to cook traditional recipes and find a new appreciation for Milanese food.

Cooking Classes in Milan Italy

Depending on your cooking class, the class may involve a trip to a local food market where you’ll get the essential ingredients.

This kind of tour is great as you’ll see what kind of fresh food is available in Milan and how their local markets work.

Alternatively, there are cooking classes where you’ll meet your host directly at their home, with the ingredients already purchased.

Along with learning to cook an Italian meal, you’ll also get to know your host and enjoy the meal together at the end.

Most of these classes can be taken either for lunch or dinner. The choice is yours. Select your preference when booking.

Top Pick

Small-Group Pasta Making and Tiramisu Class

Duration: 3 hours.
Recipes: Filled pasta, fresh pasta and tiramisu.

During this highly-reviewed cooking class, your Italian host will teach you how to cook two classic pasta dishes and tiramisu for dessert. This experience takes place within your host’s own home, giving you an opportunity to discover a slice of Italian life.

Features:

Start the class with prosecco and snacks.
Learn to cook two types of pasta.
Prepare tiramisu for dessert.
Water, wine and coffee is included.

Pros: This is a small group cooking class so you’ll have ample opportunity for hands-on learning.

Cons: A trip to a local market is not included, however, this is to be expected with a short, 3-hour class.

Check Availability

Starting Point for the Cooking Class

You’ll be given their address after booking. It’s initially hidden for privacy reasons.

I believe this to be the top cooking class in Milan. However, if it does not suit your preferences or you are in search of an alternative tour, my second recommendation might be more interesting.

Food Market Tour & Cooking

Milan: Central Market Tour and Cooking Class
Duration: 5.5 hours.
This longer class includes a tour of Mercato Centrale, one of Milan’s top food markets. Your chef and guide will show you how to find the best produce before heading to a brand-new cooking school. You’ll get to prepare traditional Milanese dishes, including cheese fondue, ragout, fresh hand-rolled pasta, and dessert. Specific meals will depend on what is available at the market on the day. A booklet with recipes is included.

Map of Mercato Centrale in Milan

Half-Day Italian Cooking Class in Milano
Duration: 4 hours.
Another highly-rated class, in this case, you’ll cook a 4-course meal at your Italian host’s home that you will then get to eat and enjoy. You will then start by preparing your antipasti (bruschetta, focaccia, or puff pastry) before making homemade pasta, risotto, gnocchi, or minestrone for the first course. Your second course will be a meat or fish dish or a vegetable dish for vegetarians. This is followed by a dessert of tiramisu, panna cotta, fruit or chocolate cake, or strawberries with homemade ice cream. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available on request.

Experience the true essence of Italy through its rich food and culture with my comprehensive guide, providing insider tips, recommendations and personalized itineraries to help you fully immerse yourself in the local culinary scene and discover the unique customs and traditions of this beautiful country, making your trip truly unforgettable.

What to Eat in Milan

Cotoletta alla Milanese (breaded veal cutlet)
Ossobuco (braised veal shank)
Risotto alla Milanese (saffron risotto)
Polenta e Ossobuco (polenta with braised veal shank)
Panettone (traditional sweet bread)
Cassoeula (stewed pork dish)
Bresaola (air-dried cured beef)
Gorgonzola cheese
Focaccia alla Milanese (Milan-style focaccia)

There is no shortage of information for tourists and food lovers who are planning a visit to Milan. Ciao Italia is a good place to start or you could search travel blogs for recommendations on things to do.

Responsible Travel Tips

Many of us are increasingly interested in how to travel more responsibly and sustainably. Here are some ideas on how we can do that when in Milan.

Research and plan ahead to find sustainable and locally-owned restaurants that prioritise using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Start with a cooking tour!
Avoid over-ordering or over-consuming food and try to finish what you order.
Consider using public transportation, walking, or biking instead of driving to reduce your carbon footprint. Milan is very bike-friendly!
Shop at local and independent stores to support the local economy. There are some incredibly diverse local stores all around Milan. It’s one of the things the city is known for.
Try traditional food and specialties of the area; it helps to support the local food culture.
Choose accommodation that promotes sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy.
Ask locals for recommendations and tips; they can guide you to sustainable activities and places that support the community.

If you have questions or want to leave a tour review, please do so in the comments.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to tours in Milan, Italy. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.