Creative Greek Cooking Class in Athens with Chef Marina

Explore a Personalized Greek Cooking Experience in Athens

This Greek cooking class in Athens offers a unique chance to learn from Chef Marina, a culinary professional with extensive training at Le Cordon Bleu Paris and experience in Michelin-starred restaurants. Priced at $199 per person, this private, 3-hour activity is perfect for those seeking an intimate, hands-on culinary adventure. The tour is highly sought after, with bookings typically made 163 days in advance, highlighting its popularity.

What makes this class stand out is its focus on traditional Greek recipes that Marina updates with her own creative flair. You’ll cook in her home kitchen, using family recipes passed down through generations—a rare opportunity to connect with Greek food culture authentically. The experience includes wine and dessert, making it a well-rounded, flavorful encounter.

While hotel transfer services are not included, the meeting point at Himalaya Mini Mart is easy to reach via public transportation. The class is suitable for vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free diets—just inform the host in advance. It’s an ideal choice for food lovers eager to master Greek cooking while enjoying a private, personalized class.

Key Points

• Private 3-hour cooking class led by Chef Marina in her Athens home kitchen
• Learn to prepare 23 dishes inspired by her grandmothers’ recipes with a modern twist
• Includes wine, dessert, and a shared meal at the end of the class
• Market tour option available, introducing fresh Greek produce and local vendors
• Vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free options offered upon request
• Highly booked experience, typically reserved more than 5 months in advance

Meet Chef Marina: A Culinary Expert with a Personal Touch

Chef Marina’s story begins with her love for cooking, which started at age 10. After studying at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, she gained valuable experience working in Michelin-starred restaurants for five years. Her passion for Greek cuisine shines through in her classes, where she combines tradition with innovation. Her approach is warm, engaging, and tailored to provide an authentic yet contemporary taste of Greece.

This class is a private activity, ensuring personalized attention throughout the session. Chef Marina is accommodating with dietary restrictions and can prepare lactose-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan meals if notified in advance. Expect her to bring her culinary expertise and personal stories into each step of the cooking process, making the experience both educational and memorable.

Cooking at Marina’s Home Kitchen in Athens

The class takes place at Marina’s residence in Athens, where she invites a small group into her cozy kitchen. The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate, ideal for those who prefer a personalized experience. The space is well-equipped, allowing participants to actively take part in preparing a broad selection of Greek dishes.

Over three hours, you’ll work on 23 dishes such as hilopites, a traditional Greek egg pasta served with mizithra cheese, or slow-cooked lamb and beef in rich tomato sauces with trahana, a fermented Greek grain. Marina’s recipes are inspired by her grandmother’s traditions but are presented with her own creative twists, making each dish unique.

The class is paced comfortably, giving ample time to learn techniques, ask questions, and enjoy the process. After cooking, everyone gathers around the table to share the meal, paired with Greek wine. The experience isn’t just about cooking but also about embracing Greek food culture in a genuine, friendly environment.

The Market Tour: Discovering Greece’s Fresh Produce

Opting for the market tour elevates this experience further. Spend roughly 40 minutes exploring a local farmers’ market, where Marina introduces her favorite vendors. You’ll learn how to spot high-quality Greek produce, see what’s in season, and taste a few local treats.

This segment is perfect for those interested in local ingredients and seasonal flavors. Marina’s insights help demystify Greek produce, making it easier to shop and cook authentically back home. The market visit seamlessly integrates into the class, providing context and culinary inspiration for the dishes you’ll prepare.

The Menu: Classic Dishes with a Modern Flair

The cooking class’s menu features a range of traditional Greek dishes, some with Marina’s modern adaptations. For example, you’ll make hilopites with mizithra cheese, seasonal Greek salad using locally sourced ingredients, and a yogurt panna cotta infused with chamomile and honey as a contemporary twist on a classic dessert.

All dishes are designed to showcase Greek flavors, textures, and techniques. The meal is served with a glass of Greek wine, complementing the flavors beautifully. The dessert adds a lighter, modern touch, finishing the meal on a sweet, satisfying note.

Accessibility and Dietary Flexibility

This tour is highly flexible in accommodating dietary restrictions. Chef Marina offers options for vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free meals—just be sure to communicate your needs when booking. The experience is private, allowing for a tailored approach and ensuring the best possible experience for guests with specific dietary preferences.

The venue itself is accessible and near public transportation, making it straightforward for most visitors to reach the meeting point at Himalaya Mini Mart. Pet animals are present in the house but are kept in a separate room during the class, minimizing disruptions.

Logistics: Meeting Point and Booking Details

The meeting point for the class is at Himalaya Mini Mart, 28is Oktovriou 56, Athens. The class duration is approximately 3 hours, starting at a time agreed upon during booking. Participants should arrive prepared for a hands-on experience, ready to cook and learn.

Since the class is private and limited to your group, it offers an intimate environment, ideal for small groups or individuals seeking personalized attention. No hotel pickup or drop-off is included, so plan transportation accordingly.

Value and Booking Insights

At $199 per person, this class offers excellent value considering the personalized instruction by a chef with impressive credentials. The all fees and taxes are included, and there is also a free cancellation policy if canceled more than 24 hours in advance. The tour’s high booking rate—averaging 163 days in advance—testifies to its popularity and quality.

Participants often comment on the warmth of Chef Marina and the quality of the wine and food served. The combination of learning, tasting, and sharing makes this experience both practical and delicious.

Who Will Enjoy This Greek Cooking Class?

This experience appeals most to foodies eager to dive into authentic Greek cuisine with a professional chef. It suits travelers who enjoy hands-on activities, appreciate culture, and want a personalized, private experience. The flexible dietary options also make it accessible for a wide range of guests.

Those interested in market shopping, learning family recipes, or simply wanting a culinary souvenir from Athens will find this class particularly rewarding. It’s best for guests who value quality, intimacy, and expert instruction over large-group tours.

The Sum Up: A Genuine Taste of Greece with a Skilled Chef

The Creative Greek Cooking Class in Athens with Chef Marina offers an authentic, personalized way to experience Greek food culture. With its world-class chef, family recipes, and modern twists, this tour provides a memorable culinary journey in a relaxed, private setting.

While it is not suited for those seeking a large-group experience or transportation services, it compensates with its high-quality instruction and customizable menus. This class is perfect for food lovers who want to learn real Greek recipes and enjoy a delicious meal paired with local wine.

This experience delivers a genuine taste of Greece from a passionate chef, making it a valuable addition to any Athens visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the cooking class?
The class costs $199 per person.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Himalaya Mini Mart, 28is Oktovriou 56, Athens.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free options are available if notified in advance.

Is there a market tour included?
The market tour is available as an option and lasts about 40 minutes.

What is included in the price?
The price includes the private cooking class, homecooked meal, wine, all fees, and taxes.

Is this experience suitable for large groups?
No, it is a private activity, designed for small groups or individuals.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, full cancellation is possible more than 24 hours in advance for a refund.

Are children allowed?
The data does not specify age restrictions, but as a private, hands-on class, it’s best suited for adults or older children.

How do I book this experience?
Bookings can be made in advance, with confirmation received within 48 hours.