Milan: Italian Cooking Class with Food and Wine

Discover the Charm of Milan’s Italian Cooking Workshop

The Italian Cooking Class with Food and Wine in Milan offers a hands-on culinary experience in the heart of Lombardy. This 3-hour session is hosted by CHEF AND THE CITY, a well-reviewed provider with 4.7 out of 5 stars from nearly 500 reviews. The class is ideal for food lovers eager to master authentic Italian dishes led by a professional chef. It features making fresh pasta from scratch, preparing classic sauces, and enjoying a meal with wine at the end. The experience is particularly suited for those interested in healthy, waste-free cuisine and seeking practical cooking skills they can recreate at home.

While the class emphasizes interactive learning and delicious results, it operates within a professional kitchen environment, where strict rules apply, such as no food tasting during cooking and no large luggage allowed. This ensures a hygienic and organized setup, but could be a consideration for some. This experience combines education, fun, and authentic flavors for anyone wanting to deepen their appreciation for Italian cuisine.

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Key Points

• 3-hour cooking class led by an expert Italian chef in Milan
• Focus on making pasta from scratch, classic sauces, and traditional Italian dishes
• Enjoy a shared meal with wine at the end of the workshop
• Receive all recipes to recreate dishes at home easily
• Emphasis on healthy, waste-free cuisine and professional culinary tips
• Ideal for ages 10+ and those interested in authentic Italian cooking

Location and Meeting Point at Chef and the City

The class departs from Chef and the City, a street-level shop recognizable by three large windows and three red signs spelling out its name. Guests are advised to ring the bell at the main door upon arrival. The exact coordinates are 45.455162048339844, 9.220232009887695, making it easy to find in central Milan. This location provides a convenient starting point for visitors exploring the city or staying nearby.

The shop offers a friendly, professional environment where the class takes place, with clear signage and an accessible street-level entrance. The small group size, often just a few participants, ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

What You Learn in the Italian Cooking Class

This workshop focuses on three main dishes, with options including fresh pasta like tagliatelle, gnocchi, or ravioli, as well as famous sauces like cacio e pepe and ragu. Additional dishes like focaccia, eggplant parmigiana, or bruschetta can also be part of the menu. The class allows for hands-on preparation at your own station, where you work from a personal desk and learn culinary techniques used by professionals.

As you follow the step-by-step instructions, you also get to sample light snacks such as cheese, dry tomatoes, mortadella, and olives, along with cookies, biscuits, candies, and coffee or teas. The instructor shares secrets and tips of authentic Italian cooking, making it easier to replicate the dishes confidently at home.

The Role of the Chef and the Class Atmosphere

Participants consistently describe the chef as knowledgeable, personable, and passionate about Italian cuisine. Ilaria is frequently praised for her clear explanations, engaging style, and passion for sharing Italian culinary traditions. Reviews highlight her friendly manner and her ability to create a fun, relaxed environment where learning feels enjoyable.

The class is also praised for small group sizes, which foster personalized guidance and ample interaction. The atmosphere is described as professional yet warm, making it accessible for beginners and more experienced cooks alike.

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Making Fresh Pasta: The Heart of the Experience

A highlight of this class is learning to make pasta from scratch. Participants are shown how to create different pasta shapes like tagliatelle or ravioli, often using pasta machines. The process is detailed, practical, and designed to give confidence in handling dough and cutting techniques.

Along With pasta, the class covers traditional sauces like cacio e pepe and ragu, which can take hours to prepare but are simplified in the workshop for quick reproduction. The instructor provides tips on maintaining dough consistency and perfecting sauce flavors, ensuring everyone leaves equipped with useful skills.

Snacks, Wine, and Socializing During the Meal

After the cooking, participants gather around to enjoy the dishes they prepared. The shared meal is complemented by red and white wines, with generous pours often praised by attendees. The relaxed, chatty atmosphere encourages conversations and makes the experience more than just a cooking class — it becomes an opportunity to connect with fellow foodies.

The class also includes light snacks such as cheese, dry tomatoes, mortadella, and olives during the preparation phase, adding to the convivial vibe.

Recipes and Take-Home Tips

One of the most appreciated aspects of this experience is that all recipes are provided at the end of the class. Participants can recreate the dishes at home, using easy-to-follow instructions. This makes the class not just a fun activity but also a practical way to improve home cooking.

The instructor shares culinary secrets and professional tips, such as how to avoid waste and optimize ingredients, aligning with the class’s focus on healthy cuisine.

Logistics, Rules, and Accessibility

The class is designed to be well-organized, with clear rules for hygiene and safety. Participants are asked to tie up long hair, refrain from eating or drinking while cooking, and avoid bringing large bags or luggage into the kitchen. These measures maintain a clean, efficient environment.

The experience is available in Italian and English, with flexible cancellation policies allowing full refunds if canceled more than 24 hours in advance. The class is not suitable for children under 10 or those with mobility impairments.

Value and Booking Options

The cost of the class provides excellent value considering the expert instruction, all ingredients, recipes, and wine included. Participants can reserve their spot with the option to pay later, offering flexibility for planning. The reviews indicate that the quality of teaching and food justifies the price, often described as worth every penny.

Final Thoughts: A Taste of Italy in Milan

This Italian cooking class in Milan offers a rich, authentic experience for anyone eager to learn traditional Italian dishes in a professional yet friendly environment. The expert guidance of Ilaria ensures that even beginners leave with new skills and confidence. The inclusion of wine and light snacks makes it a sociable, enjoyable event that combines culinary education with cultural exchange.

While the strict rules about food tasting during cooking and large bags may be considerations for some, these do not detract from the overall quality and authenticity of the experience. It’s especially suited for those looking to expand their cooking skills, enjoy good food and drink, and bring home recipes that evoke the flavors of Italy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this class suitable for children?
This class is not suitable for children under 10 years due to its professional kitchen environment and safety rules.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the class for a full refund.

What languages are available?
The class is offered in Italian and English, accommodating a range of participants.

Do I receive recipes?
Yes, all recipes are provided at the end, so you can recreate the dishes at home.

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