Florence Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Local Chef

Tour Details

Duration: 5 hours
Product Type: Tour
Venues: Sant'Ambrogio Market

Photos & Highlights

Step into a private Florentine home, a rare privilege, and cook alongside a local chef in their warm and inviting kitchen.
Discover the stories behind Florentine food traditions and gain a deeper appreciation for the city's culinary heritage.

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Tour Description

Led by a local chef, prepare to weave through colorful stalls, inhaling the earthy aroma of fresh Tuscan herbs and feeling the weight of plump, seasonal produce in your hand. With our unique market-to-table cooking class, you can let your senses be your guide as you navigate the bustling Sant'Ambrogio market with an expert.

After selecting the best produce from the market, we’ll whisk you away to your chef’s charming Florentine home, unlocking an exclusive experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Under their culinary guidance, you'll roll your sleeves up and learn the secrets to Florentine cooking, perhaps feeling the satisfying spring of fresh pasta dough beneath your fingertips or crafting a rich, complex traditional stew.

As you cook, your chef will share stories passed down through generations, weaving history, culture, and passion into every step. The reward? A communal table laden with the mouthwatering textures and flavors of your hard work. Now you now have the knowledge and insider tips to recreate these culinary delights back home!

This isn't just a generic cooking class; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of Florentine cuisine, from market to masterpiece.

Meet Your Expert

Patrizia

Native Florentine Patrizia has a degree in Italian Literature from the University of Florence. She is a wine and food journalist who has published pieces on Whisky, Champagne, Spumante, and Vinsanto. Patrizia has taught cooking classes since 2011 and published her first Italian Cookbook, "100 Recipes from Tuscany and Emilia Romagna," in 2016.

You’re ready to roll up your sleeves and learn how to cook like a local Florentine
A pre-planned menu and market experience sounds so boring. Here, you choose your own adventure, with the guidance of a local chef
You’re a fan of unique, authentic experiences over check-the-box tours. Here, you'll step into a charming Florentine home to gain rare insight into the authentic Italian lifestyle through the eyes of a chef.

Sant'Ambrogio Market – vibrant outdoor market
Local chef's private home kitchen

What You’ll Taste
- The best in-season herbs and produce
- Dishes previous guests have made:
  - Hand-rolled pasta or gnocchi
  - Hearty Florentine stew
  - Locally cured meats and Italian cheeses
  - Crostini neri
  - Piselli alla Fiorentina
  - Fagiuoli all’uccelletto
  - Cantuccini
- This experience does replace a meal. You will leave with a full belly, and a full heart!
- Dietary restrictions should be shared in advance in order to adapt the dishes you’ll be making.

Additional Trip-Planning Resources

Things that pair well with this tour:
- An empty belly and a comfy outfit for exploring the market.
- Get to know the city further with our Introduction to Florence Audio Guide
- A fully charged phone - you’ll want to snap plenty of photos of this unique experience!

We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Please contact us for alternative food tour experiences in Florence if you or any person in your group has mobility concerns.

Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?

Sant'Ambrogio Market is wheelchair accessible, however, the chef's home is on the second floor and there is no elevator.

Service Dogs

Service dogs are allowed if you have a medical certificate proving the need.

How long does this tour last?

This is a half-day experience. Begin at 9 or 10 am, and end in the early afternoon. You’ll finish with an enjoyable lunch at the home of your local chef.

What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Please specify any food allergies or intolerances in the "additional details" section of the order. The menu can be adjusted according to your preferences. We are happy to work around dietary restrictions provided we are notified in advance.

Can I bring a big group of people with me for this cooking experience?

No, the maximum number of cooks we can accommodate at once is 4. Please contact us to discuss other food and wine options in Florence for groups larger than 4 participants.

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.

Where You'll Start

(4.94) – 27 Reviews

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We very much enjoyed our time with Patrizia . She was knowledgeable and welcoming. We never felt uncomfortable in her home; rather, it was like coming to spend some time with an old friend. The cooking lesson was very helpful, even though one of us is an experienced cook. We would highly recommend this for anyone with an interest in Italian cuisine.

Amy

Nov 26, 2024

Patrizia was delightful. We enjoyed panning a menu, shopping with her at the market, and then preparing lunch together in her comfortable home. We especially enjoyed learning how to make gnocchi from scratch!

Neal

Nov 7, 2024

We had an amazing time with Patrizia! Shopping at the market than cooking a meal at her home was so fun! We learned so much from her regarding Italian food and culture! We highly recommend taking a cooking class with Patrizia!

Laurie

Oct 24, 2024

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