Florentine Dinner

Looking to combine your love of travel with a taste of Italy’s culinary traditions? The Florentine Dinner offers a hands-on cooking class paired with a hearty meal, perfect for foodies eager to learn authentic recipes and enjoy a convivial atmosphere. Priced at around $81.82 per person, it’s a relatively affordable way to spend an evening in Florence, especially considering the inclusion of wine, recipes, and a real cooking experience.

What we particularly like about this experience is how it blends education with enjoyment. You’re not just eating; you’re actively creating traditional Italian dishes with the guidance of an expert chef. The small group size—max eight participants—means plenty of personalized attention, making it ideal for those who want a more intimate, authentic taste of Tuscany. A potential drawback? The timing is set for Tuesday evenings at 6 pm, which might not suit every traveler’s schedule, and this limits flexibility to some extent.

This tour works best for travelers who love food, want a break from sightseeing, and are keen to learn new skills in a relaxed setting. Families with children over 7 will find it enjoyable, especially those who want a memorable activity that goes beyond just sightseeing. If you’re after a genuine taste of Florence’s culinary culture with a dash of fun, this experience deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Key Points

• Hands-on Italian Cooking: You’ll learn how to make classic dishes with your own hands, guided by a professional chef.
• Authentic Recipes: Take home recipes for dishes like ricotta and spinach soufflé, potato gnocchi, chicken in marsala, and chocolate soufflé.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized instruction and a cozy atmosphere.
• Includes Local Wine: Enjoy a generous pour of Tuscan red wine along with bottled water as you dine.
• Accessible for All: Suitable for ages 7 and up, with vegetarian and vegan options available upon request.
• Safety Protocols: Covid safety measures are in place, including social distancing, masks, gloves, sanitizing, and temperature checks.

A Closer Look at the Florentine Dinner Experience

What Is Included and What Isn’t?

For just over $80, you gain a comprehensive culinary experience. The price covers a three-course meal, recipes to take home, Tuscany red wine, and bottled water. No extra services are offered beyond that, making this straightforward and transparent in what you’re paying for. It’s especially appealing for those who want to focus on the cooking and tasting without additional add-ons.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The session kicks off at 6:30 pm at the meeting point on Via dei Velluti, in Florence’s historic center. The class lasts approximately three hours, running every Tuesday evening, and begins with introductions and a quick overview by the chef. You’ll then move into a practical, step-by-step cooking class, creating two main dishes and a dessert. Expect to learn how to prepare traditional Tuscan recipes that are both flavorful and practical for home cooking.

As you cook, the chef offers guidance in multiple languages—English, Spanish, and Italian—making it accessible for a diverse range of travelers. The focus isn’t just on the recipes but on understanding the techniques behind Italian cooking, which you can replicate at home.

The Dishes: What You’ll Make and Eat

• Ricotta and Spinach Soufflé: Light, fluffy, and packed with flavor, this starter introduces you to the art of balancing textures.
• Potato Gnocchi in Tomato Basil and Garlic Sauce: A classic Italian comfort food, made from scratch—no store-bought gnocchi here.
• Chicken in Marsala Over Mushrooms: A rich, aromatic dish showcasing the use of Marsala wine, a Tuscan staple.
• Chocolate Soufflé: For dessert, a decadent treat that’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare once you know how.

The chef encourages participants to ask questions, so you’ll learn little tips—like how to get your gnocchi perfectly fluffy or how to prevent your soufflé from collapsing.

The Atmosphere and Group Dynamics

From reviews, we know that participants have found the environment friendly and engaging. Nicole_P describes it as a “wonderful experience,” praising the instructor’s great teaching style and the meal’s perfection. Andy_H highlights how working with the chef was fun and social, especially as they got to know others in the group while cooking. The small size ensures everyone gets personal attention and a chance to participate fully.

The Taste and Quality of the Food

The dishes are described as delicious, with particular praise for the wine selection—a well-chosen Tuscan red that complements the meal beautifully. Participants leave not only with new skills but also with recipes they can recreate at home, adding long-term value to the experience.

Practical Aspects and Accessibility

The location is downtown Florence, near public transportation, which makes it easy to reach. The booking process is straightforward, with confirmation received at the time of reservation. Dietary restrictions like vegetarian or vegan options are accommodated if advised when booking, and children over 7 are welcome, making this a family-friendly activity.

Covid safety measures are in place, including sanitization, masks, gloves, and temperature checks, giving peace of mind in the current health climate.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This Florentine Dinner is perfect for food lovers, anyone interested in Italian cuisine, and travelers who want to actively participate rather than simply watch or eat. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate small-group intimacy and personalized instruction. Families with children over 7 will find it engaging, and if you’re into wine, you’ll appreciate the included Tuscan red.

Travelers who value authentic experiences over touristy shows will enjoy the genuine cooking techniques and the chance to bring flavors of Florence home. Budget-conscious visitors will find the price reasonable for a structured evening of education, tasting, and culture.

However, if you’re looking for a very flexible schedule or a longer culinary tour, this might feel a bit limited in scope. Still, for a focused, quality session in the heart of Florence, it hits the right notes.

Final Thoughts

This Florentine Dinner offers more than just a meal—it’s an interactive dive into Italy’s culinary soul, crafted with care and expertise. The combination of learning, tasting, and socializing makes it a standout activity for those seeking a memorable, authentic experience. The inclusion of wine and recipes enhances the value, allowing you to recreate a piece of Tuscany at home or impress friends with your new skills.

The small group size ensures personal attention, and the chef’s guidance makes even beginners feel confident. It’s a perfect choice for travelers who want to turn a culinary curiosity into a fun, skill-building evening that leaves them with new flavors and new friends.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available. Just make sure to advise when booking so the chef can accommodate your dietary needs.

How long is the class?
The class lasts approximately 3 hours, starting at 6:30 pm every Tuesday evening.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers a three-course meal, recipes to take home, Tuscan red wine, and bottled water.

Can children participate?
Yes, children aged 7 and above are welcome to join. It’s a fun, educational activity suitable for families.

Are there any extra services or costs?
No, the price covers everything, with no additional charges for extra services.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention.

What safety measures are in place?
Covid safety protocols include social distancing, masks, gloves, sanitizing, and temperature checks for staff and participants.

Where does the activity start?
At InTavola, Via dei Velluti, 20R, Florence, with the activity ending back at the starting point.

How do I cancel if necessary?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. Less notice might result in no refund.

This Florentine Dinner provides an engaging, authentic, and delicious way to spend an evening in Florence—particularly if you love food, wine, and learning new skills in a friendly environment.