THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover authentic Florence flavors with Chef Mat Wertlieb in a hands-on cooking class. Create iconic Italian dishes and enjoy a memorable night full of taste and culture.
Discover authentic Florence flavors with Chef Mat Wertlieb in a hands-on cooking class. Create iconic Italian dishes and enjoy a memorable night full of taste and culture.
Book with Kitchen on Fire
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Kitchen on Fire · Florence, Tuscany
Situated in the vibrant city known for its rich history and Renaissance art, this culinary experience with Chef Mat Wertlieb offers a rare chance to savor Florence’s legendary flavors firsthand. Over three hours, participants are immersed in the heart of Italy’s culinary traditions, learning to craft iconic dishes like Bistecca Florentina and hand-cut Pappardelle pasta. Chef Mat’s inviting, hands-on approach makes even novice cooks feel like master chefs as they chop, sauté, and season their way through authentic recipes, each bite bursting with well-balanced herbs and local ingredients. The class combines culinary education with cultural storytelling, revealing the history behind Florence’s culinary heritage and its deep-rooted connections to the Medici dynasty. This experience isn’t merely about cooking—it’s a taste of Florence’s vibrant lifestyle, perfect for food lovers seeking more than just a meal.
The venue, set in a warm, welcoming kitchen, feels like a family gathering, where stories and flavors merge effortlessly. Participants leave with new skills and a deeper appreciation for Italian cuisine, along with a clear recipe to recreate their favorite dishes at home. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, this experience offers all the ingredients for a memorable night. It’s an excellent activity for travelers craving an authentic cultural encounter while indulging in world-class cuisine. Plus, it’s centrally located, making it easy for visitors to incorporate into their Florence itinerary. This class truly stands out as a unique way to connect with Italy’s culinary soul, providing a delicious, educational journey that captures the city’s timeless appeal.
easy.
3 hours.
No specific fitness required; moderate chef movements involved
Yes, please inform the instructor beforehand so they can accommodate your needs.
All ingredients and cooking tools are supplied, so you only need to bring your enthusiasm.
Children above age 12 are welcome, but please notify ahead of time.
Absolutely! The meal you prepare is your reward at the end of the class.
Yes, participants receive detailed recipes to try again at home.
Please arrive promptly; late arrivals may need to join mid-session and might miss part of the experience.
Florence’s culinary scene dates back to the Medici era, shaping modern Italian cuisine with centuries-old recipes and techniques.
This class encourages mindful sourcing of ingredients and supports local Italian producers, promoting sustainable culinary practices.
Kitchen on Fire is a hands-on cooking school and event producer that offers a broad calendar of culinary workshops, multi-week series, camps, and virtual classes. The school presents technique-driven, chef-led experiences ranging from single-session workshops to 12-week fundamentals courses. Classes focus on regional cuisines, baking, pastry, vegetarian and seasonal cooking — examples include Italian pasta and breads, Indian and Burmese dishes, Middle Eastern street food, Mexican and Latin specialties, and classic bistro techniques. Chef-led offerings feature named instructors and visiting chefs, with programs such as multi-week Basics of Cooking series, themed nights like A Night in Florence and A Night in Rome, specialized workshops including ricotta and doughnuts, and seasonal pie and baking classes. Kitchen on Fire also runs teen camps, school-break day camps, and virtual workshops to reach learners at different levels and schedules. Instruction emphasizes hands-on practice, practical skills like knife work and recipe fundamentals, and communal dining of the dishes created during class. Many classes run three hours or longer; multi-week series provide progressive skill development. In addition to in-person workshops, the organization publishes virtual classes and instructional series led by its roster of chefs. Kitchen on Fire’s program diversity — from single-session craft workshops to immersive multi-week courses and teen camps — reflects a commitment to accessible, skill-focused culinary education. The school’s transparent class descriptions, named instructors, and recurring series offer prospective students clear expectations and opportunities to build lasting cooking skills. Class sizes vary to prioritize engagement, hands-on practice, and personalized instructor feedback for students.
Book with Kitchen on Fire