Authentic Tuscan Cooking Class in the Tuscan Countryside with a Local Couple

Meet Mirella

Mirella lives with her husband Stefano, her partner in life and in the kitchen, in Antella, a charming town south of Florence nestled in the Chianti Hills. Her love of cooking began as a child helping her nonna, a chef known for Renaissance-era Florentine cuisine. Mirella trained at Florence’s Istituto Alberghiero and has worked in restaurants, hotels, and schools, adapting meals for a variety of dietary needs. Today, she leads engaging cooking classes and farm visits that blend traditional, fusion, and organic cuisine. Stefano, from a family of pastry chefs, and a former winery owner, often joins the experience and shares Mirella’s passion - and their fantastic sense of humor makes guests feel truly at home.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (2-15 guests) Mirella’s cooking reflects her Florentine, Tuscan, and peasant roots, which taught her to appreciate the ingenuity of traditional “cucina povera” like ribollita, a Tuscan vegetable stew made with dried bread. She also draws on Renaissance cuisine, inspired by the rich dishes of the Medici court. Join Mirella and her husband Stefano for a seasonal Tuscan meal in their Florence home. Menus change throughout the year based on fresh ingredients - spring might include penne with ragù and peasant-style meatballs, while summer could feature pappa al pomodoro, Tuscan chicken, and tiramisù. All meals include unlimited wine and prosecco, and either limoncello or vin santo. Dishes can also be thoughtfully adapted to accommodate dietary needs or special requests, including vegetarian, gluten free, and lactose free options.

Cooking experience: (1-15 guests) Join local chef Mirella and her husband Stefano, a charming couple, for a hands-on Tuscan cooking class in Florence that blends tradition, flavor, and history. In this private and immersive Florence cooking class, you’ll learn to prepare 3 - 4 authentic Tuscan dishes using seasonal ingredients, such as handmade pasta, traditional sauces, bruschetta, and regional mains, while uncovering the rich cultural stories behind them. This isn’t just a cooking class - it’s a journey through Florentine and Tuscan cuisine, led by a passionate local in a warm, welcoming home. Weather permitting, you’ll cook and dine in Mirella’s charming garden for a truly memorable meal under the Tuscan sky. Whether you're a food lover, home cook, or curious traveler, this Florence cooking class is one of the top things to do in Florence for food lovers.

Market visit: (2-8 guests) Meet at Cibrèo Caffè in central Florence and begin your culinary adventure with a guided market tour of Sant’Ambrogio Market, one of the city’s most vibrant and authentic local markets. Wander through bustling stalls as you meet local producers, learn about seasonal Tuscan ingredients, and sample fresh olive oil, wine, fruits, and vegetables while selecting ingredients for your cooking class. More than just a market visit, this experience offers a true immersion into Italian food culture. Engage with vendors, discover regional specialties, and gain insight into how locals shop and cook. After the market tour, enjoy a scenic 30 minute drive with Mirella to her home in the Tuscan countryside, where you’ll spend a half day cooking, learning, and sharing a delicious homemade meal together. If you choose the market tour + cooking class experience, it includes round trip transfers to and from Cibrèo Caffè, located in Florence’s historic center near Sant’Ambrogio Market. Please note that transfers are not included for the cooking class only experience. Market tours are not available on Sundays, as local markets are closed.

Notes:
1. Your experience includes unlimited prosecco (Italian sparkling wine) served with the antipasto, followed by unlimited regional wine during the meal. To conclude, Mirella will serve a taste of limoncello (a refreshing lemon liqueur) and/or vin santo (a traditional Tuscan dessert wine) to perfectly complement your dessert.
2.If you choose the market tour + cooking class experience, round trip transfers to and from Cibrèo Caffè, located in Florence’s historic center near Sant’Ambrogio Market, are included. Please note that transfers are not included with the cooking class only experience. However, if you choose the cooking class only, Mirella would be happy to help arrange return transportation for an additional cost. Please let her know in advance so she can organize this for you.
3. In-villa option available: Mirella is pleased to offer a private cooking or meal experience at your Tuscan villa if you prefer not to travel. For rates and availability, please contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com

Languages spoken: English, Italian

Sample menu

• Seasonal bruschette
• Handmade pasta with ragù (meat-based sauce)
• Italian meatballs with seasonal vegetables
• Cioccolatissimo (extra rich chocolate dessert)

Traveler reviews

This was one of the highlights of my wife and I’s Italy trip. Stefano and Mirella met us at the local market and explained local cuisine and culture. They then welcomed us into their beautiful home and garden where they taught us how to cook an authentic 4 course Italian meal. The meal, wine, and conversation were terrific. Stefano and Mirella were a joy to be around! We would recommend this to anyone visiting Florence who is looking for an authentic experience away from the big crowds! Thank you very much to Stefano and Mirella!

- harry May 02, 2026

The cooking class experience was truly one-of-a-kind. Mirella and Stefano welcomed us into their home and treated us like a member of the family. It was special to get to know them, learn about life in Italy, all while 🧑‍🍳 by and enjoying homemade recipes. Along with the amazing hosts, the food and recipes were delicious. After helping create the dishes, we all sat down and enjoyed a delicious meal together. When I find myself back in Florence, I will definitely book again. Thank you both for an amazing experience!

- nick March 18, 2026

One of the best experiences we’ve ever had

- dave March 12, 2026