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Host: Mirella
Florence, Italy
USD
$124-$318
per person
Meet Mirella
Mirella lives with her husband Stefano (her partner in life and in the kitchen!) in a small town called Antella located in the South of Florence. The town is in the Chiantigiana area and is surrounded by the Chianti Hills. Mirella's love for food and cooking comes from her paternal grandmother (nonna) who she used to help in the kitchen as a young child. As an adult she began trying out her nonna's recipes for herself. Her grandmother was a highly skilled top chef and an expert in the history of Florentine cuisine from the Renaissance period. After Mirella completed her schooling, she decided to follow her passion and enrolled at the Istituto Alberghiero in Florence, a school which trains you to work in restaurants and hotels. Over the years she has worked in several restaurants, hotels and schools. Given her vast experience she often had to accommodate special dietary needs such as gluten or lactose intolerance and frequently prepared meals for people of different religions or for vegetarians and vegans.
Mirella is a multi-faceted woman who organizes cooking courses and summer camps for students, teaches simple cake baking and organizes visits to nearby farms where you can learn about milking cows and cheese making. Mirella not only cooks ethnic family recipes but also enjoys fusion food and experimenting with new ingredients. Recently, she has become more and more interested in organic food as a means of eating more naturally and also of safeguarding biodiversity. She loves going to markets and local producers to look for ingredients that can be used fresh in her recipes.
On days when her husband Stefano is available, he will also join you for your experience. Like Mirella's, Stefano’s love for cooking began in his childhood. He was born into a family of pastry chefs who owned several high-quality patisseries in Florence where Stefano learned the trade. As an adult he followed his other passions when he opened a winery and later a restaurant in Elba.
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 approach to cooking has been influenced by her Florentine, Tuscan and proudly peasant roots which have made her appreciate the richness of ‘poor’ people’s food. Peasants couldn’t afford to throw anything away and so they invented the most ingenious ways of recycling yesterday’s leftovers, like “la ribollita”, the famous Tuscan vegetable stew made with dried bread. Her cooking is also greatly influenced by Renaissance cooking, especially the dishes served at the Medici court. Cooking for the Tuscan nobility was an art and ingredients were rich and expensive.
Mirella has a different menu for every season, as she prefers using seasonal ingredients in her cooking. Some of the dishes you might eat during the winter are bruschetta with sausage and stracchino cheese, ribollita (stew) or Florentine pork with peas. In spring you may be served a vegetable tart, penne with ragù sauce (meat-based sauce), peasant’s meatballs with seasonal vegetables and cioccolatissimo (extra rich chocolate dessert). The summer may include dishes such as bruschetta with tomato and basil, fresh cheeses and honey, pappa al pomodoro (made with dry bread, tomatoes and olive oil), hunter’s chicken with roast potatoes and tiramisù. In autumn you may be treated to eggs with caper salsa, pecorino cheese and salamino grapes, pumpkin risotto, pork with prunes and pinenuts, and chocolate flan.
These are only examples of her seasonal menus - they can be changed to accommodate special requests. Wine is included in the cost of the meal.
Cooking experience: (1-15 guests) The aim of Mirella’s Tuscany cooking class is to share her knowledge about food, its preparation and its Florentine and Tuscan history. Mirella prefers conducting a hands-on class, where travelers will learn how to make dishes themselves. In your Florence cooking class learn to make 3-4 of the dishes you will eating later, such as various bruschette or antipasto, a pasta, a main, pasta sauces and other seasonal recipes - some of the foods you must try in Florence. Weather permitting, Mirella will host the cooking and meal experience in her outdoor garden area!
Market visit: (2-8 guests) For your guided Florence market tour you will visit Sant'Ambrogio, one of the more central markets in Florence, a 30 minute drive from Mirella's home. During the market visit you will visit local producers of wine, oil, fruit and vegetables. This will be a fun filled experience of buying food, talking about food, preparing food and finally eating together!
Notes:
Your meal price includes a glass of prosecco (Italian white wine) with the antipasto (hors d'oeuvre) and two glasses of wine with the meal. Mirella also offers limoncello (Italian lemon liqueur) and/or vin santo (Italian dessert wine) with dessert.
In-villa option available: Note that Mirella is also pleased to offer a private cooking or meal option 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
This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.-
Vegetable tart
-
Penne with ragù sauce (meat-based sauce)
-
Peasant’s meatballs with seasonal vegetables
-
Cioccolatissimo (extra rich chocolate dessert)
Traveler reviews
5.0 (31)
I wish all experiences were like this. Mirella, Stefano, and Daniele were some of the kindest and most welcoming people! We had a group of six and everyone was included and learned something. Truly the highlight of the trip. You can’t match the quality. An absolute must do- Hannah June 08, 2024
This was such a fun experience and I can’t say enough good things about Mirella and Stefano. They were incredibly welcoming, accommodated food allergies and set up a bed for our son with special needs. The cooking lesson is well organized and was delicious. Highly recommend!- sunitapi June 04, 2024
Mirella and Stefano are the absolute best hosts! If you want to experience local Florentine cuisine, choose them. The trip to the market, time preparing the food in their kitchen and then enjoying the meal with them was a wonderful experience.- O1443Z June 03, 2024
We had many great meals on this trip, but our best and most memorable was the one we made ourselves with Mirella & Stefano. We laughed and chilled out for hours. Pure joy. Homemade gnocchi. Figs from the garden. Wine from local vineyards, Incredible place with the warmest people. Absolutely loved it. Note it’s STEFano, not Stef-AH-no thanks.- C3546 May 29, 2024
What a fantastic day we had with Mirella and Stefano! Not only was the food we prepared delicious, but we got so many cooking tips from these professional chefs! we learned about life in the city of Antella and how food there is such an important part of the culture. An absolutely great experience! We have made the recipes we learned so many times since.- 120janna May 18, 2024
MUST BOOK! Our time cooking with Mirella and Stefano was truly the highlight of our trip to Italy! Their home is so beautiful and they taught us incredible, easy dishes we could replicate when we got home. It is such a fabulous way to really experience Florence and the cuisine of the area. Highly, highly recommend!- rachelo May 15, 2024
This class was one of my favorite memories from our trip to Italy! When we booked this event, we had no idea what to expect. It seemed odd to be arriving at someone's private home and we were a little nervous, but from the second Mirella greeted us at our Uber, we never had a another doubt about the fun evening ahead. Mirella & Stefano put us completely at ease and it seemed like we were old friends hanging out together cooking, drinking and chatting. I was excited to learn how to make tagliatelle & gnocchi (noodles) from scratch and we made one of our favorite dishes, eggplant parmesan. I learned how easy it is to make tiramisu, which I served at Christmas and was a big hit, as well as sausage bruschetta from Italian ingredients, which I served at Thanksgiving and no one left room for dinner! Mirella & Stefano were kind enough to provide a cookbook of all the recipes we made together to take home! What made this class special and unique is that it didn't seem like a class at all! My husband can barely boil water (or so he tells me), but Stefano had him chopping, mixing, and prepping like it was second nature. The best part, other than the delicious food we ate until we were stuffed, was chatting at the table about family, world events, life in Italy compared to the US, and their wedding plans. I would recommend Mirella and Stefano's class to any couple, family, group, or just yourself! You will learn a lot and have fun making new friends while doing it!- amanda May 15, 2024
BEST EXPERIENCE DURING 3 WEEKS IN ITALY If there is one thing on your Italian vacation you cannot cannot CANNOT miss, it's dinner with Mirella and Stefano. I know the country is known for the charm of its people and the grandeur of its food, but literally nothing we did compared to this. They were the warmest, most charming hosts, and the food was out of this world. My only complaint is that they didn't eat with us, but I can hardly quibble. A lifetime memory of extraordinary proportions.- chrisacon May 15, 2024
My husband and I booked this experience during our honeymoon. It was FANTASTIC! The food was excellent, but the company was even better! It was so nice to be welcomed into Mirella's home and cook with her and Stefano. We would highly recommend this excursion to anyone traveling to Florence.- christina May 14, 2024
My husband and I were on our honeymoon in Florence and signed up for this cooking class. We met the two chefs, Mirella and Stefano, at the outdoor market, where we spent a lovely morning learning about local produce, cheeses, meats, and other specialties. We then hopped in Mirella and Stefano's car and took a short ride to their charming villa just outside Florence. We spent the entire day cooking with them -- pasta, gnocchi, bruschette, eggplant parm, and tiramisu, and then enjoyed the meal in their garden with them. The day could not have been more perfect. We are still in touch with them on a regular basis. They touched not only our stomachs, but our hearts. Not only did we learn some amazing dishes, we met two fantastic friends. We can't wait to go back and see them again.- kdilall0 May 14, 2024
We had a fantastic three-hour class in Mirella’s kitchen and garden. We thought it might be awkward going to someone’s house, but Mirella and Stefano were extremely warm and welcoming. It felt like cooking with a friend. Their garden is lovely. It was beautiful day. We highly recommend Tuscan Cooking Class in Florence with a Local Expert.- beckyb May 14, 2024
My wife and I took a cooking class for our honeymoon, on holiday. The cooking class with Mirella in June. By far it was our favorite event in the entire honeymoon. Mirella was a gracious host and made us feel at home the entire time. The cooking skills obtained are some that my wife and I still use. Truly a great experience to have with friends or family. The food was delicious and the company was enjoyable!- brockz4 May 13, 2024
Mirella and Stefano were amazing - and gracious enough to host us for Easter dinner. It was very easy to get to their house - we took the bus from Florence and they were a short walk from the bus stop. We all thought that it was the best food we had on the entire trip. We learned a lot yet the evening seemed effortless. They shared excellent local wine and we were lucky sip their home-made limocello. Each dish was outstanding. We have cooked many of the recipes since returning home which brings back fun memories. I highly recommend Mirella and Stefano - they are great!- G8839S May 13, 2024
The cooking lesson at their home was amazing. Save room, because we made about 6 dishes! Lovely dining in their garden at a long wooden table. Perfecto!- 474kathreen May 13, 2024
Nothing but good things to say about Mirella and Stefano! They were so warm and greeted us by name. We have a son with special needs and they set up a bedroom for him so we’d have a place to lay him down and change him. They accommodated our dietary restrictions and were just wonderful hosts. It was a highlight of our trip and we strongly recommend booking a lesson with them!- sunitap560 October 09, 2023
OMG this was the best meal and experience we did on our entire trip. My wife, my kids all loved it and enjoyed the meal tremendously. The host's English is more than passible and we don't speak Italian. This might be the hidden gem experience in Tuscany. How she only has 3 reviews at the time of this post is baffling. The gnocchi melted like butter and if we weren't so full we would have demanded more Eggplant lasagana stacks. It was definitely pricey but the food, host and atmosphere of her home was well worth it. When you can satisfy a wife who hates cooking, a teenage boy, and a teenage girl then you know you have a winner.- Jonathan June 30, 2023
Stefano and Mariella were fantastic hosts--they were informative and knowledgeable, and welcomed us at the market with big smiles, even though we were 20 minutes late due to traffic. We toured the market and were able to learn a great deal about it, as well as observing the quality of the fresh foods. We then were escorted to their home and guided through the preparation of 4 dishes, plus receiving a tour of their back yard and herb garden. To top it off, we then were able to share the meal we had prepared and have a nice visit with them in their outdoor gazebo, learning a great deal about culture, family and food. It was the highlight of a two week trip to Italy. Wonderful.- william June 21, 2023
It was a great experience and my kids loved it. The cook was professional and the food was all delicious! The lesson was a bit pricy but overall it was a great class!- Irina_G June 11, 2023
Our Tuscan cooking class with Mirella and Stefano was a highlight on our trip to Florence. The whole experience of going to the farmers market to choose our ingredients and then making dishes in their own home was just wonderful! Mirella perfectly accommodated for our Vegan and Vegetarian requests and taught us how to prepare some spectacular dishes! Thank you for this unique and wonderful experience! We can't wait to try them out in our own home! Linda, Sydney, and Natalie- Lmknisl May 23, 2023
AMAZING!!!! Would give this 10 stars if we could!! My wife & I thoroughly enjoyed our experience with Mirella and Stefano. It started with the both of them taking us on a tour of the Sant’Ambrogio food market, where they told us fascinating details about the market and vendors. This is where they picked up the ingredients for the menu we were to cook a bit later in the day. This market tour was a fascinating & entertaining way to start the experience! After the market, they drove us to their BEAUTIFUL home and gave us a tour of their home & lovely garden. This was such a thrill and further immersed us with Italian authenticity. We then got to cooking, during which my wife and I could not stop smiling. It started with two different forms of bruschetta, both of which turned out DELICIOUS. Then, we made handmade tagliatelle pasta with Tuscan ragu. WOW, just wow. The next thing we prepared for the menu was chicken cacciatore. Sooooo wonderful, tender, and flavorful. Finally, we prepared homemade tiramisu. It was every bit as tasty & amazing as it sounds! Throughout the food prepping and cooking, Mirella & Stefano gave us the perfect combination of talking us through it, assisting hands-on if needed, and informing us about the fascinating history behind each dish. The time passed so quickly, as we were having the time of our lives! When it came time to eat, Stefano served us each course. The food all came out INCREDIBLE and it was amongst the best meals we had throughout our entire week in Florence! Stefano & Mirella’s kindness and courtesy made us feel like we were family. This was our first full day in Italy (our first experience in all of Europe, in fact!) and we can’t stop talking about this experience. We get so welcomed & appreciated by Stefano and Mirella. We would highly recommend this experience to just about anybody, regardless of culinary interest. For all of the fascinating things you’ll learn about Tuscan food & history, you’ll also feel like you just had an amazing get-together with new friends! Thank you, Stefano & Mirella. The next time we make it out to Florence, we will absolutely sign up for another class. Oh, and one more thing: Mirella handed us a printout of our entire menu, with detailed instructions of how to prepare each item! We’ve already recreated the bruschetta with Tuscan bread, sausage & stracchino cheese - DELICIOUS!!! Grazie mille, James & Christa- V9821T March 15, 2023
A wonderful experience in the heart and soul of Italy. Mirella and Stefano were amazing hosts. It was wonderful to laugh and feel as if we were part of their family. I very much recommend this experience.- Timothy December 27, 2022
Mirella and Stefano were so kind. My wife and I absolutely loved our personal Italian cooking class. The environment was authentic, Mirella and Stefano were excellent teachers. This cooking class is a must when in Florence! We will book again the next time we are in Florence!- Preston April 13, 2022
I can't express how awesome this cooking class experience was! Mirella and her husband were such a delight. We learned how to make several different types of pasta, tomato sauce and more! Every dish was delicious and they made the experience so fun! This was one of my highlights in my month long journey in Italy.Thank you for such a wonderful memory!Robbin Cecchini- Robbin C October 16, 2019
Our family loved the cooking class with Mirella and Stefano. They welcomed us into their home, and gave us a fun and interactive lesson. The food - clearly thanks to Mirella and Stefano - turned out great. And just as importantly, both were incredible with our kids, aged 11, 10 and 8, who immediately took to them and opened right up. Mirella and Stefano are teachers who know how to connect. It was like a dinner with family friends where we all joined in to cook. If you will be in the Florence area, this is a must do.- Mark S August 27, 2019
Mirella & Stefano were perfect, helpful and delightful chefs, guiding me through a midday exploration of true Tuscan culinary adventures and helping me to explore my desires to learn more about simple, basic cooking in this part of Italy. From the opening garden exploration to prepping for the lovely meal, all was a remarkable experience.Robert RossBainbridge Island, WArwrlink@gmail.com- rrossgardens May 23, 2019
We had a wonderful lesson with Mirella and her husband. Our evening was off to a rough start when we accidentally put in the wrong address into our GPS and did not arrive at the correct place. Mirella was more than accessible and helpful by phone and her English is very good! She was able to help us get to the right place and was very welcoming and comforting as this was quite a stressful experience for us. Mirella is a wonderful cook and taught us very well how to make the recipes. We ended up making bruschetta, tagliatelle from scratch with a tomato sauce, pork in a wine sauce with Florentine peas, and terramisu for desert. It all tasted delicious! We had a blast learning about Italian cooking with her and later shared a meal with her and her husband. I would definitely recommend this experience for anyone visiting Florence or the surrounding areas. It was one of the highlights of our 2 week trip!- MDD92 October 13, 2018
My 14 year old son and I opted for a market tour and home cooking lesson with Mirella and Stefano. We had a really wonderful time. I was especially pleased that they treated my son as a competent cook (which he is) and allowed him to fully participate. I’ve been to classes where he has been treated as a child and not been given opportunities to chop and make the pasta. Mirella and Stefano were charming and welcoming. We’ve cooked a lot of Italian food so the menu was familiar but delicious. The best part was cooking together and comparing life and experiences. Bravo, guys! Highly recommended.- Monique G September 13, 2018
Traveling Spoon is an amazing company and Mirella and her husband were wonderful hosts. She was warm, welcoming and funny! My husband and I agreed it was the highlight of our trip. I'd recommend coming before dinner to cook as well. We loved it and made the recipe when we got home!- Jess E December 21, 2017
Mirella invited us into her home where we had so much fun cooking, eating, and just enjoying!- Brenda September 28, 2017
My wife and I are in our 30s (ok one of us almost in their 40s, but I won't say who), and we have made traveling around the world our raison d'etre. We had 5 days in Florence before heading out to Roma and Venice, and our dinner with Mirella and Stefano was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of our trip. We shared a five hour dinner at their home, cooking alongside them and sharing a table and conversation with them into the evening. High marks for the thoughtfulness that went into the menu selection which was seasonal and thoroughly local but also wonderfully different from anything you would encounter on the well worn tourist recommendations in Florence. But more important than the wonderful meal and cooking experience was to spend time with a food obsessed Florentine couple in their home, laughing together late until the scheduled taxi service had to drag us away, and for us to share wide smiles the entire ride back to the hotel. Mirella and Stefano's home brought us to a different time and place. Their passion for food and entertaining is self-evident. Herbs and spices come straight from their garden, which Mirella handpicks for the meal. We made pasta from scratch together, and they took the time to teach us how. Stefano is the kind of guy that makes you wish you spoke better Italian, because you know you'd love to share a limoncello or grappa (or two) with him after dinner, trading stories. In short,we felt we were able to just for a moment, feel like we were able to experience something sincere and unique, something authentic, something non-transactional. Simply amazing!- Alan M August 25, 2017
A fantastic host!- Alison June 24, 2017
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
| 1 person | 2-4 ppl | 5+ people | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
In-Home Meal
|
Not offered | $142 | $124 |
|
Cooking Experience + Meal
|
$318 | $266 | $230 |
|
Market Tour
|
Not offered | $160 | $124 |
|
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
|
Not offered | $318 | $266 |
|
Alcohol
|
$0 per person | ||
| *Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout. | |||
| 1 person | 2-4 ppl | 5+ people | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
In-Home Meal
|
Not offered | $142 | $124 |
|
Cooking Experience + Meal
|
$318 | $266 | $230 |
|
Market Tour
|
Not offered | $160 | $124 |
|
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
|
Not offered | $318 | $266 |
|
Alcohol
|
$0 per person | ||
| *Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout. | |||
Experience Timings
| Lunch | Dinner | |
|---|---|---|
|
In-Home Meal
|
1:00pm-3:00pm | 8:00pm-10:00pm |
|
Cooking Experience+ Meal
|
10:00am-1:00pm | 5:00pm-8:00pm |
|
Market Tour
|
10:00am-12:00pm | |
|
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
|
10:00am-2:00pm |
Meet Mirella
Mirella lives with her husband Stefano (her partner in life and in the kitchen!) in a small town called Antella located in the South of Florence. The town is in the Chiantigiana area and is surrounded by the Chianti Hills. Mirella's love for food and cooking comes from her paternal grandmother (nonna) who she used to help in the kitchen as a young child. As an adult she began trying out her nonna's recipes for herself. Her grandmother was a highly skilled top chef and an expert in the history of Florentine cuisine from the Renaissance period. After Mirella completed her schooling, she decided to follow her passion and enrolled at the Istituto Alberghiero in Florence, a school which trains you to work in restaurants and hotels. Over the years she has worked in several restaurants, hotels and schools. Given her vast experience she often had to accommodate special dietary needs such as gluten or lactose intolerance and frequently prepared meals for people of different religions or for vegetarians and vegans.
Mirella is a multi-faceted woman who organizes cooking courses and summer camps for students, teaches simple cake baking and organizes visits to nearby farms where you can learn about milking cows and cheese making. Mirella not only cooks ethnic family recipes but also enjoys fusion food and experimenting with new ingredients. Recently, she has become more and more interested in organic food as a means of eating more naturally and also of safeguarding biodiversity. She loves going to markets and local producers to look for ingredients that can be used fresh in her recipes.
On days when her husband Stefano is available, he will also join you for your experience. Like Mirella's, Stefano’s love for cooking began in his childhood. He was born into a family of pastry chefs who owned several high-quality patisseries in Florence where Stefano learned the trade. As an adult he followed his other passions when he opened a winery and later a restaurant in Elba.
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 approach to cooking has been influenced by her Florentine, Tuscan and proudly peasant roots which have made her appreciate the richness of ‘poor’ people’s food. Peasants couldn’t afford to throw anything away and so they invented the most ingenious ways of recycling yesterday’s leftovers, like “la ribollita”, the famous Tuscan vegetable stew made with dried bread. Her cooking is also greatly influenced by Renaissance cooking, especially the dishes served at the Medici court. Cooking for the Tuscan nobility was an art and ingredients were rich and expensive.
Mirella has a different menu for every season, as she prefers using seasonal ingredients in her cooking. Some of the dishes you might eat during the winter are bruschetta with sausage and stracchino cheese, ribollita (stew) or Florentine pork with peas. In spring you may be served a vegetable tart, penne with ragù sauce (meat-based sauce), peasant’s meatballs with seasonal vegetables and cioccolatissimo (extra rich chocolate dessert). The summer may include dishes such as bruschetta with tomato and basil, fresh cheeses and honey, pappa al pomodoro (made with dry bread, tomatoes and olive oil), hunter’s chicken with roast potatoes and tiramisù. In autumn you may be treated to eggs with caper salsa, pecorino cheese and salamino grapes, pumpkin risotto, pork with prunes and pinenuts, and chocolate flan.
These are only examples of her seasonal menus - they can be changed to accommodate special requests. Wine is included in the cost of the meal.
Cooking experience: (1-15 guests) The aim of Mirella’s Tuscany cooking class is to share her knowledge about food, its preparation and its Florentine and Tuscan history. Mirella prefers conducting a hands-on class, where travelers will learn how to make dishes themselves. In your Florence cooking class learn to make 3-4 of the dishes you will eating later, such as various bruschette or antipasto, a pasta, a main, pasta sauces and other seasonal recipes - some of the foods you must try in Florence. Weather permitting, Mirella will host the cooking and meal experience in her outdoor garden area!
Market visit: (2-8 guests) For your guided Florence market tour you will visit Sant'Ambrogio, one of the more central markets in Florence, a 30 minute drive from Mirella's home. During the market visit you will visit local producers of wine, oil, fruit and vegetables. This will be a fun filled experience of buying food, talking about food, preparing food and finally eating together!
Notes:
Your meal price includes a glass of prosecco (Italian white wine) with the antipasto (hors d'oeuvre) and two glasses of wine with the meal. Mirella also offers limoncello (Italian lemon liqueur) and/or vin santo (Italian dessert wine) with dessert.
In-villa option available: Note that Mirella is also pleased to offer a private cooking or meal option 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
This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.-
Vegetable tart
-
Penne with ragù sauce (meat-based sauce)
-
Peasant’s meatballs with seasonal vegetables
-
Cioccolatissimo (extra rich chocolate dessert)
Traveler reviews
5.0 (31)
I wish all experiences were like this. Mirella, Stefano, and Daniele were some of the kindest and most welcoming people! We had a group of six and everyone was included and learned something. Truly the highlight of the trip. You can’t match the quality. An absolute must do- Hannah June 08, 2024
This was such a fun experience and I can’t say enough good things about Mirella and Stefano. They were incredibly welcoming, accommodated food allergies and set up a bed for our son with special needs. The cooking lesson is well organized and was delicious. Highly recommend!- sunitapi June 04, 2024
Mirella and Stefano are the absolute best hosts! If you want to experience local Florentine cuisine, choose them. The trip to the market, time preparing the food in their kitchen and then enjoying the meal with them was a wonderful experience.- O1443Z June 03, 2024
We had many great meals on this trip, but our best and most memorable was the one we made ourselves with Mirella & Stefano. We laughed and chilled out for hours. Pure joy. Homemade gnocchi. Figs from the garden. Wine from local vineyards, Incredible place with the warmest people. Absolutely loved it. Note it’s STEFano, not Stef-AH-no thanks.- C3546 May 29, 2024
What a fantastic day we had with Mirella and Stefano! Not only was the food we prepared delicious, but we got so many cooking tips from these professional chefs! we learned about life in the city of Antella and how food there is such an important part of the culture. An absolutely great experience! We have made the recipes we learned so many times since.- 120janna May 18, 2024
MUST BOOK! Our time cooking with Mirella and Stefano was truly the highlight of our trip to Italy! Their home is so beautiful and they taught us incredible, easy dishes we could replicate when we got home. It is such a fabulous way to really experience Florence and the cuisine of the area. Highly, highly recommend!- rachelo May 15, 2024
This class was one of my favorite memories from our trip to Italy! When we booked this event, we had no idea what to expect. It seemed odd to be arriving at someone's private home and we were a little nervous, but from the second Mirella greeted us at our Uber, we never had a another doubt about the fun evening ahead. Mirella & Stefano put us completely at ease and it seemed like we were old friends hanging out together cooking, drinking and chatting. I was excited to learn how to make tagliatelle & gnocchi (noodles) from scratch and we made one of our favorite dishes, eggplant parmesan. I learned how easy it is to make tiramisu, which I served at Christmas and was a big hit, as well as sausage bruschetta from Italian ingredients, which I served at Thanksgiving and no one left room for dinner! Mirella & Stefano were kind enough to provide a cookbook of all the recipes we made together to take home! What made this class special and unique is that it didn't seem like a class at all! My husband can barely boil water (or so he tells me), but Stefano had him chopping, mixing, and prepping like it was second nature. The best part, other than the delicious food we ate until we were stuffed, was chatting at the table about family, world events, life in Italy compared to the US, and their wedding plans. I would recommend Mirella and Stefano's class to any couple, family, group, or just yourself! You will learn a lot and have fun making new friends while doing it!- amanda May 15, 2024
BEST EXPERIENCE DURING 3 WEEKS IN ITALY If there is one thing on your Italian vacation you cannot cannot CANNOT miss, it's dinner with Mirella and Stefano. I know the country is known for the charm of its people and the grandeur of its food, but literally nothing we did compared to this. They were the warmest, most charming hosts, and the food was out of this world. My only complaint is that they didn't eat with us, but I can hardly quibble. A lifetime memory of extraordinary proportions.- chrisacon May 15, 2024
My husband and I booked this experience during our honeymoon. It was FANTASTIC! The food was excellent, but the company was even better! It was so nice to be welcomed into Mirella's home and cook with her and Stefano. We would highly recommend this excursion to anyone traveling to Florence.- christina May 14, 2024
My husband and I were on our honeymoon in Florence and signed up for this cooking class. We met the two chefs, Mirella and Stefano, at the outdoor market, where we spent a lovely morning learning about local produce, cheeses, meats, and other specialties. We then hopped in Mirella and Stefano's car and took a short ride to their charming villa just outside Florence. We spent the entire day cooking with them -- pasta, gnocchi, bruschette, eggplant parm, and tiramisu, and then enjoyed the meal in their garden with them. The day could not have been more perfect. We are still in touch with them on a regular basis. They touched not only our stomachs, but our hearts. Not only did we learn some amazing dishes, we met two fantastic friends. We can't wait to go back and see them again.- kdilall0 May 14, 2024
We had a fantastic three-hour class in Mirella’s kitchen and garden. We thought it might be awkward going to someone’s house, but Mirella and Stefano were extremely warm and welcoming. It felt like cooking with a friend. Their garden is lovely. It was beautiful day. We highly recommend Tuscan Cooking Class in Florence with a Local Expert.- beckyb May 14, 2024
My wife and I took a cooking class for our honeymoon, on holiday. The cooking class with Mirella in June. By far it was our favorite event in the entire honeymoon. Mirella was a gracious host and made us feel at home the entire time. The cooking skills obtained are some that my wife and I still use. Truly a great experience to have with friends or family. The food was delicious and the company was enjoyable!- brockz4 May 13, 2024
Mirella and Stefano were amazing - and gracious enough to host us for Easter dinner. It was very easy to get to their house - we took the bus from Florence and they were a short walk from the bus stop. We all thought that it was the best food we had on the entire trip. We learned a lot yet the evening seemed effortless. They shared excellent local wine and we were lucky sip their home-made limocello. Each dish was outstanding. We have cooked many of the recipes since returning home which brings back fun memories. I highly recommend Mirella and Stefano - they are great!- G8839S May 13, 2024
The cooking lesson at their home was amazing. Save room, because we made about 6 dishes! Lovely dining in their garden at a long wooden table. Perfecto!- 474kathreen May 13, 2024
Nothing but good things to say about Mirella and Stefano! They were so warm and greeted us by name. We have a son with special needs and they set up a bedroom for him so we’d have a place to lay him down and change him. They accommodated our dietary restrictions and were just wonderful hosts. It was a highlight of our trip and we strongly recommend booking a lesson with them!- sunitap560 October 09, 2023
OMG this was the best meal and experience we did on our entire trip. My wife, my kids all loved it and enjoyed the meal tremendously. The host's English is more than passible and we don't speak Italian. This might be the hidden gem experience in Tuscany. How she only has 3 reviews at the time of this post is baffling. The gnocchi melted like butter and if we weren't so full we would have demanded more Eggplant lasagana stacks. It was definitely pricey but the food, host and atmosphere of her home was well worth it. When you can satisfy a wife who hates cooking, a teenage boy, and a teenage girl then you know you have a winner.- Jonathan June 30, 2023
Stefano and Mariella were fantastic hosts--they were informative and knowledgeable, and welcomed us at the market with big smiles, even though we were 20 minutes late due to traffic. We toured the market and were able to learn a great deal about it, as well as observing the quality of the fresh foods. We then were escorted to their home and guided through the preparation of 4 dishes, plus receiving a tour of their back yard and herb garden. To top it off, we then were able to share the meal we had prepared and have a nice visit with them in their outdoor gazebo, learning a great deal about culture, family and food. It was the highlight of a two week trip to Italy. Wonderful.- william June 21, 2023
It was a great experience and my kids loved it. The cook was professional and the food was all delicious! The lesson was a bit pricy but overall it was a great class!- Irina_G June 11, 2023
Our Tuscan cooking class with Mirella and Stefano was a highlight on our trip to Florence. The whole experience of going to the farmers market to choose our ingredients and then making dishes in their own home was just wonderful! Mirella perfectly accommodated for our Vegan and Vegetarian requests and taught us how to prepare some spectacular dishes! Thank you for this unique and wonderful experience! We can't wait to try them out in our own home! Linda, Sydney, and Natalie- Lmknisl May 23, 2023
AMAZING!!!! Would give this 10 stars if we could!! My wife & I thoroughly enjoyed our experience with Mirella and Stefano. It started with the both of them taking us on a tour of the Sant’Ambrogio food market, where they told us fascinating details about the market and vendors. This is where they picked up the ingredients for the menu we were to cook a bit later in the day. This market tour was a fascinating & entertaining way to start the experience! After the market, they drove us to their BEAUTIFUL home and gave us a tour of their home & lovely garden. This was such a thrill and further immersed us with Italian authenticity. We then got to cooking, during which my wife and I could not stop smiling. It started with two different forms of bruschetta, both of which turned out DELICIOUS. Then, we made handmade tagliatelle pasta with Tuscan ragu. WOW, just wow. The next thing we prepared for the menu was chicken cacciatore. Sooooo wonderful, tender, and flavorful. Finally, we prepared homemade tiramisu. It was every bit as tasty & amazing as it sounds! Throughout the food prepping and cooking, Mirella & Stefano gave us the perfect combination of talking us through it, assisting hands-on if needed, and informing us about the fascinating history behind each dish. The time passed so quickly, as we were having the time of our lives! When it came time to eat, Stefano served us each course. The food all came out INCREDIBLE and it was amongst the best meals we had throughout our entire week in Florence! Stefano & Mirella’s kindness and courtesy made us feel like we were family. This was our first full day in Italy (our first experience in all of Europe, in fact!) and we can’t stop talking about this experience. We get so welcomed & appreciated by Stefano and Mirella. We would highly recommend this experience to just about anybody, regardless of culinary interest. For all of the fascinating things you’ll learn about Tuscan food & history, you’ll also feel like you just had an amazing get-together with new friends! Thank you, Stefano & Mirella. The next time we make it out to Florence, we will absolutely sign up for another class. Oh, and one more thing: Mirella handed us a printout of our entire menu, with detailed instructions of how to prepare each item! We’ve already recreated the bruschetta with Tuscan bread, sausage & stracchino cheese - DELICIOUS!!! Grazie mille, James & Christa- V9821T March 15, 2023
A wonderful experience in the heart and soul of Italy. Mirella and Stefano were amazing hosts. It was wonderful to laugh and feel as if we were part of their family. I very much recommend this experience.- Timothy December 27, 2022
Mirella and Stefano were so kind. My wife and I absolutely loved our personal Italian cooking class. The environment was authentic, Mirella and Stefano were excellent teachers. This cooking class is a must when in Florence! We will book again the next time we are in Florence!- Preston April 13, 2022
I can't express how awesome this cooking class experience was! Mirella and her husband were such a delight. We learned how to make several different types of pasta, tomato sauce and more! Every dish was delicious and they made the experience so fun! This was one of my highlights in my month long journey in Italy.Thank you for such a wonderful memory!Robbin Cecchini- Robbin C October 16, 2019
Our family loved the cooking class with Mirella and Stefano. They welcomed us into their home, and gave us a fun and interactive lesson. The food - clearly thanks to Mirella and Stefano - turned out great. And just as importantly, both were incredible with our kids, aged 11, 10 and 8, who immediately took to them and opened right up. Mirella and Stefano are teachers who know how to connect. It was like a dinner with family friends where we all joined in to cook. If you will be in the Florence area, this is a must do.- Mark S August 27, 2019
Mirella & Stefano were perfect, helpful and delightful chefs, guiding me through a midday exploration of true Tuscan culinary adventures and helping me to explore my desires to learn more about simple, basic cooking in this part of Italy. From the opening garden exploration to prepping for the lovely meal, all was a remarkable experience.Robert RossBainbridge Island, WArwrlink@gmail.com- rrossgardens May 23, 2019
We had a wonderful lesson with Mirella and her husband. Our evening was off to a rough start when we accidentally put in the wrong address into our GPS and did not arrive at the correct place. Mirella was more than accessible and helpful by phone and her English is very good! She was able to help us get to the right place and was very welcoming and comforting as this was quite a stressful experience for us. Mirella is a wonderful cook and taught us very well how to make the recipes. We ended up making bruschetta, tagliatelle from scratch with a tomato sauce, pork in a wine sauce with Florentine peas, and terramisu for desert. It all tasted delicious! We had a blast learning about Italian cooking with her and later shared a meal with her and her husband. I would definitely recommend this experience for anyone visiting Florence or the surrounding areas. It was one of the highlights of our 2 week trip!- MDD92 October 13, 2018
My 14 year old son and I opted for a market tour and home cooking lesson with Mirella and Stefano. We had a really wonderful time. I was especially pleased that they treated my son as a competent cook (which he is) and allowed him to fully participate. I’ve been to classes where he has been treated as a child and not been given opportunities to chop and make the pasta. Mirella and Stefano were charming and welcoming. We’ve cooked a lot of Italian food so the menu was familiar but delicious. The best part was cooking together and comparing life and experiences. Bravo, guys! Highly recommended.- Monique G September 13, 2018
Traveling Spoon is an amazing company and Mirella and her husband were wonderful hosts. She was warm, welcoming and funny! My husband and I agreed it was the highlight of our trip. I'd recommend coming before dinner to cook as well. We loved it and made the recipe when we got home!- Jess E December 21, 2017
Mirella invited us into her home where we had so much fun cooking, eating, and just enjoying!- Brenda September 28, 2017
My wife and I are in our 30s (ok one of us almost in their 40s, but I won't say who), and we have made traveling around the world our raison d'etre. We had 5 days in Florence before heading out to Roma and Venice, and our dinner with Mirella and Stefano was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of our trip. We shared a five hour dinner at their home, cooking alongside them and sharing a table and conversation with them into the evening. High marks for the thoughtfulness that went into the menu selection which was seasonal and thoroughly local but also wonderfully different from anything you would encounter on the well worn tourist recommendations in Florence. But more important than the wonderful meal and cooking experience was to spend time with a food obsessed Florentine couple in their home, laughing together late until the scheduled taxi service had to drag us away, and for us to share wide smiles the entire ride back to the hotel. Mirella and Stefano's home brought us to a different time and place. Their passion for food and entertaining is self-evident. Herbs and spices come straight from their garden, which Mirella handpicks for the meal. We made pasta from scratch together, and they took the time to teach us how. Stefano is the kind of guy that makes you wish you spoke better Italian, because you know you'd love to share a limoncello or grappa (or two) with him after dinner, trading stories. In short,we felt we were able to just for a moment, feel like we were able to experience something sincere and unique, something authentic, something non-transactional. Simply amazing!- Alan M August 25, 2017
A fantastic host!- Alison June 24, 2017
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Pricing (per person)*
| 1 person | 2-4 ppl | 5+ people | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
In-Home Meal
|
Not offered | $142 | $124 |
|
Cooking Experience + Meal
|
$318 | $266 | $230 |
|
Market Tour
|
Not offered | $160 | $124 |
|
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
|
Not offered | $318 | $266 |
|
Alcohol
|
$0 per person | ||
| *Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout. | |||
| 1 person | 2-4 ppl | 5+ people | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
In-Home Meal
|
Not offered | $142 | $124 |
|
Cooking Experience + Meal
|
$318 | $266 | $230 |
|
Market Tour
|
Not offered | $160 | $124 |
|
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
|
Not offered | $318 | $266 |
|
Alcohol
|
$0 per person | ||
| *Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout. | |||
Experience Timings
| Lunch | Dinner | |
|---|---|---|
|
In-Home Meal
|
1:00pm-3:00pm | 8:00pm-10:00pm |
|
Cooking Experience+ Meal
|
10:00am-1:00pm | 5:00pm-8:00pm |
|
Market Tour
|
10:00am-12:00pm | |
|
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
|
10:00am-2:00pm |
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON
Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.
FAQ
- > Cancellations and refunds
- > Contact host
- > Dietary restrictions
- > More questions
- > Alcohol
- > Changing timing
- > Credit card and payment
- > Meeting location and directions
- > Pricing
- > Private experiences
- > Process and timing
- > Safety and security
- > Transportation
- > Traveling solo
- > Traveling with family
You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 3% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.
If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.
Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.
Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.
Have a flight or other tour planned and can’t make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host’s profile doesn’t work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.
Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.
Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.
All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.
100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host’s family.
Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.
Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.
Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.
Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").
Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the “Notes” section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.
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