Top California Cooking Classes

Four authentic Thai dishes, one hands-on class – this cooking experience in Los Angeles, hosted through Cozymeal, which connects you with top-rated local chefs, gives each guest their own workstation and walks them through a complete Thai menu. Your hands-on cooking experience features: - Som Tum – Green Papaya Salad with papaya, carrots, Thai chili, palm sugar, fish sauce and lime - Tom Kha Gai – Thai Coconut Chicken Soup with coconut milk, chicken, galangal and chili oil - Pad See Ew – Thai Stir-Fry Noodles with beef, noodles, Chinese broccoli and Thai chili - Mango Sticky Rice with fresh mango, sticky rice and coconut milk You will leave with four classic Thai recipes and the confidence to build authentic Thai flavor at home. Guests are welcome to bring wine or beer to enjoy throughout the experience.

Five courses of authentic Chinese cooking – this hands-on class in Los Angeles, hosted through Cozymeal, which connects you with top-rated local chefs, teaches you to fold wontons, work the wok and build the bold sauces that define great Chinese home cooking. Your hands-on cooking experience features: - Fried Wontons with ground pork, garlic, mushrooms, green onions and sesame soy sauce - Crispy Chinese Chicken with spicy orange sauce, dried chili, ginger and garlic - Stir-Fry Vegetables with bok choy, carrots, mushrooms and bell peppers - Steamed Rice - Ma Lai Gao with eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, evaporated milk and cake flour You will leave with a full Chinese cooking repertoire – from wonton folding to high-heat stir-frying. Guests are welcome to bring wine or beer to enjoy throughout the experience.

Discover the art of pasta-making in an intimate Los Angeles kitchen guided by a top-rated chef. Limited to a small group, this class blends approachable recipes with authentic Italian techniques. The menu you will prepare includes: - Chef-prepared appetizer - Handmade spaghetti and fettuccine with sauce pairings such as ragù, tomato, mushroom-sausage or sautéed vegetables - Chef-prepared dessert celebrating Italian traditions With hands-on guidance, you’ll knead, roll and shape pasta while exploring both classic and seasonal flavors.

Experience the ultimate hands-on sourdough class with a self-taught Italian baker and mother of four, set on a breathtaking ocean view deck in La Jolla. Unlike typical baking classes, every guest takes home a gourmet take-and-bake loaf, their own starter, and a recipe guide to continue the experience at home. Enjoy a thoughtful light lunch or dinner while soaking in panoramic coastal views, and bring your own wine for a relaxed, sophisticated touch. Perfect for all skill levels and ages, this family-friendly, immersive class combines luxury, fun, and education in a way no other baking experience can. Personalized guidance, stunning scenery, and authentic Italian techniques make this truly unforgettable.

Indulge in a delightful chocolate-making with an optional wine or craft beer tasting at The Wine Experience on Cannery Row, Monterey. Under the guidance of Carrie Griffin, a seasoned wine curator turned chocolate enthusiast, learn to temper chocolate, craft truffle shells, and fill them with smooth ganache. This two-hour hands-on class ensures you leave with a beautiful box of your own decadent creations, perfect for sharing or indulging yourself. Whether it’s a romantic date night or a fun outing with friends, this experience is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Two-hour chocolate truffle-making class at Cannery Row Optional tastings of four Central Coast wines or craft beers Led by Carrie Griffin, a passionate host with years of wine expertise Group sizes up to 10, perfect for couples, friends, and private parties

Discover the art of sushi making in a lively class where creativity meets culinary skill. This hands-on experience teaches you traditional sushi techniques, including crafting maki rolls, battleship sushi, and hand-formed nigiri. Under the guidance of expert instructors, you’ll master sushi rolling, rice handling, and the assembly of delicious fillings. At the end of the session, savor the fruits of your labor with a healthy meal made entirely by you. Each participant takes home a special gift bag, featuring a bamboo sushi-rolling mat and other surprises to enhance your sushi-making journey.

If you’re looking for a new recipe to add to your go-tos and uncover the secrets to French baking, this small-group macaron baking class in Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great choice. Not only will you learn how to make these French delights from scratch, but you will also get tips to make things easier as you go from a master chef featured on the Cooking Channel. This hands-on baking class is fun for both beginner and experienced bakers alike.

If regular pasta feels a little too predictable, this gnocchi-making class with Chef Ben is your delicious plot twist. Hosted at a stylish local venue in San Diego, this interactive experience turns potatoes into pillowy Italian comfort food with plenty of laughs along the way. Start by making simple gnocchi dough with potato, flour, egg and salt, then learn how to roll, cut and shape each piece by hand. Chef Ben will share tips for getting that light, tender texture instead of dense little potato bricks. While the gnocchi cooks, you’ll make a creamy vodka sauce with tomato paste, heavy cream, garlic and Parmesan. Expect a cozy, hands-on class, plenty of tasting and a final dish that might permanently ruin store-bought gnocchi for you.

This immersive sushi experience celebrates where tradition meets innovation. Guided by your host, you’ll dive into the fundamentals of authentic sushi-making while exploring the fresh, vibrant ingredients that define California cuisine. Together, you’ll craft beloved West Coast–style rolls that respect Japanese roots while embracing California’s adventurous palate.

Discover two of San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods without the guesswork of deciding where to eat or what to see. This small-group food tour combines cultural insights with generous tastings, helping you experience the traditions, flavors, and stories behind Chinatown and North Beach.

Learn how to make your own Shanghaineese dumplings from scratch in this interactive cooking class in the heart of San Francisco. Make dumpling dough using Chef Edmund's family recipe, and master the art of folding with precision as you create delicious dumplings filled with your choice of an American Wagyu, local organic pork or tofu stuffing. No pre-made skins will be used and you'll take home a recipe guide at the end. Afterward, experience umami by tasting Chef's favorite sauces and creating your own secret dumpling dipping sauce. Savor a delicious three-course meal, featuring your handmade dumplings and local ingredients. Perfect for food lovers and those looking to connect over a shared culinary experience.

Immerse yourself in Japanese culinary traditions with a hands-on sushi class in San Jose, hosted through Cozymeal. Limited to a small group, this workshop with an esteemed sushi chef teaches you the essentials of seafood sushi-making. The menu you will prepare includes: - Starter: Spicy sesame edamame - Sushi rice preparation for rolling and shaping - California roll with real crab, cucumber and avocado - Spicy tuna roll with sriracha and fresh tuna - Nigiri with shrimp, tuna or eel (market availability) Learn knife techniques, rice preparation and plating while creating a complete sushi menu in an intimate, interactive setting.

This beginner-friendly sushi class at a local brewery offers a unique blend of hands-on learning and laid-back fun. You'll kick things off by prepping perfectly seasoned sushi rice, then dive into rolling a classic California roll with crab, avocado, cucumber, rice, and scallions. After mastering your roll, you’ll switch things up with a refreshing cucumber and ginger Oriental salad dressed in tangy ponzu — the perfect light and zesty side. Guided by a professional chef, you'll learn sushi-making techniques in a relaxed setting surrounded by the casual buzz of a brewery. Expect plenty of laughs, opportunities to get creative with your plating, and the chance to sip a local craft brew while you work. Whether you're flying solo, coming with friends, or planning a date night, this class delivers a memorable experience full of flavor, connection, and culinary inspiration.

Led by a local certified Tequila Specialist, this guided tasting offers a unique and educational experience. Guests will learn about San Diego's history and its connection to Tequila. They will sample three distinct, additive-free premium tequilas—a blanco, a reposado, and an añejo—each selected to showcase the rich diversity and craftsmanship of authentic tequila.

Immerse yourself in the artistry of Italian cuisine in San Francisco, hosted through Cozymeal. Limited to a small group, this hands-on class with a five-star pasta chef blends refined flavors, traditional recipes and modern presentation. The menu you will prepare includes: - Antipasti with marinated vegetables, cured meats and cheeses - Handmade pasta with slow-simmered beef sauce - Chicken piccata with lemon, pancetta and greens - Grilled peaches with honey and mascarpone cream Learn kneading, rolling, sauce-making and plating techniques while enjoying authentic Italian dishes in an intimate, relaxed setting.

Experience a private market tour and cooking class in a local home in Long Beach, California. BA, a public health professional and passionate home cook and baker, will be your host. Her international experience means she loves to mix exotic flavors with local, seasonal produce. Vegetarian, dairy/lactose free, and gluten free options are easy for her to accommodate. After shopping for local produce at the market, head to BA's home for a 2-hour cooking class, and then enjoy your meal together.

Transform your culinary skills in this hands-on pasta-making class at a trendy local bar, led by a talented local chef. You’ll mix, knead and roll fresh fettuccine from scratch while learning the secrets behind authentic Italian flavors. Then, whip up a bold marinara sauce with tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of Calabrian chile pepper to perfectly complement your handmade noodles. With craft beer flowing and good company all around, this flavorful experience blends technique, taste, and a fun night out you won’t forget.

Santa Barbara is known for its artisan food scene, including its bean-to-bar chocolate offerings—but while anyone can visit the city and pick up a sweet treat, it takes insider knowledge to craft authentic chocolates. On this 1.5-hour workshop, fill a box with your own handmade vegan, gluten-free goodies. Then, put your art skills to the test as you decorate from dozens of toppings, from candied ginger to pretzel sticks.

At Meadowcroft Wines, learn about the art and science of winemaking by blending and bottling your very own bottle of wine. We’ll start with a stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens of Cornerstone Sonoma and an idyllic vineyard for a firsthand look at the vines. As we walk the rows, We’ll share why the iconic Sonoma Valley is the perfect No previous wine experience is necessary - perfect for all levels of wine experience and interest.

Step into a charming San Diego patio kitchen for a hands-on journey through Tuscan flavors. Limited to a small group, this outdoor class blends traditional Italian recipes with fresh garden herbs in a relaxed al fresco setting. The menu you will prepare includes: - Tiramisu with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream - Handmade pappardelle with brown butter, sage and Parmigiano cheese - Bruschetta al pomodoro with ripe tomatoes, basil and garlic Enjoy your creations in an intimate covered patio workshop while exploring authentic Tuscan traditions.

Experience a guided tasting of teas sourced from a 100-year-old farm in Uji, Japan. Explore a range of flavors—from traditional matcha to a dessert-style matcha—in a relaxed, approachable setting. This unique activity blends authentic tea culture with a casual vibe, making it perfect for team building, group outings, or a fun activity with friends. Please note the minimum group is 7 and maximum is 15 guests.

Savor the best of Napa and Sonoma wine country with ease on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy scenic photo stops, and visit renowned wineries in Napa and Sonoma. Taste award-winning wines, explore charming Sonoma Plaza, and discover gems that can include Artesa Winery and Madonna Estate. Enjoy guided commentary, round-trip transport, and tastings, making this tour a relaxing and memorable one.

This experience blends hands-on mixology, local history, and iconic Bay Area views into one memorable San Francisco outing. Hosted inside a historic 1930s Art Deco distillery on Treasure Island, guests enjoy sweeping views of the Bay while learning the craft behind classic whiskey cocktails. During the class, guests shake and stir three iconic drinks — the Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, and Paper Plane, while discovering how different whiskeys shape flavor, balance, and aroma. One of the moments guests love most is tasting the first cocktail they’ve made themselves. Even those who say they “don’t usually drink whiskey” are often surprised by how approachable and delicious it can be. Getting here is easy, including a scenic six-minute ferry ride from the San Francisco Ferry Building. Gold Bar Whiskey is the Official Whiskey of the San Francisco 49ers.