Top California Cooking Classes

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

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.

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.

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.

This 90-minute experience offers the rare chance to create a premium skincare product from scratch using fresh goat milk right from our own resident herd. It’s a completely beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop where you are guided through the entire process—from choosing custom scents and colors to pouring the mold. Best of all, it seamlessly blends an interactive studio craft with a relaxing, outdoor meet-and-greet with our friendly miniature dairy goats, sending you home with a giant 3lb loaf of custom soap perfect for sensitive skin.

Your dumpling era starts with a mixing bowl and a stack of wrappers. At a casual San Diego brewery, you’ll combine ground pork, shrimp paste and fresh chives to create a savory filling, then learn how to fold and shape Chinese dumplings without stressing over perfect pleats. You’ll get hands-on practice with each step, making the process approachable even if you’ve never folded a dumpling before. While your dumplings cook, you’ll whip up a sweet-savory dipping sauce using soy sauce, honey, sesame oil and rice vinegar. Then you’ll work with the remaining pork-and-shrimp filling to create shumai-style dumplings, learning a second shape and technique. Once everything is cooked, enjoy your freshly made meal. It’s hands-on, social and just messy enough to be fun — especially when that first dumpling actually holds together.

If you fancy yourself a foodie or culture enthusiast, don’t miss this walking tour of San Francisco’s Little Italy—the neighborhood of North Beach. Voted one of the 15 best foodie tours in the USA by U.S. News, join an insider guide and experience a slice of the top things to do in North Beach, such as tasting coffee and witnessing bread being freshly made. Soak up the lively atmosphere of one of the city’s most popular districts as you learn about its cafes and bakeries and see landmarks like Saints Peter and Paul Church.

Roll through Northern California’s famous wine country on the renowned Napa Valley Wine Train. Pass charming towns like Rutherford and St. Helena, and soak up the scenery of rolling hills, vineyards, and estates through large picture windows on the trip. Explore the restored vintage train cars, and then take a seat for a gourmet lunch or dinner freshly prepared by the train’s acclaimed on-board restaurant.

It is important to note that I am very selective about my choice of wines. With over 500 wineries in the valley, many small, fine wine oriented producers are overlooked by large scale industrial operations. We will taste some of Napa’s most heralded wineries (likely ones you’ve never heard of), as well as international wines. I like to champion true artisans and support small businesses!

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.

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.

From the Hollywood Sign to the sunny beaches of Santa Monica and the glitz of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles is full of iconic sights. This guided full-day tour transports you by air-conditioned coach to top attractions—from Venice Beach to the Sunset Strip to Griffith Park and more—with included lunch at the Farmers' Market and optional hotel pickup for select locations.

Make two types of handmade gnocchi in this Italian cooking class in San Jose, hosted through Cozymeal, which connects you with top-rated local chefs. Classic potato and sweet potato gnocchi, each paired with its own sauce – a bright basil pesto and a warm maple brown butter. Your hands-on cooking experience features: • Classic Gnocchi with potatoes, flour and egg • Sweet Potato Gnocchi with sweet potatoes, flour and egg • Pesto Sauce with basil, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese • Maple Brown Butter Sauce with maple syrup, butter and sage • Chef-Made Salad with seasonal greens From kneading two gnocchi doughs to building two sauces from scratch, you'll leave with practical Italian pasta skills to recreate at home. Guests are welcome to bring wine or beer to enjoy throughout the experience.

There are plenty of delicious dumplings to be found in Chinatown—but for a truly in-depth experience that ensures you’ll walk away with new culinary expertise, book a dumpling-making cooking class. With just your chef-guide and a small group for company, learn insider tips for flavorful filling and perfect pleats. At the end of class, savor your wagyu beef dumplings with a veggie side and a bonus sweet treat.

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.

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.

Explore Sonoma Valley wine on a small-group tasting tour from San Francisco to boutique wineries, making sightseeing stops along the way. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, enter Sonoma's rolling landscape of golden hills and vineyards, and enjoy a series of guided tastings, learning about Sonoma wine varietals and terroir as you sip. After your time in Sonoma, pause in the artists' colony of Sausalito, with the option to return to San Francisco by ferry for great views across the San Francisco Bay.

See the sights of Hollywood on this tour by open-top Mercedes minibus or Ford Van with a canopy, which allows you to enjoy unobstructed views as you go. Traveling with an on-board guide, you'll pass by attractions such as the Dolby Theatre, Hollywood Sign, Rodeo Drive, and movie studios. Plus, get a look at some of the mansions where past and present stars have lived.

Cook alongside Nicole, a vibrant Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef with 15+ years of experience in French and Italian cuisine, and a personal chef to LA’s elite. In her welcoming home kitchen, you’ll learn hands-on techniques for preparing Mediterranean-inspired dishes—or opt for a baking class featuring scones and macarons. Whether you’re searing steak, perfecting vinaigrette, or mastering delicate macarons, Nicole shares expert tips and warm hospitality. Enjoy your meal with wine or beer, and leave with new skills and unforgettable memories. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets are all welcome—just note preferences when booking!

Immerse yourself in a unique culinary experience at Smruti's home in Pleasanton, just outside San Francisco. This hands-on cooking class combines the vibrant spices of Indian cuisine with the fresh ingredients of California. Begin your journey with a welcome drink, then engage in the preparation of three flavorful dishes using seasonal produce. Learn essential cooking techniques and enjoy your creations paired with local wine in a relaxed setting. The menu can be tailored to accommodate dietary preferences, ensuring an inclusive experience that highlights the rich culinary diversity of the region. Optional: Choose a market tour on Saturdays and Smruti, your warm and knowledgeable host, will guide you through the bustling stalls just steps from her home. Together, you'll explore the seasonal bounty of California, hand-picking fresh produce, sampling local cheeses, and selecting ingredients that will inspire the meal to come.

Discover the art of Italian cooking in a cozy, welcoming environment at Ann and Rick's beautiful home near Laguna Beach. This small-group class begins with a refreshing welcome cocktail, setting the tone for an engaging afternoon. Together, you'll create a multi-course meal inspired by Ann's culinary travels and extensive training. Learn authentic recipes using fresh, seasonal ingredients, and enjoy your delicious creations paired with Italian wines. Each participant leaves with printed recipes and a keepsake, ensuring the flavors of Italy linger long after your visit.

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.

The ONLY Thai cooking class in Monterey! Fun & Tasty Party + Memorable Experience Plan your special holidays, surprise date night, birthday, bachelorette parties, company retreat, team building and family reunion events with Thai cooking class or just want to have fun learning about Thai cuisine. Tantalizing Thai food--Learn how to cook delicious and nutritious meals in no time! The class can be held with two people but expand up to six. It is a fun activity for everyone. We operate rain or shine! The class begins with learning the basics of Thai herbs and spices and what utensil and ingredients are typically found in a Thai kitchen. We will cover a wide assortment of famous Thai recipes and then proceed to learn to cook two of them and of course, enjoy dining together.