Top California Cooking Classes

Step into a welcoming Los Angeles kitchen and immerse yourself in the craft of sophisticated sushi-making. Limited to a small group, this class combines knife skills, rolling techniques and elegant presentation. The menu you will prepare includes: - Nigiri and sashimi with seasonal fish - Maki, temaki and uramaki rolls with refined fillings and caviar accents - Chirashi sushi bowl with rice, sashimi, vegetables and egg Your sushi chef will guide you through slicing, rice preparation and assembly, leaving you confident to recreate elevated Japanese dishes at home.

Skip the restaurant and roll your own sushi with Chef Birdie in this interactive class. You’ll master the basics step by step, starting with seasoned sushi rice and fresh, crisp veggies. Learn how to spread rice onto nori sheets, layer fillings and roll everything up tight by hand. On the menu: a shrimp tempura roll plus the crowd-favorite California roll with crab, cucumber and carrot. Whether you’re brand-new to sushi or just want to sharpen your skills, this class is approachable, fun and full of flavor. End the night by enjoying your fresh creations and walk away with confidence to recreate them anytime. What to Expect: - Step-by-step guidance from a talented chef who makes it make sense. - A fun, beginner-friendly class where no one judges your knife skills. - Tasting, laughing and leveling up your kitchen game. - Ideal for: a solo outing, date night, girls’ night or group fun.

If you’re looking for a new recipe to add to your go-tos, this Carmel-by-the-Sea Macaron Baking Class with a Mater Chef is a great choice. Not only will you learn how to make these French delights from scratch, you’ll 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 groups and for solo enthusiasts.

Ready to upgrade your pasta skills and unleash your inner Italian nonna? Join Chef Maggie for a fun, technique-packed cooking class focused on two timeless pasta favorites: pappardelle and ravioli. You’ll learn how to make your own pasta dough by hand, mastering essential techniques like kneading, rolling, and shaping. Chef Maggie will guide you through crafting perfect pappardelle noodles and expertly stuffed ravioli filled with a vibrant, herb-infused ricotta and tofu blend. You’ll also whip up a flavorful aglio e olio sauce using olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs, topped off with plant-based Parmesan and fresh parsley. It’s a celebration of traditional Italian cooking with a modern, plant-based twist. What to Expect: - Step-by-step guidance from a talented chef who makes it make sense. - A fun, beginner-friendly class where no one judges your knife skills. - Tasting, laughing and leveling up your kitchen game. - Ideal for: a solo outing, date night, girls’ night or group fun.

Transform your culinary skills in this hands-on pasta-making class at a local brewery, 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.

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.

With us you’re not just playing a game; you’re immersing yourself in a vibrant community steeped in tradition and passion. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned player, our experienced instructors ensure an unforgettable experience, blending bocce play with the region’s rich wine culture.

Discover how to balance sweet, savory and spice in a comforting Thai classic. In this interactive class, Chef Lina breaks down the essential techniques behind restaurant-quality Thai chicken yellow curry. Start by learning how to properly bloom curry paste and build layers of flavor before adding chicken, potatoes, carrots and onion. Then, stir in creamy coconut milk and adjust the seasoning with palm sugar and fish sauce for perfect harmony. As your curry develops depth, prepare jasmine rice to complement the bold sauce. Chef Lina offers personalized guidance throughout, ensuring you leave confident recreating this vibrant dish at home. With hands-on instruction, premium ingredients and a full meal included, this Sacramento cooking experience delivers both technique and unforgettable flavor in every bite.

If you've ever wanted to be the host or hostess with the mostest and impress your guests with Insta-worthy charcuterie boards and grazing tables, then this is the class for you! If you just want to relax, have fun, chat with a well-traveled Tahoe local and eat delicious charcuterie, then this is also the class for you! I'm happy to accommodate food allergies and custom orders.

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.

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.

Experience a unique French-Californian cooking class in a stunning Southern California coastal home with Ann and Rick. This warm, food-loving couple brings a wealth of culinary knowledge from travels and training, blending classic French techniques with fresh Californian produce. Savor the joy of cooking and dining with locals who love to entertain in style, just minutes from the Ritz Carlton and Waldorf Astoria in Dana Point.

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.

At Diamond E Ranch, a hands-on soap-making experience awaits you. Spend 90 minutes crafting luxurious goat milk soap alongside our friendly miniature dairy goats. Ideal for adults and mother/daughter pairs, each participant creates a custom 3-lb soap loaf, choosing from an array of scents and colors using fresh goat milk from our own herd. This beginner-friendly class not only teaches the traditional cold-process method but also leaves you with a nourishing product that’s perfect for sensitive skin. Enjoy quality time while indulging your creativity in a serene ranch setting.

San Francisco is home to so many enchanting neighborhoods that it can be challenging to explore them all. On this small-group walking tour, visit Chinatown and North Beach, two of the city’s most storied districts, in about a half day of sightseeing. Learn about culture and traditions from your local guide, and stop for generous food tastings—from tea and dim sum in Chinatown to fresh cannoli in one of North Beach's oldest bakeries.

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.

Uncork the magic of the Santa Ynez Valley with Grapeline Wine Tours—a curated wine country experience like no other. Delight in visits to three wineries, where reservations and logistics are handled by Grapeline. Savor each sip at your own pace—tasting fees are NOT included and are pay-as-you-go. Many wineries offer partial or full refunds when you join their wine clubs or purchase bottles to take home. Indulge in a delicious, boxed picnic lunch with seven options to choose from, enjoyed amidst the serene backdrop of a winery. Relax and enjoy hosted transportation aboard a deluxe touring vehicle, led by a friendly and knowledgeable driver/host who ensures your day is seamless and fun. Convenient pick-up and drop-off are included from Santa Ynez Valley area hotels, making your wine adventure as effortless as it is memorable. With Grapeline, your journey through wine country is filled with exceptional tastes, picturesque settings, and unforgettable moments.

Come aboard the Privateer, your sailboat for the evening, for a a scenic small-group cruise along the San Francisco Bay. As you set off on the water, you'll enjoy sightseeing at the most beautiful time of day—sunset. Coast along and look out for local landmarks like Alcatraz, the Sausalito shoreline, and the Golden Gate Bridge, all with two drinks of choice in your hand.

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.

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 the flavors of Spain in this hands-on 4-course cooking class in Southeastern Sacramento, hosted through Cozymeal. Limited to 8 guests, this small-group workshop highlights authentic ingredients and timeless Spanish recipes. The menu you will prepare includes: - Potato croquettes - Seafood paella - Pan con tomate with citrus and avocado salad - Almond torte Across 2.5 hours, you’ll gain confidence in Spanish cooking methods while enjoying your creations in a relaxed setting.

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.

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!