Montreal: Cooking Class & Lunch with Michelin-Trained Chef

If you’re curious about how a Michelin-starred chef approaches home cooking or want to bring a touch of professional flair to your kitchen, this Montreal cooking class offers a fantastic opportunity. Set in the historic Old Port, this experience blends culinary education with a delightful tasting menu, making it perfect for food lovers eager to learn new skills and explore Montreal’s vibrant food scene.

What sets this experience apart? We love the chance to collaborate on a dish, gaining hands-on techniques like searing and plating from an award-winning guide. The focus on global influences, including Caribbean, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Quebecois flavors, keeps the menu exciting and educational. Plus, the personalized instruction from a Michelin-trained chef makes this feel more like a culinary masterclass than a tour.

One possible drawback? The start times vary between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM, depending on local farm deliveries, so your schedule might need a bit of flexibility. That said, this is an intimate experience designed for small groups, which enhances the personal touch and allows for plenty of individual attention.

This tour is ideal for adventurous home cooks, food travelers interested in authentic techniques, or anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Montreal’s multicultural cuisine. Whether you’re visiting Montreal for a few days or just can’t resist a good cooking class, this experience delivers a memorable, tasty, and educational outing.

• Hands-on learning: You’ll actively participate in preparing each course, gaining practical skills.
• Cultural exploration: The menu reflects Montreal’s diverse food influences, adding a global twist.
• Professional techniques: From sauce ratios to plating, you’ll learn methods used by top chefs.
• Intimate setting: Small private groups ensure personalized attention.
• Flexible start times: Variations depend on local farm deliveries, so check your confirmed schedule.
• Value for the price: At $128, you receive expert instruction, a full meal, and new culinary skills.

Setting and Location

The class takes place in the historic Old Port of Montreal, a picturesque area bursting with charm and history. The meeting point, 375 Rue Saint-Paul East, is easy to find, especially if you buzz the number 5 upon arrival. The venue feels warm and welcoming, with an authentic Montreal vibe that sets the tone for an immersive experience.

The fact that it’s held in a private setting means you’ll enjoy a more personal and relaxed atmosphere, away from large crowds typical of many group classes. The instructor, Chef Rob, is an industry veteran with a worldly palate that shines through in his teaching style, combining professionalism and humor.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

This experience lasts roughly 2.5 hours, usually scheduled in the afternoon. The timing varies because Chef Rob adjusts start times based on the day’s farm and fisherman deliveries, which is a testament to the program’s commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients.

The class kicks off with a brief introduction to Montreal’s food cultures, giving you insight into how Caribbean, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Quebecois cuisines influence the dishes you’ll prepare. Chef Rob’s background as a Michelin-trained chef means his explanations are rooted in professional techniques, making the entire process more instructive than just following a recipe.

Each participant collaborates on one course, where you’ll learn professional techniques like searing, oven poaching, and sauce ratios. The menu typically features three courses inspired by different cultural influences, which are then enjoyed as a tasting once cooking wraps up.

The Cooking Experience

What truly makes this class stand out is the interactive element — you’re not just watching or following steps mindlessly. Coupled with Chef Rob’s precise guidance, you’ll learn how to build flavors, plate visually appealing dishes, and master sensitive techniques like sauce balancing and ingredient pairing.

Guests have raved about the quality of instruction. R. Tom described it as a “relaxed, fun atmosphere,” praising Chef Rob’s mastery, humor, and frequent communication, which kept everyone engaged and confident. His background in food and wine brings an added layer of insight, especially when paired with optional beverage pairings (though drinks are not included).

The Menu and Tasting

After the cooking, you’ll sit down to enjoy a three-course tasting menu. The dishes are deliberately designed to showcase Montreal’s multicultural food scene, encompassing influences like Caribbean spices, Asian flavors, and Quebecois traditions. Reviewers repeatedly mention how well the flavors are balanced and how the techniques learned translate into home cooking.

Morad from Canada highlighted how he learned to make “extraordinary sauces” and mastered “unique slicing techniques,” while others appreciated how Chef Rob guided them to rethink ingredients and flavor combinations. The focus on sauces and presentation elevates this from a simple cooking class to a true culinary education.

Value and Cost

At $128 per person, this experience offers considerable value. For that price, you gain not only a hands-on cooking session but also professional insights from a chef with experience in Michelin-starred kitchens. The inclusion of a three-course meal and the opportunity to acquire new skills makes it an excellent investment for foodies.

Compared to other classes that might only offer demonstrations or pre-made dishes, this interactive format means you’ll leave with practical skills you can use at home. Reviewers frequently mention how they plan to recreate the dishes or techniques learned, making the experience more than just a one-time event.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The class is wheelchair accessible, and since it’s a private group, there’s plenty of space for questions and individual attention. The flexibility in start times, although variable, is designed to accommodate the freshest ingredients, ensuring the best quality for your dishes.

The meeting process is straightforward: you text upon arrival and buzz in. While the class duration is fixed, the timing might shift slightly based on farm deliveries, so it’s best to confirm your exact schedule in advance.

This tour is perfect for home cooks eager to improve their culinary skills, travelers wanting a deeper connection to Montreal’s food culture, or foodies who thrive on learning techniques from seasoned professionals. It’s also ideal if you enjoy small, intimate groups and appreciate detailed instruction.

If you’re after a fun, educational experience that leaves you with new skills—plus a delicious three-course meal—then this class will be a highlight of your Montreal visit.

This Montreal cooking class offers a rare chance to learn from a Michelin-trained chef in a cozy, private setting. You’ll gain practical skills that go beyond following a recipe, understanding how to build flavors, perfect sauces, and plate like a professional. The multicultural menu reflects Montreal’s diverse culinary scene, making every bite a small adventure.

For those who love hands-on experiences and want to bring a little of Montreal’s culinary magic home, this class strikes a balance between education, authentic flavors, and fun. It’s especially suited for curious food lovers, aspiring chefs, or anyone looking to elevate their cooking game with expert guidance.

The mix of professional techniques, personalized attention, and a memorable meal makes this a smart choice for a culinary outing in Montreal. Just be flexible on the start time, and prepare to enjoy a delightful, flavor-packed journey.

How long is the class?
The class runs for approximately 2.5 hours, typically scheduled in the afternoon.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers the hands-on cooking experience, professional training on sauces and plating, and a three-course tasting menu inspired by diverse food cultures. Drinks are not included.

Where does the class take place?
It’s held at 375 Rue Saint-Paul East in Montreal’s Old Port, a scenic and historic area.

Is the experience suitable for vegetarians or special diets?
The provided info doesn’t specify dietary accommodations, so it’s best to contact the provider directly to discuss any restrictions.

Are there different start times?
Yes, the start times vary between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM, depending on farm and fisherman deliveries.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind if your schedule shifts.

Is this experience accessible?
Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a variety of guests.

Do I need to bring anything?
No special equipment is required. Just arrive ready to cook, learn, and enjoy.

Can I book and pay later?
Absolutely. You can reserve your spot without payment upfront, providing flexibility in your travel planning.

Is this a private experience?
Yes, it’s designed for private groups, ensuring an intimate and personalized class.