only in ITALIAN – International aperitif + cooking class in Italian

Imagine spending a relaxed evening in a bright, friendly space where you learn to prepare dishes from around the world, all while practicing your Italian and enjoying fine wine. That’s exactly what this “Only in Italian” experience offers — a 2.5-hour journey into global cuisine, guided entirely in Italian by a passionate chef. Whether you’re a foodie eager to expand your culinary repertoire or a language lover looking to combine travel with language practice, this class promises a memorable blend of fun, flavor, and conversation.

What we love about this experience is the authenticity it brings — speaking only Italian creates an immersive environment, allowing you to sharpen your language skills naturally. The variety of recipes, ranging from international appetizers to desserts, keeps the menu exciting and educational. Plus, the welcoming atmosphere and quality wine pairing make it more than just a cooking class — it’s a social event. The only caveat? Since the experience is conducted exclusively in Italian, some basic language skills will help you get the most out of it. It’s ideal for travelers with a genuine curiosity for food and culture, who enjoy small-group settings and a relaxed vibe.

Good To Know:

• Authentic Italian Language Experience: All communication happens in Italian, offering real language immersion.
• Global Culinary Exploration: Cook and taste dishes from different parts of the world.
• Friendly, Guided Environment: No prior skills needed, as the chef and staff are there to assist.
• Quality Food and Wine: Enjoy a variety of appetizers/desserts paired with good wine or cocktails.
• Social and Fun Atmosphere: Meet new people and share a relaxed evening.
• Value for Money: At $50, the experience offers a lot of learning and fun in just 2.5 hours.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect: A Deep Dive into the Experience

This class is held at Chef and the City, a professional cooking workshop located on Via Laura Ciceri Visconti n. 4. When you arrive, the first thing you’ll notice are the three large windows and the bright red signs inviting you inside. The experience begins with a warm welcome in a cozy dining area, a pleasant surprise for those expecting just a kitchen. Here, you’ll find a small buffet of sweet and savory snacks, along with drinks, tea, and coffee — a perfect way to settle in and start conversations.

The Language Environment: Only Italian

One of the defining features of this experience is that only Italian is spoken. This might seem intimidating if your Italian is still a work in progress, but don’t worry — the chef and her team are very experienced at guiding guests of various language levels. From reviews, we know that the friendly atmosphere helps even beginners feel comfortable, as the focus is on shared fun rather than perfection. As one guest put it, “no special skills are necessary because everyone cooks together under the expert guidance,” making it accessible for all.

The Cooking: Recipes from Around the World

You’ll learn to prepare three different appetizers and/or a dessert from diverse regions — think of it as a global culinary tour. Each dish takes about 30 minutes to make, with a short break in between to reset and prepare for the next recipe. The chef guides you through every step, sharing tips and tricks that even seasoned cooks can appreciate.

Based on reviews, the dishes are “delicious and unique,” and the process is described as fun and engaging. Many guests appreciated that they learned recipes they could replicate at home, with some even mentioning that they’d never heard of some ingredients or techniques before. The focus is on simple, approachable recipes that are quick to master, making it practical for everyday cooking afterward.

Sampling and Socializing

The last hour is reserved for tasting the fruits of your labor. You’ll enjoy your creations paired with a glass of good wine or a signature cocktail. The wine is described as well-selected, with one bottle offered for every four guests, ensuring everyone gets plenty to sip during the tasting. The reviews highlight how the wine pairing elevates the experience, turning it into a wonderful social occasion.

Guests frequently mention how the tasting time is the highlight — “eating what we cooked together,” as one reviewer said, “feels very rewarding.” The relaxed, convivial atmosphere makes conversations flow easily, whether about food, travel, or language.

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Practical Details

The entire experience lasts 2.5 hours, with times typically starting in the early evening. Group sizes tend to be small, fostering intimacy and interaction, and the price is quite reasonable at $50 per person. Included in the price are kitchen tools, aprons, gloves, snacks, drinks, and water. You’re encouraged to bring a hair tie and are reminded that pets, strollers, luggage, and smoking are not permitted, ensuring a smooth, focused environment.

The location is easy to reach — when you arrive, ring the bell at the central window and wait for entry. The experience is designed for guests aged 18 and over, with a minimum age requirement, and is fully conducted in Italian.

Why This Experience Offers Great Value

At just $50, this experience packs in a lot of value. You get hands-on cooking, language practice, authentic food tastings, and quality wine — all in a friendly, well-organized setting. Compared to private cooking lessons or dinner at a restaurant, this offers a more interactive and memorable way to spend a couple of hours. Guests repeatedly mention how well-organized and attentive the staff are, ensuring everyone feels comfortable regardless of their skill level.

The small-group setting is a highlight, making the experience intimate and personal. Plus, the focus on international recipes adds a fun twist, giving you ideas for dishes from South America, Asia, Europe, and beyond. Many reviewers appreciated the expert guidance from Chef Ilaria, whose enthusiasm is contagious.

Who Should Book This Class?

This experience is perfect for food lovers, language enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a fun way to meet new people in Milan. It’s especially suited for adults over 18 who enjoy casual social settings and are open to practicing Italian in a relaxed environment. Since no advanced cooking skills are required, even beginner cooks will find it approachable and rewarding.

Travelers who want to combine culture with culinary fun will enjoy the global menu and the authentic atmosphere. If you’re craving a memorable, interactive activity that mixes food, conversation, and a touch of Italian language, this class is an excellent choice.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

In a nutshell, this “Only in Italian” class offers a fantastic blend of culinary education, language practice, and social fun. The chance to cook dishes from around the world alongside fellow travelers and locals makes it a unique experience in Milan. The focus on quality ingredients, good wine, and a welcoming environment means you’ll leave with a full belly and new skills, plus plenty of stories to tell.

If you’re after an informal, engaging way to spend a couple of hours in Milan — especially if your Italian is developing or you’re interested in international cuisines — this class is a smart pick. The consistently high reviews showcase how well it succeeds in delivering an authentic, enjoyable, and value-packed experience.

This experience is best suited for curious, social travelers who appreciate good food and want to connect with Italian culture through language and cuisine. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, it’s an activity that leaves you with tasty memories and a few new words in your vocabulary.

FAQ

Is any cooking experience required?
No, all guests are welcomed regardless of skill level. The chef and staff guide everyone step-by-step, making it accessible even for beginners.

What language is spoken during the class?
Only Italian is spoken throughout the experience, creating an immersive environment for language practice.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers kitchen tools, aprons, gloves, snacks, drinks, water, and a glass of sparkling wine or cocktail. You’ll also learn to cook three recipes.

How long does the experience last?
It runs for 2.5 hours, ending around 9 p.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive promptly.

Can I participate if I don’t speak much Italian?
Basic Italian skills help, but the friendly guides are used to working with learners and non-native speakers, so beginners can still enjoy and learn.

Are children allowed?
No, the minimum age is 18. The experience is designed for adult participants.

Is there parking nearby?
The location is centrally situated; while parking information isn’t specified, public transportation is likely the easiest way to reach it.

Can I bring my own wine or extra bottles?
Extra bottles or glasses aren’t included and aren’t permitted to be brought in, but the wine provided is of good quality and plentiful.

In summary, this Italian-language culinary class offers a delightful mix of international flavors, authentic cooking, and social connection, all in a cozy, well-organized setting. Perfect for curious travelers eager to combine language, culture, and cuisine in one memorable evening.

You can check if your dates are available here: