Tired of the same old takeout? Step up your cooking game with Chicago’s diverse range of unique cooking classes.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or don’t know the difference between a spatula and a rolling pin, Chicago is home to cooking schools that promise to take you on culinary adventures like no other. Master a savory truffle risotto, whip up a classic pad thai, or create a colorful, swirled Bundt cake that will leave your friends and family in awe — and possibly a little jealous!
If there’s one thing that brings people together, it’s food. So, let’s gather around the kitchen island, share some laughs and learn a new skill or two. Who knows? You might even discover your inner Julia Child or Gordon Ramsay (minus the expletives, of course).
Let’s get cooking, Chicago!
Arya Bhavan
Arya Bhavan is a beloved vegan and gluten-free Indian restaurant located along Chicago’s desi corridor, Devon Avenue. Their monthly cooking classes teach aspiring home chefs the recipes behind their healthy, plant-based dishes, all made with fresh, whole-food ingredients. You’ll learn how to use Ayurvedic spices to create flavorful dishes, master Indian veggie feasts and even explore oil-free cooking. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan or veggie-curious, these hands-on classes will teach you a repertoire of easy, nutritious meals that are good for the body, mind and soul.
2508 W. Devon Ave., 773-274-5800, aryabhavan.com/vegan-cooking-classes
Beautiful Rind
Calling all cheeseheads: Beautiful Rind, a specialty cheese shop-restaurant in Logan Square, also offers a variety of cheesy classes, both virtual and in-person. Expert cheesemonger Randall Felts founded the shop in April 2020 to educate people about the wonderful world of cheese and support sustainable cheesemakers. Classes here include “Getaway Cocktails and Cheese,” “Cheese & Chocolate: A Guided Tasting & Class” and “Feelin’ Gouda,” a deep dive into the Netherlands’ most famous dairy export. Astrologically inclined cheese lovers will especially appreciate February’s “Tyromancy: Predicting your future with cheese” class featuring Jennifer Billock, aka the Kitchen Witch, who will teach you the ancient art of interpreting the shapes, patterns and textures of cheese curds and mold growth to divine answers to your most pressing personal questions.
2211 N. Milwaukee Ave., 312-300-4535, beautifulrind.com
Bettie’s Chicago
Bettie’s Chicago transports its culinary students back to grandma’s midcentury kitchen. The sweet 1950s-themed cooking school founded by Kristin Hoffman, aka “Baker Bettie,” offers a nostalgic experience with its retro diner decor, complete with a jukebox and classic Coke machine. Classes here cover a wide range of baking techniques, from colorful cakes to pies and pastries, all taught in a fun and approachable manner. Don’t miss the “Introduction to Cake Decorating Class,” where you’ll learn the basics of cake decorating, including how to create smooth buttercream finishes, pipe elegant borders and add beautiful decorations such as flowers and sprinkles.
853 N. Larrabee St., Suite C, 312-725-0506, bettieschicago.com
Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute
Celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake with the Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute. Held at Hing Kee Restaurant in Chinatown, these hands-on classes teach participants how to make traditional Chinese dumplings, known as bao jiaozi. Cultural stories and demonstrations, including a traditional Chinese lion dance, round out the fun as you also learn about the symbolism of dumplings during the Lunar New Year. Kids are welcome, too, so bring the family to celebrate and create lasting memories while enjoying a delicious cultural experience together.
Hing Kee Restaurant, 2140 S. Archer Ave., Chinatown Square, 312-842-1988, chicagocci.com
Chicago Meat Collective
Meet your new favorite hobby: sausage-making! The Chicago Meat Collective offers hands-on sausage-making classes so you can bring back the art of butchery to your home kitchen, with a focus on local, sustainably raised meat. You’ll learn everything from sourcing the best meat and fat to butchering, grinding, seasoning and stuffing your own sausages. Students here get hands-on experience at every step and go home with several pounds of fresh, handmade sausages.
Classes held at The Hatchery, 135 N. Kedzie Ave., chicagomeatcollective.com
Dirk’s Fish
Dirk’s Fish is Chicago’s go-to destination for fresh, sustainably sourced seafood. The Lincoln Park fishmongers here also share their passion for seafood with a robust range of cooking classes covering various seafood dishes, from fish croquettes and salmon picadillo to tuna potstickers and shrimp tom kha soup. Classes are intimate, and BYOB, so bring on the bubbly, or other fave beverages, to enjoy while you cook a seafood specialty.
2070 N. Clybourn Ave., 773-404-3475, dirksfish.com/calendar
Eataly Chicago
Picture this: a bustling marketplace that feels like a teleportation portal straight to Rome, complete with all the chaos, charm and (of course) food. But wait, there’s more! At the in-store La Scuola di Eataly, you can dive headfirst into the rich traditions of Italian cuisine. In the “Fresh Pasta Making” class, you’ll embrace your inner nonna as you roll out pasta dough with a rolling pin. Save room for dessert and give the tiramisu class a go, where you’ll layer coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese and a dusting of cocoa powder into the classic Italian dessert. Other upcoming classes cover Italian classics such as focaccia, Neapolitan-style pizza and ravioli.
43 E. Ohio St., 312-521-8700, eataly.com
Get Me In the Kitchen
Fork up your social life at Get Me In the Kitchen, the “party school” of cooking schools. Add “Cooking & Karaoke” to your schedule and you’ll learn to cook a delicious meal while singing your heart out. At “Dinner & Dancing Lessons” you’ll make tapas and learn the basics of salsa dancing, while “Cooking & Queens” pairs cooking with a side of drag queen entertainment. Prepare to meet new people and learn new culinary skills, whether you’re flying solo or learning alongside your BFF or partner.
3617 N. Broadway, 773-754-7877, getmeinthekitchen.com
La Luna
Hosted by the ever-charming chef Marco Colin, La Luna’s lively in-restaurant classes teach you how to create mouthwatering tortillas and tacos from scratch. You’ll get hands-on experience with step-by-step guidance on making handmade tortillas and preparing delicious taco fillings. To top it off, you can sip a refreshing house margarita while you cook. Once you’ve mastered the art of handmade tortillas, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again.
1726 S. Racine Ave., 312-248-8957, eventbrite.com
Naveen’s Cuisine
“Cooking classes at my place are a great way for people to bond,” said chef Naveen Sachar, founder of Naveen’s Cuisine in Wicker Park. “People who cook together, play and learn together — they’re making memories!” The cozy space offers hands-on classes where participants learn to dice, slice, chop and cook up Northern Indian specialties all while enjoying a delicious meal. Upcoming classes will help you master Northern Indian classics such as chicken tikka masala, bhindi masala, aloo goobi, keema mater and more.
2523 W. North Ave., 773-230-9320, naveenscuisine.com
Raak Thai Cultural Center
Raak Thai Cultural Center is dedicated to promoting Thai language and culture through various programs, including Thai art and crafting classes, Thai language classes, and Thai cooking workshops where seasoned chefs will guide you through the tantalizing world of Thai street food. Forget takeout — you’re about to master the art of making pad thai, spring rolls and satay so good that you’ll start considering a career change to street food vendor extraordinaire.
6438 N. Maplewood Ave., 773-692-1956, raakthaiculturalcenter.com/chicago-thai-cooking
Sur la Table
Ready to roll up your sleeves and get a little flour in your hair? Sur la Table is more than a culinary goods retailer hidden in plain sight among the luxury shops of Michigan Avenue. Settle into its kitchen to learn the secrets behind some of the most complicated French dishes and desserts. The comprehensive “Classic French Croissants Class” will teach you everything you need to know to make flaky, buttery croissants from scratch, from mixing and laminating the dough to shaping and baking, while the “French Heritage Macarons Class” will teach you how to make two macaron flavors, peach and champagne, and the classic Parisian dessert, crème brûlée. 2025’s class calendar goes beyond la belle France and includes “Pasta From Scratch,” “Handmade Sushi Rolls” and “Artisanal Breads.”
900 N. Michigan Ave., 312-204-6008, surlatable.com
Tutore Italian Cooking School
Founded by chefs Dean Zanella and James De Marte, Avondale’s Tutore Italian Cooking School teaches dishes from less visited regions of Italy, such as Liguria, known for its pesto and cacciucco (fish stew), and the island of Sardinia, where the gnocchi, known as malloreddus, are tinier and tastier. Join the “Take Home Timpano Dinner Party” class in March to master the art of making a show-stopping timpano, just like in the movie “Big Night.” For a more relaxed evening, sign up for “Happy Hour Risotto” on Feb. 6 to learn how to make creamy risotto while you also enjoy drinks with fellow foodies. And if you’ve ever wanted to make a red sauce just like nonno and nonna, “Sunday at Nonna’s” unveils the cooking techniques behind the classic Italian American Sunday family meal.
2755 W. Belmont Ave., 773-942-6706, tutorecookingschool.com
Wild Blossom Meadery
Ready to channel your inner Viking? Mead, often called “honey wine,” is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey with water. It’s one of the oldest known alcoholic drinks, with a history that spans thousands of years across various cultures. Mead can range from sweet to dry and still, sparkling or carbonated; you can add fruits, spices or herbs to create different flavors. At a Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery mead-making class, you’ll learn about the history of mead, the fermentation process and how to create your very own mead blends. The urban meadery is renowned for its sustainable practices, including raising their own bees and using honey from their hives. They also offer beer brewing and winemaking classes on a regular schedule.
9030 S. Hermitage Ave., 773-840-4642, wildblossommeadery.com
Amy Bizzarri is a freelance writer.
Tired of the same old takeout? Step up your cooking game with Chicago’s diverse range of unique cooking classes.
Tired of the same old takeout? Step up your cooking game with Chicago’s diverse range of unique cooking classes.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or don’t know the difference between a spatula and a rolling pin, Chicago is home to cooking schools that promise to take you on culinary adventures like no other. Master a savory truffle risotto, whip up a classic pad thai, or create a colorful, swirled Bundt cake that will leave your friends and family in awe — and possibly a little jealous!
If there’s one thing that brings people together, it’s food. So, let’s gather around the kitchen island, share some laughs and learn a new skill or two. Who knows? You might even discover your inner Julia Child or Gordon Ramsay (minus the expletives, of course).
Let’s get cooking, Chicago!
Arya Bhavan
Arya Bhavan is a beloved vegan and gluten-free Indian restaurant located along Chicago’s desi corridor, Devon Avenue. Their monthly cooking classes teach aspiring home chefs the recipes behind their healthy, plant-based dishes, all made with fresh, whole-food ingredients. You’ll learn how to use Ayurvedic spices to create flavorful dishes, master Indian veggie feasts and even explore oil-free cooking. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan or veggie-curious, these hands-on classes will teach you a repertoire of easy, nutritious meals that are good for the body, mind and soul.
2508 W. Devon Ave., 773-274-5800, aryabhavan.com/vegan-cooking-classes
Beautiful Rind
Calling all cheeseheads: Beautiful Rind, a specialty cheese shop-restaurant in Logan Square, also offers a variety of cheesy classes, both virtual and in-person. Expert cheesemonger Randall Felts founded the shop in April 2020 to educate people about the wonderful world of cheese and support sustainable cheesemakers. Classes here include “Getaway Cocktails and Cheese,” “Cheese & Chocolate: A Guided Tasting & Class” and “Feelin’ Gouda,” a deep dive into the Netherlands’ most famous dairy export. Astrologically inclined cheese lovers will especially appreciate February’s “Tyromancy: Predicting your future with cheese” class featuring Jennifer Billock, aka the Kitchen Witch, who will teach you the ancient art of interpreting the shapes, patterns and textures of cheese curds and mold growth to divine answers to your most pressing personal questions.
2211 N. Milwaukee Ave., 312-300-4535, beautifulrind.com
Bettie’s Chicago
Bettie’s Chicago transports its culinary students back to grandma’s midcentury kitchen. The sweet 1950s-themed cooking school founded by Kristin Hoffman, aka “Baker Bettie,” offers a nostalgic experience with its retro diner decor, complete with a jukebox and classic Coke machine. Classes here cover a wide range of baking techniques, from colorful cakes to pies and pastries, all taught in a fun and approachable manner. Don’t miss the “Introduction to Cake Decorating Class,” where you’ll learn the basics of cake decorating, including how to create smooth buttercream finishes, pipe elegant borders and add beautiful decorations such as flowers and sprinkles.
853 N. Larrabee St., Suite C, 312-725-0506, bettieschicago.com
Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute
Celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake with the Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute. Held at Hing Kee Restaurant in Chinatown, these hands-on classes teach participants how to make traditional Chinese dumplings, known as bao jiaozi. Cultural stories and demonstrations, including a traditional Chinese lion dance, round out the fun as you also learn about the symbolism of dumplings during the Lunar New Year. Kids are welcome, too, so bring the family to celebrate and create lasting memories while enjoying a delicious cultural experience together.
Hing Kee Restaurant, 2140 S. Archer Ave., Chinatown Square, 312-842-1988, chicagocci.com
Chicago Meat Collective
Meet your new favorite hobby: sausage-making! The Chicago Meat Collective offers hands-on sausage-making classes so you can bring back the art of butchery to your home kitchen, with a focus on local, sustainably raised meat. You’ll learn everything from sourcing the best meat and fat to butchering, grinding, seasoning and stuffing your own sausages. Students here get hands-on experience at every step and go home with several pounds of fresh, handmade sausages.
Classes held at The Hatchery, 135 N. Kedzie Ave., chicagomeatcollective.com
Dirk’s Fish
Dirk’s Fish is Chicago’s go-to destination for fresh, sustainably sourced seafood. The Lincoln Park fishmongers here also share their passion for seafood with a robust range of cooking classes covering various seafood dishes, from fish croquettes and salmon picadillo to tuna potstickers and shrimp tom kha soup. Classes are intimate, and BYOB, so bring on the bubbly, or other fave beverages, to enjoy while you cook a seafood specialty.
2070 N. Clybourn Ave., 773-404-3475, dirksfish.com/calendar
Eataly Chicago
Picture this: a bustling marketplace that feels like a teleportation portal straight to Rome, complete with all the chaos, charm and (of course) food. But wait, there’s more! At the in-store La Scuola di Eataly, you can dive headfirst into the rich traditions of Italian cuisine. In the “Fresh Pasta Making” class, you’ll embrace your inner nonna as you roll out pasta dough with a rolling pin. Save room for dessert and give the tiramisu class a go, where you’ll layer coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese and a dusting of cocoa powder into the classic Italian dessert. Other upcoming classes cover Italian classics such as focaccia, Neapolitan-style pizza and ravioli.
43 E. Ohio St., 312-521-8700, eataly.com
Get Me In the Kitchen
Fork up your social life at Get Me In the Kitchen, the “party school” of cooking schools. Add “Cooking & Karaoke” to your schedule and you’ll learn to cook a delicious meal while singing your heart out. At “Dinner & Dancing Lessons” you’ll make tapas and learn the basics of salsa dancing, while “Cooking & Queens” pairs cooking with a side of drag queen entertainment. Prepare to meet new people and learn new culinary skills, whether you’re flying solo or learning alongside your BFF or partner.
3617 N. Broadway, 773-754-7877, getmeinthekitchen.com
La Luna
Hosted by the ever-charming chef Marco Colin, La Luna’s lively in-restaurant classes teach you how to create mouthwatering tortillas and tacos from scratch. You’ll get hands-on experience with step-by-step guidance on making handmade tortillas and preparing delicious taco fillings. To top it off, you can sip a refreshing house margarita while you cook. Once you’ve mastered the art of handmade tortillas, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again.
1726 S. Racine Ave., 312-248-8957, eventbrite.com
Naveen’s Cuisine
“Cooking classes at my place are a great way for people to bond,” said chef Naveen Sachar, founder of Naveen’s Cuisine in Wicker Park. “People who cook together, play and learn together — they’re making memories!” The cozy space offers hands-on classes where participants learn to dice, slice, chop and cook up Northern Indian specialties all while enjoying a delicious meal. Upcoming classes will help you master Northern Indian classics such as chicken tikka masala, bhindi masala, aloo goobi, keema mater and more.
2523 W. North Ave., 773-230-9320, naveenscuisine.com
Raak Thai Cultural Center
Raak Thai Cultural Center is dedicated to promoting Thai language and culture through various programs, including Thai art and crafting classes, Thai language classes, and Thai cooking workshops where seasoned chefs will guide you through the tantalizing world of Thai street food. Forget takeout — you’re about to master the art of making pad thai, spring rolls and satay so good that you’ll start considering a career change to street food vendor extraordinaire.
6438 N. Maplewood Ave., 773-692-1956, raakthaiculturalcenter.com/chicago-thai-cooking
Sur la Table
Ready to roll up your sleeves and get a little flour in your hair? Sur la Table is more than a culinary goods retailer hidden in plain sight among the luxury shops of Michigan Avenue. Settle into its kitchen to learn the secrets behind some of the most complicated French dishes and desserts. The comprehensive “Classic French Croissants Class” will teach you everything you need to know to make flaky, buttery croissants from scratch, from mixing and laminating the dough to shaping and baking, while the “French Heritage Macarons Class” will teach you how to make two macaron flavors, peach and champagne, and the classic Parisian dessert, crème brûlée. 2025’s class calendar goes beyond la belle France and includes “Pasta From Scratch,” “Handmade Sushi Rolls” and “Artisanal Breads.”
900 N. Michigan Ave., 312-204-6008, surlatable.com
Tutore Italian Cooking School
Founded by chefs Dean Zanella and James De Marte, Avondale’s Tutore Italian Cooking School teaches dishes from less visited regions of Italy, such as Liguria, known for its pesto and cacciucco (fish stew), and the island of Sardinia, where the gnocchi, known as malloreddus, are tinier and tastier. Join the “Take Home Timpano Dinner Party” class in March to master the art of making a show-stopping timpano, just like in the movie “Big Night.” For a more relaxed evening, sign up for “Happy Hour Risotto” on Feb. 6 to learn how to make creamy risotto while you also enjoy drinks with fellow foodies. And if you’ve ever wanted to make a red sauce just like nonno and nonna, “Sunday at Nonna’s” unveils the cooking techniques behind the classic Italian American Sunday family meal.
2755 W. Belmont Ave., 773-942-6706, tutorecookingschool.com
Wild Blossom Meadery
Ready to channel your inner Viking? Mead, often called “honey wine,” is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey with water. It’s one of the oldest known alcoholic drinks, with a history that spans thousands of years across various cultures. Mead can range from sweet to dry and still, sparkling or carbonated; you can add fruits, spices or herbs to create different flavors. At a Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery mead-making class, you’ll learn about the history of mead, the fermentation process and how to create your very own mead blends. The urban meadery is renowned for its sustainable practices, including raising their own bees and using honey from their hives. They also offer beer brewing and winemaking classes on a regular schedule.
9030 S. Hermitage Ave., 773-840-4642, wildblossommeadery.com
Amy Bizzarri is a freelance writer.
More in Restaurants, Food and Drink
