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My experience in a Cooking School in Florence
- Where To Lisbon
- Apr 18
- 3 min read
Last summer, I was lucky enough to take an entire month to focus on one of my biggest passions: Italian food.
After a lot of searching, I found what I truly believe was the best possible option, a 30-day cooking course held in a palazzo in the heart of Florence in Arte Culinaria Cordon Bleu.
But the biggest challenge actually came before the course even started: accommodation. Florence in July is no joke: difficult and expensive. I ended up finding a cute Airbnb about a 30-minute walk from the school, which, between us, turned out to be the best possible decision… especially considering how much we were going to eat that month.
The course experience
Classes took place every morning and finished just in time to eat what we had cooked for lunch, quite the perfect setup. In the afternoons, we sometimes had wine tastings or food tours, and other days were left free to explore the city or catch up on online work, which worked perfectly for me.
What made the experience truly special was realizing how Italian food goes far beyond pasta and pizza. It’s about philosophy, respect for ingredients, and tradition. The way Italians see food feels very similar to Portugal: it’s not just food, it’s connection, ritual, shared culture. It’s heartwarming and incredibly special.
The course was divided into weekly themes:
Pastas & sauces
Meat
Fish
Bread and pizza
Overall, it’s a fantastic course for anyone who wants to build a strong foundation in the kitchen while enjoying a culinary-focused stay in Florence.
I fell hard for Florence
I had been to Florence once before, years ago, and remembered it as a beautiful city. This time, it was everything I imagined and more. I could genuinely see myself living there.
Florence has an incredible balance: so much culture packed into a relatively small city. You can explore freely without feeling overwhelmed. The only consistently crowded area is the Duomo, but after living there for a month, you simply learn to avoid it.
Italy has countless traditional dishes, but fair warning: ordering a dish from another region in the “wrong” city is not taken lightly.
My favorite food spots in Florence
Al’Antico Forno - for great bread and focaccia in the morning
Vivoli - go at 8 am when they open to avoid the queue and enjoy empty streets
I’Tuscani - for the best bistecca alla fiorentina
Gelateria della Passera - best gelato; try the rice flavor if available
Il Bufalo Trippone - for incredible truffle schiacciata
All’Antico Vinaio - another must try schiacciata stop
Babae - the best window wine bar
Cambi - traditional, simple local food
Le Volpi e l’Uva - a classic gem with amazing wines and small bites
Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco - fantastic wild boar pasta
While in Florence, don’t miss the Tuscan countryside. For me, it was all about hunting and eating truffles 😅 A weekend trip is more than enough.
So now you know there’s no better place to learn about food than Florence. Book that month away. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with the food, the culture, and the city, just like I did.
Learn more about Portuguese food traditions 🇵🇹
This is not your regular food tour.
It’s a tasting experience of Lisbon, told through the dishes, artisans, and traditions that shape the city. If you travel to understand how locals live, what they cherish, and the flavors that define them, this experience was created for you.
🕛 Starts at 12 PM
⏱️ +/- 4 hours | 10 stops
📅 Available most days
🚶♀️ Not suited for limited mobility (but we can create a private tour suited for your needs)
👥 Private tours on request: where.to.lx@gmail.com
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