The Cooking Lab - Authentic Food Experience in Florence
Florence, Italy

The Cooking Lab - Authentic Food Experience

Outty Ranking 78 5.0 · 114 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $80

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

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Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$80
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Outty Ranking

78/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 114 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is The Cooking Lab - Authentic Food Experience worth booking?

The Cooking Lab - Authentic Food Experience is a 3-hour experience in Florence, Italy, from $80 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 5/5 rating across 114 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
78 / 100
Rating
5/5 (114)
Duration
3 hours
From
$80 per person

I have a real passion for quality food and I am impatient to share it with new people. Cooking and eating all together is such a good experience that I don't want to keep it just for me! I'm realy enthusiastic for the

What you get

    About this experience

    I have a real passion for quality food and I am impatient to share it with new people. Cooking and eating all together is such a good experience that I don't want to keep it just for me! I'm realy enthusiastic for the genuine italian cuisine since childhood and I look forward to meet new "lovers" every day!

    What's included

    Included

    • all the cooking equipment
    • Lunch
    • Snacks
    • Dinner
    • Tea and coffee
    • Alcoholic beverages

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Florence

    Please ring the front doorbell labeled Polverini Cascella

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Please ring the front doorbell labeled Polverini Cascella

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, it, fr
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Luca Polverini

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • !!! please specify if you prefer 10am or 5pm!!!

    Photos

    The Cooking Lab - Authentic Food Experience in Florence, photo 2The Cooking Lab - Authentic Food Experience in Florence, photo 3The Cooking Lab - Authentic Food Experience in Florence, photo 4The Cooking Lab - Authentic Food Experience in Florence, photo 5The Cooking Lab - Authentic Food Experience in Florence, photo 6The Cooking Lab - Authentic Food Experience in Florence, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 114 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Food and drink

    7 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Good for families

    5 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    114 verified traveler reviews for The Cooking Lab - Authentic Food Experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    114
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    rodneyt656 · December 2025

    Cooking with Luca a Florence Experience

    Luca was not only a great instructor, but he was a gracious host inviting us into his home. He prepared a small appetizer before we got started and share a bit about himself and his family and how he got into cooking. The meal we prepared was a simple Italian offering consisting of spaghetti, spinach stuffed ravioli, a creamy cheese sauce and a tiramisu for dessert. I highly recommend him as he was very patient with us and gave detailed explanations on the creating and cooking process. We are planning a small holiday gathering and plan to duplicate our efforts with him for that occasion.

    Response from the operator: Grazie! ❤️

    via Tripadvisor

    TheHungryKoala · October 2025

    Outstanding evening, add this to your itinerary immediately!

    Absolutely fantastic night! Luca is a delight and we had so much fun learning how to make two different pasta dishes and tiramisu. I have never liked tiramisu until this evening --I am a changed woman! Such a wonderful experience, and I'm sure the techniques we have learned will be one of the greatest souvenirs we will take home from this trip!

    Response from the operator: Grazie mille ❤️❤️❤️

    via Tripadvisor

    Jason_P · October 2025

    Fun experience with a great host

    Luca is a gracious host and an excellent teacher! He showed us practical techniques to make pasta and he showed us how to make a delicious tiramisu. Before this experience, I never really enjoyed tiramisu. Lucas was perfect and delicious! When we finished cooking we sat down for dinner and it was as if we were around the family table with wine and conversation flowing. A great experience!

    Response from the operator: Grazie mille!

    via Viator

    Patricia_J · September 2025

    Dinner with Chef Luca

    My husband, Friend and I took this class with a young family. Luca invited us to his home. Prepared snacks for us, wine, prosecco and then we prepared An amazing meal!

    Response from the operator: Grazie! ❤️

    via Viator

    Susan_G · September 2025

    Highlight of our trip

    Exceeded all expectations, fantastic time, highly recommend! Luca welcomes you into his home. We will now be making pasta at home as a family!

    Response from the operator: Grazie mille! ❤️

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $80 to $105
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    40
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 78

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)97
    Review evidence (18% weight)63
    Booking momentum (14% weight)58
    Value for money (12% weight)64
    Listing quality (10% weight)67
    Local standing (8% weight)83
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    The Cooking Lab - Authentic Food Experience: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Florence.

    How much does The Cooking Lab - Authentic Food Experience cost?

    +

    Prices start at $80 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Florence usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does The Cooking Lab - Authentic Food Experience take?

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    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Florence is not rushed.

    Is The Cooking Lab - Authentic Food Experience worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 114 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Florence, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule The Cooking Lab - Authentic Food Experience?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is The Cooking Lab - Authentic Food Experience suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book The Cooking Lab - Authentic Food Experience?

    +

    Around 40 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Florence can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Florence and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does The Cooking Lab - Authentic Food Experience start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Florence within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Florence?

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    On Outty we rank every Florence experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Best tour in Florence: Renaissance & Medici Tales - guided by a STORYTELLER, Florence Pizza or Pasta Class & Gelato Making at a Tuscan Farm, Small group Tuscan Wineries, Olive Oil & Gourmet Lunch or Dinner. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Florence?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Florence?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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