Sant’Ambrogio Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Local Chef in Florence
Discover Tuscan street food, prepare a 3-course meal with tagliatelle and tiramisù and try 2 wines
The true Florentines don’t shop in the crowded markets or tourist-filled shops of the city center. They head to the hidden gem of Sant’Ambrogio Market, a local favorite you might have trouble discovering on your own. Let a local chef guide you through this vibrant, off-the-beaten-path market and taste local street food specialties, before heading to a cozy kitchen where you’ll prepare and taste a traditional 3-course Tuscan meal. Enjoy two wine tastings and finish in style with a tiramisù!
What You Get With This Tour
-
Friendly, English-speaking chef guide
-
Sant’Ambrogio Market visit
-
6 local food tastings
-
Cooking class
-
Homemade pasta preparation
-
3-course lunch
-
2 glasses of local wine
-
Recipe booklet to take home
-
Group size of 15
-
Tour guide gratuities
Tour Itinerary
-
1
Meeting point
Your friendly guide will be waiting at Via Panicale to greet you and give you an overview of the experience. -
2
Sant’Ambrogio Market
Start your adventure in the heart of the Sant’Ambrogio Market, a local favorite where Florentines have been shopping for fresh ingredients since 1873. -
3
Food Tastings
Explore the vibrant stalls with your expert guide, learn about the seasonal products, and enjoy tastings of cheeses, cold cuts, and other Tuscan specialties. -
4
Seasonal Shopping
Walk with your guide through the market to hand-pick the freshest ingredients for your upcoming cooking class. -
5
Cooking Class
Arrive at the cooking class location, a fully equipped kitchen. -
6
Handmade Pasta
The chef will show you the techniques for kneading and rolling the dough. -
7
3-Course Meal
Sit down and enjoy a meal of bruschetta, your handmade pasta with sauce, and a delightful local dessert. -
8
Wine Tasting
Pair your meal with two glasses of Tuscan wine, and savor the fruits of your labor in a relaxed, intimate setting. -
9
Ending Point
The tour ends with your meal, and you are free to relax and enjoy the food at your own pace.
Additional Information
Embark on a journey through Florence’s authentic culinary heart with a local chef as your guide. Meet at Borgo la Croce and start your adventure with an energizing espresso before heading to the bustling Sant’Ambrogio Market, where Florentines still shop for fresh, local ingredients. Far from the tourist crowds, this vibrant market has been the city’s hub for authentic flavors since 1873. Follow your chef through colorful stalls to discover the freshest produce based on the season.
Afterward, head to a fully equipped kitchen inside historical Teatro del Sale where you’ll dive into a hands-on cooking class, learning to prepare a Tuscan meal, including homemade pasta, tagliatelle and ravioli, and tiramisù. The tour concludes with a 3-course meal featuring an appetizer like bruschetta, your freshly prepared pasta dressed with seasonal toppings, and tiramisù. All of this is paired with local wines. This small-group experience offers a true taste of Florence’s culinary heritage, leaving you with new skills and unforgettable memories.
Sant’Ambrogio Market Tour and Cooking Class Description:
Your 3-hour tour includes:
English speaking, local chef guide
Visit to Sant’Ambrogio market, a favorite of Florence’s locals
Tastings of Tuscan cold cuts, cheeses, and traditional dishes
Hands-on cooking class
3-course meal with appetizer, pasta and dessert
2 glasses of local wine paired with your meal
Small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants
Sant’Ambrogio Market: Florence’s Culinary Hub
The Sant’Ambrogio Market is one of Florence’s true hidden gems. Located in the heart of the city, it has been a local staple since 1873, offering a lively atmosphere where Florentines still shop for fresh, seasonal ingredients: cheeses, meats, and other essential culinary delights. You won’t be going it alone—your expert, certified chef guide will be with you every step of the way, helping you navigate the market and answering any questions you have about the products. They’ll share tips on selecting the best ingredients and help you uncover the local flavors that make this market a true culinary treasure. If you’re looking to escape the tourist traps and experience Florence in its most authentic form, this market is the perfect spot.
A Journey of Local Flavors
During the market tour, you’ll explore the market’s many delights, starting with a tasting of renowned Tuscan products. At the salami shop, you’ll savor famous cured meats like prosciutto, salame, and finocchiona, offering a unique taste of Tuscan charcuterie. At the cheese stall, you’ll sample Tuscany’s best cheeses, including pecorino and other regional specialties. As you wander through the market, you’ll also discover seasonal produce—perhaps picking up fresh tomatoes for your pasta, or a head of lettuce to make a fresh, local salad. After indulging in these local treats, your chef guide will help you select the best ingredients for your upcoming cooking class, giving you a firsthand look at how Florentines shop for their meals.
A Hands-On Tuscan Experience
After your market visit, you’ll head to the renowned Teatro del Sale, a cultural association and restaurant in Florence’s historic center. where you will find a fully equipped kitchen, where the real culinary magic happens. Under the guidance of your local chef, you’ll have the chance to create traditional Tuscan dishes, such as fettuccine (a type of flat pasta made with eggs and flour, often served with rich sauces) and ravioli, the beloved stuffed pasta filled with a variety of seasonal ingredients. For dessert, you’ll craft a classic tiramisù, layering coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a luscious mascarpone cream. As you cook, your chef will explain the history and significance of each dish. When your hard work is done, you’ll sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor: a three-course meal that includes bruschetta with fresh toppings, your handmade pasta dish, and the delicious local dessert you just prepared. Throughout the meal, you’ll pair your dishes with two glasses of fine local wine, completing your authentic Tuscan experience.
You May Also Like
Guided Tour Trusted Partner
Sant’Ambrogio Market Food Tour with a Local Chef
Visit 5 shops, taste 4+ Tuscan classics, and enjoy 2 glasses of wine in Florence’s best local market
Free Cancellation New Tour
Authentic Tuscan Cooking Class in Florence with San Lorenzo Market
Create delicious pasta, tiramisu, and more with market-fresh ingredients and an expert local chef
Free Cancellation New Tour
Pizza and Gelato Making Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine in Florence
Create the authentic food of Italy with an expert pizzaiolo chef, homemade lunch, and wine
Free Cancellation New Tour
Pasta Cooking Class and Gourmet Wine Pairing in Florence
Create authentic pasta with a Michelin-star chef and savor Tuscan wines guided by a master sommelier
Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class in a Tuscany Farmhouse in Florence
Pick fresh ingredients and learn to make authentic, Italian cuisine on an unforgettable day trip!
Guided Tour Likely to Sell Out
Florence Evening Food Tour with Florentine Steak and Tuscan Wine
Indulge in 14 authentic tastings across 5 local restaurants for the ultimate Florentine food journey
Free Cancellation Day Trip
Florence Day Trip to Tuscany: Siena, San Gimignano & Winery Lunch
Relax on this Tuscan day trip with a 3-course lunch and 6 wine tastings
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Complete Florence Duomo Tour with Dome Climb and Secret Terraces
View this charming city from the hidden terraces of Brunelleschi’s dome after touring the cathedral
Free Cancellation New Tour
Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Boat Ride
Visit these iconic fishing villages the easy way on this tour to the beautiful Italian Riviera
Private Tour Skip the Line
Private Florence in a Day Tour with David & Uffizi
Admire the Florence Duomo, cross Ponte Vecchio, and more with your personal guide
Free Cancellation Day Trip
Tuscany in a Day Tour from Florence
Visit Siena, dine at a Chianti vineyard, explore San Gimignano, and see the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Uffizi Private Tour in Florence
Skip the line to see Birth of Venus, Medusa, Doni Tondo, and more with your own private art guide
Customer Reviews
Making tagliatelle by hand was easier than I imagined! The chef helped us through every step. The wine tastings were a lovely bonus.
Every bite was full of flavor. I still dream about that tiramisù! The local wine paired perfectly with our pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to meet?
The meeting point for this tour is at Via Panicale 43r, Florence. Your tour will end at Teatro del Sale, after your meal.
What to bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as you will walk through the market and the cooking class location. You may also want to bring a water bottle and a camera to capture the memories!
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
This tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Florence.
Is there any chance my tour might be canceled?
On rare occasions, the tour might be canceled. We will inform you as soon as possible and work together to reschedule or offer a refund.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
If you have mobility concerns, we recommend reaching out to us in advance so we can accommodate your needs. The market tour involves walking, so it’s important to ensure it’s suitable for your comfort.
What happens if it rains?
This tour operates rain or shine. If the weather conditions are particularly severe, we will make necessary adjustments to the itinerary and inform you accordingly.
How many glasses of wine will I get?
You will enjoy two glasses of local wine during the tour.
What if I don’t drink alcohol but I’d still like to join the tour?
Not a problem. Please let us know in advance and we will provide an alternative drink option for you.
Can I bring my kids and do I have to pay for them?
Children of all ages are welcome on this tour. For children under 3 who will not be eating the food, you will not need to pay. Please choose accordingly during the booking.
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup is not included. Please meet your guide at the designated meeting point in Florence.
Where does this tour end?
The tour ends at Via Panicale 43r, the same location where the tour began. Feel free to continue exploring Florence at your leisure.
What if I have food allergies, intolerances, or other dietary requirements?
Please inform us in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate your dietary needs by offering alternatives when possible.
What if the Market is closed?
Please note that when the Sant’Ambrogio Market is closed (on Sundays and bank holidays), a special introduction and extra tastings at the cooking class location will substitute the visit to the market.
Is lunch included in the tour?
Yes, lunch is included! You will enjoy a 3-course meal, featuring the dishes you’ve prepared during the class, including pasta, bruschetta, and a local dessert, along with two glasses of wine.
What’s on the menu?
The menu of our Florence Cooking class varies slightly according to the season but will generally include bruschetta, hand-made pasta, pasta sauce, and tiramisĂą. Depending on the season, the dishes may change, but always with authentic Tuscan flavors!
