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

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· 3.00h · Florence, Italy

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!

Sant’Ambrogio Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Local Chef in Florence

Man preparing pasta during a cooking class

Guide and group inside Sant'Ambrogio Market

Guide pointing at food stalls inside Sant'Ambrogio Market

People cooking during cooking class in Florence

Meeting point
Sant’Ambrogio Market
Food Tastings
Seasonal Shopping

Cooking Class
Handmade Pasta
3-Course Meal 
Wine Tasting
Ending Point

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.

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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

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25 September 2025

Reviewed by
Joshua Merl

Cooking class

25 August 2025

Reviewed by
Allison Thomas

This class was a highlight of many highlights during our visit to Florence. It appealed to skilled cooks to the very novice. Book the class as the food and wine is fabulous and you will learn great recipes!

17 August 2025

Reviewed by
Courtney Ray

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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 tiramisù. Depending on the season, the dishes may change, but always with authentic Tuscan flavors!

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