The entire experience was amazing.oue chef was fantastic and our tour guide was a pleasure. The food market tour was awesome. Food was pwrg was perfect! Overall experience 5 star!
While we don't verify specific claims because reviewers' opinions are their own, we may label reviews as "Verified" when we can confirm a business interaction took place. Read more
To protect platform integrity, every review on our platform—verified or not—is screened by our 24/7 automated software. This technology is designed to identify and remove content that breaches our guidelines, including reviews that are not based on a genuine experience. We recognise we may not catch everything, and you can flag anything you think we may have missed. Read more
See what reviewers are saying
The private kitchen and dining venue was amazing. Very clean, great layout and plenty of space. The menu selection was great and is something we will definitely try and replicate when we return from... See more
Company replied
Magnificent experience. Stefano, the chef, is very approachable, friendly, and professional. We spent a fantastic afternoon together, and I believe it’s very useful for anyone who wants to ap... See more
Company replied
The absolute best cooking class I have ever been to! Chef Stephano and the entire team were amazing and so engaging and entertaining! The food we made was absolutely delicious! If you’re visiting t... See more
Company replied
Company details
Written by the company
Mama Florence is a premium cooking school in the heart of Florence, created for travelers seeking far more than a tourist activity: a genuine immersion into Italian food culture. Located in San Frediano, one of Florence’s most authentic and vibrant neighborhoods, our school is housed in a beautifully restored historic space blending Tuscan character with professional culinary facilities. This is not a crowded production-line experience, but a carefully curated environment where hospitality, authenticity, and quality come first. Our cooking classes are led by true culinary professionals: experienced chefs and educators combining technical expertise, warmth, and a passion for sharing Italian cuisine. Whether learning fresh pasta, Tuscan classics, pizza, or gluten-free cooking, guests are guided with genuine care. We place enormous importance on ingredients. Whenever possible, we use organic produce, premium local ingredients, artisanal specialties, and thoughtfully selected Italian wines. At Mama Florence, cooking is about more than recipes. It is about culture, craftsmanship, conviviality, and the pleasure of gathering around a beautiful table. For travelers seeking authentic Florence cooking classes with professional standards, exceptional ingredients, fine wines, and a refined yet welcoming atmosphere, Mama Florence offers a memorable culinary experience in one of the city’s most beloved neighborhoods.
Contact info
4.7
Excellent
31 reviews
No recent history of asking for reviews
This company hasn't invited customers recently, so reviews may not be representative
How this company uses Trustpilot
See how their reviews and ratings are sourced, scored, and moderated.
Everything was wonderful
The entire experience was amazing.oue chef was fantastic and our tour guide was a pleasure. The food market tour was awesome.
Food was pwrg was perfect! Overall experience 5 star!
October 10, 2026
Unprompted review
Advertisement
Outstanding experience for Girls trip
5/5 Stars – An Unforgettable Culinary Experience!
We had an absolute blast learning to make fresh pasta and dining here! The chef's vibrant personality, quick wit, and engaging teaching style made the entire evening deeply entertaining. His clear demonstrations gave us the exact skills and confidence we needed to successfully replicate the dishes in our own kitchen at home.
What truly set this experience apart was the extraordinary care given to dietary needs. The chef went out of his way to craft custom gluten-free gnocchi and pasta from scratch for my friend using a specialized blend of buckwheat (grano saraceno) and Schär Universale flour. As someone eating traditional pasta, I tried both gluten-free versions—they were phenomenal, holding up beautifully in both texture and rich flavor alongside the standard meal.
To top it off, the wine pairings were absolute perfection, seamlessly complementing the rich, earthy profiles of both dishes. Finding a place that handles gluten sensitivity with such skill, genuine enthusiasm, and detail is rare.
Fantastic food, incredible wine pairings, and top-tier hospitality. We can't wait to come back!
September 12, 2026
Unprompted review
One of the best experiences I've had in Italy
One of the best things I did in Florence, hands down.
I always get nervous with cooking classes and tours because I want to learn the culture and the language, but I don't want to get grouped in with the everyday tourist, and then I stumbled across Mama Florence and got blown away. The market tour with Yenna was nothing short of incredible. We went to the Central Market and it was ... phenomenal. We had an intimate group and as the tour began, she was so warm, wildly knowledgeable, and effusive that it had us all chatting and asking questions almost immediately. It felt more like a group of friends touring Florence than strangers and a tour guide. Not to mention glimpsing the history of such a historic market was extraordinary to witness.
And the cooking class itself? A whole other level - our Chef's name was Giacomo and he was perhaps the brightest, most hysterical ray of italian sunshine I have ever met (I don't know where Mama is finding its staff, but they have to be some of the best people in Italy). I was in a group with two other couples, and originally I was nervous about cooking with strangers, but it might have been one of the most fun experiences I've ever had. Between Giaco walking us through how to make pasta, the sauce, the chopping of garlic, apples, pecorino or shucking kale, I slowly learned not only about the recipes, their tradition, and more about what Italian food really is - but about my new friends too, and where they came from, and what their stories were. I could honestly go on and on. The table at the end was my favorite part, when we all gathered, got to eat our pasta, salad and meatballs (not to mention the local wine was fruity and delightful).
The booking process was easy to navigate, I reached out in the beginning and they were timely, friendly, and so helpful. Cannot recommend Mama Florence enough. One of the genuinely best experiences I've had in Italy. If you're looking for something authentic that feels like a home away from home, this is the way to go. Hands down.
July 30, 2026
Unprompted review
This is our second time at Mama…
This is our second time at Mama Florence and it was another wonderful time. The people are great, the market tour is wonderful and of course the food making is fun. A great trip event when you are in Florence!!
July 14, 2026
Unprompted review
Mama Florence. Amazing…
The private kitchen and dining venue was amazing. Very clean, great layout and plenty of space. The menu selection was great and is something we will definitely try and replicate when we return from our vacation. Making fresh pasta seemed intimidating, but our instructors made it seem fun and easy. Was extremely fun and interactive for the family.
Without a doubt, this is a highlight of our time in Florence and we highly recommend for any group, especially families.
July 2, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Mama Florence
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We're delighted that your private culinary experience was such a memorable part of your time in Florence. Creating a beautiful, welcoming space where families can cook, learn, and enjoy a meal together is something Mama Florence have been passionate about since 2013, and we're so pleased you appreciated both the venue and the experience itself.
It's especially rewarding to hear that making fresh pasta felt approachable. Our professional chefs are dedicated not only to preserving authentic Italian culinary traditions, but also to making them accessible and enjoyable for guests of every age and skill level. We believe the best cooking classes combine genuine expertise with a relaxed, fun atmosphere where everyone feels confident to participate.
Knowing your family plans to recreate the menu at home is one of the greatest compliments we could receive. Thank you for choosing Mama Florence and for recommending us to other families and groups. We hope those homemade pasta dinners bring back wonderful memories of your time together in Florence, and we look forward to welcoming you back one day! 🇮🇹🍝❤️
Advertisement
Great experience
Great experience! So fun for a group, a couple, friends. Learned how to make pasta and then get to eat it!!
June 10, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Mama Florence
Thank you so much for your lovely review!
We're delighted to hear that you had such a fun experience with us. One of the best parts of Italian cooking is that you get to enjoy the delicious results of your hard work, especially when it comes to fresh pasta made from scratch!
We're glad you found the class enjoyable and suitable for all kinds of travelers, whether couples, friends, families, or groups. Since 2013, we've been sharing the Original Mama Florence Experience by bringing people together through food, learning, and genuine Italian hospitality.
Thank you for cooking with us, and we hope to welcome you back to our kitchen again soon!
Warm regards,
The Mama Florence Team
Thank you to Jaco and Yena for such a wonderful day!
Thank you to Jaco and Yena for such a delightful and memorable day! We truly didn’t know what to expect when we signed up for a cooking class in Florence—but what we experienced far exceeded anything we imagined.
We met Yena bright and early at the Mercato Centrale, where we were introduced to another couple joining the class. Yena guided us through the market, sharing her knowledge and passion as we explored the beautiful displays of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, olive oils, meats, and seafood. It was an experience in itself, and she made it both informative and fun.
From there, we walked across the river to a stunning kitchen set in a charming space with a lovely outdoor dining area and fresh gardens. Once there, we were joined by several others, and together we prepared a four-course meal—including fresh pasta from scratch.
Jaco was fantastic—fun, personable, and an incredibly talented chef. He made the entire experience engaging, and everyone had a chance to participate in creating the meal.
After cooking, we sat outside on the patio and enjoyed each course we had prepared, paired with wonderful wine. Along the way, we made new friends and created memories we will always cherish.
Thank you to Mamma Florence Cooking Classes, Jaco, and Yena for such an unforgettable experience!
April 23, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Mama Florence
Thank you so much for this beautiful review!
We are truly delighted that your day with us exceeded your expectations. From exploring the vibrant Mercato Centrale with Yena to preparing a four-course Tuscan meal from scratch with Chef Jaco, it sounds like you experienced many of the elements that make the Original Mama Florence Experience so special.
We're especially pleased that you enjoyed the combination of the market visit, hands-on cooking, our garden setting, and the opportunity to share the meal with fellow travelers. Creating meaningful connections around the table has been at the heart of what we do since 2013.
We'll be sure to pass your kind words along to both Yena and Chef Jaco. They will be thrilled to know they helped create such lasting memories.
Thank you for choosing Mama Florence. We hope to welcome you back to our kitchen on your next visit to Florence!
Warm regards,
The Mama Florence Team
Fantastic cooking experience
Fantastic cooking experience! Hands down such a fun time and great food! Giacomo was a fantastic and knowledgeable chef!
April 15, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Mama Florence
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We're delighted to hear that you had such a fun experience with us and enjoyed the food you prepared. Creating memorable moments around authentic Italian cuisine is exactly what we strive for every day.
We'll be sure to share your kind words with Chef Giacomo, who will be thrilled to know that his knowledge and enthusiasm helped make your class so special.
Thank you for choosing Mama Florence. We hope to welcome you back to the Original Mama Florence Experience on your next visit to Florence!
Warm regards,
The Mama Florence Team
Reply from Mama Florence
Thank you so much for your lovely review, and please accept our apologies for the delayed response!
We're delighted to hear that you loved your experience with us. Creating moments of joy, connection, and shared memories around the table is what the Original Mama Florence Experience is all about.
Thank you for spending part of your time in Florence with us. It was a pleasure having you in our kitchen, and we hope to welcome you back again soon for more good food, great company, and wonderful memories.
Warm regards,
The Mama Florence Team
Advertisement
Great Experience!
We had a great time at Mama Florence’s cooking class! The building had a great atmosphere and a garden area in a historic part of the city. The staff was welcoming and everything was well organized. They were knowledgeable and also fun to learn from.
The class was very hands on, and we were each involved in every step of the process in preparing the dishes. We learned a lot about the techniques for preparing food. The right way to knead, use a knife, etc.
We ended the class with a 3 course meal with all the participants. Overall, I highly recommend Mama Florence.
March 14, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Mama Florence
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, and please accept our apologies for the delayed response!
We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed both the class and the atmosphere of Mama Florence. Our historic San Frediano location, garden, and dedicated cooking school spaces are all part of creating the Original Mama Florence Experience that we've been sharing with guests from around the world since 2013.
We're especially pleased that you appreciated the hands-on nature of the class. We believe the best way to learn Italian cooking is by actively participating in every step, from mastering techniques and knife skills to preparing authentic dishes from scratch.
Sharing the meal together at the end is always one of our favorite moments, and we're glad it helped make your experience even more memorable.
Thank you for your recommendation and for choosing to cook with us. We hope to welcome you back to Mama Florence on your next visit to Florence!
Warm regards,
The Mama Florence Team
Reply from Mama Florence
Thank you so much for your kind review, and please accept our apologies for the delayed response!
We're delighted to hear that you had an awesome experience with us and that our team helped make your visit special. Creating a welcoming atmosphere, sharing authentic Italian cuisine, and making guests feel at home are at the heart of what we do.
Thank you for joining us at Mama Florence. We hope to welcome you back to the Original Mama Florence Experience on your next visit to Florence!
Warm regards,
The Mama Florence Team
Magnificent experience.
Magnificent experience.
Stefano, the chef, is very approachable, friendly, and professional.
We spent a fantastic afternoon together, and I believe it’s very useful for anyone who wants to approach Italian cuisine. Even though I don’t have much experience in cooking, I had a lot of fun and learned a lot.
I also found it very helpful and lovely that we were given the recipes for everything we cooked together during the class: I’ll try to cook everything on my own at home.
I recommend this experience to everyone!
February 7, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Mama Florence
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, and please accept our apologies for the delayed response!
We're delighted to hear that you had such a fantastic afternoon with us. It's especially rewarding to know that, even with limited cooking experience, you felt comfortable, had fun, and learned something new. That's exactly the kind of experience we aim to create.
We're also pleased that you found the recipes useful. One of our goals is to help guests bring a little piece of Italy home with them and continue enjoying the dishes long after their visit to Florence.
Thank you for your kind words about Chef Stefano and for recommending us to others. Since 2013, we've been sharing the Original Mama Florence Experience with travelers from around the world, and we're grateful you chose to be part of it.
Warm regards,
The Mama Florence Team
Stefano was a great teacher
Stefano was a great teacher! We enjoyed our experience!
December 19, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Mama Florence
Thank you for your kind review, and please accept our apologies for the delayed response!
We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us and that Chef Stefano helped make it a memorable one. Sharing authentic Italian cooking in a fun, welcoming atmosphere is what we love most.
Thank you for choosing Mama Florence. We hope to welcome you back to the Original Mama Florence Experience on your next visit to Florence!
Warm regards,
The Mama Florence Team
Advertisement
Disgraceful company
I cancelled my cooking class and Gelato tour because sadly we had to cancel our family trip to Italy due to my father in law being in the ICU. The company wouldn’t refund us and when they agreed to a partial credit they then renagued. The shouldn’t call themselves “mama” as they don’t care about family.
I JUST READ THE COMPANIES RESPONSE and here are a few follow ups.
-I cancelled because my father in law is fighting for his life in the ICU and we had to cancel our trip. This was cancelled 12 days before we would be in Italy.
-the company said kept emailing me and reneging on their offer!!!!! I agreed to lose half my money on a cooking class and a full refund on a walking tour (because company has no costs of food and rentals).
-the huge language barrier is difficult with this company causing issues with settling for something that is fair and kind.
June 8, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Mama Florence
We are truly sorry for the difficult circumstances that led to the cancellation of your trip. We fully understand how challenging such situations can be and approached your case with empathy and flexibility from the very beginning.
That said, we would like to clarify the facts:
The cancellation occurred more than 20 days after the deadline accepted in the Terms & Conditions at the time of booking.
Despite this, and given the unfortunate situation, we immediately offered a 50% credit, even though all services on our end had been scheduled and paid for and were non-refundable. This meant entirely and absorbing the full cost of the experience on our end.
Unfortunately, and despite the explanation, our offer was rejected. The client demanded a full refund and informed us that a payment dispute would be opened.
At that point, we had to explain that once a formal dispute is initiated, our ability to assist is frozen until the platform’s decision is made.
Our follow-up messages — which remained kind and understanding — were ignored. Our offer was then referred to as “lousy,” followed by the black mail: “I look forward to reviewing you on many platforms” pushing further for a full refund.
Despite the threats, we once again extended a partial goodwill offer. The client declined, continuing to request full compensation, which we respectfully and clearly explained was not possible, as we could not carry the full financial burden for a personal and unforeseeable emergency and only at that point stepped out of the conversation.
Unfortunately, as promised, the client then left negative reviews across multiple platforms, including personal criticism of our name and brand — suggesting we are unfit to use the word “Mama” because we “don’t care about family”. This comment is not only deeply inappropriate and inaccurate, but goes far beyond the scope of the actual issue and enters into a personal attack on our brand, integrity and reputation.
We must respectfully disagree. Our entire team is made up of individuals with families, and we created our policies not to avoid compassion, but to protect both our clients and guarantee services at best and our staff of hard working people. In this case, we went beyond our obligations to offer a resolution that was fair and empathetic under the circumstances.
We are sincerely sorry that this situation ended in frustration, but we stand by the care and professionalism with which we tried to handle it.
Sincerely,
Mama Team
The absolute best cooking class I have…
The absolute best cooking class I have ever been to! Chef Stephano and the entire team were amazing and so engaging and entertaining! The food we made was absolutely delicious! If you’re visiting there, please put it at the top of your list to schedule a cooking class with them!
June 6, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Mama Florence
Thank you so much for your fantastic review, and please accept our apologies for the very delayed response!
We're truly honored to hear that this was the best cooking class you've ever attended. Creating memorable experiences that combine authentic Italian cuisine, learning, and fun is exactly what we strive for every day.
We're delighted that you enjoyed the class, the food, and the energy of our team. Sharing Italian food traditions in a welcoming and engaging atmosphere has been at the heart of the Original Mama Florence Experience since 2013.
Thank you for your kind recommendation. It was a pleasure having you in our kitchen, and we hope to welcome you back to Mama Florence the next time you're in Florence!
Warm regards,
The Mama Florence Team
Organized schedule with an attractive…
Organized schedule with an attractive setting. Instructor Roberto was a super chef and easy to understand, plus his recipes were very delicious. We enjoyed meeting the other guests and together produced a wonderful meal.
March 28, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Mama Florence
Thank you so much for your lovely review, and please accept our apologies for the very delayed response!
We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the class, our setting, and the opportunity to share the experience with fellow guests. One of the things we love most is bringing people together around the table, and we're glad that the meal you created together was such a memorable part of your visit.
We're also pleased that you enjoyed learning from Chef Roberto and appreciated both his teaching style and the recipes he shared.
Thank you for joining us at Mama Florence. We hope to welcome you back to the Original Mama Florence Experience on your next visit to Florence!
Warm regards,
The Mama Florence Team
Absolutely recommended
Filippo thank you for a wonderful fun filled experience. Class is well organised -I would certainly try other classes.
Absolutely recommended to all food lovers !
April 24, 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Mama Florence
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, and please accept our apologies for the very delayed response!
We're delighted to hear that you had such a fun and enjoyable experience with us. It's especially rewarding to know that you appreciated the organization of the class and the opportunity to learn from one of our chefs in a welcoming and engaging environment.
Thank you for recommending us to fellow food lovers. Since 2013, we've been sharing the Original Mama Florence Experience with guests from around the world, and we'd be thrilled to welcome you back to try another class in the future.
Warm regards,
The Mama Florence Team
Advertisement
“Wonderful class!
“Wonderful class!! Ready to cook all the recipes at home! Thank you Filippo!!”
July 11, 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Mama Florence
Thank you so much for your kind review—and please accept our apologies for the very delayed response!
We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the class and left inspired to recreate the recipes at home. That's one of the greatest compliments we can receive.
Thank you for joining us at Mama Florence, and we hope to welcome you back to the Original Mama Florence Experience on your next visit to Florence!
Warm regards,
The Mama Florence Team
Super fun!
My girlfriend and I were super excited to attend this cooking class April 24. It far exceeded our expectations! It was informative, fun and very delicious! I recommend this class to anyone looking for a fun, authentic cooking experience in Italy.
April 24, 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Mama Florence
Thank you so much for your wonderful review with great delay!
We're delighted to hear that the class exceeded your expectations. Creating an experience that is both educational and fun, while sharing authentic Italian recipes and traditions, is exactly what we strive for every day.
Since 2013, we've welcomed guests from around the world to enjoy the Original Mama Florence Experience, and it means a lot to know that you and your girlfriend had such a memorable time with us.
Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back to our kitchen the next time you're in Italy!
Warm regards,
The Mama Florence Team
Loved our class on April 19th and would…
Loved our class on April 19th and would have given 5 stars but we were told we would receive the exact recipes we made after by email and instead just a link to their general recipe site which the specific recipes and measurements we made are not on.
April 19, 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Mama Florence
Thank you for joining us and for taking the time to share your feedback.
We're delighted to hear that you loved the class, but we're sorry to learn that the recipes you received did not match your expectations. Our intention is always to provide guests with recipes that allow them to recreate the experience at home, and we understand how disappointing it can be when you're looking for the exact versions prepared during class.
Please feel free to contact us directly at mama@mamaflorence.com, and we'll be happy to send you the specific recipes and measurements used during your session on April 19th.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we hope we'll have the opportunity to welcome you back to the Original Mama Florence Experience in the future.
Warm regards,
The Mama Florence Team
The Trustpilot Experience
Anyone can write a Trustpilot review. People who write reviews have ownership to edit or delete them at any time, and they’ll be displayed as long as an account is active.
We use dedicated people and clever technology to safeguard our platform. Find out how we combat fake reviews.
Learn about Trustpilot’s review process.
Here are 8 tips for writing great reviews.
Verification can help ensure real people are writing the reviews you read on Trustpilot.
Offering incentives for reviews or asking for them selectively can bias the TrustScore, which goes against our guidelines.