What are the Best Culinary Programs in Italy?

Ciao ragazzi! Want to take your admirable love for Italian food even further? Then you’re probably thinking about what the best culinary programs in Italy may be. The delicious food and wine are some of the many things Italy is known for. While you may enjoy going out to eat at your favorite Italian spot in your town, nothing compares to the authentic Italian food in Italy. 

Do you already have visions of pizza and pasta dancing in your head?

Italians take serious pride in their culinary culture. In fact, studying Italian food and wine are important parts to understanding Italian culture and history. But do you know what would be better than eating at your favorite local Italian eatery? Actually being in Italy, and introducing yourself to a world of delectable food and wine!

Now that we have you picturing yourself enjoying an Italian classic or a gelato while walking down the cobblestone streets, let’s delve deeper into the world of culinary programs in Italy. 

What is culinary arts study abroad like in Italy?

There is no typical experience when taking cooking classes in Italy (in English or otherwise). There are many different ways to achieve your dreams of enrolling in a culinary arts program abroad, and of course, the program you choose is all up to you!

It’s important to consider your financial abilities, the amount of time you have available to dedicate to your program of choice, your culinary skill level, and your culinary goals, in addition to other things. This will all determine what your experience will be.

Finding the best cooking classes in Italy all narrows down to what fits you best. There are so many opportunities throughout Italy to choose from. There are culinary schools that offer enrollment in Bachelor’s or Master’s programs, 6-24 month courses, 1-12 week courses, and everything in between!

We gathered a list of some of the top culinary programs in Italy to get you started on your culinary journey. By the way, it’s also a plus that many of these programs are flexible based on time commitment and skill level.

5 best culinary programs in Italy

1. Italian Cuisine Professional Chef Training at Florence Culinary Arts School

For one or two months you can learn the art of traditional and modern Italian cuisine from high-level and well-known Italian chefs in Florence, Italy. You will be exposed to Italian gastronomy through classes and excursions to wineries, cheese and ham factories, and other relevant locales.

This program is ideal for aspiring restaurant owners and/or chefs! The courses are taught in Italian, however the school offers free English and Spanish translators to help understand the material better.

You can choose to start your one or two month journey in January, April, or September, and housing is included! At the end of your intensive training, you will receive a Diploma in Culinary Arts.

2. Food and Sustainability Studies at Umbra Institute 

Located in the medieval city of Perugia, you will learn about food and sustainability through cultural studies, business, history, sociology, anthropology, politics, science, agriculture, and sustainability.

You can participate in a wide variety of Italian cooking classes abroad with a timeframe ranging from academic year, Fall, Spring, Summer or January semesters. 

While studying in Perugia you’ll be taking three classes, including an Italian language course and an elective of your choosing. Like other study abroad programs, you’ll participate in classes and visit cultural and historical sites relevant to your studies.

3. 1-Week Course at ALMA the International School of Italian Cuisine

For one week in the Fall or Summer, you can enhance your appetite for gastronomy with this Italian cuisine course. You will be located in the Ducal Palace of Colorno in Parma, Italy which was named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and Culture City of 2020.

Known for its gastronomy, the location of the school makes it the perfect place to gain top-knotch knowledge of Italian food. You’ll not only be taking food and wine tastings and lessons, but participate in guided tours and activities around Parma.

4. May Term in Barcelona + Rome + Athens with Barcelona SAE

Although individuals can participate in this program in two other locations outside Italy, it will give you an intensive one-month experience learning all about the Mediterranean food culture. You will explore the similarities and differences of the culinary experiences among the three Mediterranean cities, while studying the mechanics of the food industry.  

In these cooking classes in Italy in English, participants will learn about food production and exportation, the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, and recipes from each culture to make for all of their family and friends at home.

5. Apicius International School of Hospitality 

Located in the birthplace of the Renaissance, Apicius offers a multitude of different Italian culinary courses to choose from. Students can enroll in either a one-year course in Culinary Arts, Wine Studies, or Baking and Pastry, a two-year Culinary Arts program or Italian Cuisine Master’s course, or a four-year program in Hospitality Management.

In addition to educational programs, students can intern in Ganzo, the school’s own restaurant, or work in the school’s bakery, Fedora.

Honorable mentions for culinary programs in Italy

1. Vesuvio International School of Hospitality 

Vesuvio International School of Hospitality, or VISH for short, is located in the southern city of Naples, as well as Rome. At VISH, students can participate in a number of programs ranging from a Master’s, Bachelor’s, certificates, and intensive courses.

Courses are also offered in English and students are given the opportunity to intern and work on projects in order to complete their program. Some culinary courses that are offered include: a one-year course in Culinary Arts; a Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management; a certificate in Pizza Making, Culinary Arts, or Pastry Making; or a Master’s in Culinary Arts. 

2. Cordon Bleu

Cordon Bleu is famous for its Italian cooking courses and creating high-quality, top chefs around the world. If a culinary career is what you are looking to pursue, Cordon Bleu offers three-year Bachelor’s programs and two-year Master’s programs all in the Culinary Arts.

What if you love cooking and spending time in the kitchen, but long-term academics is not your thing? That’s not a problem, because there are a range of courses for both amateurs and budding professionals to choose from.

3. Italian Chef Academy in Rome, Italy

The Italian Chef Academy in Rome, Italy offers courses and educational degree programs for individuals who are looking to develop (or further develop) their professional skills. The Academy holds classes that are available to not only Italian students, but also international students.

Lessons are typically held in either English or Italian, but for those who speak other languages, there’s an option to have help from an interpreter. The Academy boasts educators from many different professional backgrounds such as technicians, educators, chefs, journalists, and sommeliers!

Outside of classes, students will also be required to complete an internship from one of the many prestigious institutions the Academy partners with.

4. Congusto Gourmet Institute

Located in Milan, Congusto Gourmet is a great place to fulfill your Italian culinary program dreams! Courses are organized into four different categories, including courses for growth, specialization, management, and executive master. All course programs begin in either January, May, or September.

Here, you can grow into becoming a Chef, Baker Pizzaiolo, or a Pastry Chef. You can specialize in chocolatiering, ice cream making, and nutrition and eating styles. You can learn about managing restaurants, hospitality management, and managing food and beverages.

The school also offers courses on becoming an executive master in Integrated Gastronomic Training, as well as amateur classes for those who do not want to (or cannot) commit to a long-term program.

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Culinary arts study abroad in Italy is nothing short of delicious

Who knows where your education will take you?

The list above provides well-known and recommended culinary programs that you’ll find works for any skill level. There’s no better way to understand Italian culture than to experience Italy through its gastronomy. On top of that, your new culinary expertise will surely impress and entertain your family and friends. 

You never know, you may even discover a talent of yours or develop a new hobby! Now that you probably have your bags almost packed and your mind set on which program is right for you, what are you waiting for?