Private Florence Market Tour & Cooking Class In Mirella's Home

In a word this was an experience of a lifetime and something that we will not soon forget. Mirella and Stefano met us right outside the market with a warm welcome and had obviously studied my introduction. They knew who we were, why we were in Italy, what we had done, and were absolutely thrilled to tell us that no Americans ever want to cook rabbit in their class—they couldn’t wait to eat! The market tour was colorful, engaging, and fun. We then drove to their house and were welcomed like guests coming over for a dinner party. After a tour and a history of her ancestral home and family that included a heart wrenching story of her grandmother cooking pasta for American soldiers in WWII who had given her brother a can of Campbells soup that then came back decades later to find her in her village, we got to work. Stefano and Mirella are loving, interesting, helpful teachers. My wife and I know how to cook but standing in her garden making two pastas from scratch, using hand held tools that sung like musical instruments was a first. Every plant or tree in Mirella’s family garden represents a loved one living or dead. I felt like we were treated to the most intimate, educational, loving experience that one can share over food. Mirella says her food is her art, and when we eat it, you take her art into your body. We believe she is right, and we are honored to have spent this time learning in her home.

This was such a fantastic experience. Mirella and Stefano were the most wonderful hosts. From the fascinating market tour, to their amazing bountiful garden, their warmth, patience, knowledge and tuition, we could not have enjoyed the experience more. ‘Simple’ but delicious food that we went away feeling competent to reproduce. My daughter (18yr) and I had a perfect experience. Thank you 💕🌸🌿💕🌸🌿

One of the best experiences we’ve ever had

Our time with Mirella and Stefano, shopping, cooking, and dining was a highlight of our time in Florence. Our hosts were kind, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to spend the day with. We learned so much in their kitchen. Everyone got a chance to help preparing our meal, and each dish was incredible. Can’t recommend this enough!

Mirella & Stefano were the absolute best, this was the highlight of our time in Florence. They welcomed us into their beautiful home, where we learned how to make 6 delicious Italian dishes. We cannot recommend this enough.

I wish all experiences were like this. Mirella, Stefano, and Daniele were some of the kindest and most welcoming people! We had a group of six and everyone was included and learned something. Truly the highlight of the trip. You can’t match the quality. An absolute must do

Nothing but good things to say about Mirella and Stefano! They were so warm and greeted us by name. We have a son with special needs and they set up a bedroom for him so we’d have a place to lay him down and change him. They accommodated our dietary restrictions and were just wonderful hosts. It was a highlight of our trip and we strongly recommend booking a lesson with them!

OMG this was the best meal and experience we did on our entire trip. My wife, my kids all loved it and enjoyed the meal tremendously. The host's English is more than passible and we don't speak Italian. This might be the hidden gem experience in Tuscany. How she only has 3 reviews at the time of this post is baffling. The gnocchi melted like butter and if we weren't so full we would have demanded more Eggplant lasagana stacks. It was definitely pricey but the food, host and atmosphere of her home was well worth it. When you can satisfy a wife who hates cooking, a teenage boy, and a teenage girl then you know you have a winner.

Stefano and Mariella were fantastic hosts--they were informative and knowledgeable, and welcomed us at the market with big smiles, even though we were 20 minutes late due to traffic. We toured the market and were able to learn a great deal about it, as well as observing the quality of the fresh foods. We then were escorted to their home and guided through the preparation of 4 dishes, plus receiving a tour of their back yard and herb garden. To top it off, we then were able to share the meal we had prepared and have a nice visit with them in their outdoor gazebo, learning a great deal about culture, family and food. It was the highlight of a two week trip to Italy. Wonderful.

It was a great experience and my kids loved it. The cook was professional and the food was all delicious! The lesson was a bit pricy but overall it was a great class!

Our Tuscan cooking class with Mirella and Stefano was a highlight on our trip to Florence. The whole experience of going to the farmers market to choose our ingredients and then making dishes in their own home was just wonderful! Mirella perfectly accommodated for our Vegan and Vegetarian requests and taught us how to prepare some spectacular dishes! Thank you for this unique and wonderful experience! We can't wait to try them out in our own home! Linda, Sydney, and Natalie