Food and wine classes

Why do it

It’s not everyday you can get insider cooking tips from an expert. Take advantage of short classes around Sydney open to everyone and you’ll be sure to wow your friends at the next dinner party – or just have fun.

Where to learn about…

Seafood

• Sydney Seafood School One of Australia’s leading cooking schools has guest appearances by some of the city’s most lauded chefs. Roll up your sleeves after a demonstration and recreate the dish of the day.

French cuisine

• French Gourmet Academy, Balmoral Uncover the secret to the perfect macaroon and basic recipes from shortcrust pastry to sauces in the finest traditions of French cuisine.

Italian fare

• Cucina Italiana, in Annandale, emphasises home-style Italian cooking. Learn how to knead dough and season sauces before sitting down to an Italian feast.
• Council of Italian Restaurants in Australia Cooking Classes (CIRA) are hosted by chefs from some of Sydney's best Italian restaurants. Classes are either hands-on or demonstration-only in Annandale.
• Fratelli Fresh Chefs from Fratelli’s Café Sopra in Waterloo use fresh ingredients to help you create simple Italian dishes.

Greek delights

• Greekalicious Learn about secret ingredients used in traditional and modern Greek cookery, the culture and history behind each dish.

Contemporary Australian

• Talk Eat Drink is a regular series of food events including master classes, held at Simon Johnson’s fine food shop in Pyrmont.
• Accoutrement, Mosman Some of Sydney’s best chefs showcase their unique styles in a program of classes and demonstrations.
• At Victors Food you'll learn how to cook everything from the perfect duck to chilli crab and much more with hands-on tuition and a banquet to enjoy at each class.

Coffee and chocolate

• Toby’s Estate Coffee School in Woolloomooloo is the best place to learn the difference between Rainforest Alliance and organic coffee beans. Get a group of friends together to learn how to make great coffee – or, alternatively, try the tea tasting class.
• Lindt Café in Martin Place has monthly chocolate appreciation classes that explore everything to do with chocolate, finishing off with plenty of sampling.

Insider tips

• Gourmet Safari leads intrepid foodies on walking tours around Sydney suburbs where the focus is on food, meeting chefs and local suppliers.
• Wine Odyssey Australia Sample the best Australian wines from the best independent winemakers, with matching food using fresh, local, organic produce. Book in for a short wine course at this stylish Rocks venue.