Picture this: you’re seated in one of South Australia’s esteemed restaurants, savouring every bite of a meticulously crafted dish, and suddenly, a thought crosses your mind: “I wish I could recreate this culinary masterpiece at home.” If you’ve ever found yourself in this moment of gastronomic inspiration, you’re certainly not alone. Many food enthusiasts yearn to unlock the secrets behind the delectable flavours and artful presentations enjoyed at their favourite eateries.
Thankfully, the culinary landscape in South Australia is evolving, offering a tantalizing array of opportunities for those eager to delve into the world of cooking. Across the state, a burgeoning trend of cooking classes hosted by renowned restaurants is gaining momentum, providing aspiring chefs and enthusiastic home cooks alike with the chance to sharpen their skills and elevate their culinary prowess.
In this guide, we’ll explore six of the most exciting cooking classes that beckon from various corners of our splendid state. From the vibrant streets of Adelaide to the serene vineyards of the Barossa Valley, each class promises a unique and immersive culinary experience. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate art of pastry-making, the bold flavours of Mediterranean cuisine, or the delicate balance of Asian flavours, there’s a cooking class tailored to ignite your passion and expand your culinary repertoire.
Spaghetti Head – Adelaide Hills
Spaghetti Head is a gorgeous Italian restaurant in the Adelaide Hills, known for letting fresh produce speak for it self, by making fresh, light and simplistic pasta dishes. The restaurant’s open concept, allows customers to witness the kitchen in action daily, while they kick back and enjoy what’s on offer.
If you love eating Spaghetti Head’s food, you can now learn how to make it. The restaurant regularly hosts pasta classes where you’ll be taught how to make a range of different styles of pasta, while enjoying some great food and wine! At $100 per person, you can enjoy antipasti, a glass of vino, and a bowl of delicious pasta, while learning how to make unique pasta shapes.
Where: 232 Mount Barker Road, Aldgate, SA 5154
For more information about classes, head here.
Casa Carboni – Barossa Valley
Casa Carboni is an Italian cooking school & enoteca/wine bar located in the picturesque town of Angaston in Barossa, approximately one hour’s drive north of Adelaide. While you can enjoy breakfast, lunch featuring owner Matteo’s fresh pasta, or a Friday Night Chef’s Choice Tasting Menu, they’re passion is also teaching people how to cook.
Casa Carboni Italian Cooking School was born from a love of food, wine and passing on the skills and techniques of Italian cooking. It’s about using the finest produce that the Barossa and the South Australian coast have to offer. From The Italian Regional Class which each month covers a different Italian region’s unique cuisine, to Pasta Masterclasses and Vegetarian classes, there’s some great choices to get you inspired.
Where: 67 Murray Street, Angaston, Barossa 5353 South Australia
For more information about classes, head here.
Chicco Palms – Brooklyn Park
Hidden inside a Palm Springs inspired venue is a pizza bar serving Italo-American classics. Think burrata served with prosciutto and house-made bread, pizzas margherita, capricciosa ortolana and more, plus pastas including a classic gnocchi pomodoro. It’s little wonder, there’s been a strong interest from their patrons in how to make it! The restaurant often hosts cooking classes like their recent ‘Gnocchi Fest’ which included a spritz on arrival, a gnocchi making class, lunch, wines by their friends at Alpha Box & Dice and a take-home apron. Keep your eyes peeled on their socials for the next class they host.
Where: 437 Henley Beach Rd, Brooklyn Park
For more information head to their socials here.
Maggie Beer’s The Farm Eatery & Experience – Barossa Valley
The Farm Eatery is a modern, casual eatery, led by Maggie and Colin’s youngest daughter, Elli. Along with a freshly renovated design, The Eatery has talented Executive chef, Tim Bourke, on board, whom Maggie first met at the renowned Southern Ocean Lodge. Both are as passionate as each other about beautiful, simple, seasonal food.
For those wanting a hands-on experience, there are a range of cooking classes available where you can learn Maggie’s secrets to the perfect entertaining menu, or join in on a hands-on long lunch session using seasonal ingredients.
Where: 50 Pheasant Farm Road, Nurioopta, Barossa Valley
For more information about classes, head here.
IL Mulino Pizzeria and Rosticceria – Hahndorf
Situated in the traditional German village of Hahndorf is an incredible Italian eatery. Perfect for those looking for something other than schnitzel and bratwurst, the authentic Italian eatery offers unique pizza alla pala for dining in and rosticceria, which is panzerotti, pizzilli, arancine, and a whole lot more!
IL Mulino offers a range of different cooking classes, that will have you feeling like a genuine Italian chef from Rome. Led by Chef Cristian, these hands-on classes will teach to do’s and don’t of Italian cookery.
The venue’s latest cooking class covers the topic of Pizza production on the 4th of May from 9am – 11am. Keep an eye on IL Mulino’s social media to stay updated on when tickets for their next class are released to the public. Get in fast because they will go quickly!
Where: 13/15 Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf SA 5245
For more information about classes, head here.
Hahndorf Inn – Hahndorf
Located in the heart of Hahndorf, on the main street, the historic Hahndorf Inn has stood for over 155 years.
The establishment specialises in traditional Bavarian cuisine and comprises of a main dining restaurant, casual bar area, outdoor dining, cozy saloon bar & a traditional German Bierhall. Paired with picturesque open fireplaces, this beautiful heritage hotel maintains its period charm.
Hahndorf Inn offers a unique daily hands-on beginner cooking class, led by a team member, who will guide you through creating your very own strudel. This is a quick yet rewarding class that ends with you enjoying the fruits of your labour. The chef bakes and delivers your strudel, served with a hot drink of your choice!
Where: 35 Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf SA 5245
For more information about classes, head here.
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