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Dulwich, London SE24

Hands-on Tuscan cooking.
Right here in Dulwich.

Intimate classes in my home kitchen — authentic recipes, premium ingredients, and a table set to enjoy everything you've made together. Max 6 guests, always.

See Upcoming Dates
Ilaria plating mushroom crostini in her Dulwich kitchen

Your day at The Dolce Vita Kitchen

The experience

A warm welcome

A welcome drink and a moment to settle in, as we walk through the recipes and ingredients together.

Hands-on from the first moment

From the counter to the stove — rolling, sautéing, tasting. Every step explained with the story behind it.

A leisurely meal to enjoy it all

We set the table Italian style and eat together — with wine or a soft drink, good conversation, and the pleasure of a proper shared meal.

Take home your creations

A printed recipe pack, Ilaria's personal notes, and your leftovers to share — plus the confidence to recreate it all at home.

Why Choose The Dolce Vita Kitchen

What makes this different

This isn't a cookery school. It's an intimate, founder-led experience rooted in real Tuscan family tradition — with everything that makes it worth coming back to.

01

Small groups, always

Never more than 6 guests. You'll actually cook, ask questions, and leave feeling genuinely confident — not just entertained.

02

A real home kitchen

Hosted in my home in Dulwich SE24 — not a studio or commercial space. The warmth of that makes all the difference.

03

Authentic Tuscan recipes

Recipes passed down through my family in Lucca — from my mum and my nonni. Seasonal, generous, and made to be shared.

04

Premium ingredients

I cook with the same quality I grew up with — seasonal produce, artisan pantry staples, and wines chosen to complement every dish.

05

Cooking & hosting

You'll leave knowing not just how to cook the dish — but how to present it, serve it, and make a meal feel truly special at home.

06

You sit down and eat

Every class ends at the table — eating everything you've made together, Italian style. That shared moment is part of what you're booking.

Upcoming Dates

Book your seat

A Taste of Tuscany
£130 per person
FRIDAY 22 MAY · 10AM – 2.30PM

A Taste of Tuscany

A hands-on Tuscan cooking experience in Dulwich. Learn authentic Italian recipes, cook together, and enjoy a three-course lunch around the table. Around 3 hours of hands-on cooking, followed by a leisurely lunch with wine, homemade treats, and warm Italian hospitality.

Duration 4.5 hrs
Group size Max 6
Includes 3-course lunch, wine & treats
Book Now — £130
An Evening in Tuscany
£150 per person
FRIDAY 12 JUNE · 6.30PM – 11PM

An Evening in Tuscany

An immersive evening of Italian cooking and convivial dining. Beginning with a welcome cocktail, we prepare a seasonal 3-course Tuscan menu from scratch. After around 3 hours of hands-on cooking, we sit down to a relaxed dinner together with wine and homemade treats.

Duration 4.5 hrs
Group size Max 6
Includes Welcome cocktail, 3-course dinner & wine
Book Now — £150
Tuscan Pasta Workshop
£85 per person
FRIDAY 19 JUNE · 10AM – 12.30PM

Tuscan Pasta Workshop

Learn to make fresh pasta from scratch in this focused, hands-on class. In a small, intimate group, you will mix, knead, roll and cut pasta using traditional Italian techniques. We then sit down to enjoy the pasta together, served with a seasonal sauce. Includes coffee, tea, and homemade treats.

Duration 2.5 hrs
Group size Max 6
Includes Pasta lunch, coffee & treats
Book Now — £85

Every Class

What's included

Every class includes everything you need — no hidden extras, no surprises.

🥂 Aperitivo or coffee on arrival
🫶 Hands-on cooking throughout
🍝 Full sit-down meal
🍾 Wine with your meal
📄 Printed recipe pack to take home
✉️ Ilaria's personal notes & tips
🥡 Leftovers to take home and share
🛒 All ingredients provided

Summer 2026

This summer —
cook in Tuscany

Spending time in Tuscany this summer? I offer private cooking classes in and around Lucca — for you, your family, or a small group of friends. Learn to cook authentic Tuscan recipes in the place they were born, using seasonal local ingredients.

Whether you're staying near Lucca, Pisa, Florence, or anywhere in between — get in touch and we'll arrange something special. Private chef experiences around Lucca also available on request.

Get in Touch
The Tuscan countryside — Ilaria's home

Private Experiences

Something more personal

Want the class just for your group? Private bookings are available for any occasion — fully tailored to your group size, dietary needs, and the dishes you'd most like to learn.

  • Birthday celebrations
  • Hen parties & hen dos
  • Friends' get-togethers
  • Date nights for two
  • Corporate team experiences
  • Bespoke menus on request

Group classes run with a minimum of 4 guests. For smaller parties, private classes start at £340 for two — fully tailored to you.

Enquire About a Private Class
Guests making pasta together at The Dolce Vita Kitchen

Give the Gift of The Dolce Vita Kitchen

Looking for a gift?

Gift vouchers from £85 — fulfilled instantly, valid for 12 months. The perfect gift for anyone who loves food, Italy, or a beautiful shared experience.

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