The 7 best cooking classes in San Francisco

The Civic Kitchen is a recreational cooking school that offers hands-on classes inside a clean-lined space that's conveniently located near BART. True beginners can start with a simple $65 knife skills class (although even experienced home cooks might consider a refresher) while a $145 class is meatier (guests prepare a full meal and even get a signed cookbook). It’s a go-to spot for classes with visiting cookbook authors, while the faculty includes local cookbook authors and chefs as well. Classes are small, often with an international focus, with a max of 14 students.

SF Cooking School offers both professional and non-professional classes. The recreational classes are all hands-on and cover a wide range of topics; these are full participation experiences that last about four hours each. Most classes end with a sit-down meal (you’ll be eating the food you helped prepare in class, so be sure to bring your A game). Classes typically range from $165–$175 a pop, but there are also in-depth lessons that tackle topics like pastry fundamentals and wine pairings over the course of three sessions.

18 Reasons, a nonprofit cooking school, offers classes and dinners on a nightly basis in a storefront classroom on 18th Street. The school’s calendar features topics like Korean temple food and Baking for Fido (because your dog deserves a homemade treat, too) in addition to its ever-popular knife skills classes. Most classes are under four hours and include a shared dining experience to cap it all off. 18 Reasons also offers teen cooking classes and cooking classes for low-income community members, making this and empowering place for you and your locale.

In Noe Valley, Meghna Agarwal—a patient and engaging instructor—teaches traditional Indian cooking classes inside her home. Group classes are $125 per person (private classes are available for $200) and typically run three to four hours. If you’re looking for an introduction to Indian cuisine, Agarwal’s lessons provide an introduction to a variety of aromatic spices and an overview of regional Indian cuisines (expect dishes like Paneer Tikka, Aloo Gobi, Karahi Chicken, and Vegetable Pakoras). All classes finish with a sit-down meal served with naan and a traditional Indian dessert.

You might know it as a cookware store, but the Union Street location of Sur La Table offers a full calendar of classes, too. Taught by professional chef instructors, the classes are reasonably priced (under $100 each) and typically last between two and two-and-a-half hours. Classes are capped at 16 students, making them on the larger side, but they come with a perk: guests receive a coupon for 10 percent off any in-store purchase (good for that day). Classes range from Knife Skills 101 to date night classes with themes like Tuscan and Basque cuisine.

BiteUnite is a co-working commercial kitchen that arrived in the Mission District by way of Hong Kong. The owner, Patta Arkaresvimun, works with a roster of member chefs to offer a selection of classes with serious range. Recent classes focused on anything from empanadas to soup dumplings and even seasonal pies, which means there’s a whole spead of cultural staples to perfect. Most classes range in price from $75–$125, and you can check the event page to find out what’s on the horizon.

CozyMeal is a platform that connects local chefs with anyone interested in learning to cook. Classes vary in style and size (from two people to large groups) while many can even take place in your own home. Topics range from Moroccan food to decadent brunch entrees, French macarons, and vegetarian Southeast Asian fare. The typical class is $95 for a two-hour session and includes a three-course meal with a minimum of two students.