The 8 best cooking classes in San Francisco for foodies

Civic Kitchen is a recreational cooking school for home cooks, offering hands-on classes and events at an inviting space conveniently located near BART. Classes range from a $65 knife skills class to $145 for a class with a full meal and signed copy of a cookbook. You’ll find many visiting cookbook authors teaching classes here and the faculty includes many notable 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, covering a wide range of topics, are all hands-on, full-participation experiences and average four hours each. Most classes conclude by sitting down as a group to eat a full meal consisting of what has been prepared in class. Classes typically range from $165–$175, but there are also some more in-depth classes that are are three sessions and tackle topics like pastry fundamentals as well as wine pairing classes.

Non-profit cooking school 18 Reasons offers classes and dinners on a nightly basis in a storefront classroom on 18th Street. The calendar includes some out of the ordinary topics such as Korean temple food and Baking for Fido (dog treats) in addition to the ever popular knife skills classes. Most classes are three-and-a-half to four hours and include a shared dining experience. 18 Reasons also offers teen immersion cooking classes and cooking classes for low-income community members.

Patient, knowledgeable and engaging instructor Meghna Agarwal teaches Indian cooking classes from her home in Noe Valley. Group classes are $125 per person and private classes are $200 and typically run three to four hours. Classes provide an introduction to a variety of spices and an overview of regional Indian cuisines. All classes conclude with a sit down meal served with naan and a traditional Indian dessert.

For more than 10 years Jordan’s Kitchen has offered cooking classes that are completely hands-on and always led by private chef Jordan Schachter. Classes take place every Friday evening in a SoMa commercial kitchen where you'll make a four-course menu which changes weekly. Classes are four hours long and cost $165 per person. Past classes include knife skills, Thanksgiving and chef’s favorites.

You might know it as a cookware store, but the Union Street location of Sur La Table offers a very full calendar of classes. Classes taught by professional chef instructors are reasonably priced at under $100 each and are typically between two and two-and-a-half hours long and limited to 16 students; Each student also gets a coupon for 10 percdent off an in-store purchases good for that day. Classes range from knife skills 101 to date night classes as well as specialities like Tuscan and Basque cuisine.

BiteUnite is a co-working commercial kitchen located in the Mission District which offers a variety of classes from member chefs. Classes vary, but recent offerings include Thai cuisine, seasonal pie and sushi. Most classes range in price from $75–$125. Check the event page to find current classes.

CozyMeal is a platform connecting local chefs with anyone interested in learning to cook. Classes vary in style and size (from two people to large groups) but many can take place in your home. Learn to make Moroccan food, decadent brunch entrees, French macarons or 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 guests/students.