Athens isn’t just about ancient temples and lively plazas; it’s also a city where food plays a central role in daily life. For travelers who love to cook or simply want to experience authentic Greek cuisine firsthand, Athens offers some fantastic cooking classes. Our favorites include classes with stunning views of the Acropolis, market tours combined with hands-on cooking, and intimate small-group experiences. These experiences give you a taste of Greek culture, history, and flavors in a fun, practical way—often with delicious results you can recreate at home.
The ones that stand out most are the Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Lunch or Dinner with an Acropolis View for its comprehensive, hands-on approach and spectacular setting, and the Greek Cooking Class with Acropolis View for its in-depth, 5-course meal that pairs cooking with sightseeing. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious foodie, these experiences promise a memorable taste of Athens.
Quick Overview
This list features six of the best cooking classes in Athens, each offering a unique way to learn about Greek cuisine. From traditional home-style cooking to rooftop lessons with panoramic city views, there’s something for every appetite. For a more immersive experience, consider market tours combined with cooking lessons or exclusive small-group classes. Check out the full options below for details.
1. Traditional Greek cooking class and lunch or dinner with an Acropolis view
This highly-rated class offers a hands-on experience where you’ll learn to prepare at least five Greek dishes, from appetizers to mains, and finish by enjoying your creations in a lovely setting overlooking the Acropolis. The class lasts about three hours and includes Greek spirits and wine to complement your meal.
What makes this class stand out is its focus on authentic recipes made from scratch, including making homemade phyllo dough. The friendly staff, led by Marilena, is praised for being attentive, engaging, and helpful, making this experience suitable for anyone who loves to cook—and eat. Visitors leave with recipes they can replicate at home, ensuring the memories and skills last well beyond their trip.
This class is ideal if you’re after a comprehensive, interactive lesson with a beautiful view, perfect for food lovers who want a true taste of Greece. Guests rave about the delicious dishes and the friendly environment. At $110.47 per person, it offers excellent value considering the quality of instruction, the meal, and the stunning setting.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for foodies who want a full, authentic Greek cooking experience with a spectacular view and a relaxed atmosphere.
2. Greek Cooking Class with Acropolis View
This four-hour class combines a culinary journey with sightseeing, as it includes the preparation of a 5-course meal featuring tzatziki, mousaka, Aegean salads, and Greek spinach pie with fresh feta. Led by Chef Stamatis, this class offers a hands-on approach in a scenic location with views of the Acropolis.
The class stands out for its comprehensive menu and interactive teaching style. Guests appreciate Stamatis’s charismatic and enthusiastic approach, making the process fun and engaging. The class typically does not include wine, but they offer a €22 wine pairing that greatly enhances the experience.
Many reviewers note the value for money, especially given the quality of the dishes and the scenic setting. The class is suited for those who want a detailed, multi-course meal and don’t mind spending some time learning and tasting.
At around $106.82, this class offers a rich experience combining culinary skills and the iconic backdrop of Athens. It’s especially good for those hungry for a complete Greek meal and eager to understand the flavors behind it.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a hearty, multi-course, hands-on Greek cooking experience with spectacular views and a lively, engaging chef.
3. Athens: Cooking Class at Diamond Roof Garden
Perched atop a roof garden in Athens, this class offers a unique setting to learn traditional Greek dishes under the guidance of a professional chef. Lasting about 2.5 hours, it includes preparing and tasting a menu of classics like tzatziki and stuffed tomatoes while taking in breathtaking cityscape views.
What makes this experience special is its rooftop location, providing a serene yet inspiring environment. The chef is praised for being very knowledgeable, and the class is very hands-on, with all participants actively involved in cooking. Guests enjoy the opportunity to sip wine as they cook and then dine al fresco with a panoramic view.
The emphasis on traditional Greek recipes combined with the setting makes for a memorable experience, especially for those who want a shorter, focused class with a scenic twist. The food is described as amazing, and the overall experience is rated top in reviews.
If you’re looking for a shorter but scenic and authentic cooking class, this is a great pick. It’s perfect for travelers wanting to combine culinary learning with city views.
Bottom Line: A scenic, intimate experience that offers traditional Greek dishes in a stunning rooftop setting—ideal for a quick but memorable cooking immersion.
4. Athens Market Tour and Cooking Class in a Beautiful Garden
This 4.5-hour experience begins with a guided tour of Monastiraki Square and the Central Athens Market, where you’ll see local vendors offering fresh produce, cheeses, herbs, and more. After exploring the market’s sights and smells, you’ll move to a charming home with a lovely garden where you’ll learn to cook a Greek meze.
What sets this class apart is its combination of market exploration and cooking in an intimate, welcoming environment. The local chef shares insights into how traditional ingredients are sourced and used in Greek cuisine. The class culminates in a three-course meal paired with local wines, creating a full sensory experience.
Many students appreciate the personalized attention and the chance to see local ingredients firsthand. The class is suited for those who want more than just cooking—they want a cultural glimpse into Athens’ food scene. The price is $93 per person, making it a reasonably priced, comprehensive experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for curious travelers who want a market visit, cooking, and a cozy meal in a beautiful garden setting.
5. Athens: Food Market & Cooking Lesson for Cruise Travelers
This 4.5-hour tour is specially tailored for cruise passengers, beginning with a guided visit to the Central Market and continuing with a cooking demonstration of authentic Greek dishes. The class ends with a three-course meal paired with local wines.
What makes this tour stand out is its convenient pickup and drop-off options at the cruise terminals—perfect for travelers with limited time. The chef is experienced and shares authentic recipe secrets during the demonstration, giving participants a hands-on learning opportunity.
The class offers good value, especially considering its location logistics. Many reviews highlight how well-organized and enjoyable the experience is, with large groups kept engaging by the chef’s lively style. It’s suited for cruise travelers who want to maximize their shore time while still enjoying a full Greek culinary experience.
Considering the all-inclusive convenience and authentic food, this tour is highly recommended for those with a tight schedule but a desire for quality cooking and culture.
Bottom Line: An excellent option for cruise passengers looking for a convenient, well-organized, and authentic Greek cooking experience.
6. Athens: Small Group Fresh Food Market & Cooking Lesson
This 4.5-hour small-group experience begins with a guided visit to the Central Market, followed by a cooking class in a cozy, intimate setting. Led by a local chef, this class emphasizes fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, culminating in a three-course meal paired with local wines.
The small-group format ensures personalized attention and active participation, making it especially suitable for travelers who want a more intimate, immersive experience. The class offers a comprehensive tour of Athens’ market combined with practical cooking skills, all in a friendly environment.
The itinerary combines market exploration, hands-on cooking, and a delicious meal, making it a well-rounded experience for those who want to go beyond just the kitchen. The pricing details are not specified, but the reviews highlight the value and quality of the experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a personalized, authentic Greek cooking class with a focus on local ingredients and small-group intimacy.
How to Choose the Best Cooking Class in Athens
When picking the right culinary experience, consider your budget, schedule, and interests. If you want a full day of cooking paired with sightseeing, the Traditional Greek cooking class and lunch or dinner with an Acropolis view is a great choice. For a shorter, scenic rooftop class, the Diamond Roof Garden provides a quick but memorable taste of Greece.
If you’re cruising through Athens, the Food Market & Cooking Lesson for Cruise Travelers offers convenience, while those seeking a more intimate experience might prefer the Small Group Fresh Food Market & Cooking Lesson.
Consider your interest level in market visits—the market tours provide a deeper culture—versus straightforward hands-on cooking classes. Prices vary, but most experiences offer excellent value for the quality and authenticity of the food, scenic views, and expert guidance.
Athens’ cooking classes are diverse and rich, offering everything from culinary fundamentals to luxury rooftop dining. Whether you want a comprehensive, multi-course feast or an intimate market tour with a home-cooked meal, you’ll find a class that suits your style. Be sure to book early, especially in high season, to secure your spot in these popular experiences and enjoy a delicious taste of Greece that you’ll remember long after you leave.