Lebanon continues to be a global focal point for culinary enthusiasts, offering a rich blend of traditional Levantine flavors and modern gastronomic techniques. Whether you are a local food lover or a traveler seeking an authentic taste of Lebanese hospitality, the country’s cooking schools and home-based workshops provide immersive experiences that go far beyond simple recipes.
Please note that the classes aren’t listed in the level of importance, this means that a class listed at the bottom of this page is just as important as one listed at the top.
Kitchen Lab
- Review: A dynamic culinary space in the heart of Beirut offering a diverse schedule of themed classes. From mastering “The Unique Entrecôte Formula” to “Italian Date Night,” the sessions are hands-on and social. It is perfect for groups of friends or individuals looking to sharpen specific kitchen skills. The instructors are professional chefs who make complex techniques feel accessible and fun.
- Tel: +961 1 200 391
- Address: Monot Street, Beirut, Lebanon
- Email: info@kitchenlabo.com
- Website: https://kitchenlabo.com
Tawlet (Souk El Tayeb)
- Review: Famous for its “Farmer’s Kitchen” concept, Tawlet offers deep dives into regional Lebanese specialties. Classes cover specific themes like “Chouf Mountain Food” or “Armenian 101,” led by local producers and home cooks. It is a soulful experience that celebrates the heritage and stories behind every dish. Participants cook together and then share a communal meal in a warm environment.
- Tel: +961 1 445 646
- Address: Mar Mikhael, Beirut, Lebanon
- Email: catering@tawlet.com
- Website: https://www.soukeltayeb.com
Tania’s Lebanese Cooking Experience
- Review: This is one of the most highly-rated private cooking experiences in Beirut, hosted in a charming, modest family home. Tania and her mother, Joelle, offer a “hands-on” journey into authentic home cooking that professional studios simply cannot replicate. Guests are treated like family, learning to make 5-6 dishes including traditional mezza, stews, and arak-infused treats.
- Tel: +961 3 372 735 (via Traveling Spoon)
- Address: Furn El Chebbak, Beirut
- Email: contact@travelingspoon.com
- Website: travelingspoon.com
Lamina’s Kitchen
- Review: Lamina’s Kitchen provides a cozy and intimate environment specializing in both Lebanese and international cuisines. The classes are designed to be fun and accessible, making them a hit for birthdays and private celebrations. Their instructors are praised for being patient and for providing detailed recipe booklets that you can take home. Whether you are interested in mastering the art of the perfect burger or traditional Lebanese pastries, Lamina’s covers it all. The focus here is on high-quality ingredients and a relaxed, social atmosphere. It is a great place to meet fellow foodies while honing your culinary skills.
- Tel: +961 3 602 944
- Address: Mar Mikhael, Beirut
- Email: laminaskitchen@gmail.com
Maroun Chedid Cooking Academy
- Review: Led by the celebrity chef himself, this academy is the pinnacle of culinary sophistication in Beirut. The space is a state-of-the-art “living institution” where rustic Mediterranean traditions meet refined gourmet techniques. While some sessions are observational demonstrations, many workshops are fully hands-on, covering everything from Maamoul baking to professional French cuisine. Reviewers frequently praise the “classy yet welcoming” ambiance and the high-end equipment provided for students. It is an ideal venue for those looking to master “Terroir Libanais” with a modern, upscale twist. The experience often feels like a private masterclass in a world-class chef’s personal kitchen.
- Tel: +961 70 900 097
- Address: Rue du Liban, Achrafieh, Beirut
- Email: academy@marounchedid.com
- Website: marounchedid.com
Le Cordon Bleu Lebanon
- Review: For those seeking world-class professional training, the Lebanese branch of Le Cordon Bleu offers prestigious short-term workshops. These classes provide a glimpse into the rigorous techniques of French “haute cuisine” combined with local influences. The facilities are state-of-the-art, and the chefs are internationally recognized masters of their craft. While the environment is more formal than a home class, the skills learned here are unparalleled in precision and technicality. It is a must-visit for aspiring chefs or serious hobbyists who want to take their cooking to a professional level. You will leave with a certificate that carries significant weight in the culinary world.
- Tel: +961 1 421 000
- Address: USJ Campus, Damascus Road, Beirut
- Email: lecordonbleu@usj.edu.lb
Beit El Qamar
- Review: Located in the picturesque Shouf mountains, Beit El Qamar offers cooking retreats that are a breath of fresh air. The classes emphasize “mountain food,” focusing on seasonal produce harvested directly from their own gardens and local producers. Participants learn to make rustic breads, jams, and traditional dishes that are specific to the Deir El Qamar region. The setting is breathtaking, offering views of the valley while you cook in an open-air or sun-drenched kitchen. It is an immersive experience that connects the cook to the land and the seasons. It is particularly recommended for those who appreciate organic, slow-food movements.
- Tel: +961 3 661 411
- Address: Deir El Qamar, Shouf
- Email: info@beitelqamar.com
The Baking Section
- Review: If you have a sweet tooth, The Baking Section is the ultimate destination for pastry and cake decoration workshops. The classes range from “Baking 101” to advanced sugar art and chocolate tempering. The instructor is widely praised for her creativity and for making even the most daunting baking tasks seem manageable. The studio is beautifully decorated, providing a perfect backdrop for the “Instagrammable” creations you’ll make. It’s a popular choice for kids’ parties and bridal showers due to its playful and artistic vibe. Participants often leave with a newfound confidence in their ability to bake bakery-quality treats at home.
- Tel: +961 70 940 384
- Address: Zalqa, Mount Lebanon
- Email: info@thebakingsection.com
Eat Like a Local
- Review: Anthony Rahayel (of NoGarlicNoOnions fame) occasionally organizes “Eat & Cook” tours that include hands-on village workshops. These are highly immersive and usually involve traveling to a remote part of Lebanon to learn from a local artisan. You might find yourself making “Kishk” in the Bekaa or “Saj” bread in the mountains. The energy is high, and the focus is 100% on authenticity and supporting local “heroes.” It is less of a standard classroom and more of a documentary-style adventure. Check his Instagram for the specific “Academy” or “Tour” dates.
- Tel: +961 3 328 628
- Address: Various locations (Starting from Beirut)
- Email: info@nogarlicnoonions.com
- Website: nogarlicnoonions.com
Villa Badaro
- Review: Villa Badaro is a cultural hub that hosts rotating pop-up cooking classes in its beautiful garden setting. The classes are often themed around “Social Cooking,” where the goal is to collaborate with strangers to create a massive feast. They frequently host international guest chefs, bringing flavors from Mexico, Thailand, or West Africa to the heart of Beirut. The atmosphere is very trendy and youthful, with music often playing in the background. It’s an excellent choice for a weekend activity that feels more like a party than a lesson. Their Instagram stories are the best way to catch their frequent “Flash Workshops.”
- Tel: +961 3 771 844
- Address: Badaro Main Street, Beirut
- Email: villabadaro@gmail.com
The Smallville Hotel
- Review: The Smallville Hotel offers a “Secret Kitchen” experience where guests can book private lessons with their executive chefs. These classes are highly customizable; you can choose to focus on “Modern Lebanese Fusion” or “Classic French Pastry.” The kitchen is sleek and urban, reflecting the hotel’s “superhero” and “comic book” theme. It is a very high-end experience, often including premium ingredients like truffles or local bluefin tuna. They are particularly good at teaching “Plating Art,” helping you make your dishes look like Michelin-star creations. It is a popular choice for high-end corporate retreats.
- Tel: +961 1 619 999
- Address: Badaro, Beirut
- Email: info@thesmallville.com
- Website: thesmallville.com
Cooking with Amal
- Review: Amal offers a very traditional and “motherly” cooking experience in a quiet village just outside Beirut. Her classes are famous for their slow pace and attention to detail, especially when it comes to “rolling” techniques for vine leaves and malfouf. She uses only seasonal produce from her own small garden, and the olive oil used is pressed by her family. Reviews often mention that her house has the best view in the area, overlooking the pine forests. It is a very peaceful, authentic way to learn the nuances of Levantine hospitality. Most students leave with a small jar of her homemade jam or zaatar.
- Tel: +961 70 123 456 (via Viator/Pelago)
- Address: Beit Mery, Mount Lebanon
- Email: info@viator.com