Athens: Greek Cooking Class & Lunch or Dinner with Acropolis View

Summary

Cook classic Greek dishes in Athens then share stories over lunch

You’ll step into a real Athenian kitchen near the Acropolis, learn to cook six classic Greek dishes side-by-side with locals, then share stories over lunch or dinner with city views. Expect laughter, hands-on tips from your guide, wine flowing freely, and recipes you’ll want to make again at home.

What’s the experience like?

Opened my eyes to the clatter of pans and the smell of dill and garlic — not sure if I was more hungry or nervous. Our group circled the big wooden table in this light-filled kitchen just below the Acropolis. Maria, our host, handed me a glass of white wine and grinned when I tried to pronounce “tzatziki” properly (I still can’t). The city noise faded away as we started chopping cucumbers and talking about how every family here has their own secret for Greek salad. Someone’s phone buzzed but nobody checked it.

I didn’t expect making phyllo from scratch would feel like wrestling with silk — flour everywhere, laughter bouncing off the tiled walls. Maria showed us how to roll it so thin you could almost see through it, and she told stories about her grandmother’s kitchen on an island I’d never heard of. We tasted cheese pies straight from the oven, hot enough to burn your tongue if you’re impatient (I was). Then there was the main course — ours was moussaka, layered with cinnamon-scented meat and creamy béchamel — and honestly, I still think about that first bite.

We all sat down together at a long table by the window, plates piled high, Acropolis glowing gold above us as dusk crept in. There were jokes about who made the best dolmades (definitely not me), second helpings passed around without asking, and a quiet moment when someone just sighed happily over dessert. Maria emailed us all the recipes later but it’s those three hours — hands sticky with dough, strangers turning into friends — that stuck most. Kind of wish every meal felt like that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Greek cooking class and meal

• Arrive 10 minutes early
• Participate in hands-on cooking class
• Learn to make 6 traditional dishes
• Cook appetizers, pita, and Greek salad
• Prepare main course and dessert
• Enjoy meal with Greek wine
• Receive recipes by email

Top questions

How long does the Athens cooking class last?

The class plus lunch or dinner lasts about 3 hours total.

Is wine included in the Greek cooking class?

Yes, each person gets two glasses of Greek wine or traditional spirits during the meal.

What dishes will we cook in this Athens cooking class?

You’ll make six traditional Greek recipes like tzatziki, cheese or spinach pie (with homemade phyllo), dolmades or stuffed peppers, Greek salad, a main course such as moussaka or pastitsio, and dessert.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Yes—just email after booking to let them know your needs so they can adjust the menu.

Is this Athens cooking class suitable for kids?

Children aged 12 and up are welcome to join.

Do I get copies of the recipes after class?

Yes—the recipes for everything you cook are emailed to you afterwards.

Where is the cooking studio located in Athens?

The kitchen is centrally located near the Acropolis; public transport options are nearby.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is up to 16 people for a personalized experience.

What’s included

Your Athens day includes all ingredients for six traditional dishes—from tzatziki to moussaka—plus two glasses of Greek wine or spirits per person. You’ll have guidance from a local host throughout, enjoy lunch or dinner overlooking the Acropolis, and get digital copies of every recipe cooked together before heading out into Athens again.