Meet
Mirella
Mirella lives with her husband Stefano, her partner in life and in the kitchen, in Antella, a charming town south of Florence nestled in the Chianti Hills. Her love of cooking began as a child helping her nonna, a chef known for Renaissance-era Florentine cuisine. Mirella trained at Florence’s Istituto Alberghiero and has worked in restaurants, hotels, and schools, adapting meals for a variety of dietary needs. Today, she leads engaging cooking classes and farm visits that blend traditional, fusion, and organic cuisine. Stefano, from a family of pastry chefs, and a former winery owner, often joins the experience and shares Mirella’s passion - and their fantastic sense of humor makes guests feel truly at home.
What to expect
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.
In-home meal:
(2-15 guests)
Mirella’s cooking reflects her Florentine, Tuscan, and peasant roots, which taught her to appreciate the ingenuity of traditional “cucina povera” like ribollita, a Tuscan vegetable stew made with dried bread. She also draws on Renaissance cuisine, inspired by the rich dishes of the Medici court.
Join Mirella and her husband Stefano for a seasonal Tuscan meal in their Florence home. Menus change throughout the year based on fresh ingredients - spring might include penne with ragù and peasant-style meatballs, while summer could feature pappa al pomodoro, Tuscan chicken, and tiramisù. All meals include prosecco, wine, and limoncello or vin santo, and your dishes can be adapted to dietary needs or special requests.
Cooking experience:
(1-15 guests)
Join local chef Mirella for a hands-on Tuscan cooking class in Florence that blends tradition, flavor, and history. In this immersive culinary experience, you’ll learn to prepare 3 - 4 authentic Tuscan dishes using seasonal ingredients, such as handmade pasta, traditional sauces, bruschetta, and regional mains, while uncovering the rich cultural stories behind them.
This isn’t just a cooking class - it’s a journey through Florentine and Tuscan cuisine, led by a passionate local in a warm, welcoming home. Weather permitting, you’ll cook and dine in Mirella’s charming garden for a truly memorable meal under the Tuscan sky.
Whether you're a food lover, home cook, or curious traveler, this experience is one of the top things to do in Florence for food lovers.
Market visit:
(2-8 guests)
Begin your culinary adventure with a guided market tour at Sant'Ambrogio, one of Florence’s most vibrant and authentic local markets, located about 30 minutes from Mirella’s home. Stroll through lively stalls as you meet local producers and learn about seasonal ingredients, sampling and selecting fresh wine, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables along the way.
This market tour isn’t just about shopping - it’s about immersing yourself in Italian food culture. You’ll chat with vendors and pick out ingredients for your cooking class. After your tour, drive with Mirella to her home where you will enjoy a half day filled with discovering, cooking, and sharing a delicious homemade meal together.
Notes:
1. Your experience includes a glass of prosecco (Italian sparkling wine) served with the antipasto, followed by two glasses of regional wine during the meal. To conclude, Mirella will serve a taste of limoncello (a refreshing lemon liqueur) and/or vin santo (a traditional Tuscan dessert wine) to perfectly complement your dessert.
2. If needed, Mirella can also help arrange return transportation for an additional cost—please let her know in advance so she can organize this for you.
3. In-villa option available: Mirella is pleased to offer a private cooking or meal experience at your Tuscan villa if you prefer not to travel. For rates and availability, please contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com
4. Please note that, as is common in many Italian homes, Mirella’s residence does not have air conditioning.
Languages spoken:
English, Italian
Sample menu
Traveler reviews
One of the best experiences we’ve ever had
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dave
March 12, 2026
We had an absolutely wonderful evening with Mirella and Stefano. Mirella was warm, fun and our group had so much fun. I would recommend them in a heartbeat to clients!
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Christine, FORA travel advisor
January 28, 2026
What a fun class! We were able to book Ubers out to her house and she helped get taxis afterwards to get us back to Florence. We made eggplant parm, fresh tagliatelle and gnocchi, sauces, and tiramisu. All amazing and paired with local or homemade wine and limoncello. Would recommend!
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Jennifer
October 06, 2025
Fantastic dining experience, amazing food especially the salad from the garden, book your
own experience you won’t regret
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Bob
August 07, 2025
Mirella and Stefano are amazing chefs as well as even more special people. They made the
most delicious Italian food and welcomed us with warm hearts and food!
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Mary
July 21, 2025
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