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A parent and child at one of The Real Food Academy's chef classes.

Cooking Classes

The Real Food Academy offers cooking classes for all ages. Kids can explore global cuisines and learn about real ingredients. Teens can master various dishes and techniques in an after-school program. Adults can join evening classes that focus on plant-based choices and nutritious recipes. The classes go beyond basic cooking and teach essential skills and the importance of fresh, healthy ingredients. Book a class today and start your culinary journey!

4.9 Star Rating
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The Real Food Academy

Chef Classes

Embark on a culinary adventure with The Real Food Academy, where cooking is not just a skill but a celebration of healthy, flavorful, and fun. Our chef classes are all about hands-on learning in a fun, engaging atmosphere. We're not just teaching recipes; we're fostering a community where each class is an opportunity to learn something new, meet like-minded people, and enjoy cooking in a state-of-the-art kitchen. We prioritize teaching people the difference between real food and processed food, emphasizing the dangers of processed food and the importance of eating real food made with wholesome, healthy ingredients.

At The Real Food Academy, we strive to inspire and educate all ages through our diverse and inclusive cooking classes. From kids to teens to adults, we foster a nurturing and friendly environment where everyone can discover the magic of cooking with real, wholesome ingredients. Each class is an opportunity to learn something new, meet like-minded people, and build relationships. Join us in our state-of-the-art kitchen and experience the joy of cooking while promoting wholesome lifestyles.

The Real Food Academy cooking class green logo.

The Real Food Academy

Select a Location Below

Florida

The Real Food Academy Miami

The Real Food Academy Miami

Address

570-A NE 81st St
Miami, FL 33138
The Real Food Academy - Winter Camps - Enroll Now

Special Announcements

Winter Camps - Enroll Now

Give your kids a winter break they'll never forget with our fun and interactive cooking camp! At The Real Food Academy's Cooking With Kids Winter Camp, each child will create delicious meals using whole ingredients through hands-on cooking experiences. It's the perfect way to inspire a lifelong love for cooking and healthy eating!

The Real Food Academy - The Real Food Academy Is Franchising

Special Announcements

The Real Food Academy Is Franchising

The Real Food Academy is now offering a fun & family-friendly franchise opportunity. We are expanding and inviting franchisees to join us on our culinary journey! Follow us on Instagram and Learn how you can #inspirelovethroughfood!

Master the Art of Flavor

Cooking Classes at The Real Food Academy

The Real Food Academy - Top Kids Cooking Classes. Real Food Academy

Kid Classes

The Real Food Academy is the ultimate destination for kids' cooking classes. With a strong focus on empowering young chefs, their classes offer a fun and educational culinary experience. Kids get hands-on lessons on ingredients, cooking techniques, and kitchen safety while creating delicious and nutritious meals.

The Real Food Academy - Top Cooking Classes for Teens. Real Food Academy

Teen Classes

With a 10-week course, teens will learn invaluable culinary skills while creating delicious meals. The Real Food Academy prides itself on using fresh and healthy ingredients, making it a great choice for parents looking to instill good eating habits in their teenagers. Check out our teen cooking classes today!

The Real Food Academy - Top Adult Cooking Classes. Real Food Academy

Adult Classes

Discover the ultimate culinary experience at The Real Food Academy. Our adult cooking classes are designed to teach you how to prepare succulent and healthy food using unprocessed ingredients in a variety of cuisines. With 100% hands-on lessons, you'll learn valuable cooking techniques while having a great time.

The Real Food Academy - Mommy and Me Cooking Classes. Real Food Academy

Parent & Child Classes

Calling all parents and kids! The Real Food Academy is the perfect place for bonding and culinary adventures. Our mommy and me cooking classes offer a unique and fun experience for families to learn and create together. Explore the world of delicious and healthy cooking while strengthening your parent-child relationship.

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Rave Reviews for The Real Food Academy

proud to have a 4.9 star rating & 700+ reviews

  • Cindy Rods

    Had staff party here and Chef Toni and the staff were amazing!! A great time with music, 4 course meal and just a fun time. A must do with your partner or friends.
  • Ms Romina

    very good service!! chef Tani y Carmen.We have a fun night cooking Love it
  • Edna Mora

    Very fun experience and my kids love it🤩
  • Karla Sánchez

    Best place for cooking classes and team building 💜
  • Rosa Castro

    Fantastic time at The Real Food Academy! Great chefs and food! 10000% recommend!
  • Deborah Lindenfeld

    Amazing experience! We hosted our annual team building event and everyone loved it. Chef Maria is the best.
  • Maria Becerra

    The food was delicious and the experience was so lovely. Will definitely be coming back!
  • R VIVAS

    Most fun ever! Ok maybe not ever, but lots of fun. Chef Toni and Tanya were great!
  • Jennifer Dunfield

    Excellent experience! Chef and sous chefs were so fun!
  • Daphna Barbeau

    Would highly recommend the team at RFA for an event! Price is totally comparable per head for kids birthday and was something new and interesting for our crew. The kids had a wonderful time! The team made everything SO easy and we could provide space and snacks for parents who wanted to hang. I’m just jealous I didn’t get to cook with the kids!
  • Astrid Mariel Bock

    We celebrated my daughter’s 6th birthday at The Real Food Academy. What a great experience. The party was a hit from start to finish. With about 15 kids in attendance, both boys and girls, they had an amazing time making their own pizzas and decorating cupcakes. It was such a fun, hands-on activity that kept everyone engaged and smiling. The food provided by The Real Food Academy for the parents was equally impressive — fresh, delicious, and thoughtfully prepared. Maria and her husband are amazing hosts. Their passion for what they do is evident in the way they run the academy and the genuine care they show to everyone. They guided us seamlessly throughout the party, ensuring everything ran smoothly and making us feel welcome and appreciated. The environment was perfect for both kids and parents. The kids were in a safe, exciting space, allowing parents to relax and enjoy each other’s company. I highly recommend The Real Food Academy for kids’ birthday parties or cooking classes. They truly deliver an unforgettable experience that kids will love and parents will appreciate.
  • Dorothy St

    Amazing experience !! Chef Toni and Carmen provided amazing customer service
  • Michael S

    Chef Toni @ Carmen - thumbs up!
  • Jen & Scott Both-to-be-Kimball

    Chef Toni and Carmen rocked. Great second event at Real Food and can’t wait for the next. Terrific for team events!
  • Katherine Yahav

    We had a very good time!
  • Pablo Jullian

    (Translated by Google) Great course!! We had a great time and learned a lot!! (Original) Buenísimo el curso!! Lo pasamos muy bien y aprendimos mucho!!
  • Pedro Vigil

    Very good experience for a company meeting. We had a wonderful time
  • Ignacia María Vizcaya

    Team Bulding. It was amazing
  • Yuliya Thorne

    My daughter absolutely loved the camp! Over the course of the few weeks she really stepped up her cooking game and now wants to cook most things at home. People working there are incredibly kind and attentive.
  • Marion Gallula

    My daughter just attended the Thanksgiving week camp and loved it so much, she can’t wait to go back for another camp. She is now cooking at home what she learned, I’m impressed.

Real Food Blog

Kids Birthday Party with The Real Food Academy.

65 Ideas for an Unforgettable Kids Birthday Party

At Real Food Academy, we know planning a birthday party can be overwhelming and stressful, but we're here to make it easy and fun. Read on to see a few of our favorite themes to choose from.

Knife Skills Every Beginner Cook Should Know with The Real Food Academy

Knife Skills Every Beginner Cook Should Know

One of the first skills novice chefs need to acquire is proficient knife handling. Learn more about these key knife skills for beginners, brought to you by The Real Food Academy!

4 Essential Tips for Overcoming Anxiety About Cooking with The Real Food Academy.

4 Essential Tips for Overcoming Anxiety About Cooking

With these tips from The Real Food Academy, you'll be able to conquer your fear of the kitchen and enjoy delicious homemade meals in no time.

Essential Tips to Make You a Better Cook with The Real Food Academy.

Essential Tips to Make You a Better Cook

It takes patience and practice to become a great cook. With a few tips from The Real Food Academy, you'll be on your way to creating delicious and impressive dishes in no time.

How to Get the Most Out of a Cooking Class with The Real Food Academy.

How to Get the Most Out of a Cooking Class

At The Real Food Academy, we believe that cooking is about creating an experience. Read on for some tips about how to get the most out of a cooking class!

Kids at The Real Food Academy - learn everything you need to know about the benefits of our cooking classes!

Why Your Child Needs To Spend At Least One Week At The Real Food Academy This Summer

Learn exactly why your child should spend at least one week at The Real Food Academy! Here's what you need to know!

Real Food Recipes

The Real Food Academy's baked apple cinnamon empanadas recipe.

Baked Apple Cinnamon Empanadas

dessert
latin
The Real Food Academy asian cole slaw recipe.

Asian Cole Slaw

salad
asian
The Real Food Academy avocado fries recipe.

Avocado Fries

snack
Crunch fries on a plate, The Real Food Academy baked fries recipe.

Baked Fries

appetizer
american
The Real Food Academy berry sorbet with super food toppings, try it today!

Berry Sorbet with Super Food Toppings

dessert
italian

Classes FAQs

No. All Payments and Deposits are non-refundable: When a payment or deposit is made, that day and time is no longer available to other customers on our calendar. For that reason, all payments and deposits are non-refundable.

In the case of a cooking class, the ingredients are shopped for and prepped in advance. Staff is also scheduled according to the number of people on the roster.

See our Wine and Beer list for your in-house kids party options. Optionally, you can bring your own wine or beer and page a corkage fee.

Corkage Fees

  • $15 per 750 ml bottle of wine
  • $30 per 1.5 L bottle of wine

Bring outside beer: $40 for beer (any quantity)

NO

We are surrounded by lots of free parking. However, do not park in the CVS parking lot. You may be towed if you do. Also, if you park on the street you need to use the paybyphone app.

We developed the prepaid package to help save a family some money. If you have one kid who's coming to cooking class all the time, or if you have more than one kid. We know that can become costly, so we created the package. Not for friends, sorry.

All the recipes prepared at The Real Food Academy are easily accessible on our recipes page.

You can simply type the name of the recipe in the search field to find the recipe your are looking for. If you can't remember the exact name...no problem. Just type in the cuisine type and you will quickly receive a list of all the recipes that include that cuisine.

If for some reason you require a printed copy of the recipe, please request it from the chef and they will happily provide it to you.

Yes, you still need to register for each class. When you purchase a package of classes, you are essentially purchasing credits to be deducted from each class you book. In the case of the kids classes you are purchasing 10 credits and for adult classes you are purchasing 4 credits.

The first step is to purchase the credits and the second step is to use the credits.

Our Steps

  1. Purchase credits.
  2. Choose the class you want to attend and book that class as you would normally do. The difference will be that you will not be asked for a credit card payment. You will simply deduct 1 credit from your Real Food Academy balance.

More importantly, purchasing a package of classes tells us only that you've bought a block of credits. We still you to tell us WHEN you are coming to class. Then and only then will we know the details of you or your child and most importantly whether or not your child has any food allergies.

This is why you need to register online for each class.

Yes, One thing! If your child has long hair, please have it pulled back and tied up neatly and pulled out of the face of your child upon arriving to class!

We are not limited to any one cuisine. Every week we prepare your kids favorite foods! It may be Italian one week, American the next week, Asian, Latin and more. No matter the cuisine, you can always count on us showing your kids how to prepare their favorite foods in the most health way!

No. Parents are invited to hang out in the cafe and enjoy a delicious breakfast, coffee, or even a mimosa!

We insist on this rule because your child needs to focus on the instructor. Parents can be very distracting to their children, which is not safe in many cases. Also, believe it or not, your child behaves MUCH better when Mom or Dad is not around! Please trust us on this one.

Your child will have a far better experience if you are not in the classroom. You will be invited into the classroom at the end of the class. That is when you can take pictures and when your child will have the opportunity to tell you all about their great creation. You will even have a chance to sample what they made.

We thank you in advance for respecting this rule. :)

All registrations for Saturday class are done through our on-line calendar. This will provide us the information we need in advance to be properly prepared for the class. Sorry..no walk-ins.

If you desire a wine or beer not available on our list, you have two options .

  1. Request your specific choice of wine and/or beer from The Real Food Academy and it will be provided by The Real Food Academy at the event or class. Applicable pricing applies.
  2. Bring outside beer and wine and pay a corkage fee of $15 per opened bottle for wine and a flat fee of $40 per for beer brought in from outside. The $40 fee for beer applies to the entire amount of beer ranging from one beer or more. Please note the corkage option is ONLY available for cooking classes. Private parties are not eligible for this option.

No, we will provide them for you and your guests. Please let us know the type of glasses you need.

Nothing. Just an appetite!

A group of kids at The Real Food Academy's cooking camps.

100%

Hands-On

All our classes are 100% hands-on and, unlike other cooking schools, we are not limited to any one cuisine!

A overhead shot of {fran_brand_names} cooking table at one of our kid chef class.

Kid & Teen Chef Classes

From Playground to Plate

For kids, our cooking classes transform the kitchen into a playground of global cuisines, from Italian to Latin to Asian and more. With a focus on real food, each session is a delectable discovery where your child’s favorite dish is transformed into a more nutritious version. Embodying our philosophy of “We Don't Change the Dish... We Change the Ingredients!", our unique "secret ingredient" method helps kids broaden their culinary horizons.

Responding to the call for more specialized teen programs, we've crafted an after-school program tailored for teenagers. Over a period of 10 weeks, they'll master a range of dishes and techniques, turning them into confident young cooks ready to take on any recipe, from breakfast items to sushi. This hands-on experience not only builds their cooking skills but also imparts valuable lessons in nutrition and self-reliance.

The Real Food Academy serving dish icon.

Unveiling the Real Culinary Philosophy

At our cooking school in Miami, Florida, we abide by a simple yet transformative mantra:

“We don’t change the dish, we change the ingredients!”

If a cooking school and functional medicine had a baby - it would be The Real Food Academy. This philosophy empowers our aspiring chefs, both young and adult, to cook what they love while incorporating healthy, all-natural substitutes. The result? Meals that are not only better for them but also taste better, creating a harmonious blend of health and flavor.

A mom with her kids participating at The Real Food Academy's chef class.

Culinary Adventures for All Tastes

The Real Food Academy

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Adults aren't left behind in our culinary journey. Our evening classes take you on a tour of world cuisines, focusing on nutritious recipes and real ingredients. These sessions are a blend of learning and leisure, perfect for unwinding while enhancing your cooking prowess. From knife skills to the art of the perfect pasta, each class is a chance to learn, laugh, and indulge in the joy of cooking.

At The Real Food Academy, our classes go beyond basic cooking; they're an expedition into the culinary arts. Here, our kitchen becomes a canvas, and each dish is a masterpiece. You'll explore international cuisine, master essential skills, and learn how to prep meals efficiently. From experiences that teach the importance of fresh, local ingredients to food that celebrates the world's diverse flavors, our classes will sharpen your skills, transforming kitchen chores into culinary joys. Additionally, you'll discover how to cook with nutrient-dense ingredients such as herbs and spices reinforcing our commitment to wholesome eating.

Join us at The Real Food Academy for an experience beyond the plate. Whether you're a curious child, a teenager looking to expand your culinary skills, or an adult seeking a new hobby or a fun night out, our chef classes offer something unique and fulfilling for everyone.

Ready to stir, chop, and sizzle your way to culinary mastery? Book a class today!

Dietary Accommodations

Real Flavor for Everyone

At The Real Food Academy, we take pride in crafting culinary experiences that are not only delectable but also safe for every palate. Our dedicated team understands the significance of dietary accommodations, and we go the extra mile to ensure that every participant can savor our creations without worry.

From gluten-free alternatives to nut-free options, we're well-versed in a wide range of allergies and dietary restrictions. Our kitchen is equipped with the latest tools and techniques to prevent cross-contamination, and our instructors are adept at adapting recipes to suit individual needs.

You can trust that at our academy, your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. Join us for a flavorful journey where allergies are never a barrier to delicious dining!

We offer a variety of dietary accommodations, including but not limited to:

Gluten Free
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Nut Free
Soy Free
Soy Free
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
Vegan
Vegan

Dish by Dish, Skill by Skill

Here are a few of the things you'll learn at the Real Food Academy:

The Real Food Academy - International Cookery

International Cookery

In every lesson, we will travel around the world and prepare traditional dishes utilizing healthy ingredients (the ones that are good for you!) We will be offering lessons on breakfast, brunch, lunch, snacks, and dinner preparation.

The Real Food Academy - How to Mise en Place

How to Mise en Place

Organize your meal preparation ahead of time. This way you'll have more time to enjoy with family and friends and less time worrying about the actual cooking part of a meal.

The Real Food Academy - Portion Control

Portion Control

Don't go hungry, just eat what’s right for you! You will not go hungry or suffer from energy depletion if you eat the right foods. We will teach you how to identify and choose the right ingredients, portions and how to combine different types of food for your benefit.

The Real Food Academy - Knife Skills & Cooking Techniques

Knife Skills & Cooking Techniques

Master the art of professionals and cook anything the healthy way! For example, learning how to cut properly can make the difference between seeing kitchen work as a chore and a joy.

The Real Food Academy - Choosing Disease-Preventing Foods

Choosing Disease-Preventing Foods

Learn the power of nutrient-rich herbs, spices, vegetables, low sugar fruits, non-processed meats and many more foods that are rich in antioxidants, resveratol, vitamins and minerals essential in healthy eating.

The Real Food Academy - International Cookery

International Cookery

In every lesson, we will travel around the world and prepare traditional dishes utilizing healthy ingredients (the ones that are good for you!) We will be offering lessons on breakfast, brunch, lunch, snacks, and dinner preparation.

The Real Food Academy - How to Mise en Place

How to Mise en Place

Organize your meal preparation ahead of time. This way you'll have more time to enjoy with family and friends and less time worrying about the actual cooking part of a meal.

The Real Food Academy - Portion Control

Portion Control

Don't go hungry, just eat what’s right for you! You will not go hungry or suffer from energy depletion if you eat the right foods. We will teach you how to identify and choose the right ingredients, portions and how to combine different types of food for your benefit.

The Real Food Academy - Knife Skills & Cooking Techniques

Knife Skills & Cooking Techniques

Master the art of professionals and cook anything the healthy way! For example, learning how to cut properly can make the difference between seeing kitchen work as a chore and a joy.

The Real Food Academy - Choosing Disease-Preventing Foods

Choosing Disease-Preventing Foods

Learn the power of nutrient-rich herbs, spices, vegetables, low sugar fruits, non-processed meats and many more foods that are rich in antioxidants, resveratol, vitamins and minerals essential in healthy eating.

Two champaign glasses being drank at The Real Food Academy cooking classes.
The Real Food Academy wine icon.

All Class Menus Are

Paired Perfectly

Don't stop on the way to the class to pick up wine, we take the time to pair each menu with the perfect wine that complements the flavors. Don't hassle with B.Y.O.B. The Real Food Academy has you covered.

Real Food. Real Connections

Elevate Your Culinary Expertise with Classes at The Real Food Academy

Special Announcements

Winter Camps - Enroll Now

Give your kids a winter break they'll never forget with our fun and interactive cooking camp! At The Real Food Academy's Cooking With Kids Winter Camp, each child will create delicious meals using whole ingredients through hands-on cooking experiences. It's the perfect way to inspire a lifelong love for cooking and healthy eating!

Book Now

The Real Food Academy Is Franchising

The Real Food Academy is now offering a fun & family-friendly franchise opportunity. We are expanding and inviting franchisees to join us on our culinary journey! Follow us on Instagram and Learn how you can #inspirelovethroughfood!

Learn More