Book a Class or Event
At The Real Food Academy, located in Tampa, FL, we offer an enchanting culinary experience for both kids and adults. Founded in 2008 by Head Chef Maria Cummins, our academy not only teaches kids how to cook delicious meals but also educates them about the importance of using unprocessed, wholesome ingredients.
Cooking Classes
- Other Classes & Events
Complete 3 Simple StepsKid & Teen Parties
- Budding Chef
- Executive Chef
- Top Chef
- Cake Decorating
Entree
The Traditional Pizza
Fresh dough, rolling pins and flour. Your child will have a blast kneading the dough and preparing the traditional Pizza. Choose two toppings (turkey or regular pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, grape tomatoes, basil, green peppers).
Dessert (Select One)
Chocolate Covered Fruit Skewers
This fun activity will allow your child to make a fruit pattern using wooden skewers and fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas and pineapple). A fondue melted chocolate will be poured over the skewers (optional).
Decorating Cupcakes
We’ll provide your favorite flavor of freshly made cupcakes with an assortment of delicious frosting and different color fondant for the best part ... the decorating!
Entree (Select One)
The Traditional Pizza
Fresh dough, rolling pins and flour. Your child will have a blast kneading the dough and preparing the traditional Pizza. Choose two toppings (turkey or regular pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, grape tomatoes, basil, green peppers).
Fettuccine Pasta
Fresh Made Fettuccine Pasta with Marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce. Fresh Garlic Rolls (made from scratch).
Side Dish
Garlic Twists
Fresh Garlic Sticks with our own Twist! (Made with any pasta dish)
Dessert (Select One)
Chocolate Covered Fruit Skewers
This fun activity will allow your child to make a fruit pattern using wooden skewers and fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas and pineapple). A fondue melted chocolate will be poured over the skewers (optional).
Decorating Cupcakes
We’ll provide your favorite flavor of freshly made cupcakes with an assortment of delicious frosting and different color fondant for the best part ... the decorating!
Cookie Pizza
Cookie dough made fresh using organic ingredients, and topped with dark chocolate chips & our homemade dark chocolate sauce.
Strawberry Shortcake
Make shortcakes from scratch using organic ingredients, and top with fresh, organic strawberries.
Waffles Tower
Make your own waffles using organic ingredients, and layer with fresh, organic fruit.
Flourless Brownies
Using organic black beans instead of flour, make & bake your own delicious, healthy brownies.
Entree (Select One)
The Traditional Pizza
Fresh dough, rolling pins and flour. Your child will have a blast kneading the dough and preparing the traditional Pizza. Choose two toppings (turkey or regular pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, grape tomatoes, basil, green peppers).
Fettuccine Pasta
Fresh Made Fettuccine Pasta with Marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce. Fresh Garlic Rolls (made from scratch).
Cheesy Raviolis
For children 10 years old and up, Homemade Raviolis with Ricotta and Parmesan cheese filling, served with your choice of Marinara or Alfredo sauce.
Mexican Pizza
Fresh dough, Mexican blend cheese, fresh salsa and turkey meat or refried beans spread! Your child will be speaking Spanish afterwards!
Meatballs and Bread Sticks
Homemade Meatballs with our delicious homemade sauce and make your own bread sticks.
Sushi
Make your own sushi (California Rolls and Tuna rolls) as well as Miso Soup and Adamame.
Lettuce Wraps
Make your own lettuce wraps with organic chicken, and a side of fried rice.
Dumplings or Eggrolls
Make your own authentic Chinese dumplings or eggrolls and organic chicken fried rice.
Side Dish
Garlic Twists
Fresh Garlic Sticks with our own Twist! (Made with any pasta dish)
Dessert (Select One)
Chocolate Covered Fruit Skewers
This fun activity will allow your child to make a fruit pattern using wooden skewers and fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas and pineapple). A fondue melted chocolate will be poured over the skewers (optional).
Decorating Cupcakes
We’ll provide your favorite flavor of freshly made cupcakes with an assortment of delicious frosting and different color fondant for the best part ... the decorating!
Cookie Pizza
Cookie dough made fresh using organic ingredients, and topped with dark chocolate chips & our homemade dark chocolate sauce.
Strawberry Shortcake
Make shortcakes from scratch using organic ingredients, and top with fresh, organic strawberries.
Waffles Tower
Make your own waffles using organic ingredients, and layer with fresh, organic fruit.
Flourless Brownies
Using organic black beans instead of flour, make & bake your own delicious, healthy brownies.
Chocolate Mousse
Mix organic whipping cream with dark chocolate to perfection for a succulent dessert.
No Bake Cookies
Using fresh, organic ingredients, mix nuts and fresh fruit for a healthy, no bake dessert.
Entree (Select One)
The Traditional Pizza
Fresh dough, rolling pins and flour. Your child will have a blast kneading the dough and preparing the traditional Pizza. Choose two toppings (turkey or regular pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, grape tomatoes, basil, green peppers).
Fettuccine Pasta
Fresh Made Fettuccine Pasta with Marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce. Fresh Garlic Rolls (made from scratch).
Cheesy Raviolis
For children 10 years old and up, Homemade Raviolis with Ricotta and Parmesan cheese filling, served with your choice of Marinara or Alfredo sauce.
Mexican Pizza
Fresh dough, Mexican blend cheese, fresh salsa and turkey meat or refried beans spread! Your child will be speaking Spanish afterwards!
Meatballs and Bread Sticks
Homemade Meatballs with our delicious homemade sauce and make your own bread sticks.
Sushi
Make your own sushi (California Rolls and Tuna rolls) as well as Miso Soup and Adamame.
Lettuce Wraps
Make your own lettuce wraps with organic chicken, and a side of fried rice.
Dumplings or Eggrolls
Make your own authentic Chinese dumplings or eggrolls and organic chicken fried rice.
Side Dish
Garlic Twists
Fresh Garlic Sticks with our own Twist! (Made with any pasta dish)
Dessert (Select One)
Chocolate Covered Fruit Skewers
This fun activity will allow your child to make a fruit pattern using wooden skewers and fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas and pineapple). A fondue melted chocolate will be poured over the skewers (optional).
Decorating Cupcakes
We’ll provide your favorite flavor of freshly made cupcakes with an assortment of delicious frosting and different color fondant for the best part ... the decorating!
Cookie Pizza
Cookie dough made fresh using organic ingredients, and topped with dark chocolate chips & our homemade dark chocolate sauce.
Strawberry Shortcake
Make shortcakes from scratch using organic ingredients, and top with fresh, organic strawberries.
Waffles Tower
Make your own waffles using organic ingredients, and layer with fresh, organic fruit.
Flourless Brownies
Using organic black beans instead of flour, make & bake your own delicious, healthy brownies.
Chocolate Mousse
Mix organic whipping cream with dark chocolate to perfection for a succulent dessert.
No Bake Cookies
Using fresh, organic ingredients, mix nuts and fresh fruit for a healthy, no bake dessert.
Entree
The Traditional Pizza
Fresh dough, rolling pins and flour. Your child will have a blast kneading the dough and preparing the traditional Pizza. Choose two toppings (turkey or regular pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, grape tomatoes, basil, green peppers).
Dessert (Select One)
Chocolate Covered Fruit Skewers
This fun activity will allow your child to make a fruit pattern using wooden skewers and fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas and pineapple). A fondue melted chocolate will be poured over the skewers (optional).
Decorating Cupcakes
We’ll provide your favorite flavor of freshly made cupcakes with an assortment of delicious frosting and different color fondant for the best part ... the decorating!
Entree (Select One)
The Traditional Pizza
Fresh dough, rolling pins and flour. Your child will have a blast kneading the dough and preparing the traditional Pizza. Choose two toppings (turkey or regular pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, grape tomatoes, basil, green peppers).
Fettuccine Pasta
Fresh Made Fettuccine Pasta with Marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce. Fresh Garlic Rolls (made from scratch).
Side Dish
Garlic Twists
Fresh Garlic Sticks with our own Twist! (Made with any pasta dish)
Dessert (Select One)
Chocolate Covered Fruit Skewers
This fun activity will allow your child to make a fruit pattern using wooden skewers and fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas and pineapple). A fondue melted chocolate will be poured over the skewers (optional).
Decorating Cupcakes
We’ll provide your favorite flavor of freshly made cupcakes with an assortment of delicious frosting and different color fondant for the best part ... the decorating!
Cookie Pizza
Cookie dough made fresh using organic ingredients, and topped with dark chocolate chips & our homemade dark chocolate sauce.
Strawberry Shortcake
Make shortcakes from scratch using organic ingredients, and top with fresh, organic strawberries.
Waffles Tower
Make your own waffles using organic ingredients, and layer with fresh, organic fruit.
Flourless Brownies
Using organic black beans instead of flour, make & bake your own delicious, healthy brownies.
Entree (Select One)
The Traditional Pizza
Fresh dough, rolling pins and flour. Your child will have a blast kneading the dough and preparing the traditional Pizza. Choose two toppings (turkey or regular pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, grape tomatoes, basil, green peppers).
Fettuccine Pasta
Fresh Made Fettuccine Pasta with Marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce. Fresh Garlic Rolls (made from scratch).
Cheesy Raviolis
For children 10 years old and up, Homemade Raviolis with Ricotta and Parmesan cheese filling, served with your choice of Marinara or Alfredo sauce.
Mexican Pizza
Fresh dough, Mexican blend cheese, fresh salsa and turkey meat or refried beans spread! Your child will be speaking Spanish afterwards!
Meatballs and Bread Sticks
Homemade Meatballs with our delicious homemade sauce and make your own bread sticks.
Sushi
Make your own sushi (California Rolls and Tuna rolls) as well as Miso Soup and Adamame.
Lettuce Wraps
Make your own lettuce wraps with organic chicken, and a side of fried rice.
Dumplings or Eggrolls
Make your own authentic Chinese dumplings or eggrolls and organic chicken fried rice.
Side Dish
Garlic Twists
Fresh Garlic Sticks with our own Twist! (Made with any pasta dish)
Dessert (Select One)
Chocolate Covered Fruit Skewers
This fun activity will allow your child to make a fruit pattern using wooden skewers and fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas and pineapple). A fondue melted chocolate will be poured over the skewers (optional).
Decorating Cupcakes
We’ll provide your favorite flavor of freshly made cupcakes with an assortment of delicious frosting and different color fondant for the best part ... the decorating!
Cookie Pizza
Cookie dough made fresh using organic ingredients, and topped with dark chocolate chips & our homemade dark chocolate sauce.
Strawberry Shortcake
Make shortcakes from scratch using organic ingredients, and top with fresh, organic strawberries.
Waffles Tower
Make your own waffles using organic ingredients, and layer with fresh, organic fruit.
Flourless Brownies
Using organic black beans instead of flour, make & bake your own delicious, healthy brownies.
Chocolate Mousse
Mix organic whipping cream with dark chocolate to perfection for a succulent dessert.
No Bake Cookies
Using fresh, organic ingredients, mix nuts and fresh fruit for a healthy, no bake dessert.
Entree (Select One)
The Traditional Pizza
Fresh dough, rolling pins and flour. Your child will have a blast kneading the dough and preparing the traditional Pizza. Choose two toppings (turkey or regular pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, grape tomatoes, basil, green peppers).
Fettuccine Pasta
Fresh Made Fettuccine Pasta with Marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce. Fresh Garlic Rolls (made from scratch).
Cheesy Raviolis
For children 10 years old and up, Homemade Raviolis with Ricotta and Parmesan cheese filling, served with your choice of Marinara or Alfredo sauce.
Mexican Pizza
Fresh dough, Mexican blend cheese, fresh salsa and turkey meat or refried beans spread! Your child will be speaking Spanish afterwards!
Meatballs and Bread Sticks
Homemade Meatballs with our delicious homemade sauce and make your own bread sticks.
Sushi
Make your own sushi (California Rolls and Tuna rolls) as well as Miso Soup and Adamame.
Lettuce Wraps
Make your own lettuce wraps with organic chicken, and a side of fried rice.
Dumplings or Eggrolls
Make your own authentic Chinese dumplings or eggrolls and organic chicken fried rice.
Side Dish
Garlic Twists
Fresh Garlic Sticks with our own Twist! (Made with any pasta dish)
Dessert (Select One)
Chocolate Covered Fruit Skewers
This fun activity will allow your child to make a fruit pattern using wooden skewers and fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas and pineapple). A fondue melted chocolate will be poured over the skewers (optional).
Decorating Cupcakes
We’ll provide your favorite flavor of freshly made cupcakes with an assortment of delicious frosting and different color fondant for the best part ... the decorating!
Cookie Pizza
Cookie dough made fresh using organic ingredients, and topped with dark chocolate chips & our homemade dark chocolate sauce.
Strawberry Shortcake
Make shortcakes from scratch using organic ingredients, and top with fresh, organic strawberries.
Waffles Tower
Make your own waffles using organic ingredients, and layer with fresh, organic fruit.
Flourless Brownies
Using organic black beans instead of flour, make & bake your own delicious, healthy brownies.
Chocolate Mousse
Mix organic whipping cream with dark chocolate to perfection for a succulent dessert.
No Bake Cookies
Using fresh, organic ingredients, mix nuts and fresh fruit for a healthy, no bake dessert.
Adult Parties
- Latin Menu
- Asian Menu
- Italian Menu
- Indian Menu
Course 1 (Select One)
Spinach Empanadas
Baked puff pastry turnover filled with sauteed spinach and cheese. Served with homemade dipping sauce.
Beef Empanadas
Baked puff pastry turnover filled with seasoned ground beef. Served with homemade dipping sauce.
Course 2 (Select One)
Caribbean Ceviche
Shrimp marinated in lime juice served with avocado served with organic tortilla chips.
Crab and Mango Tower
An elegant tower made of Crab lump, Mango, Avocado, Cucumber and Tomatoes with a Honey-Lime and Cilantro Dressing.
Course 3 (Select One)
Seafood, Chicken and Vegetable Paella
Spanish traditional saffron rice cooked seafood, chicken and mixed veggies. Served with lemon wedges (Vegetarian option available).
Lomo Saltado
Stir fried tenderloin, red onions, tomatoes, soy sauce, cilantro, thick cut fried potato wedges. Served with cilantro rice.
Course 4 (Select One)
Flan
Vanilla custard, caramelized crust served with sauce of the day.
Pineapple Rum Cake and Ice Cream
Upside down rum pineapple cake served with your choice of ice cream.
Course 1 (Select One)
Spicy Smooth Salad
Refreshing surimi and spicy mayo salad served with fresh avocado.
Vietnamese Beef Salad
Baby lettuce, tomatoes, red onions and cucumber salad with a light lime dressing.
Course 2 (Select One)
Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Ground turkey sautéed with scallions, ginger & soy sauce. Served over lettuce and Hoisin sauce. (Vegan meat is available upon request).
Pan Fried Dumplings
Vegetable Dumplings with Ponzu Sauce.
Course 3 (Select One)
Sushi Galore
California roll, spicy tuna roll and salmon avocado roll.
Orange Peel Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice
Spicy and savory chicken in an orange sauce served over a bed of vegetable fried rice.
Course 4 (Select One)
Banana Flambe
On fire saute bananas with orange liqueur served with ice cream.
Flourless Brownies
Our own secret gluten-free recipe made with Black Beans.
Course 1 (Select One)
Caprese Salad
Roma tomatoes, Buffalo Mozzarella and Basil drizzle with Balsamic Reduction.
Traditional Caesar Salad
Homemade dressing and croutons served with Romaine lettuce and Parmesan cheese.
Course 2 (Select One)
Make Your Own Pizza
Turkey pepperoni or Veggie (arugula, onions and mushrooms).
Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Meatballs
Served with light marinara sauce, parmesan cheese and fresh bay leaves.
Course 3 (Select One)
Ricotta Cheese Ravioli
Make your own cheese raviolis and choose between classic white sauce or pesto.
Fettuccine Pasta
Freshly made Fettuccine pasta with your choice of Marinana or Sicilian Pesto sauce made of basil, mint, arugula, cherry tomatoes topped with almonds.
Course 4 (Select One)
Chocolate Molten Lava Cake
An eruption of luscious chocolate! Individual cakes filled with chocolate and served hot right out of the oven!
Tiramisu
Coffee-flavored dessert made of ladyfingers dipped in coffee, layered with mascarpone cheese, flavoured with cocoa.
Course 1
Potato Samosas
Treat yourself to these potato samosas with mango/apple chutney! A spicy Indian delight!
Course 2
Garlic Naan Bread with Cilantro Mint Sauce
Freshly made traditional Indian flat bread with a mouthwatering mint and cilantro dipping sauce.
Course 3
Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken marinated in yogurt and spices and then served in a tomato and cream sauce with garbanzo beans served with Indian basmati rice.
Course 4
Mango Mini Cakes
A delicious combination of citrus and Mango and Cardamom spice mini cakes.
Course 1 (Select One)
Spinach Empanadas
Baked puff pastry turnover filled with sauteed spinach and cheese. Served with homemade dipping sauce.
Beef Empanadas
Baked puff pastry turnover filled with seasoned ground beef. Served with homemade dipping sauce.
Course 2 (Select One)
Caribbean Ceviche
Shrimp marinated in lime juice served with avocado served with organic tortilla chips.
Crab and Mango Tower
An elegant tower made of Crab lump, Mango, Avocado, Cucumber and Tomatoes with a Honey-Lime and Cilantro Dressing.
Course 3 (Select One)
Seafood, Chicken and Vegetable Paella
Spanish traditional saffron rice cooked seafood, chicken and mixed veggies. Served with lemon wedges (Vegetarian option available).
Lomo Saltado
Stir fried tenderloin, red onions, tomatoes, soy sauce, cilantro, thick cut fried potato wedges. Served with cilantro rice.
Course 4 (Select One)
Flan
Vanilla custard, caramelized crust served with sauce of the day.
Pineapple Rum Cake and Ice Cream
Upside down rum pineapple cake served with your choice of ice cream.
Course 1 (Select One)
Spicy Smooth Salad
Refreshing surimi and spicy mayo salad served with fresh avocado.
Vietnamese Beef Salad
Baby lettuce, tomatoes, red onions and cucumber salad with a light lime dressing.
Course 2 (Select One)
Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Ground turkey sautéed with scallions, ginger & soy sauce. Served over lettuce and Hoisin sauce. (Vegan meat is available upon request).
Pan Fried Dumplings
Vegetable Dumplings with Ponzu Sauce.
Course 3 (Select One)
Sushi Galore
California roll, spicy tuna roll and salmon avocado roll.
Orange Peel Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice
Spicy and savory chicken in an orange sauce served over a bed of vegetable fried rice.
Course 4 (Select One)
Banana Flambe
On fire saute bananas with orange liqueur served with ice cream.
Flourless Brownies
Our own secret gluten-free recipe made with Black Beans.
Course 1 (Select One)
Caprese Salad
Roma tomatoes, Buffalo Mozzarella and Basil drizzle with Balsamic Reduction.
Traditional Caesar Salad
Homemade dressing and croutons served with Romaine lettuce and Parmesan cheese.
Course 2 (Select One)
Make Your Own Pizza
Turkey pepperoni or Veggie (arugula, onions and mushrooms).
Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Meatballs
Served with light marinara sauce, parmesan cheese and fresh bay leaves.
Course 3 (Select One)
Ricotta Cheese Ravioli
Make your own cheese raviolis and choose between classic white sauce or pesto.
Fettuccine Pasta
Freshly made Fettuccine pasta with your choice of Marinana or Sicilian Pesto sauce made of basil, mint, arugula, cherry tomatoes topped with almonds.
Course 4 (Select One)
Chocolate Molten Lava Cake
An eruption of luscious chocolate! Individual cakes filled with chocolate and served hot right out of the oven!
Tiramisu
Coffee-flavored dessert made of ladyfingers dipped in coffee, layered with mascarpone cheese, flavoured with cocoa.
Course 1
Potato Samosas
Treat yourself to these potato samosas with mango/apple chutney! A spicy Indian delight!
Course 2
Garlic Naan Bread with Cilantro Mint Sauce
Freshly made traditional Indian flat bread with a mouthwatering mint and cilantro dipping sauce.
Course 3
Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken marinated in yogurt and spices and then served in a tomato and cream sauce with garbanzo beans served with Indian basmati rice.
Course 4
Mango Mini Cakes
A delicious combination of citrus and Mango and Cardamom spice mini cakes.
Kid & Teen Camps
Learn more about our camp offerings!
SUMMER CAMP WEEKLY $650
Camp
Mondays 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesdays 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesdays 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursdays 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Fridays 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
June 1st, 2026 through August 21st, 2026
Upcoming Camps & Events
- Camps
- Other Classes & Events
SUMMER CAMP WEEKLY $650
Camp
Mondays 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesdays 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesdays 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursdays 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Fridays 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
June 1st, 2026 through August 21st, 2026
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Real Food Blog
5 Must-Try Healthy Holiday Recipes from The Real Food Academy Tampa
Are you looking for delicious and nutritious meals to serve this holiday season? The Real Food Academy team has put together a list of 5 recipes that you can follow step-by-step or use as inspiration for your own holiday creations!
65 Ideas for an Unforgettable Kids Birthday Party in Tampa
At The Real Food Academy in Tampa, 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
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 in Tampa!
4 Essential Tips for Overcoming Anxiety About Cooking
With these tips from The Real Food Academy in Tampa, 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
It takes patience and practice to become a great cook. With a few tips from The Real Food Academy in Tampa, 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 in Tampa
At The Real Food Academy in Tampa, 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!
Real Food FAQs
At The Real Food Academy, we teach how to cook using real ingredients. We believe that all kinds of meals, snacks, and desserts should be enjoyed, and that what often makes certain foods feel “unhealthy” is the processed ingredients used to make them.
By using better oils, natural sweeteners, and thoughtfully sourced ingredients, our customers learn to make food that’s familiar, satisfying, and smarter for their bodies and lifestyles.
Because our staffing, ingredient purchases, and overall preparations are planned based on the number of registered participants, all payments and deposits are non-refundable.
The Real Food Academy offers in-house wine and beer options for adults at all events, including when accompanying kids’ parties. For a full selection, please visit our Wine and Beer list page.
The Real Food Academy can accommodate a wide range of dietary needs and allergies, including:
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Nut-free
- Soy-free
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Please let us know your needs in advance so we can plan accordingly and adjust our recipes if needed.
We love when guests personalize and decorate our space. However, items like glitter, confetti, slime, stickers, and noisemakers can be very difficult to clean and may disrupt the experience.
For this reason, we kindly ask that you do not bring these items.
