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Private Cooking Classes

Perfect for:
Families
Groups
Bridal Parties
Holiday Parties

Experience the joy of cooking and bonding at The Real Food Academy. Specializing in private events and group classes, they offer a range of options to suit different occasions. From family cooking classes that bring families closer to fun-filled cooking parties for girl's night out or bridal showers, there's something for everyone. Their spacious, well-equipped kitchen serves as the perfect venue for your private event. With customizable experiences, you can choose the menu and theme for your gathering. The Real Food Academy believes in creating memorable moments through the power of cooking. Book your family cooking class or private event today and embark on a culinary adventure in Tampa, FL.

5.0 Star Rating
Availability
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The Real Food Academy Tampa, FL fork and spoon icon for team building cooking classes in Tampa.
Menu Options
Select Cuisine
Base Price
$115 Per Adult ($1,610 Min.)
The Real Food Academy Tampa wine and beer add ons icon.
Wine & Beer Add-On
$40-70 Per Person
A overhead table view of a private family cooking class in Tampa, FL.

Family Cooking Activities in Tampa, FL

Transform Your Private Event

Welcome to The Real Food Academy, where we specialize in bringing culinary dreams to life through private events and group classes in Tampa. Our kitchen is not just a place for cooking; it's a space where memories are made, skills are honed, and laughter is shared. Whether it's a family gathering, a girl's night out, a milestone celebration, or a bridal shower, our cooking parties are the perfect ingredient for a memorable event.

Our family cooking classes in Tampa, FL are a wonderful way for families to bond and spend quality time together while learning how to cook meals filled with real, unprocessed food. Whether it’s a family reunion or a weekly family night, cooking together strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories. In our welcoming kitchen, your family will learn to prepare delicious meals as you enjoy each other’s company. Our classes cater to all ages and skill levels, ensuring everyone from grandparents to the little ones can participate and have fun.

3 Simple Steps

How to Book a Party

1.

Select Cuisine

Choose from four different menu packages: Latin, Asian, Italian, and Indian, each featuring four customizable courses.

Cuisine Options

2.

Enter Details

Complete the party details, menu choices, and add-on options in the form shown after you select your preferred cuisine.

Get Started

3.

Select a Date

After submitting your request, select your preferred date and time. Once we confirm availability, pay the deposit to hold the date.

See Availability
Private Party
Kids Birthday Party
Field Trip

We Offer a variety of cuisines

Review the courses offered and select your preferred party menu

Course 1 (Select One)

The Real Food Academy Tampa tasty spinach empanadas.

Spinach Empanadas

Baked puff pastry turnover filled with sauteed spinach and cheese. Served with homemade dipping sauce.

Beef empanadas on a white plate with a side of onions.

Beef Empanadas

Baked puff pastry turnover filled with seasoned ground beef. Served with homemade dipping sauce.

Course 2 (Select One)

The Real Food Academy Tampa caribbean ceviche.

Caribbean Ceviche

Shrimp marinated in lime juice served with avocado served with organic tortilla chips.

The Real Food Academy Tampa crab and mango tower.

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)

The Real Food Academy Tampa seafood, chicken and vegetable paella.

Seafood, Chicken and Vegetable Paella

Spanish traditional saffron rice cooked seafood, chicken and mixed veggies. Served with lemon wedges (Vegetarian option available).

The Real Food Academy Tampa lomo saltado course.

Lomo Saltado

Stir fried tenderloin, red onions, tomatoes, soy sauce, cilantro, thick cut fried potato wedges. Served with cilantro rice.

Course 4 (Select One)

The Real Food Academy Tampa vanilla custard flan.

Flan

Vanilla custard, caramelized crust served with sauce of the day.

The Real Food Academy Tampa pineapple rum cake & ice cream.

Pineapple Rum Cake and Ice Cream

Upside down rum pineapple cake served with your choice of ice cream.

Course 1 (Select One)

The Real Food Academy Tampa spicy smooth salad.

Spicy Smooth Salad

Refreshing surimi and spicy mayo salad served with fresh avocado.

The Real Food Academy Tampa Vietnamese beef salad.

Vietnamese Beef Salad

Baby lettuce, tomatoes, red onions and cucumber salad with a light lime dressing.

Course 2 (Select One)

The Real Food Academy Tampa asian turkey lettuce wraps.

Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Ground turkey sautéed with scallions, ginger & soy sauce. Served over lettuce and Hoisin sauce. (Vegan meat is available upon request).

The Real Food Academy Tampa dish dumplings course.

Pan Fried Dumplings

Vegetable Dumplings with Ponzu Sauce.

Course 3 (Select One)

The Real Food Academy Tampa sushi galore course.

Sushi Galore

California roll, spicy tuna roll and salmon avocado roll.

The Real Food Academy Tampa orange peel chicken on white rice with vegtables.

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)

The Real Food Academy Tampa banana flambe course.

Banana Flambe

On fire saute bananas with orange liqueur served with ice cream.

The Real Food Academy Tampa flourless brownies recipe.

Flourless Brownies

Our own secret gluten-free recipe made with Black Beans.

Course 1 (Select One)

The Real Food Academy Tampa caprese salad course with tomatoes and cheese.

Caprese Salad

Roma tomatoes, Buffalo Mozzarella and Basil drizzle with Balsamic Reduction.

The Real Food Academy Tampa caesar salad course.

Traditional Caesar Salad

Homemade dressing and croutons served with Romaine lettuce and Parmesan cheese.

Course 2 (Select One)

The Real Food Academy Tampa fresh made dish pizza with basil.

Make Your Own Pizza

Turkey pepperoni or Veggie (arugula, onions and mushrooms).

The Real Food Academy Tampa fresh meatballs with mozzarella.

Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Served with light marinara sauce, parmesan cheese and fresh bay leaves.

Course 3 (Select One)

The Real Food Academy Tampa fresh ricotta cheese ravioli.

Ricotta Cheese Ravioli

Make your own cheese raviolis and choose between classic white sauce or pesto.

The Real Food Academy Tampa fresh fettuccine pasta.

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)

The Real Food Academy Tampa fresh lava cake with raspberries.

Chocolate Molten Lava Cake

An eruption of luscious chocolate! Individual cakes filled with chocolate and served hot right out of the oven!

The Real Food Academy Tampa tiramisu cake.

Tiramisu

Coffee-flavored dessert made of ladyfingers dipped in coffee, layered with mascarpone cheese, flavoured with cocoa.

Course 1

The Real Food Academy Tampa potato samosas with a side of mango salsa.

Potato Samosas

Treat yourself to these potato samosas with mango/apple chutney! A spicy Indian delight!

Course 2

The Real Food Academy Tampa fresh garlic naan bread.

Garlic Naan Bread with Cilantro Mint Sauce

Freshly made traditional Indian flat bread with a mouthwatering mint and cilantro dipping sauce.

Course 3

The Real Food Academy Tampa chicken tikka masala with a side of naan.

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

Fresh mango mini cakes at The Real Food Academy Tampa.

Mango Mini Cakes

A delicious combination of citrus and Mango and Cardamom spice mini cakes.

Course 1 (Select One)

The Real Food Academy Tampa tasty spinach empanadas.

Spinach Empanadas

Baked puff pastry turnover filled with sauteed spinach and cheese. Served with homemade dipping sauce.

Beef empanadas on a white plate with a side of onions.

Beef Empanadas

Baked puff pastry turnover filled with seasoned ground beef. Served with homemade dipping sauce.

Course 2 (Select One)

The Real Food Academy Tampa caribbean ceviche.

Caribbean Ceviche

Shrimp marinated in lime juice served with avocado served with organic tortilla chips.

The Real Food Academy Tampa crab and mango tower.

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)

The Real Food Academy Tampa seafood, chicken and vegetable paella.

Seafood, Chicken and Vegetable Paella

Spanish traditional saffron rice cooked seafood, chicken and mixed veggies. Served with lemon wedges (Vegetarian option available).

The Real Food Academy Tampa lomo saltado course.

Lomo Saltado

Stir fried tenderloin, red onions, tomatoes, soy sauce, cilantro, thick cut fried potato wedges. Served with cilantro rice.

Course 4 (Select One)

The Real Food Academy Tampa vanilla custard flan.

Flan

Vanilla custard, caramelized crust served with sauce of the day.

The Real Food Academy Tampa pineapple rum cake & ice cream.

Pineapple Rum Cake and Ice Cream

Upside down rum pineapple cake served with your choice of ice cream.

Course 1 (Select One)

The Real Food Academy Tampa spicy smooth salad.

Spicy Smooth Salad

Refreshing surimi and spicy mayo salad served with fresh avocado.

The Real Food Academy Tampa Vietnamese beef salad.

Vietnamese Beef Salad

Baby lettuce, tomatoes, red onions and cucumber salad with a light lime dressing.

Course 2 (Select One)

The Real Food Academy Tampa asian turkey lettuce wraps.

Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Ground turkey sautéed with scallions, ginger & soy sauce. Served over lettuce and Hoisin sauce. (Vegan meat is available upon request).

The Real Food Academy Tampa dish dumplings course.

Pan Fried Dumplings

Vegetable Dumplings with Ponzu Sauce.

Course 3 (Select One)

The Real Food Academy Tampa sushi galore course.

Sushi Galore

California roll, spicy tuna roll and salmon avocado roll.

The Real Food Academy Tampa orange peel chicken on white rice with vegtables.

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)

The Real Food Academy Tampa banana flambe course.

Banana Flambe

On fire saute bananas with orange liqueur served with ice cream.

The Real Food Academy Tampa flourless brownies recipe.

Flourless Brownies

Our own secret gluten-free recipe made with Black Beans.

Course 1 (Select One)

The Real Food Academy Tampa caprese salad course with tomatoes and cheese.

Caprese Salad

Roma tomatoes, Buffalo Mozzarella and Basil drizzle with Balsamic Reduction.

The Real Food Academy Tampa caesar salad course.

Traditional Caesar Salad

Homemade dressing and croutons served with Romaine lettuce and Parmesan cheese.

Course 2 (Select One)

The Real Food Academy Tampa fresh made dish pizza with basil.

Make Your Own Pizza

Turkey pepperoni or Veggie (arugula, onions and mushrooms).

The Real Food Academy Tampa fresh meatballs with mozzarella.

Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Served with light marinara sauce, parmesan cheese and fresh bay leaves.

Course 3 (Select One)

The Real Food Academy Tampa fresh ricotta cheese ravioli.

Ricotta Cheese Ravioli

Make your own cheese raviolis and choose between classic white sauce or pesto.

The Real Food Academy Tampa fresh fettuccine pasta.

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)

The Real Food Academy Tampa fresh lava cake with raspberries.

Chocolate Molten Lava Cake

An eruption of luscious chocolate! Individual cakes filled with chocolate and served hot right out of the oven!

The Real Food Academy Tampa tiramisu cake.

Tiramisu

Coffee-flavored dessert made of ladyfingers dipped in coffee, layered with mascarpone cheese, flavoured with cocoa.

Course 1

The Real Food Academy Tampa potato samosas with a side of mango salsa.

Potato Samosas

Treat yourself to these potato samosas with mango/apple chutney! A spicy Indian delight!

Course 2

The Real Food Academy Tampa fresh garlic naan bread.

Garlic Naan Bread with Cilantro Mint Sauce

Freshly made traditional Indian flat bread with a mouthwatering mint and cilantro dipping sauce.

Course 3

The Real Food Academy Tampa chicken tikka masala with a side of naan.

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

Fresh mango mini cakes at The Real Food Academy Tampa.

Mango Mini Cakes

A delicious combination of citrus and Mango and Cardamom spice mini cakes.

Events & Parties FAQs

Yes.

After you make your deposit, you’ll receive a series of emails from The Real Food Academy, including one to confirm your final headcount. This form must be submitted at least 1 day before your event.

We understand plans can change and will do our best to be flexible, but staffing and preparation are based on your final guest count, so last-minute changes cannot be guaranteed.

Yes, our space is designed to comfortably accommodate both children and their parents.

We offer plenty of room for adults to relax, socialize, and enjoy the experience while the kids cook. You can even enhance your time by ordering from our adult party platters and bringing wine or beer (no hard alcohol), creating a “party within a party” for parents, friends, and family.

Absolutely!

Yes, but for Executive and Top Chef parties only.

If a piñata is important to you and you have ordered a Budding Chef party, you can add $100 for the extra time and we will gladly welcome your piñata.

For kids’ and adult parties, we typically do not provide plates, napkins, candles, or similar items for party cakes. These are often part of the party’s theme, and in our experience, are best chosen by you or your loved ones.

However, we’re always happy to help if you need anything last-minute.

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.

Hear From Real Customers

September 12, 2023

Great experience

"really great experience and was like cooking among friends !!”

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 Tampa - 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 Tampa - 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 Tampa - 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 Tampa - 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 Tampa - 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 Tampa - 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 Tampa - 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 Tampa - 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 Tampa - 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 Tampa - 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.

Newsletter Sign-up

Get Class & Menu Updates

Send Updates Please!

Provide your email address and select type of update you want

Newsletter*
A group of girlfriends smiling at a private event in The Real Food Academy Tampa, FL.

Unforgettable Cooking Parties

Girl’s Night Out and Bridal Showers

Looking for a unique way to celebrate a special occasion? Our cooking parties are perfect for a girls' night out or bridal showers. Gather your friends and enjoy a night filled with fun, laughter, and cooking. Our expert chefs will guide you through a culinary experience tailored to your preferences. Whether it’s a specific cuisine you’re craving or a new cooking technique you’ve been eager to try, it’s a fabulous way to celebrate friendships and special milestones.

One of The Real Food Academy's holiday family activities in Tampa, FL.

The Real Food Academy Tampa, FL is the Perfect Venue

Customizable Holiday Parties

Make your holiday party unforgettable with a cooking class at The Real Food Academy. Whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any other festive occasion, our cooking parties are a unique way to celebrate. Enjoy the holiday spirit in our kitchen as you and your guests cook up a festive feast. It’s a fun and interactive alternative to the traditional holiday gathering.

Each event at The Real Food Academy is customizable. You choose the menu, and we take care of the rest. Our chefs will work with you to fit the menu to your event’s theme and dietary preferences. From selecting the recipes to providing all the necessary ingredients and equipment, we ensure your experience is hassle-free and enjoyable.

Our kitchen is the ideal venue for your private event. Spacious and equipped with top-of-the-line cooking tools, it provides the perfect setting for an engaging culinary experience. Whether you’re hosting a small, intimate gathering or a larger group, our kitchen can accommodate your needs.

A group of kids at The Real Food Academy Tampa'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!

The Real Food Academy Tampa serving dish icon.

Unveiling the Real Culinary Philosophy

At our cooking school in Tampa, 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 Tampa. 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.

Real Food Blog

An image of The Real Food Academy's winter salad recipe - perfect for the holidays in Tampa, FL

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!

Kids Birthday Party with The Real Food Academy in Tampa.

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 with The Real Food Academy in Tampa

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 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 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 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 with The Real Food Academy in Tampa.

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 Recipes

Owners Marie and Arthur of The Real Food Academy Tampa, FL's at their opening night for family cooking classes in Tampa, FL.

Family Cooking Classes in Tampa, FL

Why Choose Us?

Read More
Read Less

At The Real Food Academy Tampa, FL, we believe that cooking together is not just about food; it’s about creating experiences that bring people closer. Our private events and group classes offer a unique blend of entertainment and education. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the cleanup—we’ve got it covered!

Whether you’re looking to strengthen family ties, celebrate with friends, or host a unique holiday party, The Real Food Academy is here to make your event extraordinary. Our private events, group classes, and family activities in Tampa, FL offer something for everyone, making them the perfect choice for any occasion.

Book your family cooking class or private event today!

Dietary Accommodations

Real Flavor for Everyone

At The Real Food Academy Tampa, 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
A group of adults at The Real Food Academy Tampa drinking a bottle of wine.
The Real Food Academy Tampa throwing an adult cooking class with wine.
The Real Food Academy Tampa 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.

Master the Art of Flavor

Additional Cooking Classes at The Real Food Academy

Real Food. Real Connections

Elevate Your Culinary Expertise with Classes at The Real Food Academy

Special Announcements

The Real Food Academy Tampa Is Now Offering:

☀️ Summer Camps
🎒 Field Trips (We Come to You!)
🎉 Kids’ Birthday Parties at Your Home
🏫 After-School Enrichment Programs at Your School …and much more coming soon!