MasterSteak: Learn to cook the perfect Florentine steak

If you’re dreaming of bringing a piece of Tuscany’s culinary magic back home, a cooking experience focused on the legendary Florentine steak might be just what you’re looking for. This tour, offered by Ciaoflorence Tours & Travel, promises not only to teach you how to prepare the iconic Bistecca alla Fiorentina but also to immerse you in the vibrant food culture of Florence through market visits, local ingredients, and authentic surroundings.

What makes this experience stand out? First, you’ll learn the secrets of grilling a perfectly tender, juicy, and rare Florentine steak from a native Florentine chef. Second, the chance to prepare and enjoy a full three-course Tuscan meal — including bruschettas, side dishes, and desserts — adds value beyond just the main event. A possible downside? The experience’s focus on meat and traditional recipes might not suit vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-sensitive travelers.

This tour suits food lovers eager to master authentic Tuscan recipes, those interested in local traditions, or anyone who simply wants a memorable, hands-on meal in Florence. It’s perfect for curious travelers who appreciate cultural authenticity and culinary craftsmanship.

Key Points

• Learn to cook an authentic Florentine steak with a local chef’s guidance.
• Visit Sant’Ambrogio Market (morning tours) for a taste of local produce and market atmosphere.
• Enjoy a full three-course meal with bruschettas, sides, cantucci biscuits, and wine.
• Unlimited wine and vinsanto with desserts complement the meal.
• The small group size (limit of 8) ensures personalized attention.
• The experience offers great value for its price, including hands-on instruction and local insights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tuscany Cooking Tour

The Setting and Atmosphere

Starting in Florence’s lively historic center, the tour feels inviting from the moment you meet your local guide — a native Florentine from the Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a focus on learning and tasting. When you arrive at the exclusive kitchen, tucked away in a charming locale, you’ll find it well-equipped, bright, and ready for hands-on cooking.

Market Visit (Morning Tours Only)

In morning sessions, the adventure begins with a visit to Sant’Ambrogio Market, one of Florence’s oldest and most authentic food markets. Here, vendors offer a colorful array of seasonal produce, aromatic herbs, cheeses, cured meats, and freshly baked bread. The bustling market provides a genuine peek into local life, and the scents alone are worth the trip. Visitors consistently praise the market’s authenticity and the chance to chat with vendors who love sharing their food stories.

If you’re visiting in the afternoon or on Sundays and bank holidays, skip this part, but you’ll still get a full culinary experience in the kitchen.

Learning to Grill the Perfect Florentine Steak

The main focus is, of course, Florentine steak — a thick cut of Chianina beef, seasoned simply with salt and olive oil, then grilled over high heat. The chef, a true local, demonstrates how to cuddle, season, and grill this giant cut — which is usually around one kilogram per person but will be shared between two guests.

Watching the chef handle the meat is as educational as it is entertaining. The key to success here is seasoning and timing. The meat is cooked rare, which highlights its tenderness and flavors. We loved the way the chef explained that the resting period after grilling is crucial to preserve juiciness, a tip that will help you replicate this at home.

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Crafting the Sides and Appetizers

Before the main event, you’ll prepare bruschettas — simple yet delicious toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. These are easy to perfect at home but adding your own touch makes them special. As the steak grills, the chef guides you through making grilled vegetables and a light salad — perfect accompaniments that enhance the flavor and texture of the beef.

The Secret of Cantucci and Vinsanto

No Tuscan meal is complete without Cantucci — crunchy almond cookies. The chef teaches how to prepare these traditional biscotti from scratch, emphasizing the importance of almonds and the baking process. Once baked, you’ll dip them into Vinsanto, a sweet dessert wine that perfectly complements the cookies’ nutty flavor.

Many reviews highlight how much guests appreciate the authenticity of this part of the experience: “The cantucci and vinsanto were the perfect ending to a memorable meal,” one guest commented.

The Final Feast

Once everything is ready, the table is set for your three-course meal. You’ll savor your Florentine steak, delight in your homemade bruschettas and sides, and finish with cookies dipped in vinsanto. The wine flows generously, with unlimited servings of local red wine and the sweet dessert wine.

Guests consistently mention how delicious and generously portioned the meal is, often describing it as a “true taste of Tuscany.” One reviewer said, “I’ve had good steaks before, but this was the real deal — tender, flavorful, and cooked with care.” Another added, “The whole experience felt like a genuine celebration of local food.”

Practical Details and Value

The experience lasts about 3 to 4 hours, and the small group setting (limited to 8 participants) ensures personalized attention and a convivial atmosphere. The price, around $157.47 per person, includes the market visit (if morning), all ingredients, cooking utensils, apron, water, unlimited wine, and the memorable meal.

Considering the hands-on nature, expert guidance, and authentic Tuscan dishes you’ll learn, this represents excellent value for those eager to go beyond tourist menus and truly understand the craft of local grilling and traditional recipes.

Considerations Before Booking

• Vegetarians, vegans, or those with gluten allergies should note that the focus is on meat and baked goods containing gluten.
• The size of the steak (about 1 kg per steak) means it’s best for sharing; if you’re traveling solo, consider sharing with a partner.
• The timing depends on the option you select—morning tours include the market visit, which adds to the experience.
• Children under 6 are not recommended, mainly for safety reasons around the grill and the small group setting.

Authenticity and Reviewer Insights

Feedback from past participants consistently emphasizes the knowledgeability of the chef. One reviewer said, “He’s passionate about Tuscan cuisine and eager to share his tips, making it feel like a cooking lesson from a friend rather than a class.” Others appreciated the relaxed pace, which allows you to truly absorb each step.

Many found that this experience gave them new confidence in grilling and preparing Italian dishes, leaving them with skills they could confidently replicate at home. The combination of market exploration, hands-on cooking, and shared meal creates a well-rounded and rewarding day.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for foodies and culinary travelers eager to learn authentic Tuscan recipes. If you enjoy hands-on experiences, and want to master the art of grilling the famous Florentine steak, this experience offers authentic instruction in a convivial atmosphere.

It’s perfect for those looking for an immersive cultural and culinary experience — especially if they appreciate local markets, traditional recipes, and generous portions. However, if you are a vegetarian or have dietary restrictions, this experience might not fit your needs.

This experience also suits travelers who value small-group interactions and personalized guidance, making it a memorable, intimate exploration of Florence’s food culture.

The Sum Up

In sum, this MasterSteak experience offers a genuine slice of Tuscany’s culinary soul. From market visits to grilling tips, to savoring a perfectly cooked Florentine steak, it’s a hands-on lesson in local food craftsmanship. The inclusion of wine, desserts, and friendly guides makes it more than just a cooking class—it’s a celebration of Tuscan tradition.

For anyone wanting to improve their grilling skills, enjoy a delicious meal, and learn from a passionate local, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for travelers who prize authenticity, a personal touch, and a full sensory immersion into Florence’s food scene.

If you’re visiting Florence and want to leave with more than just photos, this experience promises to deliver a memorable taste of Tuscany that you’ll be proud to recreate at home.

FAQ

Is the market visit included in all tour options?
No, the Sant’Ambrogio Market visit is only part of the morning tours, except on Sundays and bank holidays.

Are drinks included?
Yes, the experience offers unlimited wine and a glass of vinsanto with the cookies, complementing your meal.

Can I participate if I am a vegetarian?
This experience isn’t suitable for vegetarians, as the focus is on grilling meat and making meat-based dishes.

What is the typical size of the group?
The group is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized, relaxed atmosphere.

Do I need cooking experience to join?
No prior experience is necessary. The chef guides you through each step, making it accessible for beginners and foodies alike.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on the session and group size.

Is there any prep work I should do before participating?
Just wear comfortable shoes, and if you have food allergies or intolerances, inform the organizers beforehand.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, the tour allows you to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

You can check availability for your dates here: