Since I was here, I really wanted to take advantage and fully experience the New York that I’d heard so much about. I could’ve gone the usual route—visiting restaurants, bars, maybe hitting up a show or two—but instead, I tried to go the more unique route.
I’ve always heard that the NYC food scene is amazing, so I put that to the test by signing up for a handful of cooking classes. It felt like the perfect way to tap into NYC’s incredible food culture and see how some of the world’s most popular dishes come together behind the scenes. All classes were around the same price, offered hands-on instruction, and promised a memorable day out, but each also gave me a unique look at the city. I learned how to make Ramen, Gnocchi, Beignets, Donuts and even a few mixed drinks.
Below is a list of the classes I took and the things I learned from them, what stood out, and which class I’d recommend if you’re looking to explore New York in a more immersive (and delicious) way. Let’s get into it!
Donut Making with Bite Unite
Price: $118
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BiteUnite’s donut-making class was super fun. It’s modern, social, and there’s a lot of energy. The kitchen is a bright, sun-filled space right in the heart of NYC. Located on one of the upper floors of the building, it offers a gorgeous view of the city. The decor has a cozy, family-dining vibe, thanks to the large communal table at the center of the room, which makes it easy to chat with others while you work. The atmosphere and aesthetic make this class a perfect pick for a group outing or even a fun first date.
Now, onto the class.
The dough was prepped ahead of time to keep things moving, but the instructor still walked us through the whole process and shared tons of helpful tips. There was a machine in the kitchen that had dough mixing in it already, so she still showed us how to use the machine, but you don’t get to put the raw ingredients in for yourself. It’s more verbal instruction with a demonstration.
For the next step, we began shaping our donuts. This part was hands-on. We were given a ball of dough, rolling pins, and cookie cutters. It was a very therapeutic process, and while it didn’t take too long, I loved watching the donuts take shape, and then rise over the course of the class.
Making our own glazes was the last technical part of the class before frying and decorating our donuts. The kitchen has an industrial space where there are burners for dealing with the chocolate, melts, etc. The instructor gave us plenty of options for glazes, and taught us the basics of a good glaze (I went for a passionfruit one, which was—mwah, chef’s kiss). This part was as much about ingredient selection as it was actually getting to a consistent glaze that works well with a donut.
Finally, we fried our donuts in small groups with the help of a commercial fryer. This was done in batches, so while some were frying, others were decorating, and you’d go back and forth between the two until all of your donuts were done. You do get to try everything along the way, and you can honestly eat your donuts whenever you’re ready, but the class itself was really straightforward and easy to follow, and by the time we got to the decoration part of the donut, I felt like I’d learned MORE than I’d originally assumed.
At $118 per person, it’s on the pricier side, but if you're after something interactive and a little playful, this one definitely delivers. You also leave with a massive box of donuts that you can eat over the next few days (or gift, if you’re so inclined). Perfect if you’re into hands-on experiences and want a class that’s as much about the vibe as it is about the donuts.
Beignet Making with Atelier Sucre
Price: $99
Atelier Sucré’s beignet class was my first time visiting their studio, and I’m already looking to go back next time we visit. The space is tucked away in a quieter part of the city, and walking in honestly felt like stepping into a cozy Parisian café. It’s small, intimate, and thoughtfully arranged, and each of the tables is already set up with tools and pre-measured ingredients, which made everything feel accessible from the jump. While my friend and I were situated at a back table by ourselves, others in the class were four to a table, chatting and getting to know one another.
We started from scratch, so all raw ingredients, and got to use all of the kitchen tools. The instructor guided us through the recipe with a step-by-step demo before letting us dive in ourselves. They were super attentive without hovering, and available when you had a question, but happy to let you move at your own pace. One of the nicest surprises was that we were technically learning two separate recipes: baked and fried beignets, and despite this, things weren’t hard to keep up with. I felt comfortable with both recipes as we were making them because of how the instruction was laid out to give you a direct demonstration first, and then work with one after the other.
Because this was a donut, we needed to wait for the dough to rest and rise. That means there was time to relax, chat, sip coffee, and just catch up. It’s the kind of class where the people-watching is almost as good as the baking. I ended up sitting near a group of friends having their first reunion in years (they were all lawyers, which was fascinating and very, very fun), and it just added so much to the overall atmosphere of the space.
We boxed up our beignets fresh out of the oven (and small fryer, which we actually got to use at our tables by ourselves), and I left feeling full, happy, and like I’d actually learned something new. Walking to the bus stop with a donut hanging out of my mouth felt like peak New York. At $99 per person, it’s a solid value for such a personal, well-paced class. It’s ideal if you’re looking for something laid-back but still hands-on, especially with a partner or a small group of friends. I’d give this one a must-visit if you’re a first timer in New York.
Gnocchi Making with Evento
Price: $125
Evento’s Boozy Brunch: Gnocchi Making Party isn’t your average cooking class, it’s more of a party with a side of pasta. Held on the upper floor of a building on Canal street, the space is warm and cozy, with great lighting, good decor, and really upbeat music (they had a live DJ). It’s a very social vibe from the minute you walk in. If you’ve taken other cooking classes, they often go one way or another—very instructional, socialization in spurts—this one was social first, and the cooking we did complimented that. This makes sense, especially since cooking is such a social activity. This class definitely felt more like a brunch event than a cooking classroom, which makes it perfect if you’re looking for something fun and lively to do.
Snacks are already out when you arrive, and the open bar is, thankfully, already in full swing. Once everyone settles in (and has a drink or two), the instructors do a fun little introduction, and then walk you through the setup. Gnocchi-making happens around a large table with instructors doing what feels like 1-on-1 instruction, but is actually general instruction, there are just enough instructors to make you feel like you’ve got their full attention. The recipe is simple and beginner-friendly, which works perfectly for this type of event—something very much focused on fun. As a (very important) aside, you don’t actually cook the gnocchi you make on-site. You take it home with you.
There’s time to mingle between steps, and the room gets packed fast. But that’s part of the charm. My class was crowded in a way that felt intentional, not overbearing. Music plays throughout, people are chatting and laughing, and it’s easy to strike up conversations with the tables around you. I met two new friends, and we ended up going out to get more drinks after our brunch.
Once the cooking portion wraps up, they serve food (not the gnocchi you made, but Italian type food—so pasta, sauce, meat), so you’re not drinking on an empty stomach. It all feels really well thought out: low pressure, high energy, and just the right amount of instruction. If you’re looking for a technical, intensive cooking workshop, this probably isn’t it. But if you want to drink, meet people, learn the basics, and still leave with something you made, Evento nails it. At $125 per person, it’s highly recommended for birthdays, friend hangs, or just a Saturday where you want to do something different.
Mixology with J. Bespoke
Price: $125
This cocktail-making class at J.Bespoke is a must, especially for those into Mixology. Hidden behind a high-end tailor storefront, this speakeasy-style experience strikes the perfect balance between classy and approachable. You walk in thinking you're about to get fitted for a suit, and instead, you’re handed a cocktail shaker. That’s already a win in my book.
The space has date-night energy, for sure. There’s one large table that’s set up for pairs. I went in a group of four, and even though my friends and I were ‘split up’, we were still at the same table, which made everyone feel pretty connected. Technically, we were all one big group, so nobody was segmented or left to their own devices.
Our instructor, Eric, was fantastic. Just as a heads up, he’s charismatic, passionate, and truly invested in giving you more than just a drink recipe. He walked us through two cocktails with fresh ingredients and shared pro tips throughout: how to shake properly without freezing your hands, how long to mix, and why fresh fruit always beats concentrate. The class was totally hands-on, with each person mixing their own drinks using the tools laid out at their station.
After the class portion, we headed to a low-lit back room where we could sip our creations, order from the full food menu, and just relax. It was cozy and quiet enough for conversation. I ended up chatting with a few other guests I met during the class (many of whom were traveling, actually), which made the whole experience feel even more wholesome.
At around 10–15 people per session, the class felt personal and well-paced. Whether you're on a date, out with friends, or flying solo, this is a great way to try something new and enjoy great drinks in an upscale, but welcoming, setting. Would I go again? Absolutely. The drinks were great, the vibe was spot-on, and I left with some new cocktail skills and new connections. Plus, it’s only $125. When you consider how much a night out is going to cost you drink-wise (without expert instruction), it seems like a pretty fair price to me.
If you're looking for a fun, interactive night in NYC that still feels elevated, this class is a solid pick.
Final Thoughts
By the end of my trip, I’d tasted, stirred, rolled, and shaken my way through some of the most fun nights I’ve had in a long time. Going to New York for work was one thing—turning it into an intimate look at New York’s food scene was another. Each class gave me something different, whether it was a new skill, a new perspective, or just a really great memory. If you ever find yourself in New York and want to do more than just sightsee, I highly recommend signing up for a cooking class or two. What’s the point of going to New York if you don’t go hungry, go curious, and leave satisfied.