It’s early morning in Florence. The sun rises over the terracotta rooftops as the smell of fresh bread drifts through the air. A short walk through the cobbled streets of the Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood brings you to Cibrèo, where the day’s lessons await for you to study cooking.
Mornings are hands-on: students tie on their aprons and head straight into the kitchen, where they might be shaping gnocchi, filleting fish, or learning the delicate art of sauces. The atmosphere is lively but focused, as chefs demonstrate techniques and share stories behind each ingredient.
Afternoons often shift gears. Some days are for field trips: to meet cheesemakers in the Tuscan countryside or to taste olive oil where it’s pressed. Other times, students gather for seminars on food sustainability, or tasting sessions with local wines and artisanal products.
By evening, Florence takes on a softer glow, and students head out to explore — maybe a glass of Chianti in a small piazza, or a casual dinner with classmates discussing what they learned that day. The city becomes a second classroom, rich with flavor, culture, and inspiration.
This is life as a culinary student in Florence.
Whether it’s a short summer experience or a deeper professional journey, Studiainitalia offers two exceptional cooking programs in partnership with Cibrèo: a 3-week summer course and a 12-week professional culinary arts program.
The Professional Culinary Program
The Cibrèo Culinary Arts Program is a full immersion into the heart of Italian food culture.
For 12 weeks, students become part of the Cibrèo kitchen team. They work alongside chefs in real, working venues — from the elegant Ristorante Cibrèo to the lively Teatro del Sale and the unique Tuscan-Oriental Ciblèo. The goal isn’t only to study cooking and learn how to cook, but to understand food: its origins, its impact, its deeper meaning.
About 70% of the course is hands-on. Students chop, stir, bake, and plate. They explore seasonal ingredients, make pasta from scratch, bake fresh bread, prepare desserts, and even learn about butchery and charcuterie. The rest of the time is spent in lectures, seminars, and field trips — like visiting artisan cheesemakers, local wineries, or farms that supply the restaurant daily.
You learn how to build relationships with local producers, how to respect the rhythm of the seasons, and how to create food that is both ethical and delicious. Sustainability, simplicity, and authenticity are at the heart of every dish.
The program is intense, yes — but incredibly rewarding. It’s made for those who want to pursue a serious path in food, and who want to become modern culinary artisans.
The Summer Culinary Course
Not everyone can commit to three months. That’s why Studiainitalia also offers a 3-week Culinary Summer Course — perfect for food lovers, travelers, or curious minds who want a taste of Italy’s culinary soul.
Held mostly at the Teatro del Sale kitchen, the summer course covers the foundations of Italian cooking. Each week focuses on different themes: fresh pasta, meat and fish, legumes and vegetables, desserts, breads and pizza. Students learn knife skills, sauces, soups, and how to cook with precision and passion.
There are also tastings and seminars dedicated to wine, olive oil, cheese, and more. Plus, unforgettable field trips to meet the local food artisans that supply Cibrèo’s kitchens.
The course blends theory and practice, but always stays hands-on. Students learn from dedicated chefs who offer personal guidance and share real-life knowledge from working in top kitchens.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, this course is an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Florence: The Ultimate Kitchen
Studying in Florence adds an extra layer to the experience. The city itself is a blend of art, culture, and food. Students explore local markets, sip espresso in sunny piazze, and walk along the Arno after class. It’s more than just a course — it’s a lifestyle.
Whether you’re ready to launch a career in food or simply want to explore Italy’s culinary roots for a few weeks, Studiainitalia has the right program for you.
- Discover more about the Cibrèo Culinary Arts Program (12 weeks)
- Learn more about the Culinary Summer Course (3 weeks)
Your journey to the heart of Italian cuisine starts here.
