Meet Marina at the ATM near the Varvakios Food Market, then stroll together to a nearby farmers' market brimming with fresh, seasonal produce. Spend about 40 minutes exploring the market as Marina introduces you to her favorite local vendors and selects ingredients for your cooking class. Along the way, you’ll learn how to identify high-quality Greek produce, discover what’s in season, and even enjoy a few tastings.
Join Marina in her cozy Athens home kitchen for a hands-on cooking class that blends time-honored Greek recipes with a fresh, creative touch. Over the course of three hours, you'll learn to prepare 2–3 delicious dishes inspired by her grandmother’s recipes, updated with Marina’s own modern flair.
You might make hilopites, a traditional Greek egg pasta served with mizithra cheese, or slow-cooked lamb or beef in a rich tomato sauce with trahana, a fermented grain beloved in Greek cuisine. You'll also prepare a seasonal salad using fresh, local ingredients.
After cooking, gather around the table to enjoy the meal you've prepared, served with a glass of Greek wine. End on a sweet note with a light, creamy yogurt panna cotta infused with chamomile and honey, a modern take on a classic Greek dessert.
Marina can offer a lactose free, gluten free, vegetarian or vegan meal on request. So please let her know your preference while booking your Athens cooking class online. 1-2 glasses of wine is included in the cost of the experience. Please note that there are pets in the house, they will be in a separate room.
This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
Drink: Greek wine made of native grape varietiesStarter: Hilopites (a traditional Greek pasta)Salad: Local greens or string beans, with baked tomatoes & extra virgin olive oil vinaigretteMain: Lamb or beef in red tomato sauce with trahanaDessert: A light and creamy yoghurt panna cotta infused with Greek chamomile and honeyMarina discovered her passion for cooking at the age of 10, and after graduating from college, she realized that food was the one thing that truly made sense to her, so she decided to become a professional chef. She trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and spent five years honing her skills in Michelin-starred restaurants. In addition to cooking, Marina writes a popular food column where she shares her favorite recipes and culinary techniques.
She’s currently preparing to open her first bistro and is excited to finally serve her own creations to guests. Marina loves sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for Greek cuisine and enjoys teaching travelers through hands-on cooking experiences. She’ll be joined by her partner, a fellow chef and former Top Chef contestant, making your experience even more special.
"Yiota was our guide and she was wonderful. She was very knowledgeable about the food, Greek history, Art, local politics, etc. She was very easy to speak with. We went to 4 different locations that we never would have found on our own. The food was varied, delicious, and culturally interesting. We even went back to one place the next day. This tour with Yiota was the highlight of our visit in Athens. My wife and I highly recommend this tour with Yiota."
