Sur La Table: A Culinary Date Day Experience

Ever thought about swapping your usual dinner date for something a little more hands-on? We did just that with our very first cooking class at Sur La Table in Costa Mesa, CA! With locations across the US, Sur La Table offers a variety of themed cooking classes, ours was “Bold Tuscan Flavors.” Here’s everything you need to know if you’re considering a cooking class date, plus our honest experience (spoiler: we’re hooked and want to try more!).

To watch our full experience, click here.

Why We Recommend It

We’re always on the hunt for unique date experiences, and Sur La Table’s cooking class was a standout! Not only do you get to cook and eat together, but you also share laughs, learn new skills, and create lasting memories. Their classes are beginner-friendly and make the perfect entry point if you want to try something new without feeling intimidated, it’s so much more than just following recipes. Here’s why we think it’s a must-try:

  • Hands-on and interactive: Work together to create a delicious meal from scratch.

  • Beginner-friendly: No experience needed, just show up and have fun!

  • Great for connection: Bond, encourage each other, and share lots of laughs along the way.

  • Memorable atmosphere: Friendly, lively, and perfect for making new memories together.

What to Know Before You Go

📍Location: Sur La Table, Costa Mesa, CA (but they have locations in many major cities)

🔸 Class Types: Tons to choose from, ours was “Bold Tuscan Flavors”

🔸 Pricing: $89 per person (varies by class)

🔸 Class Length: About 2.5 hours (including time to eat what you make)

🔸 Parking: Free parking available in the South Coast Plaza lot

🔸 Hours: Classes available on various days/times, check their website for the schedule

🔸 Reservations: Required; classes sell out quickly, especially on weekends.

💡Pro Tips

  • Book early: Popular classes fill up fast, especially weekends and holidays

  • Arrive 10-15 minutes early: Gives you time to check in, put on your apron, and get comfortable

  • Let them know dietary restrictions: The staff was great about accommodating us

  • Don’t stress if you’re not a chef: The class is beginner-friendly and all skill levels are welcome

  • Ask questions: Even if the class is fast-paced, the instructors are happy to help if you speak up

Our Experience

This was our very first cooking class ever, and it definitely sparked our interest in trying more!

We signed up for the Bold Tuscan Flavors class, and from the moment we donned our aprons, we were ready to channel our inner chefs. The instructor walked us through each step of the meal, and while the class leaned more towards following instructions rather than diving deep into cooking techniques or the “why” behind each step, it was still a fun and memorable experience.

The class size was small enough that you could ask questions, but with several pairs and groups, things moved pretty quickly. We felt the pace was a bit rushed at times, and we would have loved more explanation of cooking methods rather than just step-by-step instructions. Still, we appreciated getting hands-on and then sitting down to enjoy our meal together at the end.