Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian: A Gourmet Journey
If you’re craving a hands-on experience that combines culinary artistry with the chance to learn from professional chefs, the Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian offers a compelling option. For about $264 per person, this five-hour culinary exploration takes you behind the scenes of one of the world’s premier foodie destinations, giving passionate cooks a chance to elevate their skills with modern techniques like foaming, spherification, and sophisticated plating. The small-group setting—limited to just 10 participants—means plenty of personalized attention, making it ideal for those serious about their culinary pursuits.
Two features stand out in this class. First, the opportunity to learn advanced gourmet techniques from seasoned chefs Agus and Patric, who are lauded for their high skill levels and engaging teaching style. As one enthusiastic review put it, “both Agus and Patric were terrific with sharing their immense knowledge.” Second, the chance to enjoy the meal you’ve prepared, paired with carefully selected wines, makes this more than just a cooking lesson—it’s a true feast with a view into the city’s Michelin-starred dining culture. A small group means you’ll get attention, feedback, and a more intimate atmosphere than larger classes.
However, a consideration for some might be the price point. At over two hundred dollars, this experience isn’t cheap, but it offers value if you really want to hone your skills and gain exclusive insights into haute cuisine. Also, because the class is geared towards those aged 16 and up and not suitable for vegans, it’s worth checking dietary requirements beforehand to ensure you get the most from it.
Key Points

- Advanced Techniques: You’ll master cutting-edge methods like foaming and spherification, perfect for elevating your home cooking.
- Professional Guidance: Led by highly skilled instructors Agus and Patric, known for sharing their expertise enthusiastically.
- Authentic Experience: The class mimics the high standards of San Sebastian’s Michelin-starred restaurants, offering real kitchen skills.
- Tasty Finale: Enjoy a communal lunch of your creations, complemented by a selection of wines, to round out the experience.
- Small Group: With only 10 participants, you get tailored advice and plenty of interaction.
- Convenient Location: The class is centrally located at 1 Okendo Street, easy to reach in San Sebastian.
A Detailed Look at the Experience
Starting promptly at 10 a.m., you’ll meet at Mimo Bite The Experience on Okendo Kalea, in the heart of San Sebastian. The venue is near public transportation, making it simple to access from most parts of the city. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by your chef instructor, who will introduce you to the city’s reputation as a culinary capital. The hosts emphasize hygiene by requesting hand washing and apron donning before you start—the kind of professional detail that sets the tone.
The core of this experience involves recreating dishes served in the city’s Michelin restaurants. What makes this class special is its focus on modernist techniques—think foaming sauces that mimic the texture of clouds or spherical fillings that burst with flavor. As Jenny K’s glowing review states, “This was SUPER fun with FABULOUS instructors,” which is on point. Agus and Patric are praised for their immense knowledge and high skill levels, making the learning process both fun and informative.
Throughout the session, participants get hands-on opportunities to prepare complex dishes. The instructors guide you through each step with patience, explaining not only how to do things but why certain techniques matter. The class emphasizes skill-building—so whether you’re a seasoned home cook or an ambitious foodie, you’ll walk away with new tricks to impress your friends.
Once your dishes are assembled, the group gathers around the table to enjoy the fruits of their labor. You’ll feast on the dishes you just crafted, paired with well-selected wines, enhancing the flavor and making this feel more like a celebration than a lesson. This shared meal deepens the camaraderie, while the winepairing elevates the entire experience.
The entire session lasts about five hours, giving you plenty of time to learn, cook, and savor without feeling rushed. The class ends back at the starting point, leaving you with not only new skills but also a memorable story of your culinary adventure in San Sebastian.
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What’s Included and Practical Tips

The package includes a professional guide, local guide, and lunch—a pretty good deal considering the skill level and experience you’re gaining. The class is limited to 12 people, ensuring a well-paced and intimate environment. This small group size is a big plus if you’re seeking personalized attention or have specific dietary needs; just be sure to mention allergies or vegetarian preferences when booking.
Keep in mind that the activity is not suitable for vegans or those under 16. If you have allergies, it’s essential to inform the provider beforehand. The menu is likely to be adapted for vegetarians if specified at booking, but vegan options are not available.
Is It Worth the Price?

While you might balk at the $263.67 fee, look at it this way: you’re learning techniques used in Michelin-starred kitchens from experts, and you’re dining on your own creations—a true gourmet experience. For food lovers eager to understand modernist cuisine, this class offers value that goes beyond a simple cooking demo. Plus, the fact that this experience is booked on average 68 days in advance indicates it’s highly popular among serious culinary enthusiasts.
Who Will Love This?
This experience suits travelers who are passionate about cooking, eager to learn advanced techniques, and interested in San Sebastian’s haute cuisine scene. It’s ideal for those who want the thrill of making restaurant-quality dishes themselves, paired with a convivial lunch. If you love food, enjoy a challenge, and appreciate a small-group setting, this class is likely to be one of your favorite memories of the city.
In contrast, if you’re a casual cook or on a tight schedule, this might feel a bit intensive or expensive. It’s not a quick peek into local food but a dedicated, skill-focused class.
Final Thoughts
The Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class delivers an immersive, hands-on culinary experience that brings you into the world of San Sebastian’s high-end gastronomy. You’ll learn advanced techniques, get personalized instruction, and enjoy the fruits of your labor with wine—a real treat for serious foodies. The focus on skills and techniques means you’ll come away not just with recipes but with confidence to try these methods at home.
This experience is best suited for individuals who want a deeper connection to the city’s culinary scene and are willing to invest some time and money. It’s perfect for aspiring chefs, dedicated home cooks, or anyone wanting to turn their kitchen into a Michelin-worthy space. The small group size, expert guides, and authentic atmosphere ensure you’ll leave feeling inspired and more skilled in your culinary adventures.
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FAQ
Is this a beginner-level cooking class?
No, this class is designed for passionate cooks looking to elevate their skills to a more advanced level, especially with modern techniques like foaming and spherification.
How long does the class last?
The class runs for approximately five hours, providing plenty of time for instruction, practice, and tasting.
What is included in the price?
The price covers the cooking instruction by professional chefs, all ingredients and equipment needed, plus a communal lunch paired with wine.
Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
Yes, but you should inform the provider in advance. The menu can be adapted for allergies or vegetarian preferences, but vegans are not accommodated.
Are there age restrictions?
Yes, the minimum age is 16 years old.
Is the group size large or small?
The class is limited to a maximum of 12 participants, ensuring an intimate and interactive environment.
Where does the class take place?
It’s held at 1 Okendo Street, a centrally located spot in San Sebastian, close to public transportation.
What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel freely up to 24 hours before the class for a full refund.
Is the experience suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available if specified during booking. Vegan options are not offered.
If you love cooking, want to learn from top chefs, and are ready for a taste of San Sebastian’s culinary mastery, this class is well worth the price. It offers an authentic peek into Michelin-level techniques that will impress your friends and elevate your kitchen game.
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