MEDITERRANEAN MASTER Class by Master Chef

A Taste of Dalmatia: The Mediterranean Master Class by Master Chef in Split

If you’re wandering through Split and want to get beyond the typical sightseeing, a culinary workshop like the Mediterranean Master Class by Split Cooking Class offers a genuine glimpse into local flavors and traditions. For roughly five hours, you’ll meet up at the designated starting point on Hrvojeva Street, head off together to browse Split’s vibrant green and fish markets, then roll up your sleeves in a professional kitchen under the guidance of a skilled local chef. The experience culminates in a leisurely lunch featuring your own culinary creations, complemented by outstanding wines.

What makes this experience shining? First, I love that it combines city sights with hands-on cooking — a rare blend that makes the learning feel rooted in the local environment. Second, the personalized attention and flexibility stand out; your produce is chosen based on your preferences, and the class is private, making it tailored and relaxed. That said, one thing to keep in mind is the price — at around $696 for two people, it’s a premium experience, but one that many find offers excellent value considering all included tastings, ingredients, and the intimate setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Experience: You’re shopping at real green and fish markets with a professional chef, gaining insights into Dalmatian ingredients.
• Hands-On Learning: The class isn’t just demonstration — you actively prepare several traditional Croatian dishes.
• Wine & Olive Oil Tastings: Tasting local wines, grappa, and olive oils adds depth to the experience, making it more than just cooking.
• Private, Personalized: The tour is tailored to your preferences, with all ingredients and tastings included.
• Great for Food Enthusiasts: Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a curious beginner, the expert guidance makes it accessible.
• Strong Reviews: Participants praise the talented chef, enjoyable atmosphere, and delicious results — “fun & delicious,” one reviewer calls it.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Schedule

Your adventure begins at Hrvojeva 4 in Split, a location easily accessible by public transportation, and the activity runs daily from 9 AM to 4 PM. The tour is private, meaning it’s either just your group or your family, which is great for personal attention and flexibility. The experience lasts around five hours — plenty of time to savor each step without feeling rushed.

Market Visit: Green & Fish Markets

One highlight is the visit to Split’s markets, which are among the most colorful spots in the city. You’ll stroll through green markets, selecting fresh vegetables and herbs, and visit the fish market to pick out the day’s freshest catch. I love the way this part immerses you in local life and ingredients — not a tourist trap but a real slice of Split daily life. Reviews mention how Chef Zeljko or his team take care to choose ingredients based on your preferences, which adds a personal touch.

Welcome Buffet and Tastings

Before hitting the kitchen, you’ll enjoy a welcome buffet of local bites and sample some grappa and olive oils. This warm-up sets the tone for the day — relaxed, flavorful, and full of local stories. Participants consistently praise these tastings as enriching the experience, offering a deeper understanding of Dalmatian flavors.

Cooking in a Professional Kitchen

The core of the tour is the hands-on cooking session, led by a professional chef — in many reviews, Chef Zeljko is lauded as talented and fun. You’ll learn how to prepare a variety of Croatian specialties, including fish dishes and risottos, with detailed guidance. Several reviews emphasize how much they learned, with one saying, “We cooked several fish dishes, using different cooking techniques.” The chef adapts to your skill level, making sure everyone, from amateur cooks to seasoned foodies, can participate and enjoy.

Enjoying Your Creations

Once the dishes are prepared, you’ll sit down to a multi-course meal, properly paired with some of the region’s outstanding wines. Several reviewers mention that the food is delicious and beautifully presented, with some calling it the highlight of their trip. This isn’t just a cooking class; it’s a proper meal where you get to savor your own work, often with the added bonus of wine tastings.

Certificates & Memories

As a thoughtful touch, participants receive certificates of participation, a nice keepsake of a day well spent. Photos and memories of cooking with Chef Zeljko often become treasured souvenirs, and many reviewers mention that they plan to try replicating the recipes at home.

Practicalities and Value

At $696.19 for up to two people, this experience might seem on the higher end, but it’s packed with value. All ingredients, tastings, and even transportation from the markets are included, which simplifies planning. The private setting means personalized attention, and the combination of market visit, cooking, and tasting provides a layered cultural experience.

However, it’s important to consider that this isn’t a quick activity — it’s a full five-hour immersion. If you’re short on time or budget, there are other options, but if you want a deep, authentic culinary adventure in Split, this tour offers a memorable way to dive into Dalmatian cuisine.

Who is this best suited for?

This experience is ideal for food lovers who enjoy a hands-on approach and want to learn authentic Croatian dishes. It appeals especially to small groups or couples who appreciate personalized attention. Also, families with children who enjoy cooking could find this a delightful activity — some reviews describe a multi-generational group cooking together with ease. If you’re looking for a relaxed, educational, and tasty way to spend part of your Split visit, this class ticks all the right boxes.

Final Thoughts

The Mediterranean Master Class by Master Chef in Split offers more than just a cooking lesson; it’s an entry into Dalmatian life through its ingredients, flavors, and hospitality. You’ll visit local markets, learn techniques from a seasoned chef, and enjoy a meal of your own making, all with the comfort of a private, flexible schedule. A bit pricey, yes, but the all-included tastings, expert guidance, and authentic experience make it a worthwhile splurge for dedicated foodies.

This class will resonate most with those who want a meaningful, flavorful, and memorable experience in Split — a chance to carry home not just photos but real recipes and stories about Dalmatian culinary traditions.

FAQ

Is transportation provided during the tour?
While the experience starts at the designated meeting point, the tour includes all shopping and cooking in the local markets and kitchen. Pickup options are offered, but most participants meet at the starting location.

How long does the class last?
It lasts approximately 5 hours, giving ample time to visit the markets, cook, and enjoy your meal without feeling rushed.

Can I customize the dishes I’ll prepare?
The produce is chosen based on your preferences, and the chef adapts the menu accordingly, allowing some flexibility in what you cook.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, several reviews mention family groups cooking together, and the private format makes it flexible for families with children of different ages.

What is included in the price?
All ingredients, tastings (wine, grappa, olive oils), a welcome buffet, certificates, and the cooking lesson are included. Transportation from the meeting point is not automatically provided but can be arranged.

Do I get a certificate after completing the class?
Yes, participants receive a certificate of participation as a memento of their culinary journey.

What level of cooking skill do I need?
No prior experience is necessary — the chef ensures everyone can participate and learn, whether you’re a complete beginner or more experienced cook.