Some go out to eat. Others want to experience food. For those who savour flavour and seek a deeper connection to what’s on their plate (and in their glass), a dining masterclass is the next-level indulgence.
From hands-on Italian pasta-making in Woollahra to rum tastings that nod to sugarcane heritage in Port Douglas, this curated list takes you into the kitchens and behind the bars of Australia’s most immersive food experiences. Book a seat, roll up your sleeves and get ready to engage every sense.
The Daintree Bar – Port Douglas. Qld
Rum and history might seem like strange bedfellows until you step into The Daintree Bar, tucked inside the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort on Avenue of Palms. This bar-slash-tapas haven isn’t just a tropical escape - it’s a respectful nod to the cane-cutting pioneers who helped shape Far North Queensland. Within the resort’s lush confines, The Daintree is a venue where locals, travellers and history buffs collide over cocktails steeped in stories, served with a side of nostalgia and ambience.
The hero here is sugarcane - specifically the rum and spirits born of it. Join a master distiller for a spirited rum-tasting masterclass and sample award-winning drops like the FNQ Rum Co. Platinum Spirit, crowned World’s Best Pot Still Rum in 2021. Cocktails are crafted with reverence, like the ‘Sugarcane Paradise’ - a tropical blend of elderflower and lime anchored by that same local rum. Prefer a zero-proof pour? Opt for the ginger-lime mocktail that still brings the fire.
Raise a glass to the past - book your Daintree masterclass today.
Rustic Kitchen – Woollahra, NSW
Rustic Kitchen on Jersey Road lives up to its name - intimate, authentic and irresistibly charming. Born from the same culinary bloodline as I Maccheroni, this boutique gem doubles as a venue and bespoke catering service, capturing the heart of Italian food culture with every dish. Nestled in leafy Woollahra, the space oozes understated elegance, offering diners a warm, welcoming experience perfect for everything from private dinners to team functions.
The real magic happens on Saturdays. The pasta-making masterclasses are a hands-on celebration of Italy, guided by passionate Chefs who demystify everything from kneading techniques to perfect pasta shapes. Each one-hour session includes a sumptuous three-course meal and a glass of vino - think handmade pasta paired with Wagyu, or crumbed lamb with peppers agrodolce. It’s not just dinner, it’s a dive into Italian culinary heritage.
Book your Saturday pasta escape and roll with the pros.
Criniti’s – Wetherill Park, NSW
Located in Stockland Mall, Criniti’s Wetherill Park is anything but your average shopping centre restaurant. With its warm timber interiors and family-centric vibe, this is a venue built on the Italian values of food, fun and togetherness. Known for generous portions and an eclectic menu that runs the gamut from wood-fired pizzas to prime steaks, it’s no wonder Criniti’s has cemented itself as a Sydney staple.
The pizza-making masterclasses take that Italian love affair to the next level. Under expert guidance, you'll stretch, sauce and bake your own pies - from flour to finish. Learn the tricks to achieving that crispy crust and how to balance robust toppings like salami, veal and garlic with finesse. Whether you're craving carne amore or something more classic, this experience delivers all the flavour with a side of skill.
Make your next slice unforgettable - reserve your pizza class today.
Don’t be fooled by the casual café vibe - Kafe Kooks on Mountain Street is a culinary playground hiding in plain sight. Neon signs, polished concrete and a jungle of hanging plants set the stage for an East-meets-West menu that starts with sriracha egg roti breakfasts and finishes with roti-wrapped Cuban toasties and Shiraz. It’s a fresh and funky inner-city retreat that never stops surprising.
The roti masterclass is where things get truly kinetic. Led by in-house roti maestro, Suresh, you’ll dive into the world of dough stretching, flipping and shaping. While your peers stretch, you’ll feast on a five-course dinner that showcases the versatility of this humble bread - from buttery parathas to layered specialties. It’s theatrical, educational and undeniably delicious.
Flip, fold and feast - secure your spot at the next roti masterclass.
Set against the tranquil backdrop of Cowra’s wine country, Oak on Kendal is a breath of fresh regional air. With a colourful mural adorning its exterior and a light-filled interior dressed in olive tones and cosy settings, this bistro is all about pairing warm hospitality with sophisticated Modern Australian fare. The menu is a testament to the region’s bounty - think Spring lamb with confit shallot, or scallops dressed in soubise and jamon.
Oak is opening its kitchen to curious cooks and aspiring gourmands through a series of masterclasses and cooking workshops. Whether you're refining your plating skills or exploring new flavour profiles, these sessions promise to elevate your home cooking game while indulging in top-tier produce, with a wine list curated to complement each creation, this is learning worth lingering over.
Call now to reserve your place in an Oak on Kendal workshop and taste the terroir.
From rolling roti in the heart of Ultimo to sipping storied rum in Port Douglas, these masterclasses offer more than just meals - they’re immersive, memorable experiences designed for those who believe food should be both tasted and understood. Whether you're looking to impress your next dinner party guests or simply indulge in a deeper flavour journey, these venues offer something extraordinary.
So go on - book the class, pour the drink, twirl the pasta. Your next favourite dish might just be the one you make yourself.
