Find the Best Culinary School in Philadelphia

Find Culinary Programs

Philadelphia, as a food Mecca, has often been smacked aside in lieu of cities with more food renown or supposedly “sophisticated” palates. But in the last few years the city has bred a number of notable, even dynamic restaurants run by up and coming fresh-faced chefs. They are friendly and accessible.

Compared to other metro areas in the country Philly offers quite a few culinary programs from which to choose. This in and of itself is indication of a richer culinary future. With that in mind, let’s explore the educational opportunities to parlay your love of cooking into a passion-steeped career.

Given the fact that so many master chefs have arrived at their gastronomic calling from the launch pad of another career means that many culinary schools are designed for both career-bound high school students as well as working adults driven to a career change. When you’re looking at a cooking school in Philly make sure they offer the flexibility you need to blend study with your day job and family life. You’ll find most do.

The Chef Scene in Philly

Take full advantage of testing the local food waters—you’ll find Philly neighborhoods full of good eats and a notable number of “best of” restaurants. BYOBs are common thanks to the liquor control board, so many restaurants have ditched the wine lists and invite their guests to bring their own, which is a win-win on both sides. A few of the well-established chef-driven restaurants include:

• Pumpkin Restaurant, chef-owner Ian Moroney
• Marigold Kitchen, chef Erin O’Shea
• Vetri and Osteria restaurants, chef-owner Marc Vetri

Absorb the Philly food scene as if it were a life-blood then contribute with your own culinary inventions.

Local Community Schools

Walnut Hill College

Walnut Hill College provides learners with tailored programs to help them build successful careers in the culinary and hospitality industries. Education at Walnut Hill involves preparing students for a professional working environment upon graduation; it strikes a balance between hands-on training and experience with intensive academic studies. Its program for Culinary Arts offers both an associate’s and a bachelor’s degree.

Walnut Hill College
4207 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-222-4200

JNA Institute of Culinary Arts

Boasting of a modern curriculum and an excellent job placement record, JNA Institute of Culinary Arts provides students with exemplary training in food service. The school combines theory and coursework with hands-on training to give students the requisite experience and framework they need to flourish in the industry.

JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
212 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19146
215-468-8800
Admissions@CulinaryArts.edu

Wine School of Philadelphia

Founded in 2001, the Wine School of Philadelphia offers budding sommeliers and wine enthusiasts with instruction on the finer points of oenology. It is the country’s oldest independent wine school.

Wine School of Philadelphia
109 S 22nd Street,
Philadelphia, PA
215-965-1514

Non-accredited Cooking Schools in Philadelphia

Cozymeal

Featured in many national publications such as Forbes and USA Today, Cozymeal offers exclusive cooking lessons from expert chefs and cater to both individual learners and corporate events. Classes and events are easy to book and can take place in both a home kitchen or a specially selected premier venue. It provides cooking demonstrations, lessons, and other culinary experiences in multiple cities across the country.

Cozymeal
325-41 Chestnut Street, Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
267-669-1422

Really Cooking with Robin

Founded by Robin and Joseph Dillman in 2012, Really Cooking with Robin is a no-frills cooking school that takes a unique, informal approach to the culinary arts. Despite drawing from recipes, the instructors encourage students to experiment with their dishes. The school caters to both kids and adults and are scheduled according to the needs of the learners.

Really Cooking with Robin
138 W Germantown Pike
Hillcrest Plaza Shopping Center
East Norriton, PA 19401
484-674-7748
robin@reallycookingwithrobin.com