If you’ve ever dreamed of shaking up the perfect cocktail, crafting dumplings from scratch, or rolling out handmade pasta like an Italian Nonna, you’re in luck. Across Australia, some of the finest restaurants and bars are hosting immersive masterclasses that let you get hands-on with their signature dishes and drinks. Whether you’re a budding home chef or just looking for a fun, food-filled experience, these venues have something special in store.
Miss Lucy – Port Macquarie, NSW
Nestled in the heart of Port Macquarie, Miss Lucy is a lively Japanese izakaya that fuses traditional techniques with native Australian ingredients. With a neon-lit, funky atmosphere and a menu of tapas-style bites, it’s the kind of place where you can sip sake while feasting on Wagyu with truffle salt and miso butter corn ribs. Whether you're lounging on plush couches or taking in the buzzing late-night energy, Miss Lucy’s creative take on Japanese dining is both exciting and inviting.
For those who love dumplings and cocktails (so, basically everyone), Miss Lucy’s masterclass is a dream come true. Their expert mixologist will guide you through the art of crafting the perfect Margarita and French Martini, while the kitchen team teaches you the intricacies of dumpling-making – skins, folds and even adding colour. You'll kick things off with a welcome glass of bubbles before rolling up your sleeves to create (and devour) your very own dumplings, paired with your hand-crafted cocktails.
Tilly’s Garden – Piara Waters, WA
If sipping bespoke cocktails under the stars while indulging in exquisite Asian-fusion share plates sounds like your kind of night, Tilly’s Garden in Piara Waters is the place to be. This seasonal alfresco venue is a hidden gem, serving everything from char siu duck bao buns to Malaysian-spiced grilled chicken, all within a lush garden setting. With wine barrels, market umbrellas and an air of effortless cool, Tilly’s is all about laid-back sophistication.
Their Cocktails and Canvas masterclass combines the best of both worlds: creativity and cocktails. On the first Thursday of every month, guests gather for an evening of artistic expression, guided by a different painting theme each session. Each $85 ticket includes a welcome cocktail, a shared grazing board and, of course, your very own masterpiece to take home. Whether you're a seasoned painter or just there for the fun, it’s a night of sipping and stroking the brush like a pro.
Perched on Circular Quay, Luna Lu is a showstopper of a restaurant, blending modern Asian flavours with cutting-edge gastronomy. With views overlooking the Sydney Opera House and a live lobster tank promising the freshest seafood, this is where you come for an unforgettable dining experience. Signature dishes include lobster and King prawn wontons, dongpo pork belly with dark soy and a decadent dark chocolate mousse dusted with 24k gold.
For something more meditative, Luna Lu offers an Asian Tea Ceremony masterclass in collaboration with Altitude Tea. This isn’t just about brewing tea—it’s about engaging in a centuries-old mindfulness ritual where every movement is intentional, fostering a sense of peace and connection. If you’re looking for an experience that blends tradition with elegance, this ceremony will leave you refreshed in more ways than one.
Bottega Coco – Barangaroo, NSW
A little slice of Italy in the heart of Barangaroo, Bottega Coco is an oasis of elegance where classic European flavours meet contemporary Sydney flair. Think plush banquette seating, softly glowing lights and cabinets brimming with delicate pastries. Whether you start your day with their signature French toast or indulge in pappardelle with veal ragu, every dish here is a love letter to Italy’s culinary traditions.
Now, they’re letting you in on the secret of perfect pasta. Their Pasta Making Masterclass takes you through every step of the process, from kneading dough to shaping and cooking authentic Italian pasta. Led by their expert Italian chef, the class isn’t just a hands-on experience—it’s a deep dive into the history and culture of Italian cuisine. Afterward, you’ll sit down to a two-course dining experience, savouring the very pasta you created.
For over two decades, Nilgiri’s has been a go-to spot for regional Indian flavours on Sydney’s lower North Shore. Here, familiar dishes get a creative twist—think butter chicken elevated with mango chutney, or Kolhapuri lamb slow-cooked with sesame and poppy seeds. With an open kitchen showcasing the fiery theatrics of the tandoor, dining at Nilgiri’s is as much about the experience as it is about the food.
If you’re eager to master the art of Indian cooking, their Monday night classes are a must. Working in pairs, you’ll learn the secrets behind some of their most beloved dishes, from balancing spices to perfecting traditional techniques. Vegetarian options are available and the evening ends with a communal dinner where you’ll savour the fruits of your labour.
Whether you’re looking to shake up cocktails, knead fresh pasta, or uncover the mindfulness behind a traditional tea ceremony, these masterclasses offer the perfect blend of fun and learning. More than just a night out, they’re an opportunity to connect with world-class chefs, uncover new skills and—most importantly—enjoy some seriously good food and drink along the way.
