Jozi Journeys

A Taste of Italy in Joburg: Inside Vitality’s Cucina Italiana Cooking Experience

Published

2 months ago

July 2, 2025

Chiraag

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If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping wine while cooking authentic Italian dishes under the Joburg skyline, Cucina Italiana at the Vitality HealthyFood Studio is calling your name. From the warm scent of slow-cooked tomatoes to the sizzle of seared beef, this rooftop culinary experience in Sandton brings Italy to life, one delicious course at a time.

Andiamo!

Sandton Meets Sicily: A Hands-On Escape

Forget watching from the sidelines; this is an interactive, chef-guided experience where you cook every dish yourself. It’s part of Discovery’s Vitality HealthyFood Studio, known for offering wellness-driven food fun without skimping on flavour. Whether you’re planning a date night, foodie outing, or just feel like trying something new, Cucina Italiana is built for connection and creativity.

You’ll start with a fresh Bruschetta Caprese, that perfect mix of crusty bread, tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella that sets the tone for what’s to come. Then dive into the delicate process of making Zucchini Arancini: crisp, golden bites with a tender middle, packed with flavour and flair.

Next, it’s time to roll up your sleeves for the showstopper: Beef Braciole, a Southern Italian favourite. Thin beef fillets are wrapped around herb-and-cheese fillings, gently simmered in a tomato-rich sauce. It’s hearty, homely, and full of slow-cooked soul. On the side? You’ll learn to make a silky, simple Pasta Aglio e Olio, the ultimate in comforting Italian simplicity.

And for dessert? A creamy Café Panna Cotta, infused with subtle coffee notes and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that proves once again why Italians do dessert best.

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Image 1: Pexels

A Glass of Wine and the Best Views in Joburg

The cherry on top? Each ticket includes a complimentary glass of wine, and extra drinks are available for purchase. With the Sandton skyline just beyond the kitchen window and the buzz of conversation in the air, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve escaped the daily grind, even if just for a few hours.

The class is hosted live in-person at the Vitality HealthyFood Studio [1 Discovery Place], and it’s open to the public, not just Discovery members. At R750 per person (including VAT and wine), it’s an accessible luxury that locals are loving. Just be sure to book in advance via Dineplan, as these classes tend to fill up fast.

It’s Not Just Cooking; It’s Culture

This isn’t just a class. It’s an immersion into Italian food culture, where patience, shared meals, and quality ingredients are everything. And in a city as fast-paced as Joburg, this kind of slow, intentional joy is worth celebrating.

Whether you’re there to brush up your skills, impress someone special, or just indulge your inner foodie, Cucina Italiana makes you feel like part of a cucina famiglia.

So tie on an apron, pour a glass of red, and say it with us: Mangiamo!

Bookings: via Dineplan
Price: From R750 per person (incl. VAT)
Where: Vitality HealthyFood Studio, Sandton