A hands on experience focused on culinary techniques

Our programs blend hands-on instruction with cultural traditions and innovative approaches — designed for passionate cooks, professionals, and culinary thinkers.

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Learn Taste Create

Learn Taste Create

Mediterranean cuisine is our foundation — its ingredients, techniques, and cultural depth form the core of our teaching. We begin by honoring tradition and mastering its craft. Then we push forward: encouraging creativity, innovation, and thoughtful reinterpretation. This is how culinary wisdom evolves — with respect for the past and a desire to shape the cuisine of the future.

Our Courses

Our programs are designed for passionate home cooks and culinary professionals alike.

Choose from immersive private training, tailored to your goals with full hands-on instruction — or join a small group course, limited to 2–8 participants and designed as an intimate, collaborative experience. Group courses focus on chef-led demonstrations, guided tastings, and curated cultural experiences.

All courses are all-inclusive and set in a refined Mediterranean setting, blending education, tradition, and inspiration.

  • Explore the foundations of Mediterranean cooking through traditional techniques, iconic dishes, and regional diversity. This one-week course focuses on the cultural context, simplicity, and depth that define Mediterranean cuisine — building a solid understanding of its flavors, ingredients, and culinary wisdom.

  • Explore how Mediterranean cuisine evolves beyond tradition. This course focuses on innovation, modern technique, and creative expression — guiding participants to design sophisticated, contemporary dishes inspired by the Mediterranean’s timeless flavors.

  • One-on-one culinary programs tailored entirely to your goals, skill level, and culinary background. Whether you’re an aspiring chef, a seasoned professional, or a passionate home cook, we build a personalized curriculum that blends advanced techniques, cultural context, and creative development.

    Full hands-on instruction, complete immersion, and access to expert mentorship in a setting designed for focus, inspiration, and growth.

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Gourmet dish with roasted meat, blueberries, carrot and zucchini ribbons, greens, and edible flowers on a white plate

About us

Mediterranean cuisine is our foundation — its ingredients, techniques, and cultural depth form the core of our teaching. We begin by honoring tradition and mastering its craft. Then we push forward: encouraging creativity, innovation, and thoughtful reinterpretation. This is how culinary wisdom evolves — with respect for the past and a desire to shape the cuisine of the future.

Learn more

  • Over 70 recipes in a week... a few months back I wanted to get away and just learn about making good food for a while. So why not learn in Greece. I didn't know we'd end up making 12 recipes a day and completely changing how we think about food and cooking.

    Matt - USA, New York

  • I love cooking and have taken many courses in Europe. My experience at the Culinary Institute in Samos with Chef Mantoglou is the most enriching and interesting so far. Alex is a great chef who knows how to teach his passion naturally. He will pass on to you all the secrets of Mediterranean cuisine. With him, learning is very easy: we often laughed in the kitchen!

    Jerome - Switzerland

  • The trip/lesson could not have been better. I appreciate your attention to detail and friendship. Thanks for the feedback but you should be basking in that as well. Not only for pulling me through, but your very deft hand at your own skills.

    Gary - USA, Arizona

  • Great Experience!!! So happy to learn from chef Mantoglou in a cool and friendly atmosphere in a professionally equipped kitchen.Very inspiring course, I will definitely come back for more!

    Anastasia - Belgium/Greece

  • Thanks again for such an amazing experience! I am sure we will see you again at some point. In the meantime, we'll shoot you over that recipe book we created from your lessons.

    Jonathan - USA, New York

  • A big heartfelt thank you for an amazing series of lessons and experiences.

    Anne - Canada

A glimpse on what you will experience

  • Eight wine glasses filled with white wine arranged on a white surface, with shadows cast on a paper beneath them that reads "Culinary Institute of the Mediterranean"

    Taste it.

  • Interior of a rustic wine cellar with stone walls and arched doorway. Large wooden wine barrel visible on right, small table and stone benches in background.

    Visit.

  • A plated dessert with a layer of cream, a round white biscuit, and crumbs, with small slices of radish or beetroot as decoration.

    Make it.

  • A chef in a white uniform holding and inspecting a round, shallow ceramic dish in a kitchen.

    Learn it.

  • A dessert plated on a white dish, consisting of a circular base with yellow and cream-colored dollops on top, garnished with small white and green decorative elements.

    Make it.

  • Uncooked oval-shaped cookies on a floured surface with the word "DAYS" written in blue chalk beneath them.

    Make it.

  • A woman in a white chef's coat and striped apron is preparing dough on a floured surface, smiling at the camera.

    Learn it.

  • A plated gourmet dish featuring grilled chicken with blueberry sauce, garnished with herbs, and served with a side of spiralized vegetables and cooked vegetables arranged on a white oval plate.

    Taste it.

  • A white table with various Middle Eastern dishes, including hummus garnished with olive oil, tabbouleh salad with tomatoes and cucumbers, pickles, falafel, and a serving of pink beetroot dip. A green apple with a branch and leaves is also on the table.

    Make it.

  • A modern kitchen or cooking classroom with an open shelf holding kitchen appliances and plates, a wall-mounted digital screen displaying a presentation, and a wooden ceiling with white beams and track lighting.

    Learn it.

  • A plate of meat skewers with grilled tomatoes and a creamy sauce on flatbread, garnished with herbs.

    Make it.