13 Best Culinary Schools in the World,
The food business is fiercely competitive. To acquire the skills, experience, and connections needed to succeed in the industry, many chefs turn to formal education.
Culinary schools can provide you with the know-how you need to be able to find employment after the fact. Of course, the top culinary schools can also be expensive. It’s well worth taking some time to think about whether it’s the right step for you before committing.
Here we’ll look at the best culinary schools across the world.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Location: Boulder, CO and Austin, TX, USA
Named after French chef, restaurateur, and culinary writer Auguste Escoffier, the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts offers programs centered on culinary arts, plant-based culinary arts, pastry arts, food entrepreneurship, holistic nutrition and wellness, as well as hospitality and restaurant operations management.
The Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts offers online and in-person programs at their respective Boulder and Austin campuses.
Why it’s great: Budding chefs often cite the great instructors, affordability, and their “Farm To Table” methodology as highlights of the school.
Tuitions: $18,094 to $37,370 depending on the program (exact costs may vary).
Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland
Location: Le Bouveret and Brig, Switzerland
The Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland has campuses in Le Bouveret and Brig Switzerland. Their main program offerings include a Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts, Master of Arts in Culinary Business Management / Masters in Culinary Arts, Swiss Diploma in Culinary Arts, and Swiss Diploma in Pastry Arts.
Why it’s great: Their use of state-of-the-art technology and equipment has been cited as one of the main reasons to attend Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland.
Tuitions: $38,224 to $40,598 per year.
The Culinary Institute of America
Location: Hyde Park, NY, St. Helena, CA, San Antonio, TX, and Singapore
The Culinary Institute of America offers a wide array of programs depending on what you’re interested in learning about — culinary arts, food business, wine and beverage management, and more.
With three campuses in the United States and one in Singapore, you can deepen your passion for food in an environment that suits you best.
Why it’s great: Food is at the heart of everything they do, and they even teach the traditions of cuisines from across the world.
Tuitions: $20,550 to $22,227 per semester depending on the campus.
Le Cordon Bleu
Location: Various campuses in Europe, North America, South America, Oceania, and Asia
Le Cordon Bleu was founded in 1895 in Paris. They boast more than 35 institutes in 20 countries, and they are the biggest culinary and hospitality school you can find.
Their programs include the likes of pastry and confectionery, hospitality management and gastronomy, cuisines of the world, cheese, plant-based culinary arts, and much more. Online learning options are also available.
Julia Child famously graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in 1949.
Why it’s great: It’s the most recognized school in French culinary techniques.
Tuitions: Varies widely from one program to another — approximately $6,600 to $60,300.
Institute of Culinary Education
Location: New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA, USA
With campuses in New York and Los Angeles, the Institute of Culinary Education offers programs in culinary arts, baking arts, plant-based culinary arts, culinary management, and more. They also offer online programs.
Why it’s great: They are home to great facilities like the Chocolate Lab and a hydroponic herb garden.
Tuitions: $9,972 to $50,128 depending on the program.
Apicius International School of Hospitality
Location: Florence, Italy
The Apicius International School of Hospitality covers culinary arts, baking and pastry, food and culture, and much more. The school was founded in 1997, and it’s the first of its kind in Italy. The school is well-equipped with technologically advanced labs and facilities to enhance the learning experience.
Why it’s great: Besides the fact that it’s located in beautiful Florence, Italy, Apicius’ programs offer plenty of hands-on experience, the opportunity to learn from multiple disciplines, and community engagement.
Tuitions: Contact the institution directly for more information.
Westminster Kingsway College
Location: London, UK
Part of the Capital City College Group, Westminster Kingsway College is home to multiple culinary programs, including but not limited to culinary skills, modern patisserie, professional cookery, food and beverage service supervision, and more.
Visit their website to find a course that’s right for you.
Why it’s great: Extensive industry connections for employment opportunities, notable alumni like Jamie Oliver, and instructors with real applied knowledge.
Tuitions: Approximately $9,200 per year.
Kendall College
Location: Chicago, IL
With highly acclaimed culinary arts, hospitality management, baking, and pastry courses, Kendall College is the premier culinary school in Chicago. 93% of graduates say they landed a job within six months of completing their program.
Why it’s great: Opportunities to gain hands-on experience, financial aid, and a student body that spans the globe.
Tuitions: $27,850 to $36,014 per year.
B.H.M.S. Business & Hotel Management School
Location: Lucerne, Switzerland
Located in the heart of Europe, the B.H.M.S. Business & Hotel Management School offers programs in hospitality management, business management, and culinary arts. Their programs take you from essential skills in food preparation to advanced hands-on training.
Their culinary program is especially attractive to anyone looking to start their own business in the food industry.
Why it’s great: Access to four campuses in the beautiful Lucerne city.
Tuitions: $27,600 to $29,600 per year.
Gastronomicom
Location: Agde, France
Founded in 2005, Gastronomicom’s international culinary school offers classes in pastry and cooking suited to beginners and professionals alike. All classes are offered in English, but the school offers French lessons as well.
Why it’s great: The opportunity to stay at a gorgeous Odalys resort just 10 minutes from the beach. A campus that facilitates all types of cooking activities.
Tuitions: Approximately $10,735 for seven months and $20,485 per year.
Culinary Institute Barcelona
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Serving student chefs from across the world, Culinary Institute Barcelona boldly declares they will offer “the best learning experience of your life.” There are multiple learning paths to choose from at CBI, including cuisine chef, pastry and baking, healthy cooking, and more.
If you attend CBI, you can expect to get an education in the unconventional, as their methodology rejects recipes outright, and instead focuses on the three pillars of product, technique, and context. As a graduate, you will no doubt have the problem-solving skills to face any real-world situations.
Why it’s great: Innovative methodology, and the opportunity to design your program depending on your goals, all in a multicultural setting.
Tuitions: About $6,980+.
Hattori Nutrition College
Location: Tokyo, Japan
One of the best culinary schools in Asia is surely Hattori Nutrition College. Established by Yukio Hattori in 1939, the school’s courses are based on the theory of “Shokuiku” or “food education,” covering nutrition, decision-making, health, and safety.
Why it’s great: It’s a unique opportunity to learn the concept of “Shokuiku” and become a holistic chef, not just someone who can cook!
Tuitions: Approximately $12,350 to $24,770 depending on the course.
Johnson & Wales University
Location: Providence, RI, and Charlotte, NC
With campuses in Providence, RI, and Charlotte, NC, Johnson & Wales University offers a wide range of programs across the board, including business, engineering, finances, marketing, and of course, culinary education.
Their culinary programs include applied food science, baking and pastry arts, craft brewing, and much more.
Why it’s great: A wide range of culinary programs covering business aspects and graduates who’ve established award-winning restaurants.
Tuitions: $13,365.
Can I Help You on Your Culinary Journey?
It seems I forgot to introduce myself…
Hey, I’m Rajesh, owner of Creative Culinary Adventures. My friends call me Rags (feel free!). I hope you enjoyed this read.
Many chefs and restaurateurs agree that one of the best ways to get their foot in the door of the industry is by going to school.
Of course, there can be many considerations — your personal goals, tuition, location, and more. For some, school may not be the right fit. But knowledge, skill, and experience are still key to your success. And that’s where I come in.
At Creative Culinary Adventures, we offer an array of opportunities to help you on your culinary journey, wherever it may take you.
If you’d like to sign up for one of my cooking classes, enroll in my training program, order food, or even just drop me a line to see what we can create together, I’d like to invite you to book your adventure now.
I can’t wait to learn more about your needs.
