I have been to many classes here and every experience has been grand. I went last night with a friend (her first time there) and it was so over the top delicious and fun I cannot imagine anything better. Chef Fumi was a delight. She met our energy, it was like cooking with a friend/family. She is so knowledgeable and kind. Chef Jasons cheesy food jokes kept us laughing as well.I was able to use a gift card we got pre-covid with ease. When I called in to book this, Steve was so helpful and patient explaining how the classes worked now and even offered a slight discount for adding on an additional person.Something else that I really hone in on, is when you are at a business and the employees boast about the owners/boss. This speaks volumes to me about the types of places I want to give my business to.You have a customer for life here!! We are already planning our next visit!

Took a cooking class with family. It was a lot of fun. Mind you there was a discrepancy between the planned course and what we executed. In the end, the outing was fun and the result was an excellent family dinner with no clean up!

This place is fantastic. Ready made soup mixes are excellent, but even better are their made to order pastas. The classes are super fun, informative and even provide a delicious meal too!

Looking for magical moments in relationship....On September 15th a friend struggled to find a restaurant that was open for lunch. We walked into the Local Epicurean and they shared that they like others were struggling to find help, so there would be no lunch today! This the second restaurant that turned us away we began our walk down the street in search of a cozy place to reconnect. I believe it was Ryan came running down the street and said I am in the process of cooking I would be happy to serve you perhaps a marinara spaghetti if you dont mind the limited menu. We seized the moment and their we were a beautiful caprese salad, freshly made marinara spaghetti and a surprise freshly made gelotto. This was a gift, a magical moment Ryans heart to serve well is a rare find. I cant stop talking about it! Thank you to The Local Epicurean.

When you walk through the front door, your sense immediately tell you...welcome to Italy! So many options to choose from, with a large selection of pasta, bread and more. Gluten-free? No problem...pasta options available too!

Cannot wait try these noodles and the black truffle Parmesan, which smells amazing. They have a large selection of noodles that they make and air dry right there! Very welcoming staff. They had a chocolate truffle making class going on and I wish I could have joined! It seemed as though the participants were really enjoying the experience! If I were a local, I would definitely be frequenting this shop! Also, the ceiling is unique and interesting to look at while browsing the store!

I am very frustrated over the conversation I just had with The Local Epicurean. My husband and I did a class in August of 2018. At the end of that class they offered a discounted gift card for a cooking dinner class for two. They emphasize when buying it that the gift certificate NEVER expires. We have 4 kids and are extremely busy people; so this was a big selling point for us. Also, on the gift card it does not have an expiration date or anything written on the front or back stating any caveats. My husband and I prior to Covid set up a class and it got cancelled due to Covid. I checked back a couple different times in regards to public classes opening back up with no luck, and I also asked about just using the value at their shop and they said no. I completely understand the time frame has been long, and COVID, but again they emphasized the gift card had no expiration date. When calling today to try to set up a class again they still do not offer public classes. The gentleman said that since the gift card is over 18 months old that it only is it’s value of what we paid for it and we no longer get the deal we were promised never expired. On top of that if we took a class it would have to be a private one and would cost more than double to do the same thing we paid for originally. He went on to talk about pricing differences from then and now. I just don’t understand why a business would not try to make this situation right for us? They left us in a situation where we did not get what we were promised, and a gift card that can’t be used for what we purchased it for. It stinks, because we did enjoy going there for our original class, and would have loved to do it again.

My brother and I drove in from the metro Detroit area to participate in the Tuscan-themed cooking course.Our whole experience was one that well never forget. From the curbside, you view a clean and energetic storefront with lettering advertising their specialities which include truly artisan hand made pasta and handmade confectionaries.Walking into the store was like getting slapped in the face with a rustic, but very vibrant themed shop with old-world complements. The staff was very friendly, prompt to greet us and were more than willing to answer any questions we may have had regarding their products.Looking around, it is shocking to see how many different types of artisan pasta they carry which is hand made by staff in the basement. They truly have pasta for EVERYONES taste buds.Their handmade truffle showcase was nothing short of legendary. These people truly care about the product they provide and the staff complement the in-store experience perfectly with optimal enthusiasm.The cooking class then commenced with our group. Chef Jason was quick to acclimate us to our tasks and thats when the fun started. Under his instruction, we created ourselves an amazing three-course meal. Wine pairings were are also listed with each course for optimal dining pleasure.The food was delicious, full of flavor and easily one of the best things Ive ever cooked, but it doesnt end there. It gets better.My brother and I recently started eating a strict vegan diet. This was started after we had booked our reservation for the Tuscan cooking course. The chefs we able to adjust their menu to make the meal 100% vegan for my brother and I to enjoy. And as a meat lover trying to find delicious food not containing milk, egg or animal protein, eating an unbelievable meal without missing these things is really difficult to do, especially when 8 of the 10 people are eating chicken and cheese-stuffed right next to you. I can say with no hesitation that that was easily the best vegan meal Ive had since starting my journey trying to eat my way into a better lifestyle.Easily a five-star review for me and I would love to come back again when Im back in town with my wife or even for a double date. I have already shared my experience with a few friends who live locally and told them to support this amazing business.Thank you to The Local Epicurean for giving us an amazing experience, filling our bellies full of delicious, hand made VEGAN food and making us feel like weve been friends for years.You will not reget your decision to experience this business, the people and the products for yourself!PS: Grab a bottle of the 25 year aged balsamic vinegar on your way out. Youll thank me later.

Had an amazing time cooking with Ryan today at The Local Epicurean. My husband and I had never been to a cooking class and this was such a fun first experience. We will be going back again for sure. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a date night/day or girls night! Very cool atmosphere, hq ingredients and great staff!! Thanks for a wonderful time :)

The Dinner in Parm class was so much fun. The food and drinks were delicious and the cook Ryan was fabulous (you can tell he really enjoys what he does). They send you home with the recipe for the meal you’ve just cooked and you can even buy the handmade pasta and wine in store. We will be back!

Such a neat place for cooking classes with friends, family, or for a date. Really great choices for lunch and dinner options all varying in how hands on they are. Would recommend any of the pasta classes, the chocolate lunch, or the Venice Dinner. Sara, the class instructor is so helpful and super knowledgeable. Loved doing these classes with my mom learning new skills and making memories!

Simply amazing place to have fun, learn some great cooking techniques, and make new friends. My brother and I were in town for a show, and a friend recommended we have dinner at The Local Epicurean. We were able to easily navigate their website and call to make a reservation. When we walked in for the first time, we were greated with a happy staff, full of smiles. The decor was great, and they even have awesome pictures on the ceiling that remind you of Italy, food, and fun! They specialize in pasta making, chocolate making, and craft cocktails/infused vodka. The display cases were full of authentic handmade pastas, truffles, chocolates, and other accoutrements which are staples in Italian cooking. The plethora of pasta available will leave you wanting to try them all.Touching on the dinner we prepared: We decided on the Tuscan dinner course because we both love marsala wine sauce, but we had some dietary restrictions that the staff was able to deliver flawlessly. Instead of chicken-stuffed cannelloni, we had a vegetable sautee, and instead of tiramisu, we received a vegan tort with candied pecans with a sugary reduction drizzled on. Our pasta was made with rice flour instead of the traditional egg noodles as well. Jason, the instructor for the course we took, was energetic, happy, and extremely knowledgeable about the food he was teaching us to cook with. Every ingredient had history behind it, which made cooking with everything that much more enjoyable. The food was fantastic, and we were stuffed when we left. The 25 year old balsamic vinegar to top the caprese salad was the singular best dressing I have ever had. It is imported from Italy, and I highly recommend stopping in to buy just that at the very least. The ginger lemon tea at the free standing water station was the best unsweeted tea Ive ever had.We will definitely be recommending this place to all those looking to have a great time in Grand Rapids. 5 stars hands down.

A wonderful place for classes, picking up some dinner for the evening or catching up with friends! We did the chocolate brunch and it was great! Helpful staff, delicious treats and a fun atmosphere. I have also taken classes there and its always a fun and informal time! I highly recommend a visit.

We came for the Totally Chocolate lunch and everything was delicious! We so enjoyed it! The waffles alone were worth the money 😍 Highly recommend for a date day or day out with friends!

Attended a group class prior to COVID 19. My g-daughter liked the experience, but it wasnt revolutionary cooking-wise. Bought the post-class 1/2-off offer for 4 to attend a future group class. With the virus (no group classes on their side) and other significant things on my side, after multiple attempts to contact them, my request for a refund was denied due to policy. I WAS offered the option to take a private class for 2 at extra $ OR purchase store products; which I had thoroughly considered both prior to my request. If I wanted those, I would have purchased those. Its like buying a train ticket to Chicago, being told they dont go there any longer, but I am welcome to travel to Port Huron for an added cost. its bad business with an attitude on their part. It feels like theyre not honorable people and that theyre stealing my money.

Weve done a few cooking classes and its always a great experience. Well be returning

The food was first--rate from start to finish. We had chocolate waffles slices, various types of cookies, truffles drizzled with caramel and various dried fruit to cleanse the palate. Service was excellent. Would definitely go back!

Awesome! Jayson was fun, knowledgeable, and made our first pasta making experience memorable. Thank you!

This place was like stepping into a market off a side street in Rome! The smell of oil and garlic sauteéd in a pan came out the door like I was walking into Heaven. We got fresh pasta to order (three cheese ravioli to cook at home) and some pre-made to go (penne and rigatoni). Everything was delectable and I cannot wait to come back here, eventhough I dont live very close.

We came here for the chocolate lunch for two, and everything was delicious. The store itself is awesome but we were very impressed with the quality and portion of it all, would definitely try another one of the lunch/dinner dates.

Had a great time making truffles! We are definitely coming back for another class!

Love this place. So many great option for pasta and wine and great service. Walked in first time there and the staff was soooo knowledgeable we will defently be back

Worth every penny. The instructor was charming and knowledgeable, the food was delicious, the facility was clean and well decorated. 11/10 will be back.

Outstanding dinner. Great fun making our chicken parmesan, pasta and gelato. Will definitely be back. Sarah (sp) was a great host and teacher.

We learned how to make gelato and it was amazing. Chef Allen was amazing!!!

Such a cool and unique experience. Cant wait to take my daughter to a chocolate class.

Ordered for the holidays...drive 45 min to get the best ham and gnocchi. OMG, the ham is the best.....gnocchi made to order. The pasta choices are amazing. Yes, it is a must.

Loved our time here! Our 3 course meal was amazing and so was the instructor!

Great experience for the chocolate lunch. Would have been overpriced if not for the Groupon, but we had a great time.

Great place to get handmade pasta and food. Highly recommend as a foodie destination.

Great choices of terrific pasta.

I loved this place! With an amazing variety in drinks and in pasta it is perfect to learn how to cook Italian cuisine! The instructor was funny and nice and very helpful! Would bring friends and family here. Not a good place for small children.

The class was great, and the food was delicious!!! Had a very good time :)

A wide selection of homemade pastas . Friendly, accommodating, and over the top service. We rode our motorcycle and they offered to ship our products to our home so we could purchase more !

I bought some soup at a market and when I went to pour the seasoning packet, it was the wrong one! I contacted them about the mistake and they said they would send me another one, no problem. I received it in the mail just now and they actually sent me 2 packs and extra money for fresh veggies! It was way above and beyond what I expected- I appreciate the gesture! I cant wait to make it now- it looks amazing and delicious! Thanks Steve and team, I will definitely be visiting for more awesome products next time Im in town.

I came here for a team building event with work. We made noodles and Alfredo sauce from scratch. The instructor was informative, funny, and flexible with us and the food turned out amazing. They have a large selection of quality ingredients, noodles, chocolates, oils, vinegars, etc. They are on the expensive side, but everything is sourced from high quality places.

Just went last night with my husband for our second pasta making class. We love the instruction and the food... our instructors have been so fun and patient and knowledgeable!...we will definitely go back!. Our lesson and meal last night was Shrimp scampi salad, lobster cannelloni and tiramisu. We were stuffed eating our lesson..delicious!!

Great teachers! We had a lot of fun making everything from scratch.

So cute and amazing food! The chocolate lunch was awesome!

Attended a pasta making class. Made ravioli. Served a nice lunch prior to class. Class was nicely done and paced just right by our instructor. Had a great time. Would recommend this or one of many other classes. Nice selection of pastas and desserts available on the store.

Surprised my husband with a birthday celebration along with 30 family & friends for a Brunch buffet. The staff was phenomenal - extremely accommodating and attentive. Chef Sara did a great job in demonstrating how to make Truffles and guests enjoyed every bit of making their own truffles with an amazing choice of toppings & that they could take home! It was a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend for an event or a cooking class or better yet both!

Amazing experience! The food was incredible and it was so much fun to make everything ourselves from scratch. The instructor chef was fun and informative. We will definitely be back to enjoy another course!

I have been to a couple different classes and they are amazing! The food is always very high quality and delicious. The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable. After you attend your class, you have the option to buy a certificate for another class 50% off which is a great deal!!

My wife and 2 children attended a dinner class. It was very we enjoyable. We made a three course meal and it was all excellent. Signed up immediately for another session. Highly recommend it.

Went to a risotto making class and it was an excellent experience! The class leader was very knowledgeable, funny and helpful! Such a fun date night and gift to give someone! We will definitely be going back again!

Chef Allen is the best!

Ive taken multiple cooking classes at The Local Epicurian and Jason taught the class both times! He and all the other staff were fabulous. I couldnt have had a better time, and the food was absolutely delicious! I definitely will be returning!

Absolutely great! We took the fettuccine alfredo class with Ryan and it was a blast. If I could, Id take a lot more of their classes. You can definitely learn a lot from them. Great place to go for small events, dates, or on your own. They have a small bar with some really good specialty sprinks.I havent eaten the pasta noodles we bought from them, but Im really looking forward to it!

Went to a private ravioli making class last night! It was a lot of fun and something fun to do thats different! Sara was a good instructor. She was attentive and answered all questions. Would definitely go back for another class!

Sara is a phenomenal instructor who really makes sure guests understand techniques to be able to replicate them at home. Food is always delicious with very generous portions.Once we have gong through all the classes we want to do to learn, new cooking techniques, my husband and I plan to take additional classes because its a fun date night activity.

Ive been on some pretty fun dates but this is one of the most fun and memorable experiences Ive had. The other couples were fun, the host was entertaining to just the right degree, and the food was incredible. I ate the first salad of my life and I didnt even make The Face (wine helped with this), and Im nearly 50 years old.

I purchased a class for my sister and her husband for Christmas last year and they had a great time, so we purchased another class for our parents...The class my parents were signed up for was cancelled last minute so they had to switch into another class. In this class, the only thing they really cooked was an Alfredo sauce. The instructors gave them conflicting instructions and/or no instruction until someone in the class asked since they were distracted most of the time. There were ingredients laid out (i.e. cream) that was never got used? They were supposed to get a dessert, which was forgotten about until someone asked as half of the class was walking out the door.My sister contacted the company and the person she spoke with was extremely rude. Apparently their lunch classes are different from their dinner classes and that it is up to the customer to know that?!? Especially since the cost is the same!?!?I guess its hit or miss on the experience you get, so try at your own risk. My family will save the money and frustration and stick to cookbooks...

We took a private ravioli class (with I believe Sara Anne was her name), and it was super fun! She was helpful and got along with our personalities well. Our meal was amazingggg and we will be back 😍😍😍

My wife had to drag my here for a date, now I’m trying to line it up with close friends. I can’t iterate how delicious each course was, garlic bread was phenomenal! Portions are perfect, I didn’t feel hungry or stuffed after, and we took another meals worth of ravioli home. Sophia was 4 years removed from moving here from Italy and was so good! Definitely be back.

What a fun night! The shop is so unique and wonderful! The food we made was delicious & it was fun to meet others. I learned a few things and overall really enjoyed the experience; so much so that we purchased another cooking class! A great experience for a date night, an anniversary gift, a girls night, even getting a few couple friends together! I would recommend The Local Epicurean cooking classes for sure!!

We went here for one of their 3 course dinner classes and it was such a positive experience! Not only does it give you the opportunity to meet new people but you learn some great cooking skills and how to make some dishes youd not normally make. My husband and I had a ton of fun and plan on going back for another class.

We had such a fun time today with the Epicurean Toast class. It was delicious fresh ingredients and a very good teacher! The whole experience was well worth it.

Second time taking a class as a date night. Awesome classes and you get to learn to make the delicious food. Very informed teachers who obviously love their job!

Took advantage of a group for

Took a private class and it was so fun! The food was some of the most delicious I have ever tasted! Its expensive but worth it if you can afford it. Its definitely a special occasion for us!

Outstanding service and experience! We had an group of 18 for a Tuscan cooking class for our 30th Wedding Anniversary and we could not have planned a better evening. Ryan and Sarah were outstanding! Steve, Ryan and Sarah were all very attentive to every detail. The created a meat and cheese tray on very short notice and it was also well done and delicious. Ryan was very engaging and did an outstanding job with the instruction and keeping everyone on task and having a good time. Sarah was also very polite, respectful and engaging! Thank you to the Local Epicurean for a great evening! We have already recommended you to others!

We had a great time at the pasta 101 class! It was more fun than I expected and our teacher (Curt) was very energetic and made the entire group feel welcome. The pasta was so good and it is such a great skill to know. I am so thankful we checked this out and will be back! I relate to a lot of the negative reviews, initially when I called to schedule my class it was very difficult and I was expected to know the specific class and time though the times are not posted, I even explained that this was my first time and I wasnt sure how it worked and was left to call at a later time when I had it figured out. Dont let this discourage you, the class itself is great, and the store is a great find in Grand Rapids!

I had an issue with a damaged delivery that was sent across the state but the manager was very apologetic and was able to resupply me. Everything that Ive purchased here has been delicious!

Beautiful store and the ramp butter is amazing. Dont let the simple set up decieve you. The product is top notch and you can tell the quality. The dinner classes are a worthwhile experience.

Oh my goodness so much fun! Sarah was our teacher and she was EXCELLENT an absolute delight. The food was amazing, I tried things I didnt think I would like but I loved them! I cannot wait to book my second lesson!

Very good cheeses and wine! Will definitely be bringing some friends back.

My girlfriend and I have been here three times, for a chocolate lunch and for two cooking classes. All of these were fun time with excellent food and some delicious recipes we were able to take home. Im looking forward to going back!

We did the French Toast class with friends and it was a blast. Delicious food, drinks, and the instructor was both informative and laid back.

We hosted our Holiday party for 45 people doing a pasta making class at The Local Epicurean. It was fabulous. We did their holiday menu plus a few appetizers and beverages. The food and drinks were great, the instructors were super fun and helpful, the wait staff/bartenders were amazing, and the environment was wonderful. It took a little coordinating since they are in the middle of a move but worth it. Our staff had an amazing time and even stayed an hour later and they accommodated us. So much fun!

Hands on, informative, and delucioys!!! We had so much fun! Local, fresh, quality ingredients. There definitely be more classes in our future. Our instructor was full of energy.

Went to the Ravioli cooking experience and we had a great time! Learned a lot and the food turned out great! Our teacher made the event very enjoyable!

We made ravioli with Ryan today and had a terrific time! It was fun and entertaining and the ravioli was superb. I bought a pasta maker so I can make pasta at home.Thank you Ryan!

Unique date-night experience! We loved the shrimp tortellini and lobster-shrimp crab cakes that we made! The instructor-led group cooking was a lot of fun. Price was right with our Groupon deal. The only disappointment was no wine served but that can be overlooked. Highly recommend on a cold slow winter evening.

This place is amazing! We took the Ravioli and lunch class. It was so fun, the lunch was a amazing and our teacher was so sweet and informative. We will continue to come back again and again!

The cooking classes are fun and delicious. I would recommend attending one that is more hands-on. We did the cheese and butter making class. Delicious, but there was little hands on activity.

They are always very helpful and friendly and well make fresh pasta for you on the spot

Awesome experience! Looking forward to another opportunity to learn from Ryan. My wife had a great time with our brunch experience today.

For my birthday my sisters, mom and I enjoyed their chocolate lovers meal. It was just the right amount of sweet. The atmosphere was quaint and cosey. Our server was excellent. I cant wait to go again.

Ordered a $25 lasagna and I figured since they held noodle making classes there was no way they would forget the main ingredient in a lasagna, NOODLES!! not a single noodle in the entire thing. Just cheese and sauce. Dont get me wrong....it was delicious !! But it doesnt take much to make melted cheese delicious. The guy we complained to was incredibly rude and didnt believe me and my wife. He gave us a refund but with a huge attitude. We really just wanted another properly made lasagna because we ordered it 3 days in advance and had to wait. I hope they read this and offer us a properly made lasagna like they should have done in the first place. Not mad that they forgot the noodles. More mad at the guys attitude.

The cooking classes are so fun! Def a good date night

Risotto cooking class was a blast! The food and instruction were both great. The chocolate truffles are excellent.

My wife and I did the lobster dinner class and we made a Tiramisu as well as a shrimp scampi salad and everything was phenomenal the staff was very helpful and knowledgeable and the experience was so fun great for a first date or trying to rekindle the fire with something outside of the box for a change in the normal date nights.

We loved doing the cooking class here! We dod a Chicken parm one and it was the perfect double date idea!! Us 4 had a riot. The instructer was fun and informative and we all learned something too. There was a grandma and a kiddo in our class and they had fun too, it seemed. Highly recommended!!

Took the pasta making class and it was amazing. Very well priced, and the lunch provided was awesome. The instructor was very funny and informative. Would definitely do again.

Thoroughly enjoyed learning to make chocolate truffles with my 40 coworkers this afternoon! The staff at The Local Epicurean were so gracious and food we had while making our truffles was awesome. I highly recommend TLE for corporate events like we had today and think it would be a lovely place to have a date-night / night out with friends :)

My wife and I took a class here with Ryan, and it was simply delightful. The interior of the building is warm, quant, and comforting. The class was educational and fun. The prices are very reasonable, and they offer HUGE discounts after attending a workshop or class. If you like pasta or asian noodles and live in Grand Rapids, this is a must!

Took a class today with Chef Keefer, she was very knowledgeable and helpful. We made our own ravioli pasta and they had fresh food prepared for us when we arrived. Our ravioli after it was created, we took home with cooking instructions to cook later. Would recommend to anyone looking for a fun date idea or just wanting to learn.

Went with my family to the ravioli making class. Very fun and informative. My only complaint was that it was pretty rushed. Right when everyone got their plate of brunch to eat we had to dive into making the dough.

Me and my finance took a cooking class here best date night we have done in a while

I did chocolate lunch for 2. They gave us some waffles, dried fruit, chocolate coffee, choco dipped strawberries, cookies, cheese and bread and of course water. Lovely service. We got a deal through groupon and only paid 30 bucks total. Delicious snacks not exactly a meal. But absolutely delicious nevertheless. Not a cooking class

Wife and I have done several classes now, always a great evening!!

I attended a cooking class with my boyfriend here after purchasing on Groupon - what a great experience! The staff were so friendly and welcoming. Our other classmates were great, and the whole thing was just a lot of fun. We now have a delicious recipe we know how to make ourselves (the tuscan chicken). We will definitely come back at some point!

Try the roasted tomato/pesto sauce!

I would give this review zero stars if I could based on my recent experience. A few years ago our two daughters purchased a $50 gift certificate over the phone. They were told at that time that no physical gift card was necessary and to just have us call the store, they would have our information on file. It was sometime later that we attempted to use the gift card, and were told that a physical gift card or number (also not given) was required. They were not able to track our purchase in their database and refused to even offer a partial credit (I wouldnt offer you ANYTHING). Myself and my daughter called multiple times, speaking to the owner. He refused to budge, refused to acknowledge that possibly a mistake was made on the part of his staff and was extremely rude, talking to me about business policy as if I were a five-year-old.We have lived in West Michigan for 25 years and I have never been treated so rudely by a business owner. In the end he hung up on me after telling me to never call his store again. Poor, poor business practice!

The classes are a lot of fun I signed up ahead of time for the changing seasonal classes! The instructors are very knowledgeable.

We love The Local Epicurian! This was our third time and we WILL be back! Thanks Ryan for a great time and good food

Awesome cooking experience. We will be going back for more!

Great class on mozzarella making. Very informative and fun. Thanks Ryan for the great learning experience.

Wonderful pasta class and lunch. Lots of fun, and nice staff. Bought pasta from their store. Will be taking their gelato class too.

My wife and I took an hour long pasta making class. It was really just informative and taught the basics of pasta making. It included a delicious lunch also.