You cook everything, then you eat it. In this Madrid class, Chef Lola leads a small-group, hands-on session focused on Spanish tapas and paella, with unlimited drinks as you go. It’s not a sit-and-watch show.

I love how participative it is. You actually make the food step by step, then you taste it in the same session instead of leaving with only photos. And I love the pace with the drinks: you’re pairing what you cook with beer, sodas, and red and white wine while the kitchen is still hot.

One possible consideration: the venue is on the 2nd floor with no elevator, so plan your route carefully if mobility is an issue.

Key Highlights Worth Your Attention

• Small group (up to 10 people), so you get time at the stations, not just a quick turn
• Hands-on tapas and paella lesson with Chef Lola, built for beginners and food lovers
• Croquettes, Russian salad, ajoarriero-style cod, and black rice paella all in one afternoon
• Unlimited beer, wine, and sodas with tastings as you finish each dish
• Take-home recipes so you can recreate the dishes after you’re back home

Finding the Kitchen: A 2-Minute Metro Walk to Lóleo

This class meets at Calle Valderribas 30, 2nd floor. The access is from the street, not from a market entrance. At the doorbell, it should say Lóleo, which helps you confirm you’ve got the right spot before you start hauling your day bag upstairs.

The Pacifico Metro station (Line 1) is about a two-minute walk. That’s a big deal in Madrid, because Line 1 is one of the easiest ways to move around without turning your afternoon into a transit project. If you’re planning your day, aim to arrive a few minutes early. In a small-group cooking class, those first minutes matter.

Also, wear shoes you can move in. The kitchen setting is active, and you’ll be standing, stirring, chopping, and tasting. There’s no elevator at the venue, so if stairs are a problem for you, this is where you’ll feel it.

Chef Lola’s Style: Practical, Hands-On Cooking (In English or Spanish)

Chef Lola runs the experience, and the teaching is built around clear, step-by-step guidance. You don’t need cooking background. The class is designed so you can follow along even if you’ve never made croquettes, paella, or cod preparations before.

You’ll notice the structure right away: it revolves around a large open, modern kitchen with enough space for everyone to work at the same time. That setup matters because it keeps the class from turning into a line of people waiting their turn. You’re learning by doing, not just observing.

The language options are also a real plus. The instructor speaks English and Spanish, so you can follow closely without relying on guesswork. And if you’re someone who asks questions as you cook, this format encourages it. The vibe is friendly and interactive, with room to understand ingredients and technique, not just finish a plate.

What You’ll Make: Croquettes, Russian Salad, Ajoarriero Cod, and Black Rice Paella

This is the kind of menu that gives you variety without feeling scattered. You’ll work through four main dishes that cover classic Spanish comfort food, a fresh salad component, a fish course, and the paella experience.

Ham Croquettes: The Comfort Food Skill

You’ll learn to prepare ham croquettes, a Spanish staple that’s famous for being both crispy and creamy. In a cooking class, croquettes are a smart choice because they teach foundational technique: texture control and how to get the coating right. Expect instruction that focuses on what the mixture should look and feel like as it sets.

Even if you’ve never fried anything at home, the step-by-step coaching is the point. You’ll be guided so you don’t just memorize the recipe—you understand the process.

Russian Salad: A Cooler Counterpoint

Next comes Russian salad, which adds crunch and freshness to the meal. This course balances the richness of croquettes and the intensity of paella. It also helps you learn how Spanish home cooking handles “mixing” dishes—ingredients that come together differently from a dish that’s mostly heat and timing.

Ajoarriero-Style Cod: Flavor Through Sauce

Then you move into ajoarriero-style cod. This is one of the more intensely flavored items because the character comes from how the cod is treated and paired with sauce elements. The cod portion is important for two reasons: it forces you to think about timing (so it doesn’t overcook) and it shows you how Spanish flavors build depth beyond just salt and heat.

If you don’t eat fish, this is the one part you should pay attention to when you’re deciding. The menu includes fish, and the course is part of the standard session.

Black Rice Paella: The Spanish Staple, Spanish Technique

Finally, you’ll learn black rice (paella)—the dramatic-looking paella style that’s all about technique and ingredient quality. Paella is usually the dish people associate with Spain, but what’s valuable in this class is that you’re not just assembling ingredients. You’re learning the logic behind the cook: how to handle the rice, how to think about heat, and what makes the flavor come together.

Even though paella can sound intimidating, the class format makes it approachable. You’ll get coaching and hands-on practice so you can understand what you’re doing rather than just following steps blindly.

How the Kitchen Time Actually Works: Cooking Together, Tasting Along the Way

The schedule flows like a meal, not a lecture. You meet at the start with Chef Lola, get oriented in the kitchen space, and then you start cooking. The large open kitchen means you’re not waiting in a corner while someone else works at the main station. Everyone can participate actively while the group moves together through the dishes.

A key part of the experience is that tastings are built in. You don’t cook one thing and wait hours to taste. As courses are ready, you get to eat what you made, right there in the cooking space.

This approach is fun and also practical. It helps you connect cause and effect: if your croquette texture isn’t right, you taste it immediately. If something needs adjustment in seasoning or technique, you learn what you should have noticed during preparation.

And yes, that’s also why the class feels lively. You’ll likely find yourself chatting with people in your group while you cook, then regroup as each dish finishes.

Unlimited Drinks and Wine Pairing That Make Sense

This class isn’t shy about beverages. Food and drinks are included throughout the experience, and they’re unlimited: beer, sodas, and both red and white wine.

The wine pairing is part of what makes the tastings feel complete. As you eat your croquettes, salad, cod, and black rice paella, you’re also working through a simple drink logic: match the drink to the dish you just made. It’s not a fancy sommelier seminar, but it’s thoughtful. You’ll leave understanding what goes with what, not just drinking because it’s available.

Practically, unlimited drinks also affect pacing. You’re less likely to feel rushed between courses, because the meal energy stays consistent. Still, I’d keep an eye on your own pace. With 3.5 hours and cooking involved, you want to feel steady enough to keep participating.

The Take-Home Recipes: Why They Matter for Real-Life Cooking

At the end, you receive Lola’s recipes as a gift. This is more than a nice souvenir. For people who want to cook at home, having written recipes prevents the most common problem with cooking classes: you remember the vibe, but not the exact steps.

What helps here is that the class is set up for reproducibility. Ingredients and techniques are explained as you go, so the recipe isn’t just a list—it’s tied to what you actually practiced in the kitchen.

If you’re the type who forgets how a dish works the moment you leave, take the recipes seriously. Put them in your phone and follow them once soon after your trip while the flavor memory is still fresh.

Price and Value: Is $105 Worth 3.5 Hours?

At $105 per person for a 3.5-hour class, you’re paying for three things: professional chef instruction, multiple dishes cooked hands-on, and a lot of included food and drink.

Here’s why it feels fair. A format this participative typically costs more because it depends on a real chef, a workspace big enough for everyone, and ingredients for several courses. On top of that, the session includes beer, sodas, and unlimited red and white wine during the meal.

So the value question isn’t just the base ticket price. It’s what you get for it: a focused skill-building session plus a full tasting meal you actually help produce. If you like Spain through food and you’re ready to do more than snack your way through Madrid, this price lands in the “good deal” zone.

Who This Class Fits Best (and Who Should Rethink It)

This experience is a strong match if you want:

• A small-group cooking class with real interaction
• Hands-on practice with Spanish classics like croquettes and paella
• Included wine and a meal structure built around tastings

It’s also a good option if you’re traveling with friends and want a shared activity that feels like a mini food festival, but still structured and educational.

Rethink it if:

• Fish isn’t for you. The menu includes ajoarriero-style cod.
• Stairs are a dealbreaker. The venue is on the 2nd floor and there’s no elevator.

Should You Book the Madrid Tapas & Paella Cooking Class?

I think it’s worth booking if you want a hands-on Spanish food experience that stays fun and grounded. The best part is simple: you cook four dishes with Chef Lola’s guidance, then you eat what you made with unlimited beer, sodas, and wine. That combination of skill practice and meal payoff is hard to beat.

Book it now if you’re the type who learns by doing and you’d rather come away with recipes you can use again. Skip it if you can’t handle stairs or if fish will ruin your appetite for the day.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

The class meets at Calle Valderribas 30, 2nd floor. Access is from the street (not from the market). At the doorbell it’s written Lóleo. The Pacifico Metro Station on Line 1 is about two minutes away.

How long is the cooking class?

It lasts about 3.5 hours.

How big is the group?

It’s a small group limited to 10 participants.

Do I need any cooking experience?

No prior cooking knowledge is necessary.

What dishes will I learn to cook?

You’ll prepare ham croquettes, black rice (paella), Russian salad, and ajoarriero-style cod, along with tapas focused cooking during the session.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Food and drinks during the whole experience are included, including beer, red and white wine, and sodas.

Is there wine or alcohol?

Yes, both red and white wine are included, along with beer and unlimited drinks during the experience.

Will I get recipes to take home?

Yes. You receive Lola’s recipes at the end as a gift.

What language is the class taught in?

The instructor teaches in English and Spanish.

Is the venue accessible for wheelchair users?

No. The venue is on the 2nd floor and there is no elevator, so it isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I reserve now and pay later?

Yes. You can reserve now and pay later.