ABOUT POMO D’ORO AWARDS
Pomo d’Oro Awards was created to bring structure and credibility to a field where praise is universal and meaningful comparison is nearly impossible, providing the equivalent of a Michelin Guide for cooking classes.
Cooking classes across Italy are often described as “unforgettable,” yet almost all receive perfect online ratings. Reviews usually focus on friendliness or scenery rather than what truly matters: the quality of the teaching and the food produced. As a result, travellers have little guidance when choosing between thousands of courses, and small regional schools that deliver exceptional instruction often remain invisible.
The project began with a simple question: if restaurants can be evaluated by Michelin and universities by QS, why should cooking schools not be held to the same standards?
We set out to build a ranking system that could measure culinary substance, such as the clarity of instruction, the authenticity of recipes, and the technical and sensory quality of the dishes prepared.
The result is an objective methodology that combines data and expert assessment. Each course is analysed using a structured model inspired by financial rating systems and academic rankings, integrating online reputation, teaching transparency, and professional tasting into a single, reproducible score.
Cooking classes across Italy are often described as “unforgettable,” yet almost all receive perfect online ratings. Reviews usually focus on friendliness or scenery rather than what truly matters: the quality of the teaching and the food produced. As a result, travellers have little guidance when choosing between thousands of courses, and small regional schools that deliver exceptional instruction often remain invisible.
The project began with a simple question: if restaurants can be evaluated by Michelin and universities by QS, why should cooking schools not be held to the same standards?
We set out to build a ranking system that could measure culinary substance, such as the clarity of instruction, the authenticity of recipes, and the technical and sensory quality of the dishes prepared.
The result is an objective methodology that combines data and expert assessment. Each course is analysed using a structured model inspired by financial rating systems and academic rankings, integrating online reputation, teaching transparency, and professional tasting into a single, reproducible score.
UR PANEL
- Tommaso, 22Culinary student and coderLeads data collection, scoring, and manages the website. Ensures that the ranking’s quantitative framework remains objective, traceable, and technically consistent.
- Alexandre, 38French food criticLong-time contributor to culinary sections of newspapers in Paris and Lyon. Brings tasting discipline, structure, and an international benchmark for food quality.
- Chiara, 44Restaurant ownerRuns a three-generations-long family trattoria. Evaluates hospitality, student engagement, and the authenticity of the learning environment.
- Giovanni, 67ChefTrained in Michelin-starred kitchens in Italy and Japan. Judges technical execution, ingredient handling, and the overall flavour integrity of each dish.
Each class is analysed and visited by the panel using the same framework. It is then scored by the entire panel based on objective evidence and by the experience of the members that took part in the course.
We combine quantitative analysis with first-hand evaluation, ensuring that every rating is traceable and defensible.
The ranking is completely independent and non-commercial. We do not accept sponsorships or partnerships.
Our purpose is simple: to identify, compare, and celebrate Italy’s best regional cooking courses, the ones that truly teach great food.
We combine quantitative analysis with first-hand evaluation, ensuring that every rating is traceable and defensible.
The ranking is completely independent and non-commercial. We do not accept sponsorships or partnerships.
Our purpose is simple: to identify, compare, and celebrate Italy’s best regional cooking courses, the ones that truly teach great food.