Best 15 Culinary Schools in California in 2024

The department of culinary arts at the Long Beach City College offers an intensive and practical experience through hands-on in the daily operation of a professional kitchen. The main focus of the course includes kitchen safety and sanitation, catering and budgeting, menu and planning, food preparation and production, international cuisines, and problem-solving skills in a dynamic culinary environment. The college offers associate degrees and certificate courses in culinary arts and baking and pastry to prepare students for higher-level education, advanced training, and a life-long professional career.

Bakersfield College offers culinary programs that integrate theoretical and practical courses that prepare students for the foodservice workforce. As a student, you attend lectures on basic cooking skills then subsequently apply those skills in a lab setting (the Renegade Room Restaurant). The culinary courses provide various techniques to students such as nutrition understanding, food production techniques, and management procedures. Here, you’re not only taught by some of the lecturers but, also pass through the best program to ensure you come out well.

Founded in 1925, Los-Angeles Trade-Tech College is home to the oldest continually operating culinary school in the nation. It is a credited institution that offers culinary programs such as a Degree in Culinary Arts, a Degree in Professional Baking, and Restaurant Management. The programs are accredited by the America Culinary Federation Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFFAC). Thus, if you graduate with an associate of arts (AA) degree, you can apply for the first level of the industrial certificate with the America Culinary Federation (ACF). This certificate gives you recognition and allows you to practice.

The Culinary Academy at Contra Costa College, you will learn the intricacies of many different cuisines and styles hand-on. With their wide training in culinary programs, you are not only guaranteed of becoming a top-notch chef but, also master all the skills you need to be successful. Their certificates and diploma course include Associate Degree in Baking and Pastry, Associate in Science Degree Culinary Arts, Certificate in Restaurant Management, and Certificate in Modern Food Preparation. There most common programs are certificates in both basic and advanced culinary arts and Associate in Science Degree. If you go through college, you can rest assured that you’ll come out all rounded. The Culinary Academy provides students with a well-rounded, practical training experiences in food service principles and baking fundamentals. The academy’s curriculum offers participants opportunities to practice skills and techniques in the culinary arts field through lab work, catering experiences, and a student operated fine dining restaurant. Please visit us on our social media and sites or contact us on: CulinaryArts@contracosta.edu

*Most 1st year student qualify for tuition waiver.

Located in Sacramento, American River College is one of the most respected culinary art schools in northern California. Their main focus in class is job skills and professional fine dining cuisine. The culinary programs offered include Degree and Certificate in Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management and Certificate in Baking and Pastry. As a student, you get the opportunity to work in the kitchen of The Oak Café, the college’s 4-star restaurant. The experience prefers you for greater responsibilities in your career.

College of the Canyons is a modern, efficient, and accessible learning center where aspiring chefs and sommeliers learn all aspects of culinary art and wine studies. The college’s culinary programs include Associate Degree in Culinary Arts, Certificate in Advanced Culinary Arts, Certificates of Specialization in Wine Studies, Certificate of Specialization in Hospitality and Wine Services, and Certificate of Specialization in Baking and Pastry. Unlike other culinary schools, they have some of the best lectures. You can always get in touch with lecturers who also act as consults in case, you need to inquire about anything.

Saddleback College is situated in Mission Viejo, CA. The institution does not only provided basic knowledge in culinary arts but also, prepares students for many contemporary employment opportunities. For instance, students are trained to become professional chefs, cooks, specialty in and ethnic restaurant operation, and food and beverage service. Programs include certificates in both basic and advanced culinary arts and Associate in Science Degree.

In Diablo Valley College, students have the opportunity to pursue culinary programs such as A.S. in Culinary Arts, A.S. in Baking and Pastry, and A.S in Restaurant Management. Certificate courses include Certificate in Culinary Arts and Certificate in Restaurant Management. Students pursuing baking and pastry have full access to a fully equipped professional kitchen, demonstration laboratory, and a retail pastry shop. On the other hand, the culinary art students have the ability to work in the Norseman Restaurant and the Express bar. With these amenities, you stand a chance of gaining serving and food preparation experience. With this in mind, you can go out there, open your restaurant or food outlet and succeed in what you are doing.

Culinary programs at the Institute of Technology are intended to prepare students for carrier opportunities within the foodservice industry. These include a Culinary Arts Professional Diploma and Baking and Pastry Specialist. Additionally, the institution offers state-of-the-art culinary training that helps students learn principles related to the preparation of pastry, American and international cuisine, catering, and Garde Manger. When you graduate from the Institute of Technology, you will have the opportunity to thrive in career paths such as executive chef, personal chef, dessert and catering specialist, and sous chef.

Located at Greystone, St. Helena, California, Culinary Institute of America is one of the most prestigious schools for food and wine education. The institution offers Associates Degrees in Culinary Arts or Baking and Pastry, a master’s degree in wine management, and certificate programs in wines and beverages. The university has a state-of-the-art learning environment. That includes the Bakery Café and Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant that allow students to gain professional experience. With notable alumni, such as chef Duff Goldman, Barton Seaver, and Wayne Giessen, it’s perhaps one of the best colleges in California.

Established in 1883, Chaffey College is the oldest institution of higher learning in California. Among other courses, Chaffey College offers incredible programs in culinary arts. These programs include Associate of Science in Culinary Arts, Associate of Science in Baking and Pastry, Certificates in baking and Patisseries, and Culinary Arts Certificates. Over the years, culinary students have gained successful full-time employment at places such as Universal Studios, Kaiser Permanente, Cheesecake Factory, Ontario Convention center, and more. Thanks to its vast partnership in the industry.

Orange Coast College offers both basic and advanced culinary programs. The programs include certificates in advanced baking and pastry, certificates in advanced culinary arts, a degree in culinary arts, and a degree in advanced culinary baking and pastry. All the advanced certificates are recognized by the America Culinary Federation Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFFAC). The college provides students with an opportunity to access a modern learning environment that includes a state-of-the-art professional kitchen. At the kitchen, students work alongside culinary staff. Through this, they gain the necessary experience needed to face the world. As a matter of fact, once you pass through college, you don’t need any training again.

Since 1927, Glendale Community College has earned a reputation for academic excellence that meets the need of the changing world. Among the accredited programs offered by the institution include a certificate and an advanced degree in culinary arts. Through the recognition from America Culinary Federation Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFFAC), the college provides you with an exciting variety of vocational, academic, and short-term course programs.

Started in 1935, The City College of San Francisco has an impeccable credential in culinary studies. The school of culinary arts and hospitality offers you multiple programs depending on your goal. You can earn a degree or a certificate in Culinary Arts Management, Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Culinary and Service Skills Training, and Baking and Pastry. All the programs are accredited by the America Culinary Federation Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFFAC). The Culinary Arts and Hospitality Studies Department’s job placement rate is approximately 85%.

*San Francisco Residents are eligible for Free Tuition

Columbia College is located in Sonora, California. It is one of the few public colleges that offer culinary programs for every level of culinary professional. Skills taught at the school include fine dining room management, winemaking, advanced classical cuisine preparation, and beverage management. Moreover, the college equips students with the technical knowledge, and hands-on experience looked for by restaurants everywhere. As a student, you get an opportunity to complete internship opportunities before you join the workforce. That allows you to join the workforce when you are fully baked and ready to work. Their certificates are also recognized all over; hence you don’t need to worry.