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Culinary cooking school in OC

Enjoy the benefits of a 100% hands-on education and a paid apprenticeship that integrates you into the industry

Discover how you can learn modern cooking techniques and get industry experience that will kickstart your culinary career.

Get a consultation call to determine if you’re a good fit for our program

By submitting this form, you agree to receive communications from CulinaryLab. Msg and data rates may apply.

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Flexible class times suitable for a full-time job (morning or evening classes)

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Start working in your paid cooking apprenticeship in as few as 3 months (earn at least $15,500)

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Learn modern recipes and techniques used in today’s restaurants.

What students think about CulinaryLab

About a year and a half ago, I decided to make a major career change to the culinary industry. I enrolled in CulinaryLab's Professional Culinary School for several reasons: reasonable tuition, small c...  Read more

Alexis Rinaldi

Amazing place to learn how to cook. Learning is immersive and very hands-on. Their professional track not only teaches you culinary techniques but also provides great insight into the foodservice indu...  Read more

Veronica Reyes

I recently graduated from the Culinary Lab and man was it worth it! Let me start by just saying what an amazing support system you get when you enroll in the Culinary Lab. Stacy and Chef Ryan, actuall...  Read more

Samantha L.

My daughter attended CulinaryLab Cooking School and loved it. She is now very knowledgeable and doing all kinds of things. I highly recommend this program; the staff is extremely competent and the p...  Read more

Christy Licato

The highly trained chefs and instructors at CulinaryLab, are passionate about cooking and instructing future chefs on the skills required to cook professionally. We all know the difference between bei...  Read more

Charles W Rose

This school is hands down amazing! I'm from their first graduating class and I can say hands down I'm so glad I came here and not some other cooking school. Price wise it was cheaper than any other sc...  Read more

Yair R.

The chefs are great & very passionate about teaching. I was in the previous school they thought at, and if I had known this one was opening I would have gone here instead. The price is much more a...  Read more

Karma M.

I recently came out to the school to watch some professional chef instructor demos and must say I was blown away from the moment I walked in! The space itself is gorgeous... super modern and aestheti...  Read more

Victoria Varon

CulinaryLab is run by a group of the more talented and passiknate chefs I've ever had the pleasure of learning from. If youre looking for a school that will get you on the right track into starting yo...  Read more

Amanda C.

Unbelievable great concept new students will surly get a hands on quality education

Bill Michael

I recently came out to the school to watch some professional chef instructor demos and must say I was blown away from the moment I walked in! The space itself is gorgeous... super modern and aestheti...  Read more

Victoria V.

I participated in a culinary workshop and it was excellent. I highly recommend it.

Sandi Jimenez

The curriculum is tailored to people wanting to enter the field and pursue their dream to be a chef or pastry chef. it provides real world experience and education that is relevant to the workplace. f...  Read more

Vollie Barton Mathews

I support CulinaryLab Cooking School 100% and believe in their model and mission!!

Sandie Diamond

I got the chance to attend an open house event at CulinaryLab where each of the instructors did a culinary demo. I got to tour the school and speak to some of the team. I have a background in culinary...  Read more

Rob Ladd

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Average Rating: 4.8
(30 reviews)

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Average Rating: 4:9
(53 reviews)

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Get one-on-one guidance specific to your desired culinary career

Determine if you’re a good fit for our program

Professional-level culinary instruction based on today’s most in-demand skills

What you learn in the Professional Culinary Diploma Program

You get immersive culinary training that gives you a competitive advantage in the industry right now.

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Level 1

Skills

Kitchen fundamentals | Safety & sanitation | Culinary vocabulary | Professional etiquette | Foundational skills

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Level 2

Whole Animal

Anatomy & cuts | Fabrication | Cooking techniques curing & pickling | Smoking | Sausage making

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Level 3

Modern Techniques

Culinary artistry | Modern chefs | Contemporary plating portfolio development | Advanced technique

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Level 4

Final Course

Pastry for chefs | Plated desserts | Hors d’oeuvres food displays | The big test | Friends & family event

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Level 5

Apprenticeship

Professional skill building | Production cooking | Time management | Industry operations food sourcing | Leadership

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Our programs are state approved in compliance with California state standards set by BPPE.

Determine if you’re a good fit for our program

Your CulinaryLab Mentors

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Briana Breluke

Director of Education

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Richard Lee

Culinary Chef Instructor

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Tanit Parnprome

Culinary Chef Instructor

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James Caveness

Culinary Chef Instructor

“The teachers are phenomenal! Each one not only give you lessons in cooking but also in life. They all genuinely want you to succeed in your career. Even after graduating they still keep in touch and help whenever they can.”
“I have been in classes taught by both Chef Wagner and Chef Johnson. They are both fantastic, knowledgable, approachable, witty and talented“
“CulinaryLab is run by a group of the more talented and passionate chefs I’ve ever had the pleasure of learning from.
“The chefs were all articulate, patient experts in their respective crafts and you could tell they were excited about teaching and sharing their knowledge with others. True foodies.“
“When you first meet the instructors at The Culinary Lab they might be intimidating and what might come to mind is some episode of kitchen nightmares with Ramsey! but rest assured, they are the most approachable chefs you will ever meet!aaaaand the knowledge and resources the instructors poses @The Culinary Lab is abundant!“
“The collaborative environment makes for a fun atmosphere and Chef Matt encouraged everyone to ask any question we had.“
“The chefs are great & very passionate about teaching.“
“Chef Mike is an amazing teacher and really takes the time to go into detail and explain techniques.“
“The entire staff is so supportive & encouraging beginning with Founders Chef Ryan & Lisa Wagner. Chef Colleen is amazing“
“The teachers are excellent and truly help you both by showing you the proper way and correcting your mistakes.“
“All of the staff at the school are extremely professional and kind at the same time. It is amazing how much you learn from the staff, they continually focus on making sure the students are the focus.“
"Chef Paul was great"
“CulinaryLab is run by a group of the more talented and passionate chefs I’ve ever had the pleasure of learning from.“
“Colleen is the best at what she does and makes it fun.“
“Chef Mike helped me with ServSafe. Tyler, Sarah H., and Sarah were awesome as well.“
“It was wonderful experience to be in class under Chef Brianna’s instruction. She is so knowledgeable and helpful.“

Frequently asked questions

Where are classes held?

CulinaryLab is located in Downtown Santa Ana at the 4th Street Market:

4th Street Market
201 E 4th St.
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Why is CulinaryLab so affordable compared to other culinary schools?

At $27,300 for the entire program, CulinaryLab is a fraction of what’s required for enrollment at traditional culinary schools. We keep fees as low as possible because we don’t believe it’s fair to stick students with high debt after graduation. This is also one reason why we place you in an apprenticeship. You’re able to make money that you can put toward your education or to cover your costs while learning.

Do you offer financial assistance?

While we don't accept FAFSA, we work with a student loan company to offer financing options. Keep in mind, during your 1,000 hour apprenticeship, you make a minimum of $15,000 before graduation.

Can I choose my schedule?

We offer morning (7:00 am to 2:30 pm) and evening (3:00 pm to 10:30 pm) class options two days a week (Monday and Tuesday or Wednesday and Thursday) throughout the year. Our program is two days per week to accomdate students with outside jobs and/or family responsibilities.

Do you guarantee a job after graduation?

You graduate from CulinaryLab with the knowledge and connections needed to excel in a variety of culinary careers. A 1,000-hour paid apprenticeship program is part of the program. Many of our students stay at that job after graduation.

Do I have to take all the classes?

Chef Ryan and the team have narrowed down this program as much as possible to teach students only what really matters. In order to leave CulinaryLab with the quality education and experience we think is necessary to succeed in the industry, students are required to complete all five levels of the program.

How soon can I get started?

Classes typically fill months in advance. However, we regularly start new sessions. If your application is accepted, you can begin in as few as 3 months.

Our Admissions Team

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We’re here to answer your questions and help you pick the right culinary path for you!

Get a consultation call to determine if you’re a good fit for our program

By submitting this form, you agree to receive communications from CulinaryLab. Msg and data rates may apply.

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