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L'Academie Baking and Cooking School

Cooking school · Mesa, AZ · reviewed since 2019

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%94+65.1Reliability 31%85+26.2Experts Score= 91Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.91SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#21 of 69 cooking classesPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 71%
4.9 ★★★★★ 137 Google reviews · 24 photos
99%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
2.5%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
8%reviews answered by the owner
Sep 2026latest review

L'Academie Baking and Cooking School at a glance

Google reviewers rate the school 4.9 out of 5 based on 137 reviews, highlighting hands-on classes like pasta, baking, and date nights. Customers frequently praise the welcoming atmosphere, clear instruction, and the family-oriented environment, noting that participants learn replicable recipes. However, low-star feedback indicates issues with class accuracy, specifically regarding ingredient substitutions, and a lack of communication when cancellations occur.

  • Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 137 reviews (99% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 137 Google reviews (127 with written comments, 27 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 8% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: September 20, 2026.
  • Service: Cooking Class serving Mesa, Arizona.

Data from Google, last updated November 2, 2026.

Score profile vs other cooking classes

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: reliability.

Satisfaction94Reliability85Craft & service–Value–Momentum100Replies to reviews–Satisfaction: 94 (median 86)Reliability: 85 (median 85)Momentum: 100 (median 100)
This companyCooking Classes median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.L'Academie Baking and Cooking School: 94/100 on this factor. Category median: 86.A
94
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.L'Academie Baking and Cooking School: 85/100 on this factor. Category median: 85.A
85
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
–
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
–
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.L'Academie Baking and Cooking School: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 38.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

137 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars13599%
  • 4 stars00%
  • 3 stars00%
  • 2 stars00%
  • 1 star21%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 127 written reviews

  • Praise12499%
  • Complaints11%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude5242%
  • Would recommend3427%
  • Quality & results1814%
  • Communication86%
  • Price & value65%
  • Honesty & trust43%
  • Speed & response32%

What customers talk about

We read 127 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “A beautiful time, lots of fun and laughter with helpful tips and tricks all throughout.”
  • “The food is amazing highly recommend the Gnocchi class.”
  • “He is patient, fun and does a great job answering everyone’s questions.”
  • “Chef Paul was a wonderful teacher and was patient and walked us through every step of the cooking process but also gave us a chance to experiment and…”
  • “The owner, Paul, has spent a great deal of his career in education.”
  • “So excited to do more with them here and honestly stop in for a date night class with my hubby.”
  • “(It could use an electrical upgrade, as a circuit breaker tripped when multiple stations were cooking, but was quickly reset.”

People customers mention

  • Dan 40 reviews
  • Paul 35 reviews
  • Martinez 6 reviews
  • Chef 4 reviews
  • Therese 4 reviews
  • Gilbert 4 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Recent reviews

JonLocal Guide · 20 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★

Paul was AWESOME! Super fun and informative individual, the history of his family and career was wonderful. He is a mastermind and just great all around. We will be letting our friends and family know that this. Is. The. PLACE for one of the most entertaining date nights in town. Grazzi Assai Paul, Budd and Mamma!

Justine7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★

A beautiful time, lots of fun and laughter with helpful tips and tricks all throughout. I cannot wait to come back for another class!!!

Emily6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★

We had the best time! Chef Paul and Budd were so great and it was such a fun night out with friends. Highly recommend this to anyone. Take a class with friends, family, the kids, or for a date night!! Thank you, Paul and Budd, for entertaining our crazy crew!!!

TannerLocal Guide · 13 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★

We had a private event with 12, cooking homemade pasta and had a blast. Chef Paul and Budd were awesome and love how they incorporated their family history into the venue and recipes. Highly recommend and will be back!

SamanthaLocal Guide · 50 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★

The food is amazing highly recommend the Gnocchi class. Love that it's family-owned between three siblings.

Kathy7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 months ago★★★★★

Bought the Tuscany cooking class for my husband’s birthday and we both had such a nice time! Love that the chef cooks clean and healthy. Lots of good tips and super fun. Brought our own wine and enjoyed the time!

Photos

Customer reviews

4.9 ★★★★★ 137 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
Jon SaelensLocal Guide · 20 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Jon has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Paul was AWESOME! Super fun and informative individual, the history of his family and career was wonderful. He is a mastermind and just great all around. We will be letting our friends and family know that this. Is. The. PLACE for one of the most entertaining date nights in town. Grazzi Assai Paul, Budd and Mamma!

Justine Frahm7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Justine has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

A beautiful time, lots of fun and laughter with helpful tips and tricks all throughout. I cannot wait to come back for another class!!!

Emily Kabat6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Emily has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We had the best time! Chef Paul and Budd were so great and it was such a fun night out with friends. Highly recommend this to anyone. Take a class with friends, family, the kids, or for a date night!! Thank you, Paul and Budd, for entertaining our crazy crew!!!

Tanner KabatLocal Guide · 13 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Tanner has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We had a private event with 12, cooking homemade pasta and had a blast. Chef Paul and Budd were awesome and love how they incorporated their family history into the venue and recipes. Highly recommend and will be back!

Samantha BowmanLocal Guide · 50 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Samantha has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

The food is amazing highly recommend the Gnocchi class. Love that it's family-owned between three siblings.

Kathy Dietz, formerly Gardenier7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Kathy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Bought the Tuscany cooking class for my husband’s birthday and we both had such a nice time! Love that the chef cooks clean and healthy. Lots of good tips and super fun. Brought our own wine and enjoyed the time!

Mallory PattenLocal Guide · 11 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Mallory has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Me and my cousin took a dinner cooking class here and it was absolutely amazing! The team is so kind and friendly, they help you every step along the way. You get to know everyone there and become friends. The food was delicious 10/10, I will definitely be back! Thank you Chef Paul:)

George EastonLocal Guide · 131 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews George has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Never done a cooking class til now. So much fun. Great food. Paul is very entertaining. Amazing to see how easy it is to make wonderful dishes. And when you're done- go to the wine bar next door! Very highly recommended.

Jonathan Romero5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Jonathan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Chef Paul is awesome!! Such an amazing experience! Highly recommend for team building events and other get togethers with friends, families and partners.

TaterLocal Guide · 24 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Tater has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Chef Paul gave my partner and I amazing insight into the art and science of great cooking. Our garlic scampi was delicious especially with fresh made pasta. As some have mentioned the evening is a family affair with his delightful brother and sister being there during the event. The presentation was great fun made even more so by Paul’s background as an educator evident as he skillfully guided our class through the evening. Highly recommend attending as a date night or for a fun night with a group of friends. Will be going back for more classes this especially for his cinnamon roll class!

L'Academie Baking and Cooking School on Google Maps →

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