Maria Olbrantz1 review
Fun cooking class!
Review from Google · view on Google
The Chopping Block
The Chopping Block at a glance
Google reviewers rate The Chopping Block 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 935 reviews, with the owner responding to 97% of comments. Customers frequently praise the knowledgeable instructors, clear communication, and enjoyable atmosphere during hands-on cooking classes and boot camps. However, recurring criticisms involve strict rescheduling policies that result in lost deposits, pre-prepared ingredients limiting active participation, and concerns about the value of specific food items or private event planning.
- Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 935 reviews (95% five-star).
- Reviews on this page: 935 Google reviews (703 with written comments, 153 with photos).
- Owner responses: the business replied to 97% of reviews.
- Most recent review: October 25, 2026.
- Service: Cooking Class serving Niles, Illinois.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Photos
Customer reviews
4.9
★★★★★935 reviews on Google
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
Greg Azzarelli1 review
It was a very good and informative class, and I'm really glad I took it. Neal was a great and thorough instructor, and I would definitely recommend it!
Response from the owner · 5 days ago
Greg, thank you for the great review! We’re so glad you found the Knife Sharpening class informative and worthwhile. Neal is an incredibly knowledgeable and thorough instructor, and we’ll be sure to pass along your kind words. Thanks for recommending us, and we hope to see you back in the kitchen again soon!
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Brian KoziolLocal Guide · 15 reviews
The Chopping Block’s weeklong Boot Camp was an incredible experience! The highly experienced chefs provided outstanding instruction, and the food we prepared was exceptional. I learned so much every day and came away with greater confidence in the kitchen. If you want to improve your cooking skills while enjoying fantastic food, I highly recommend this course. I’m already planning to return for Boot Camp #2!
Response from the owner · 6 days ago
Brian, thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed your week in Culinary Boot Camp and, even more importantly, that you left feeling more skilled and confident in the kitchen. That’s exactly what we hope every Boot Camp student takes away from the experience. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with our chef instructors. We loved having you cook with us and can’t wait to welcome you back for Culinary Boot Camp 2!
Review from Google · view on Google
Jay Mitchell3 reviews
Another great class showing good and usable techniques.
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Thanks for the great review, Jay!
Review from Google · view on Google
LiS WrightLocal Guide · 44 reviews
I got a taste of their apple pie at the Apple fest 2026 and was sorely disappointed. Not the best, and especially not for the $10. And that was $10 for a slice of pie. I expected "apples" but it taste like apple pie filling and no APPLES. The crust was crispy but the inside filling was no better than apple pie filling.
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that the apple pie didn’t meet your expectations. Each pie made for Apple Fest contains eight Granny Smith apples, so there is an apple in every slice. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know about your experience and will share your comments with our culinary team.
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CrisLocal Guide · 29 reviews
Family owned, friendly and great food. Very recommended.
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago
Thanks for the great review, Cris!
Review from Google · view on Google
Kim Turner2 reviews
Chef was informative and entertaining. I enjoyed every minute. Food was amazing. I really got to understand her point of view. I love these tasting classes.
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago
Kim, thank you so much for joining us for Chef Dionna’s Tasting Table! We love hearing that you enjoyed not only the amazing food, but also Chef Dionna’s perspective, knowledge and personality throughout the experience. That connection with the chef is exactly what makes our Tasting Tables so special. We’re thrilled you’re a fan of the series and hope to see you at another one soon!
Review from Google · view on Google
Adela NiciuLocal Guide · 28 reviews
My Husband and I attended The Chopping Block for Dionna Israel’s Chef’s Table and had the honor of watching her teach us her recipes for Soul Food. Oh my goodness, where do I even begin?! Chef Dionna is an amazing chef and so lively! She is the most genuine person you’ll ever meet and so authentic in the way she shares her love for food and for people. Not only was the food absolutely phenomenal, the atmosphere was inviting, fun, and everyone had some great laughs. She was easy to watch and learn from. She even brought her carrot cake for us to enjoy which was passed down from generation to generation! IT WAS DELICIOUS. This is the perfect place to come have a date night, hang out with friends, or even solo to learn a thing or two about cooking! HIGHLY recommend booking with Chef Dionna!!! Thank you for opening this up to us - can’t wait to come to Dionna’s next Chef’s Table event.
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago
Adela, thank you for such a wonderful review! Chef Dionna brings so much personality, warmth and passion to the kitchen, and we’re thrilled that you and your husband had such a memorable evening with her. Sharing the stories and traditions behind the food is such an important part of our Tasting Tables, and that carrot cake was certainly a special treat! We love that you found the experience welcoming, fun and educational, and we couldn’t agree more that cooking is even better when there are plenty of laughs involved. We look forward to welcoming you back for another class!
Review from Google · view on Google
Kevin Fay11 reviews
Such a fun experience!! I would recommend it to anyone
Response from the owner · 4 weeks ago
Thanks for the great review, Kevin!
Review from Google · view on Google
Sandy R7 reviews
Such a great experience. Chefs were excellent and meal was delicious. Highly recommend taking a class to learn new things and have a fun evening with friends or date.
Response from the owner · a year ago
Hi Sandy, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your recent experience at The Chopping Block here on Google. We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your class. We hope to see you in another class again soon. Happy cooking!
Review from Google · view on Google
Business details
- Address: 4747 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
- Phone: (773) 472-6700
- Website: thechoppingblock.com
- Service area: Niles, IL