A School of Fish class cracking cooked lobsters around a long stainless steel table

Private classes

Your Group. Our Kitchen. An Unforgettable Night.

Just your people, our kitchen, and a seriously good time.

You've heard about the School of Fish. Maybe you've even taken a class. But did you know you can book the whole experience just for your group? Private School of Fish classes give you everything you love about our hands-on cooking sessions — the freshest seafood, expert guidance from Chef Tom Earl and Seafood Expert Nathan Rogers, aprons, equipment, beverages, and the recipes to take home — customized for your occasion and your crew only. No sharing the kitchen with strangers. No fitting into a public schedule. Just your people, our kitchen, and a seriously good time. Whether you're planning a team-building event that people will actually look forward to, a celebration worth remembering, or a night out that goes way beyond dinner, we'll make it happen. We've been doing this for over 40 years on Bank Street. We know how to host.

Smoked salmon with pickled red onion and dill on a crisp potato cake, served on a blue plate, with the School of Fish logo

The Private School of Fish is Made For...

🐟 Corporate Teams & Workplace Groups
Ditch the trust fall. Private cooking classes are hands-on, collaborative, and genuinely fun — the kind of team-building event that people talk about at the next team event. Chef Tom leads your group through a full seafood cooking experience: everyone participates, everyone eats, everyone wins. Perfect for team retreats, staff appreciation events, department outings, and holiday gatherings. "Perfect for corporate team building." — Pelican guest review

🎉 Celebrations of All Kinds
Birthdays. Bachelorettes. Stagettes. Anniversaries. Retirements. "We finally finished that project" parties. You name it, we'll set the table. A private class means the event is all about your group — the vibe, the menu, the energy. It's a step up from dinner out, and a story you'll be telling for a long time.

👯 Friend Groups, Book Clubs & Social Crews
You've done the restaurant thing. You've done the wine and paint thing. Now try the "we cooked a three-course seafood feast with a professional chef" thing. Private classes are a perfect fit for book clubs looking to mix things up, neighbourhood friend groups, and any crew that appreciates good food and good company. "I would love to come back with my book club or neighbourhood friends." — Pelican guest review

What's Included in Every Private Class

Every private School of Fish experience includes everything you need for a great night — no "please bring your own" fine print.

Expert instruction from Chef Tom Earl and/or Seafood Expert Nathan Rogers
All ingredients — the freshest seafood, sourced the Pelican way
All equipment — professional kitchen tools and workspace in our prep kitchen
2 beverages per person — included in the experience
Pelican aprons — because looking the part matters
Recipes emailed after class — so you can recreate the magic at home
The full hands-on experience — you're not watching; you're cooking

Class duration: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours
Skill levels: All skill levels welcome. No experience necessary. All guests must be 19 or older.

A chef demonstrating at a cooking station as guests watch during a School of Fish class, with the School of Fish logo

Ready to Book? Here's How It Works.

Booking a private class is simple. Just reach out and we'll take it from there.

Step 1: Email us at hello@pelicanseafood.ca with your preferred dates, and the class title that you are interested in. See the current class titles in the FAQ below.
Step 2: We'll get back to you with our availability.
Step 3: Confirm your booking and get ready for a great night.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can we bring to a private class?
Our private cooking classes can accommodate up to 10 guests. You're welcome to book a private class with fewer than 10 people; however, please note that private classes are reserved exclusively for your group and are priced by the class rather than by individual attendee. If your group has fewer than 10 guests, purchasing individual spots in one of our scheduled public classes may be a more economical option.
Can we choose our own menu or class theme?
While you can't create your own menu, we do offer a variety of class themes you can choose based on your group's interests and any dietary considerations.
How much does a private class cost?
this is list of classes that we currently offer:

Raw Bar Deluxe Celebrating the art of chilled seafood using handcrafted Japanese knives. Shuck Oysters, and prepare Ceviche, Crudo, Tartare & Carpaccio - $1820 + tax

The Italian Catch An unforgettable evening on the Italian coast in the Pelican kitchen. Baked Italian-style Mussels, Linguine with Clams, Lobster Ravioli, Sicilian Bake Cod - $1850 + tax

Vietnamese Seafood Experience A delicious journey into Vietnamese seafood cuisine. Shrimp Summer rolls, Sizzling pancake with Scallop and Shrimp, Rockfish Banh Mi and Snow Crab legs with Tamarind Sauce - $1790 + tax

Fun French Seafood An immersive, hands-on culinary experience celebrating the artistry of classic French seafood cuisine. Moules et Frites, Lobster Thermidor, Bouillabaisse with Aioli and classic Creme Brulee -$1850 + tax

Lobster 101 Learn everything you need to know about Lobster. Lobster Roll, Lobster with drawn butter and corn, Lobster Newburg, and indulgent Lobster Pasta - $1920 + tax
Can we add extra drinks or a special celebration element?
Absolutely — we love helping make celebrations feel special. Mention it when you book and we'll do our best to accommodate.
What is the minimum group size for a private class?
There is no minimum. You're welcome to book a private class for fewer than 10 guests, but private classes are priced by the class, not per guest.
What is your cancellation and change policy?
Private classes are non-refundable. If you need to change the date, tell us at least 14 days before your class and we'll move it to another available date. See our refund and cancellation policy.
Are private classes appropriate for all skill levels?
Yes — the School of Fish is designed for all experience levels. Your group doesn't need to know anything about seafood or cooking. That's what our instructors are for.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend contacting at least a month in advance of specific dates, earlier is always better. We have limited availability. Please note Private classes are offered on: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays

Still have questions?

We'd love to hear from you.