Culinary Arts Schools in Virginia

Thinking about attending culinary school? Virginia’s food culture and local products make it a top contender for any student’s attention. The eastern shore of Virginia, between Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, is home to a wide variety of delicious seafood, including fresh oysters and clams. Farmland is also plentiful: chefs interested in buying locally-made products, regional produce, or grass-fed beef can find small farms and artisanal food producers throughout the state. Additionally, vine-centric magazines Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast have both recently identified Virginia wineries as up-and-coming stars. Those interested in soul food and southern cooking can find plenty of it here, too. All in all, the chefs are doing well, as Virginia’s chefs have been recognized nationally by the James Beard Foundation for their excellence and innovation. If you’re eager to be a part of this food scene, culinary schools in Virginia provide students the space to hone skills and gain confidence before venturing out into the workforce.

Virginia Culinary Schools, Local Cuisine, and Restaurants

The Bureau of Labor Statistics found in 2011 that Virginia’s chefs and head cooks earned an annual average salary of $45,580. Virginia residents and visitors simply appreciate good food, and the restaurant sector shows it. The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area in particular has been singled out by bls.gov for having a high employment level for chef and head cook positions. Furthermore, the National Restaurant Association in 2011 found that the restaurant sector employed nine percent of the state’s residents.

Industry veterans attest that experience is key for moving up in a culinary career; landing a restaurant job doesn’t usually require a degree. However, many have found that culinary schools provide skills and confidence that can be valuable in the workplace. Baking and pastry schools, hotel and restaurant management schools, and culinary arts schools in Virginia are located throughout the state. Get started today on making your dream a reality, and have a look at the list below to find potential programs that fit your needs.

Additional Information on Culinary Colleges in Virginia from Chef2chef.net
Baking and Pastry Arts Schools in Virginia
Hotel Management Schools in Virginia
Restaurant Management Schools in Virginia
Pastry Chef Schools in Virginia

Additional Resources for Culinary Students
Bureau of Labor Statistics information on chef and head cook careers
National Restaurant Association fast facts on Virginia’s restaurant sector
James Beard Foundation information

Browse Top Virginia Culinary & Cooking Schools!

Note: This list also contains schools that accept culinary students from Virginia.

The Art Institutes

The Art Institutes system of schools offers a range of master's, bachelor's, and associate's degree programs, as well as diploma and certificate programs specializing in the creative and applied arts. We also offer a variety of online, evening, and weekend learning options, so there's an education solution to fit your schedule. And our professional-grade technology can give you the practical skills to match your ideashelping you transform your creative energy into a fulfilling career.

Programs:

Culinary Arts (AA)
Culinary Arts (AS)
Culinary Arts (D)

Campus Locations:

Le Cordon Bleu Schools of North America

Bring Your Fire to the Plate. Le Cordon Bleu. Learn the Way.

Programs:

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Orlando - Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Orlando - Diploma in Culinary Arts (Spanish Version)
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale - Certificate in Culinary Arts

Campus Locations:

Orlando

Scottsdale

Culinary Institute of Virginia

Turn your passion for food into a career at the Culinary Institute of Virginia.

Programs:

Culinary Arts
Food Service Management

Campus Locations:

Norfolk

Argosy University

Argosy University offers doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs to students through its five colleges: Psychology andBehavioral Sciences, Education, Business, Health Sciences, and Undergraduate Studies, as well as certificate programs in many areas.

Programs:

Master of Science in Service Sector Management (M.S.)

Campus Locations:

Arlington

Find Culinary Schools in Virginia by City

Norfolk | Richmond | Virginia Beach

Other Virginia Culinary Schools

School Name	City or Town	Programs Offered
Professional Bartending School	Arlington	Bartending
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ	Blacksburg	Hospitality and Tourism Management
Virginia Intermont College	Bristol	AS Culinary Arts
James Madison University	Harrisonburg	Hospitality Management
Tidewater Community College	Norfolk	Hospitality Management - Culinary Arts (AAS)
Virginia State University	Petersburg	Hospitality Services Management
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Richmond	Culinary Arts (AAS)
National Business College	Salem	Tourism and Hospitality Associate's Degree
Culinary Institute of Virginia Beach	Virginia Beach	AAS degree in Culinary Arts