Apprentice chefs and cookery students from all over the region have been refining their skills and flavour for months in preparation for the opening of the Tamworth TAFE-based restaurant.

Futures Restaurant has been in operation for three decades, and has become a hidden gem for the local culinary community, opening Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, and only for the months of September, October and November.

This year a mystery three-course meal will cost just $32.

Head teacher Matthew McAllister said the certificate III commercial cookery and hospitality students looked after the entire process from creating and cooking the menu, through to serving meals to guests, and the inevitable washing up.

"We have been open for a few weeks and have had decent numbers, but we generally start softly and then really start ramping it up now," he said.

"It is a really good opportunity for the students to put their skills into place under industry-standard time frames, with industry-standard produce and paying customers."

The course will also cater several functions in the coming months, with both set and a-la-carte menus being served up to groups such as the local Rotary Clubs and Women's Connect.

"This group of students will finish their courses at the end of this year, so this is one of their final assignments to prepare them to work full-time in the industry," Mr McAllister said.