Italy · COOKING CLASSES IN SICILY
Every trip has one free day too few. These 9 cooking classes in Sicily justify the slot, priced and timed so the decision takes minutes and the rest of the day is yours.
At Towns of Italy’s Palermo cooking school, chefs such as Lidia and Marcello guide you through pizza, local sfincione Palermitano, and chocolate gelato. You cook with provided ingredients, eat your work with wine or soft drinks, and take home a digital recipe booklet.
“This was my favorite part of our visit to Palermo. So much fun.”
Meet Chef Mimmo and his family, sample Sicilian produce, then head by included transfer to Ahoy Bistrò Siciliano by the Bay of Naxos. Make caponata, fresh fish, two sauces, and six pasta shapes before eating lunch with wine, cannoli, and Limoncello.
“Learned how to make pasta, 2 amazing sauces and simple but so delicious swordfish that I will definitely make again at home!! So fun to meet people from all over the world!!”
Meet Chef Massimo at 9:30 a.m. near Porta Messina, shop for seasonal produce, fish, and meat, then walk to his home for a hands-on Sicilian cooking class. Prepare pasta, appetizers, and main courses before sharing lunch with local wine, recipes, and a complimentary apron.
“Hands down the best travel tour we’ve ever had. Massimo is not only an amazing chef, but also an excellent teacher. We shopped for our produce and protein and were educated at every step of the way. Massimo’s kitchen is a sight to behold. Amazing views, gorgeous setting and we learned how to cook 3 appetizers, pasta and 2 main courses! So much fun, especially eating our hard work. A+++.”
At Ristorante & Pizzeria Porta Messina, an English or Italian-speaking chef guides you through dough, sauce, toppings, and baking. Many sessions also include fresh pasta, shared appetizers, wine, dessert, and a certificate. It is a social, hands-on meal in central Taormina.
“We had a lot of fun learning the technique to make pasta and our pizza”
Meet Chef Michael near Palermo’s Capo Market, shop for seasonal ingredients, then walk to an air-conditioned cooking studio. Prepare four Sicilian courses with hands-on guidance from Michael and an assistant, and sit down afterward for wine, coffee, and homemade liqueurs.
“Michael and his assistant, Melissa, did an excellent job providing us with a fun, educational and tasty experience. From taking our group through the market to buy the ingredients for the day's meal, to the food prep and then onto actually eating the meal they were always entertaining and informative. It was much more like having a fun, casual dinner at a friend's house than a normal cooking course. It was one of our favorite activities during our time spend in Italy. We would recommend this to anyone who enjoys good food and good company.”
Meet your English-speaking chef beside Taormina’s Porta Messina Arch and make cannoli from scratch. You’ll knead and fry the shells, prepare ricotta and custard fillings, then eat your creations with coffee, wine, soft drinks, and limoncello. Chef Carmelo and Francesca are among the instructors.
“The fun of scratch cooking. This was so entertaining and memorable. Everybody had a great time and the cannolis were outstanding.”
Meet Paolo, Mary, Francesca, or Luca at Porta Messina for a guided market visit, then cook Sicilian dishes such as handmade pasta, fish, and eggplant parmigiana. You will eat the meal with wine, keep an apron, and receive a certificate. The 3.5-hour class is taught in English or Italian.
“Paulo and Mary were AMAZING hosts!!! We had such a fantastic experience. Making the pasta was a highlight. The food was excellent and local.❤️”
In Catania, Angela leads a small, hands-on class for up to eight people. You’ll make pasta dough, creamy pistachio ravioli, and a Sicilian bruschetta, then sit down for a three-course meal with wine, water, coffee, and dessert. Victor may help with translation.
“Angela was a lovely host and very friendly. It was nice to learn new skills in an authentic setting and the food tasted amazing ( even though we made it ourselves !) We had a great time and would definitely recommend it - a highlight to our trip in Sicily.”
Meet near Palermo’s Mercato del Capo for a market walk with a local chef, then prepare arancini, maccheroni alla Norma, and cannoli in a professional kitchen. Chefs such as Salvo, Lidia, Nadia, and Marcello lead the class. Lunch, wine, recipes, and a certificate are included.
“Great class and very informative/entertaining. All three were very personable and provided a great learning environment!”
Pick a city, a coastline or a kitchen.
