Taormina: Pizza Making Class & Lunch with Local Chef

Summary

Hands-on pizza making in Taormina with real Sicilian flavors and laughter

You’ll roll up your sleeves in Taormina’s kitchen, learn from a local chef how to make real Italian pizza from scratch (yes, you’ll get messy), then share your creations at lunch with new friends. Expect laughter over lopsided dough and maybe a new respect for Sicilian hands.

What’s the experience like?

I thought I knew what pizza dough felt like until I stood in that kitchen in Taormina, flour sticking to my fingers and the chef—Giuseppe—grinning at my lopsided circle. He didn’t rush us; he just showed me again how to stretch it without tearing, his hands moving so fast I had to laugh. The smell of yeast and wood smoke was everywhere. It was warmer inside than out, but nobody seemed to mind. There were a few of us—one couple from Germany, a family from Milan—and even though we barely spoke the same language, everyone understood “pizza.”

We started early enough that the town was still quiet outside, just the distant sound of scooters and someone shouting buongiorno down the street. Giuseppe explained the difference between classic and whole wheat dough—I’d never actually tasted them side by side before—and let us knead both. My arms got tired way faster than I expected (I guess there’s a reason Italians have strong hands). We took turns adding toppings; someone tried pineapple as a joke and Giuseppe pretended to faint dramatically on the counter. That made all of us laugh harder than we should’ve.

Sitting down together for lunch after baking was honestly my favorite part. The pizzas came out bubbling and uneven but perfect in their own way. There was water and soft drinks on the table, nothing fancy, just simple food and people who’d spent a morning figuring things out together. I still think about that first bite—crisp edge, sweet tomato sauce, cheese that almost burned my tongue because I couldn’t wait for it to cool down. You know when something tastes better because you made it yourself? It was like that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Pizza making class and lunch

• Learn dough preparation techniques
• Prepare classic and whole wheat dough
• Make pizza sauce and toppings
• Bake pizzas in oven
• Enjoy pizzas with drinks for lunch

Top questions

How long is the pizza making class in Taormina?

The class lasts about 4 hours from start to finish.

Is lunch included in the pizza making class?

Yes, lunch is included—you eat the pizzas you make during the class.

Do I need experience to join this pizza cooking lesson?

No experience is needed; beginners are welcome.

Are drinks provided during the class?

Water and soft drinks are included with your meal.

Can children or infants join this activity?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

Is there public transport near the location?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

Will I get a certificate after completing the class?

Yes, you receive a pizza certification at the end of your lesson.

Are service animals allowed at this cooking class?

Service animals are permitted during the activity.

What’s included

Your day includes all cooking ingredients for both classic and whole wheat doughs, hands-on instruction from an experienced pizza chef, lunch with water and soft drinks (featuring your own pizzas), VAT and local taxes covered, plus a pizza certification to take home as proof you survived kneading Sicilian-style.