Taormina: Sicilian Cooking Class & Lunch with Local Chef

Summary

Cooking Sicilian dishes in Taormina restaurant kitchen

You’ll start with coffee in central Taormina before learning to cook classic Sicilian dishes side-by-side with a local chef. Get your hands into fresh pasta dough, taste caponata as it sizzles, then share a lively lunch with regional wine. You’ll leave full — and probably grinning — with an apron and certificate as reminders.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s pouring strong espresso into tiny cups before I even sit down — turns out that’s how things kick off at Porta Messina Restaurant in Taormina. Our chef (I never caught if he said Salvo or Salvatore, but he grinned either way) started pulling out these shiny eggplants and tomatoes, talking about how everything in Sicily tastes different because of the sun. I tried to say “Parmigiana di melanzane” like he did — Li laughed at my accent, which was fair.

We got our hands messy making maccheroni from scratch, flour dust everywhere. The dough felt softer than I expected, almost warm from the room. Chef kept showing us how to twist it just so — his hands moved fast but somehow gentle. There was this sweet-and-sour smell when we cooked caponata, like vinegar and caramelized onions mixing together. At one point someone outside shouted in Italian and the kitchen went quiet for a second, then everyone just laughed and kept chopping.

I didn’t think I’d actually enjoy eating what we made (I’m not exactly known for my skills), but sitting around the table with local wine and plates of fish alla ghiotta… it felt like being part of some family lunch I’d stumbled into by accident. They handed out aprons at the end — mine already had tomato stains — and a little certificate that made me weirdly proud. I still think about that first bite of pasta; maybe it was the work or maybe just Sicily itself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sicilian cooking class and tasting

• Meet at Porta Messina Restaurant
• Enjoy coffee and briefing on ingredients
• Chef explains recipes and cooking process
• Prepare hand-made maccheroni pasta
• Cook Sicilian Caponata starter
• Cook fish alla ghiotta main dish
• Dine on prepared dishes with local wine
• Receive certificate and autographed apron

Top questions

Where does the cooking class take place in Taormina?

The class is held at Porta Messina Restaurant near the Porta Messina Arch in central Taormina.

How long does the Sicilian cooking class last?

The cooking class lasts about 4 hours from start to finish.

Is lunch included during the cooking class?

Yes, after cooking you’ll sit down for a festive lunch featuring the dishes you prepared along with local wine.

Are drinks provided during the experience?

Coffee or tea is served at the start; water and wine are included during lunch.

Is this Taormina cooking class wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible and transportation options are available nearby.

What dishes will we learn to make?

You’ll prepare Sicilian caponata, hand-made maccheroni pasta with tomato sauce, and fish “alla ghiotta.”

Do I get anything to take home from the class?

You’ll receive an autographed apron and a cooking certificate as souvenirs of your day.

Is there a minimum number of participants required?

A minimum of 2 participants is required for this activity to run.

What’s included

Your day includes coffee or tea on arrival, all ingredients for three classic Sicilian dishes prepared under guidance from a professional chef, snacks during prep time, water and local wine at lunch, plus an apron to wear (and keep) along with a cooking certificate before you head out again into Taormina’s streets.