Taormina: Sicilian Cooking Class & Market Walk with Lunch

Summary

Learn Sicilian recipes in Taormina with a chef-led market visit and homemade lunch

You’ll join a small group in Taormina for a hands-on Sicilian cooking class starting at Porta Messina. Shop for fresh fish at the local market with your chef, then make pasta, bread, and classic dishes before sharing a relaxed lunch—with local wine included. Expect laughter, real stories, and plenty of chances to taste along the way.

What’s the experience like?

We ducked under the old stone arch at Porta Messina, still rubbing sleep from our eyes (I’d skipped breakfast on purpose). Right away, our chef—Antonio—was waving us over for coffee. He handed me an apron that felt stiff and new, my name stitched a little crookedly on the tag. After that, we headed straight out into the streets of Taormina, following Antonio’s quick steps to the fish market. The air was thick with salt and something sharp—lemons maybe? He joked with a vendor in Sicilian dialect I couldn’t catch, but he grinned as he showed us how to spot good swordfish. I tried to ask about sardines but probably mangled it; Antonio just laughed and mimed their size with his hands.

Back at the restaurant kitchen, sunlight slanted through the window onto flour-dusted tables. We started kneading dough for bread—my hands got sticky fast. There was this earthy smell from semolina mixing with olive oil. I never realized how much muscle it takes to roll pasta thin enough for ravioli; my first one looked like a fat little pillow. Antonio didn’t mind, just pressed it closed and said “perfetto” anyway. We tasted slices of fresh bread still warm from the oven, dipped in peppery olive oil alongside salty cheese and salami. The local wine they poured was bright and kind of grassy—I liked it more than I expected.

The best part might’ve been sitting down together at a long wooden table, everyone trading bites of what we’d made: macaroni tangled in tomato sauce, grilled fish with lemon zest, even pizza if you wanted to try tossing dough (I failed spectacularly). Someone asked about Sicilian food traditions and Antonio told stories about his grandmother’s Sunday lunches—his hands moving almost as much as his mouth. When we left, they handed us certificates (mine already smudged with tomato), but honestly it’s that feeling of flour on my fingers and laughter echoing around the kitchen that stuck with me most.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sicilian cooking class and tasting

• Meet at Porta Messina Restaurant 10:00
• Enjoy coffee break
• Receive apron and start course
• Prepare homemade bread and pasta
• Taste bread, cheese, salami, and wines
• Prepare typical Sicilian dishes with chef
• Have lunch with 4-6 cooked dishes
• Receive official certificate

Top questions

Where does the cooking class in Taormina start?

The class meets at Porta Messina Restaurant at 10:00 am.

Is there a market visit included in this Taormina cooking class?

Yes, you’ll visit the local fish market guided by your chef before cooking.

Are drinks included during the class?

Wine, bottled water, soda or pop, coffee or tea are included.

What types of dishes do you cook in this Sicilian cooking class?

You’ll make homemade bread, fresh pasta like ravioli or macaroni, meat or seafood dishes, pizza, and more.

Is lunch included after the Taormina cooking lesson?

Yes, you’ll eat 4–6 dishes prepared during the course for lunch.

Can vegetarians join this Sicilian cooking class?

Yes—vegetarian options are available if you advise when booking.

Are gluten-free options available?

Yes—please mention any dietary requirements when booking.

Do you get anything to take home from this Taormina cooking course?

You’ll receive an apron embroidered with their logo and an official certificate.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting at Porta Messina Restaurant with coffee to start things off before heading out for a guided tour of Taormina’s local market. All ingredients are provided for making bread, pasta, pizza or seafood dishes together in the restaurant kitchen. Lunch features 4–6 courses cooked by you (with help!), plus wine tasting and soft drinks throughout—and you’ll leave with an apron and certificate as souvenirs.