Taormina: Sicilian Cooking Class & Market with Chef Massimo

Summary

Taormina cooking class with chef massimo market walk lunch wine

You’ll join Chef Massimo in Taormina for a real Sicilian cooking class—starting at the lively market, then learning hands-on recipes back at his home. Prepare fresh pasta and local dishes together before sitting down to lunch with homemade wine. Expect laughter, stories, and flavors you’ll want to bring home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my morning in Taormina haggling over tomatoes with a chef, but there we were—Chef Massimo waving at the fishmonger, me trying to remember the difference between swordfish and tuna in Italian. The market was all chatter and bright colors, a mix of basil and sea air. Massimo showed us how he picks “zero kilometer” produce—he actually squeezed an artichoke right up to his ear, listening for some secret sign. I just laughed and hoped mine would be good enough for the kitchen later.

Back at his house (it really is his house), we tied on aprons—mine was too big but nobody cared—and started prepping. There’s something about rolling fresh pasta dough while someone tells stories about their grandmother’s Sunday lunches that makes you forget you’re technically on a tour. The stuffed zucchini flowers were my favorite, mostly because I kept sneaking ricotta when no one was looking. Massimo poured us homemade wine that tasted like sunshine and said “Mangia!” every five minutes. I think he meant it as encouragement, or maybe just habit.

Lunch was loud in the best way—everyone passing plates, clinking glasses, trying to remember the Italian words for what we’d cooked. The view from the terrace was almost too much; blue sky, lemon trees, that kind of thing. We left with recipes (and an apron that still smells faintly of fried artichokes), plus a little more confidence in our kitchen skills. I still think about that first bite of pasta sometimes—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Market visit and cooking class

• Visit local market
• Select fresh seasonal products
• Return to Chef Massimo's house
• Prepare Sicilian appetizers
• Cook fresh pasta and main dishes
• Enjoy lunch with homemade wines
• Receive recipes and complimentary apron

Top questions

Is this Taormina cooking class held in a real home?

Yes, the class takes place at Chef Massimo’s actual house in Taormina.

Does the experience include a visit to the local market?

Yes, you start by touring the local market with Chef Massimo to select ingredients.

What kind of dishes will we cook during the class?

You’ll prepare Sicilian recipes like stuffed zucchini flowers, fresh pasta, stuffed artichokes, and catch of the day fish.

Is lunch included after the cooking session?

Yes, you’ll enjoy lunch made from your own cooking along with two types of homemade local wine.

Are recipes provided after the class?

Yes, participants receive printed recipes from the lesson as well as a complimentary apron.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Infants and small children are welcome; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available.

Is transportation included in this Taormina cooking class?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are nearby.

Are beverages provided during the experience?

Bottled water and alcoholic beverages (homemade wines) are included.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through Taormina’s market to choose seasonal ingredients with Chef Massimo himself, followed by hands-on cooking in his home kitchen. After preparing several Sicilian dishes together, you’ll sit down for a relaxed lunch paired with two types of local homemade wine. Recipes and an apron are yours to take home as well.