Cooking Classes in Taormina

From succulent fish fillets baked in aromatic herbs to piping hot pizzas and delectable pastries, Taormina is a food lover’s paradise. This charming coastal city is located on the island of Sicily, famed for creating some of Italy’s most beloved dishes, including cannolis.

Cooking classes in Taormina encourage you to explore your culinary talents and learn the traditional Italian style of cooking, perfected over the centuries. Best of all, you’ll have the opportunity to taste your masterpiece while it’s still piping hot.

Here's all you need to know about cooking classes, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Taormina.

What are the best cooking classes in Taormina?

Sicilian cooking class in Taormina

Discover the roots of Sicilian cuisine during this traditional cooking class in Taormina. Meeting your local foodie at the historic Porta Messina, you’ll wander through the city toward its famed produce market, where you’ll discuss seasonal goods and select the ingredients needed for your lesson.

Continuing on to a nearby restaurant, you’ll be guided through preparing a three-course feast, making your own pasta, sautéing fragrant vegetables and plating up a masterpiece.  Once you’ve perfected your cooking techniques, you’ll dine on the fruits of your labor as you bond with your group over your experience.

Pizza-making class in Taormina

Set in a local pizzeria, this cooking class will teach you the basics of pizza-making, starting with dough preparation. You’ll learn about the secret ingredients chefs add to their sauce to give it the traditional flavor that makes Italian pizza so addictive.

You’ll stretch your dough into a flawless pizza round and have fun adding your own toppings before it gets thrown into the oven until the edges are crispy, and the cheese is oozing. Enjoy biting into your homemade pizza the best way — straight from the oven — before ending your tour.

Cannoli cooking class in Taormina

Indulge your sweet tooth by discovering what goes into creating Sicily's favorite baked goods in a Taormina cooking class that focuses on cannolis. Instead of seeking out the best cannoli on the street, you’ll learn how to make them — a skill you can take home and share with your loved ones — during this easy-to-follow lesson.

With a skilled chef by your side, you’ll prepare this delicacy from scratch, starting with the shells. You’ll use eggs, flour, butter and brown sugar to whip up the perfect vessel for a sweet ricotta cream. Once you’ve fried and filled your shells, you’ll taste your decadent pastries, and be crowned a cannoli expert.

Private cooking class with Taormina market visit

Learn how to pick the fresh ingredients you need to prepare some of the most iconic (and mouthwatering) Italian dishes in a private cooking class in Taormina. With the guidance of a local cook, you will explore the vibrant and bustling food market in town for all the essentials, before proceeding to the kitchen.

There, you will learn the secrets of authentic Sicilian cooking as you prepare signature dishes for a three-course meal. After you have completed the cooking, you can then sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor, paired with some of the Sicily's finest wines.

Which places are visited?

Taormina, where these cooking classes take place, is known for producing traditional Sicilian fare. Located on the Ionian Sea, you’ll find that seafood features heavily on most menus, as well as more iconic Italian dishes, such as pizza, and pasta. Alongside classic Italian influences, Sicilian cuisine takes inspiration from other European destinations, such as Greece, France and the Middle East.

Sicily is best known for its cannoli — a type of deep-fried pastry, filled with ricotta cream and often topped with chocolate, as well as candied fruit.  Caponata — an appetizer formed of eggplant, tomatoes and onions — is one of the most popular savory dishes in the region, as well as arancini and pasta alla Norma.

As part of your cooking class in town, you will visit and tour local markets to pick up all the fresh produce and other ingredients. Many of these areas are also visited on walking tours in Taormina.

How much do cooking classes in Taormina cost?

Taormina cooking classes vary in price, starting at €50 per person for a cannoli lesson, which has a maximum of 15 participants.

For a pizza-making class in Taormina, you can expect to pay between €60 and €70 per person, while a Sicilian cooking class typically costs €100 per person.

Private cooking classes, which are focused on small groups and include a visit to a local market, are usually priced between €140 and €190 per person.

What is included?

Cooking classes in Taormina always include the ingredients you’ll need during the lesson, as well as the services of a professional chef or experienced local. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are often provided to accompany your meal at the end of the class.

You may also be presented with a certificate to commemorate your tour and show off to your friends, and family upon your return home.

Where does it start?

The majority of cooking classes in Taormina meet at or around Porta Messina, which is a popular and easy-to-reach destination in the city. The city has a reliable network of buses, which you can use to navigate your way through its streets.

You can see the starting point of each tour before booking so that you can arrange any necessary transportation ahead of time.

How long does it last?

Culinary lessons in Taormina vary in duration from just 1.5 hours to 6 hours. If you’re short on time, opt for a cannoli or pizza-making class. Alternatively, if you have some extra time to lend to this activity, select a Sicilian cooking class, which will enable you to prepare extra dishes.

When is the best time for a cooking class in Taormina?

The best time for a cooking class in Taormina is during spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October). These seasons offer mild temperatures, fewer tourists and an abundance of fresh, local ingredients. Cooking classes often use seasonal produce, so you'll enjoy a variety of vibrant dishes.

Additionally, the pleasant weather allows for outdoor classes and dining experiences, providing stunning views of Taormina's picturesque landscapes and the Mediterranean Sea.

Is it safe?

Yes, cooking classes in Taormina are safe, however you must inform the tour operator if you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies (especially dairy, nuts or seafood).

Are children allowed?

Yes, children are generally allowed to join cooking classes in Taormina, provided they are accompanied by an adult.

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes as you'll be standing for a significant portion of the class. Also, consider wearing clothes that you don't mind getting a bit messy.
• Consider your skill level and interests when choosing a cooking class. Some classes may focus on specific Sicilian dishes, while others may offer a broader Italian cuisine experience.
• Don't hesitate to ask questions and bring a notebook with you. The instructors are there to help you learn and will be happy to clarify anything you're unsure about.
• Before you schedule your cooking class, consider going on a food tour in Taormina, both to get accustomed to the region's unique flavors and find your bearings in town.