Attention: From October 20th, the cooking classes will be in the apartment at Corso Gelone 36, a 20-minute walk from Ortigia. The day begins at the historic Point of Sale of Ortigia, where from 9:00 to 10:00 you will explore the stalls, the scents, and the local products.During the walk you will discover curiosities, typical ingredients, local traditions and small secrets of Sicilian cuisine, with tasting moments and information related to the daily life of the Point of Sale. Subsequently, from 10:00 to 13:00, you will move to Teresa's house, where the cooking class begins. .The transport can be organized. At Teresa's house you will cook three recipes of Sicilian tradition, in a familiar and relaxed atmosphere, using fresh and seasonal ingredients.Request availability for your group on the days you see as unavailable. For your holiday home in Syracuse Teresa recommends: "Casa Veneto sea view" in via Vittorio Veneto, (Ortigia) ask for information by contacting Teresa.
Teresa was fantastic. She walked us through the Ortigia market, picked out fresh ingredients then drove us to her villa to prepare an amazing lunch. She was a great teacher and chef. Using herbs picked in the moment from her garden was a nice touch.
Our family had a great time ..excellent experience!
A must do experience! Teresa was an amazing teacher! Such a wonderful time! Highly recommend!!
The market experience and cooking class would have to be the highlight of my trip to Ortigia. It was a great experience to go to the markets, learn about Sicilian produce and also sample local delicacies. Teresa was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and a fantastic host. We made a variety of Sicilian dishes so we were able to learn different techniques. It was a hands on experience which was great as I’ve done other experiences where you are just watching. I would highly recommend doing this experience if you are visiting Ortigia and I’ll absolutely be making these recipes at home!
Teresa was an incredible host! Highly recommend this excursion!! The tour of Ortigia Farmer’s Market was informative and helpful!! Her culinary skills are top notch. We made fresh pasta (cavatelli, ravioli and trofie, tortellini, and busiate). The sauce creations were amazing (tuna (with capers, chilli pepper and herbs) and norma (aubergine with onions and herbs). Do not miss out on this excursion!
Teresa is the real deal. She will tantalize your taste buds, stimulate your brain, and delight you with a tour through the market. It was beyond worth the experience! She is exceptional and taught us how to make pasta, ravioli, sauce, and tiramisu. Great experience with my sister! Unforgettable.
Teresa was an incredible guide! A culinary tour through Ortigia. Highly recommend that you book with her. She took us through the farmer’s market and highlighted the best products. The stops made throughout the tour were outstanding! An unbelievable hostess! Absolutely loved our cooking class after the farmer’s market. 1000% worth the experience!!
I had the pleasure of taking the Ortigia market tour and traditional Sicilian cooking lesson with Teresa and it was an incredibly immersive experience into the vibrant culture and cuisine! The tour was highly informative and provided a thorough foundational understanding of the spices, fruits, and vegetables that are utilized in Sicilian cuisine. I also greatly enjoyed the opportunity to learn how to prepare multiple authentic dishes that were absolutely delicious! I particularly enjoyed making several types of Sicilian pasta from scratch and artfully shaping each piece in traditional style. The lesson culminated with a beating dinner In Teresa’s lovely home. This was an incredible experience and I highly recommend taking the tour and cooking class with Teresa!
Theresa is awesome! We did the market tour and the cooking class. During the market tour she gave us a breakdown of the various items and what is worth buying and what is not, as well as what is in season and what is not. (Note: You can find many of the packaged items cheaper at stores outside the tourist area). I do recommend the fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and spices Theresa suggests. As for the cooking class, it is great. Theresa lets you choose your own menu. I would recommend at least one pasta dish. We did the Sicilian sauce, but she has a ton of sauces to try to make. Also, we made the pasta by hand without having to resort to special tools. Because I am trying to eat better, we did the fish al forno (with sea bass). If you ever see whole fish at the store and think “I wish I knew how to make that”, this is the dish for you. And we did parmigiana, which is simple and good. Theresa really knows her dishes and she can tell you about substitutions and how to alter them to make new dishes. We left with more recipes to try at home. And now pasta making is less intimidating.
Super great experience with Teresa staring with visiting the Ortiga market learning about different Sicilian items and then to a beautiful villa to prepare and learn about traditional recipes and tips. Teresa is a lovely hostess and a great Italian mother.
I am an avid cook, and my newly retired husband has just started taking an interest in cooking. We thought this private cooking lesson would be a fun experience together — and it turned out to be so much more. Teresa began with an in-depth tour of the local Ortigia food market, where we were immersed in the vibrant atmosphere — from the fishmonger loudly calling out his fresh catch to a generous sampling at the local salumeria of cheeses, meats, and olives. As we moved from stall to stall, Teresa introduced us to the incredible variety of fruits and vegetables, and gave us lessons on almonds, pistachios, tomatoes, and other local specialties. With our ingredients in hand, we went to Teresa’s home, where her patio and garden became our classroom. The setting was beautiful, complete with two lazy cats lounging in the afternoon sunshine. Together we made three outstanding dishes and several types of pasta. Teresa was a wonderful teacher — patient, knowledgeable, and engaging — explaining techniques as she went along. After cooking, she left us to enjoy the meal we had prepared together with a bottle of delicious Sicilian white wine. It was the perfect touch to a perfect day. Teresa was everything you would imagine a warm Sicilian cook to be, and more. We both would absolutely do this again!
Teresa was a very good guide at the market. The cooking at her house was interesting and we felt very welcome. Made different types of pasta, melanzane parmigiana, a ragu and tiramisu with peaches. Everything tasted nice.
My wife and I had an amazing time. She was a very kind and gracious host. The recipes we made were so good! Everything was super fresh as we had bought the ingredients ourselves at the market earlier in the day. We had so much fun and the recipes reminded me of my childhood. Without a doubt while you are in Ortigia you need to book this experience! Super authentic and incredibly delicious
Teresa met us at the market and we tasted some cheeses and caponata after she explained some differences in traditional Sicilian and regional foods. Next, she welcomed us into her home where we made pasta, octopus, and swordfish. She's a warm welcoming person and a great teacher!
It was an excellent tour of the market and the food we made was amazing. Highly recommend both the tour and the cooking class.
This was a highlight of our trip! Teresa was so easy to be around and a great teacher for cooking Sicilian dishes. Everything was delicious and we were able to take extras home. Wonderful experience!!
We met Theresa at the market. She was prompt and immediately welcomed us with a wonderful cappuccino. She is extremely knowledgeable of the Italian and Sicilian cuisine. We asked her what type of olive oil she prefers to cook with and to our surprise She informed us she uses olive oil from her family farm! We sampled a number of items in the market. All was wonderful. To our disappointment my spouse was still not feeling well after a night of rough seas on the cruise. Theresa was disappoint as she had prepared all the ingredients for a wonderful meal, but quickly changed the experience and treated us to some fresh seafood at the market. HIGHLY RECCOMEND.
Teresa is a very accommodating host that makes cookery both fun and engaging. It’s a pleasure to experience a taste of real Sicilian cuisine that you can take home with you to try and make yourself.
Oh my, where do i start? We learned how to make two shapes of pasta, and the wholy cannoli! We arrived promptly at 4pm, Teresa greeted us and two more couples who booked the same experience, and after a brief explanation and a "lavate le mani!" (Wash your hands!) we sat down in her beautiful garden, started listening to her instructions, and we gladly got to work! We had a fantastic evening, learned a lot - oh, i will totally impress my friends at my next dinner party! 🤩 - and we felt like we were part of the family. Not to mention the overwhelming happiness of our mouths, stomachs, and taste buds. We did not want to leave! An absolute must do experience. Grazie ancora!!
We had a wonderful time during our tour with Teresa! The market tour was very informative and all of the food we made turned out incredibly delicious. Very fun to get an authentic Sicilian culinary experience. Teresa is an excellent host!
We had a marvelous experience with Teresa touring the market in Ortigia and then cooking with her at her house. She explained all of the different local specialties in the market got what we needed for our lesson. When you go into someone’s home you stop feeling like a tourist and start to feel like a friend. We learned to make cavatelli pasta from scratch, parmigiana, caponata and a quick ricotta tiramisu which are all things we can try to make again at home. It really was such a wonderful, personalized experience as well as the best meal we had in Sicily! What are you waiting for? Book it! You won’t regret it!
This was the most wonderful day! We started in the market with cheese tastings. Then bought our fresh produce at the market. We then went to our wonderful host’s home where we cooked a feast. The food was spectacular. We ate lunch in Teresa’s lovely backyard. Teresa is lovely, funny and warm. I cannot recommend this experience enough. Laurie May 2025
Very authentic and engaging. It was nice to try different foods in the market. The garden was very green and nice environment for dining
Wow…..what a day. My wife and I had an authentic Sicilian cooking class for lunch. The class started out meeting at the market. Where fresh veggies, protein and seasonings are out on display. Teresa gave us the tour and we sampled many of the vendors. She is obviously well loved and respected there. After an hour at the market we headed over to her private home. I personally requested ravioli & tiramisu. She does take request and specialize menus for those who may be vegetarian, vegan and/or has allergies. However, I love my protein and my wife wanted to learn tiramisu. Our 1st course was sautéed eggplant on toast, 2nd course beef rollup with herbed stuffing, 3rd course ricotta stuffed ravioli with a tomato sauce, 4th course was sautéed tuna with a pepper/onions sauce sauce and finished with a tiramisu. She gets everyone involved and even wraps up by providing the recipes of what was made. So, there is no need to take notes. Make an enjoyable and memorable experience while in Sicily. Chao!!!
If you are on the fence on taking a cooking class, don't be--jump on this one-you will not regret it! It is everything that you could want and turned out to be my best day in Sicily. Teresa is like a sister, warm, welcoming, funny and so knowledgeable and kind. She invites you into her lovely and warm home and selects a menu based on what is currently the most fresh ingredients and based on your food likes/dislikes. When you arrive, she immediately gets you to work and road maps what we'll be making and what steps we'll take. She was so patient showing us how to make the pasta into the appropriate shapes-some were easier than others! The best part is that we did all of the work, we didn't just watch, we learned so much and it was at a very relaxed pace--truly enjoying all along the way. Our meal consisted of parmigiana (eggplant), busiate with pumpkin and sausage, cavatelli with tomato and almond pesto, and tiramisu. When it was all ready to eat, sitting out in Teresa's garden as the sun was setting, listening to music and eating this delicious food that we made just was such a lovely way to end this experience. Don't wait, book this-you will love it and you will love Teresa!
A truly remarkable experience exploring the marketplace and Teresa was so informative and welcoming. The cooking class itself felt like being at home with family, making pasta and sauces and all the wonderful dishes and then sitting down at the table in the garden for a truly delicious lunch. Not to be missed
Perfect end to our stay in Sicily. This was a last minute decision - and we were glad we made the decision. She was perfect. She explained different vegetables and recipes in the Ortigia market and also made us taste a few special ones. Taking us back to her villa, she was very patient and taught us how to make 3 types of pasta - specific to Syracuse. She also helped us with some great sauce recipes, specially the pepper one - the one we loved the most was the swordfish with the breading - bellissimo. She was a great host and we would love to come back and repeat this. Very recommended
The market tour was fun and informative Our lesson was great and the food choices were suited to our taste. Theresa was very accommodating and helpful in every way. We would do this again!!!
We had a wonderful experience with Teresa. She is kind, patient and an incredible Sicilian cook! We hope to book another cooking lesson with her when we return to Sicily!
We enjoyed our tour with a true local from the Syracusa area of Sicily. The tour begins with a very informative tour and discussion of the outdoor market. Samples of local cheeses (we especially loved the ricotta!), mini sandwiches, fruits and vegetables. Our guide purchased foods that were to be used in our cooking class. After the market tour we traveled by car to our guide’s private home for our cooking lesson and lunch. The guide was kind enough to supply us with the recipes of the dishes we prepared. The lesson was very easy follow. After cooking we thoroughly enjoyed our lunch with a nice table wine. A few tips for future guests, the guide’s English is good, if you speak Italian it’s a bit easier to follow the instructions. Her home is quaint, so large groups may find the space small. This tour is best enjoyed by 2-4 people maximum.
Teresa was amazing. Wonderful market tour with lots of samples. Then the cooking lesson was fun and easy, followed by the best part, the meal itself! Highly recommend her. 10/10
Teresa was very knowledgeable and welcoming. She gave us local insights and clear cooking tips and techniques. We cooked lunch in her lovely garden, including hand made pasta! My husband and I had a lovely experience and were very satisfied! By the way, the food was delicious!
Great ay with a knowledgable host. Was asked in advance what I wanted to cook and really enjoyed both coooking and eating! Teresa is helpful and friendly with good English. Will happpily do it again!
Amazing class with Teresa! Cooking in her garden is a treat. Teresa is very knowledgeable and explains everything patiently. The tour on the market opened our eyes for everything Sicily has to offer!
Teresa was such a delight! She arranged for a cooking lesson with me last-minute as she was available on the only day I could meet. We met at the Ortigia street market and I learned so much about the ingredients used in Sicilian cooking. She advised me on what products were good and let me taste a few samples from the vendor. The fresh mozzarella from Borderi had been made only 10 min prior and it was delicious! With her help, I was able to procure some goodies to take home with me! Then after the market, we went to her home for the cooking class.
We had a wonderful day with Teresa. She took us on an excellent tour of the market in Ortigia, which included delicious samples that we would never have tasted on our own. She gave us a number of options of dishes we could prepare and we chose three. When we were finished making our caponata, pasta Alla Norma and arancine, we were delighted to see that she had set a lovely table for us in the front garden. Teresa was knowledgeable, funny and generous with her home and her talent. It was a wonderful way to spend the day. Highly recommend.
We had a super fun morning with Teresa learning all about traditional Sicilian foods and then having the opportunity to make dishes for ourselves under Teresa’s tuition. A tour of the market was really interesting, with Teresa introducing us to market sellers and explaining all the ingredients. We chose three dishes to make and then spent time preparing a meal in Teresa’s lovely garden - home made pasta, meatballs and caponata - using fresh food bought at the market earlier in the day. It was great fun and the meal at the end was bellissimo! Really recommend this. Grazie Teresa, we will never eat pre-made pasta again 😄
Teresa surprised me with her ability to respond to my interests, inspired me for the Ortigia market and combined shopping, tastings, explanations and anecdotes with Italian charm. The cooking class was exciting and the food just wonderful. Definitely recommended!
Very satisfied. Experience recommended. Teresa is an excellent teacher, very prepared, helpful and patient.
Walking around the market with Teresa was fun and interesting. He explained many things to us about Sicilian culture and it was nice to cook and taste the typical products. Teresa is a great host and has great knowledge of local dishes. Highly recommended!
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