Messina: Private Pasta Class With A Local By Cesarine

Our group of 3 had a wonderful time cooking at Mariella’s house. We each made a batch of pasta by hand, then turned it into lasagna, fettuccine, and ravioli. Mariella made everything easy to understand and learn. We enjoyed a feast for lunch at her beautifully set dinner table. Mariella was well-prepared and she perfectly paced the 3-hour class. We were treated like family. This cooking class was the highlight experience of our 2-week Mediterranean cruise vacation. Note: Mariella communicated with us in WhatsApp and she picked us up in her car near the cruise port. Her home is 20 min away from the cruise port.

Omg, where do I begin. Theeeee absolute best experience. Let's start with perfect communication, great pick up from the cruise port. Timely, warm and friendly. Opened there home and walked us through the most simplistic way to make homemade pasta. So caring and passionate. Once we made our three types of pasta, they met us with a small charcuterie board with fiddles. Then they plated our dishes from the pasta we made. From the ravioli with spinach and parm, with butter and pistachio, to our fettuccine with tomato and basil, to our pesto spaghetti. Topped with Italian coffee, tea and a sweet treat from the families Nonnina. This family deserves a chefs kiss. Stephania and her family brought me to tears with their warmth and humbleness. Never rushed, just food and family enjoyment. In a world often full of hate. This family showed genuine love. The food served was made with love. This cooking experience by far was exceptional. If your looking for a family to welcome you in their home, show you love, respect, and how to make pasta. Along with every bite is delicious. I recommend this pasta making and tasting experience. Thank you for an experience of a life time. Don't walk, don't skip, don't jog. Please run and try this at your next Messina visit. They will not disappoint!

Made ravioli, spaghetti, and linguine with Stefania in her beautiful home. We had delicious appetizers and wine with our homemade 3-course meal. Her husband and daughter picked us up and dropped us off from the cruise ship. Lots of good conversation and company.

Maria was fantastic! We were able to walk to her place from the cruise ship. Only downside was no air conditioning, but that’s pretty normal in Italy. We learned to make pasta and had a wonderful lunch.

My two daughters (aged 26 and 20) and I had an amazing experience with Marcella. She picked us up close to the cruise port. We drove to her home. We made homemade pasta, spinach pasta, ravioli, pesto, pomodora sauce, eggplant Parmiginon and a pudding style dessert. She prepared 2 of her favorite dishes to share with us. The food was excellent and we really enjoyed being in the home of a true Sicilian of 60 years. She only speaks Italian but we had no issues with Google translate. Nothing fancy but definitely authentic if this is what you're looking for

This activity was a highlight of our trip to the Mediterranean. Daniela was a fantastic host. We enjoyed the hands-on experience of making pasta and we learned so much from her about that process, as well as the history of the area and her experiences. She is so gracious and has a wonderful way of making you feel instantly comfortable, as if you are part of her family and sharing a family meal. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience!

This was a wonderful class. Our hostess, Daniela, was warm and welcoming and more than happy to answer questions. Visiting her home was a treat. She greeted us with wine and appetizers which we were able to snack on as we prepared our pasta dough. We made dough from both flour and semolina and then formed cavatelli, ravioli, and pappardelli. The meal was delicious and ended with a mouth-watering homemade canoli!

This was one of our favorite excursions we booked on a 2+ week vacation. It is such a personal experience with the instructor and truly amazing to be welcomed into someone’s home and cook with them. Our instructor was Consuelo and she was the loveliest person, so sweet and informative! She picked us up from our cruise port and drove us around including showing us some sights for a small extra fee, so worth it!! The food we made was absolutely phenomenal and we have the recipes and tons of photos courtesy of Consuelo so we can relive the experience. If you are in Messina this is a must book experience. Truly worth every penny.

This was one of my favorite experiences on vacation. We felt like we were with family learning new family recipes. Everyone was so helpful and very nice. The pasta was great and I can’t wait to share with my family.

This was a fun way to try local food at the home of a local person. We enjoyed learning how to make homemade pasta and thoroughly enjoyed the private setting vs. another group city tour. The food was absolutely delicious and Maria was very sweet and an excellent chef.

The news the beat authentic experience we have had on our cruise so far. Consuelo was outstanding. She picked us up at the dock, gave us a tour of Messina on the way to her home. We made 3 pasta dishes and then sat at her dining room table and enjoyed what we had prepared. I would HIGHLY recommend this Viatour Activity.

Rosella and her husband Guiseppe were wonderful hosts!! It was just me and my husband, we had a very personal experience. The food we made was soooo good and they made us feel comfortable and welcome. Highly recommend!

This was a wonderful experience not only making and eating Italian food, but having the opportunity to see how an Italian family lives. My son and daughter-in-law celebrated their 10th anniversary with this wonderful family. They were treated to wonderful hor d'oeuvres, wine, dessert, and the opportunity to make 3 kinds of pasta. They shared not only great food but much laughter and friendship.

The Cesarine cooking class in Sicily was such a great experience! Our host was amazing. The family team worked together to host the event. They were super welcoming, fun, and clearly passionate about sharing classic Italian food and traditions. The food we made was delicious, and the whole thing felt very authentic. The only downside was dealing with Viator. Some last-minute changes were made to my booking without my say, and when I tried to get answers, their customer support was slow and not very helpful. I was fortunate enough to have a data service to my travels or else I would have missed the email notice that my booking was impacted. All of it added unnecessary stress before what should have been a fun activity. Overall, I’d totally recommend the class itself because the host made it fantastic. Just be prepared that Viator’s customer service might not have your back if something unexpected comes up.

It’s a comfortable and fun environment. Easy to find and we learned a lot! We learned how to make 3 different types of pasta that we will be making upon arriving home,

We felt like we were in our grandmother’s home and were just as welcomed. Mariela taught us how to make pasta, pesto, ravioli, focaccia and she prepared some other tasty dishes, too. She picked us up at the port and gave us a little history of the town. Her English was limited but Google translate made for perfect communication.

Highly recommend this cooking experience. You are treated like family! The food and atmosphere are excellent.

We had the best experience cooking with Daniela in her beautiful home just a 20-minute walk from the port. She was so patient with our kids and made everyone feel like part of her family. The house was incredible, and the atmosphere so welcoming. Daniela prepared seasonal dishes, many personally curated by her and her family, which made the meal extra special. It was truly a memorable, authentic Sicilian experience — we loved every minute!

Book this NOW!!! Most amazing thing we did on our 14 day cruise. We learned how and made the most delicious pasta and had the most amazing experience. Rossella and her husband Giuseppe are so friendly and hospitable and made us feel so welcome in their home. Rossella is also the most amazing cook! Book this tour! I promise you won't regret it!

This was a highlight of our trip so far! Daniela was amazing! Her place was gorgeous and her hospitality was spectacular. It was just myself and my kids and she treated us like family! Do not hesitate to book this experience because you will feel the real authentic Sicilian love.

Authentic Italian experience. We decided to do this versus a cruise excursion. Got to make spaghetti and talk with an amazing couple. I warn you do not eat before this event because appetizers, 3 types of pasta dishes and yummy dessert are a lot of food. We did the morning/lunch one and made it back to the cruise ship with plenty of time. Thank you Rosetta and Giuseppe for a great experience!

We had an amazing experience with Daniela. Her home is beautiful with stunning views from her terrace overlooking the city. She was so welcoming and had a picture perfect table scape waiting for us. We were offered plenty of cold water and wine along with local delicacies. She explained things to us about the area and typical food. Her demeanor with our kids could not have been better-patient, funny and kind. She taught us how to make two different types of dough for pasta dishes and a sweet filling for cannolis. All five of us had a chance to participate in the fun. We learned how to make cavatelli pasta and ravioli! After making our pasta, we left the kitchen to enjoy the terrace while Daniela made the finishing touches. We sampled three different types of pasta all that highlighted the Sicily area. We all enjoyed each dish. My kids (16, 14 and 9) all loved her ravioli the most! She then prepared cannolis table side for us. Such a memorable and wonderful experience. The kids said it’s by far one of the best things we’ve done in Italy. My only regret is not being able to eat more of it or take it home with me!! We were SO full. Daniela is fantastic and I highly recommend booking a cooking experience with her!

My wife and I had the most amazing time learning to make pasta with Consuelo! The class was small and hands on so you really get to learn the techniques and process. Consuelo was great instructor, it felt like a friend teaching us. Would highly recommend!

Mariela was spectacular. One of the most authentic Italian experiences. my family and I have always wanted to do a private food cooking class, and this was one of a kind one of the best times and such an amazing memory for us. it was perfect in every way. the food was nothing less than remarkable! She even showed us her garden filled with fruit and herbs she used .

Great people, clean environment, fun experience making your own pasta! Also, they will teach you how to make their sauce from scratch. Highly recommend this to everyone!

Daniela was amazing! What an experience to be invited into her personal residence and learn to make traditional recipes from Sicily. Her patio had exceptional views of the city where we enjoyed our fresh made meal! Fantastic experience! Would highly recommend.

This was AMAZING! Consuelo was so sweet and the food was fantastic! Great hospitality! Thank you Consuelo - The master chefs ; )

We had 3 family members at Daniela's home. She was an exceptional host. We learned about pasta making and her heritage in Messina. 10 out of 10 stars. We hope to meet her again in the future.

We absolutely adored our time with Consuelo. She was a delight, so friendly, fun and happy. We arranged for her to pick us up and she stopped on the way to the house to show us pretty vistas and take pictures. We had a lovely time working together with her aunt Maricella and another couple in making pasta dough and rolling it out for ravioli and tagliatelle pasta. They had also pre-prepared some antipasto and side dishes. Lots of laughs and great fun, and we come away with confidence in trying to reproduce this back in America. Consuelo was a wonderful host and teacher — and photographer (she was secretly taking pics the whole time and sent them to us).

Mariela and Gianni were wonderful hosts. The cooking was a lot of fun and as it was just the two us we felt it was a special experience. Would recommend this to everyone.

I'm honestly not even sure how to put into words what a wonderful experience me and my family had with the most wonderful host, and cooking teacher, Consuelo. My family and I went to Europe for two weeks which included countless tours, guides and we met countless people. Each and every one of us agreed that this experience of learning how to cook traditional pasta (and tiramisu!) in a beautiful home in Sicily by an even more beautiful person, Consuelo, was the best experience of the whole trip. Consuelo went above and beyond in so many ways to make this a special and welcoming experience for us. She offered to pick us up and drop us back off safely at our ship, she pulled over on the drive to her house to allow us to take some memorable photos as a family together (in total for the day she took 80 pictures for our memories for us!), she had the most delicious appetizers prepared and waiting for us, she made sides for us to eat with our pasta (the most delicious meatballs!), she made the most refreshing drink we'd ever tasted and she had a friend of hers there to help with translation. We even had someone with us who is lactose intolerant and she was made to feel so cared for and special by the fact that Consuelo purchased especially for her several lactose free items so that she could be included in the entire experience. We were honored to meet this beautiful soul, grateful to enter into her home and honored to sit with her at her dining room table and share a meal with her that she taught us to make alongside her. Consuelo truly made us feel like we were visiting a family member who wanted you to feel comfortable in her home. The best way that I can come up with to summarize our overall experience is to let you know that we cried and hugged saying goodbye to Consuelo which took us all by a very unexpected, and special, surprise. We are so grateful to Consuelo for this experience that will live in our hearts forever.

Mariella was the best host! She walked us through how make pasta, focaccia bread and a desert. Not to mention the canoli from a local bakery. Highly recommend this experience!!

This was the most amazing experiences!! We were picked up and brought to our chefs house where we made pasta and bread and dessert!! I’m lactose intolerant and everything was made with my diet in mind. She was amazing with the kids and we can’t wait to try some of the dishes at home!

My husband and I took this Cesarine cooking class in July 2024 with Rossella. We learned how to make ravioli (with butter and parmigiano), spaghetti (with pomodoro and basil), hand fettuccine (with pesto). This experience is something we will always remember and cherish. Both Rossella and her husband (Giuseppe) were very accommodating, friendly, and kind. A must-do when visiting Messina! We already ordered a pasta machine of our own to recreate these delicious recipes at home! Brava Rossella! Grazie!

Mariella was an amazing host! We had a great time making ravioli and tagliatelle and cannolis. She was so fun to talk to and eat with!

What an amazing experience!! My husband and I had such an amazing time learning to cook classic Italian dishes! Cesarine picked us up and brought us to her beautiful home where we spent the afternoon learning from her! She was honestly the sweetest woman who had a great sense of humor and was very informative about all things Naples and cooking! This was by far the best part of our vacation!!

Rossella and her family were WONDERFUL! We had such a great time learning to make pasta and then enjoying that pasta with them. My 12 year old love it and can’t wait to go home and make her own pasta!

If I could give this more stars, I would. What amazing memories we made!! Consuelo picked us up at the port and took us for a brief tour before we went to her home. She made us feel so welcome from the moment we met her. She is such a warm person and a wonderful teacher. The food we made was amazing and she prepared an aperitif and additional side dishes. We were so full!! Consuelo dropped us back at the cruise ship afterwards. My 12 year old son and husband had an amazing time and my son is anxious to go home and experiment with what he learned. This was definitely a highlight of our vacation.

Consuelo was the nicest and most gracious hostess! She taught us all about the culture of Sicily and Messina as well as providing an amazing gourmet food experience! She is a fantastic chef and generously provided us with a 5 course traditional meal. We learned how to make pasta from scratch as well! We will always remember and cherish this wonderful experience!

Rossella and her family welcomed us into their home for a pasta making experience. We enjoyed making 3 types of pasta with the expert guidance of Rossella. While making the pasta we enjoyed conversing with 3 generations of Rossella’s family. The pasta was delicious and the experience a lot of fun. I would recommend this to others who are looking for a unique experience while in Messina!

Rosella. and family provided an amazing cooking experience in a local home environment. We were instructed in pasta making, to pasta making tools, to recipes, Sicilian hospitality and culture. Husband Giuseppe picked us up at cruise ship Nd dropped us off; making the transportation very easy. Rosella was an excellent cook and was easy to communicate answers to our questions. Mama’s home was lovely and she was very hospitable. We enjoyed every minute!

Making pasta and new friends. Loved cooking with a local in their own home! The pasta and sauces all so fresh.

100% recommend this tour if you are looking for a true authentic experience, we had such an amazing time with Mariella and her family learning their family recipes and learning how to make pasta! We speak very very little Italian but host makes very good use of google translate! Meeting point is a very close walk to cruise port (10 minutes) and then you drive with host to her house!

Mariella was such a gracious and wonderful host for our time in Messina! She picked us up from our cruise ship, took us for a lovely coffee and crossiant, and then on to the market where we purchased some of the ingredients for our cooking class! She then welcomed us into her home and taught us how to make pasta! As well as pidonis and cannolis! The food was all so delicious and it was so wonderful getting to know her! She gave us a tour of her garden and some delicious citrus fruit from her own trees! Even though we didn’t speak the same language, we were able to communicate just fine with Google translate and lots of laughing! This was one of our favorite stops on our cruise and would highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to experience an authentic Italian kitchen with the sweetest instructor!! Make sure you come hungry.. you won’t be disappointed!!

AMAZING! We are on our honeymoon cruise for a 10 day Mediterranean cruise and this was everything we could have dreamed of!! Rossella and her husband were so accommodating for us and gave us such a great and authentic experience. The food was soo good, and they even took pics for us and gave us all the recipes! This was something we will be talking about for the rest of our lives, and we hope to do it again someday. Couldn’t recommend this and our host Rossella and her husband more!

We had the perfect day. We made pasta and focaccia, plus rolls. Everything was delicious. Our hostess was so gracious and very welcoming to her beautiful home. We were able to use a translate app to easily communicate. We highly recommend this excursion!!!

Rosella and her husband, Giuseppe, were wonderful! We had a fantastic experience and they truly opened their home to us. Rosella’s cooking was phenomenal and we learned so much about recipes, culture, and family tradition. This was our favorite excursion of our trip because it was authentic. I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting the Messina area. Also, papa Roberto was so kind. Thank you for opening your home to us and being the wonderful people that you are 💗 -Gabriella & Sal

The hospitality felt like home. Great authentic Sicilian cuisine and great welcoming. The place is beautiful with an amazing view we loved it.

What a delight. Consuelo was just absolutely fabulous. She offered to pick us up from our cruise port and drove us to her home in the Sicilian mountains. Her home is just stunning, including her cute little puppy Nina. The entire experience was just so fun and authentic. I wish everyone who came to Sicily could have this experience. 10/10.