Sicilian Cooking Class

We had an awesome day cooking with Michael that started with a trip to a local market - the vendors all knew him and Michael told some stories during the excursion that added flavour to the outing. The cooking class itself was extremely well organized (in part thanks to his daughter Imogen!), with demos of what we were to do for each course. I greatly appreciated that we all participated in making all courses, rather than having each team work on a single course. The meal itself was not rushed - the conversation flowed easily. A perfect day learning about and enjoying Sicilian cuisine. Thank you Michael!

A wonderful, and great opportunity to learn culinary techniques from a real chef. It’s a true hands-on experience, making several dishes from granita to pasta and a lot in between. Not only are you preparing several dishes, you also shop for the ingredients needed to create a true Sicilian meal. I highly recommend this tour, you won’t be disappointed.

We have had cooking classes in many places in Italy - this was by far the best. Michael and his family have created a superb experience and a memorable day for anyone with the time to stop and enjoy the food traditions of Palermo. Very personalized, very accommodating, the class was a highlight of our one week stay. Michael is a very experienced chef, very committed to slow food and taught us many tricks and tips of Sicilian cuisine. The space was clean and welcoming. We will be sure to make these recipes at home. Grazie Michael and Imogen.

Really enjoyable day spent cooking and eating and learning. Michael is a very informative and friendly person. The atmosphere was relaxed and convivial and his cooking studio space was lovely. The homemade mandarin liquor was just delicious.

Michael was a perfect guide and host. Since English is his first language it was easy to understand each other and appreciate his perspective. The class was set up very well and the trip to the market was educational and fun. We learned some techniques and had a delicious lunch with wine.

What a great experience! Visited the market to get our ingredients and learn about so many of the foods. Then to the cooking school where the learning and fun began. We were involved in some way for all 4 courses. We made our own pasta, cut and formed swordfish meatballs, cut herbs, squeezed lemons and more. We learned techniques such as using the knife. At the end we enjoyed our meal. Our chef Michael made the day fun and informative. I would highly recommend this experience

Very nice experience when in Palermo. Micheal very knowledgeable on all culinary matters. Lovely environment in the kitchen space - learning, helping prepare the food and eating! Would recommend if you have a day free in Palermo.

Michael is a great host, and a very good chef, and we thoroughly enjoyed our cooking class experience with the Sicilian Pantry in Palermo. We met Michael at the pre-arranged spot and went to the market to buy ingredients for the lunch. The cooking space is very nicely decorated and feels just like a Sicilian home. We made 4 courses, including Panele, tomato sauce for pasta, swordfish meatballs and a mini Sicilian cake which included making our own marzipan, which was great! The meal was absolutely delicious and was paired with some lovely Sicilian wines. We would highly recommend this class to anyone interested in Sicilian cuisine, and spending a very relaxing few hours with a very knowledgeable chef.

We can’t express enough how much we truly enjoyed Michael’s class. The respect Michael has toward the Sicilian Cooking ways and the way he wants to preserve that culture was a pleasant surprise to us. A vacation highlight to be remembered. Thank you for the hospitality and your Daughter was such a joy. You both made us feel at ease and extremely welcome. One of our best meals ever! We can’t wait to try to recreate our meal with the recipes you shared. All the best!! Richard & Lisa Ontario, Canada.

What an amazing experience cooking with Michael. Not only did we prepare delicious and uniquely Sicilian dishes, we learned about some of the cultural history of what we made. After a market trip and a morning of cooking we all sat down together to enjoy a truly memorable meal.

Chef Michael was enthusiastic while teaching all the basics of a truly Sicilian luncheon. We all participated, tasted and laughed!

Great experience with a fun group. Chef Mike put together a perfect menu. We cooked the meal (lunch) as a group, mostly chopping ingredients. Taking us to the Capo Market gave us a real local feel. Chef Mike gave us so many cooking tips and perspectives and was so patient answering questions.

We had an amazing time with chef Michael! Very clear meet up instructions, followed by a fun visit to the market to pick up our ingredients, and then a fabulous class making Sicilian fried dough, minestra, swordfish meatballs, and a watermelon dessert. I am a pretty okay chef on my own, and I learned a lot about knife skills and cooking technique in this class, along with the recipes themselves. My husband and I did this as part of our honeymoon and were joined by two other couples who were great company during the group lunch. Highly recommend.

What a fantastic class! Micheal is very knowledgeable, a great host and wonderful teacher. We were a large group of 13 and had an amazing time visiting the market, choosing ingredients, preparing a delicious meal and learning about Sicilian cooking. Cannot recommend this enough - you will have an experience with Michael!

We had a wonderful time shopping at the Capo market, prepping the food, learning about Sicilian food history and listening to the Chef’s stories!!! Highly recommend this class!

This was one of the most memorable experiences in my history of travel. I highly recommend this unique and interactive experience.

It was very informative . Thoroughly enjoyed the day it went so quickly . We could have stayed for a few more hours talking with Michael and other guests .

I had a fantastic experience cooking with Michael in a group of 8. It was a lot of joy meeting new people and cooking together while learning new techniques of making dough from a scratch, or shaping pasta, or even making a signature pastry - cassatina siciliana. Also it's not an every day thing to cook and eat a sword fish which made the cooking menu very special.

Michael was a great chef and explained everything simply and clearly. We made food that can be duplicated at home, without ingredients that are difficult to find. It was all delicious, and the space where we cooked was very welcoming and interesting. You should go!

This was my third time taking a cooking class with Michael in person and I can't emphasize enough how special of an experience it is. Each time I have some of the best food I have ever had in Italy. Each time I learn something knew both about the preparation and the history and culture of Sicilian cuisine. Michael gives you the connection so many are looking for to Sicilian history and culture, and he does it through food, which is probably the most enjoyable way to do it!

Loved!!! Who knew making pasta fresh was that easy, chef Michael can teach you! Explored the market and bought fresh ingredients which we turned in to wonderful food with his guidance!

We very much enjoyed our cooking school experience with Michael and his assistant. Michael is a great chef and teacher and we learned some new cooking skills and recipes that were so yummy! Michael has a beautiful kitchen and dining area that was very clean and comfortable. The cooking experience was a highlight of our trip to Sicily! Highly recommend!

I took online cooking classes from Chef Michael in January 2021 and again in May during the pandemic. It was a wonderful learning experience and delicious recipes. I was in Sicily in early May 2026 with family and we took a class in person. It was great to work with Michael and enjoy the 6 Sicilian food items that we prepared. Chef Michael is an excellent teacher and his cooking class facility is bright with natural light and well stocked. We first met up at the outdoor market and watched and learned as he selected the items for the menu. We prepared the dishes and then ate in the dining room and enjoyed dining on what we made and sipping fine Sicilian wine. The experience was exceptional and I highly recommend the class to cooks of all levels.

This class was so amazing that we went twice in two weeks. Michael is awesome - he will explain the logic of buying specific products or from specific stalls in the market, and then clue you in to specific cultural cooking strategies while you make a 3 course meal. Wine is flowing at the end and the groups are always a great time. The menu is always changing, and based on whatever is fresh and seasonal in the markets. This is a must do if you’re visiting Palermo - and potentially a must do twice :)

It was such a fun experience. Chef Michael is a great teacher and the food was excellent!!

Fantastic cooking class! Michael met us and took us through the market, explaining how and why he choose the stalls/items that he did. It was a great insight into how the market works. Then we went to the cooking space and had a great time. Everything was explained thoroughly, and I loved how he answered all of our (often unrelated) questions. The food we made was out of this world. I have a seafood allergy, and he accommodated it with no issues which I really appreciated. I loved that the food we made was not something I would have already thought to make myself, but rather showed us real Sicilian techniques and foods and offered his perspective on techniques, etc. In the end, all four courses were delicious, we were given plenty of wine which paired perfectly, and the conversation with Michael and Imogen really made the experience. He ended up having to kick us out because no one wanted to leave! It was a real highlight of our honeymoon and would definitely recommend!

A wonderful day with an excellent teacher culminating in one of the better meals we had in Sicily...Highly recommend!!!

Beautiful experience!!! Highly recommend!

This cooking class was so much fun! Michael was very knowledgeable about different authentic Italian dishes. My mom and I enjoyed shopping in the market and eating the food at the end. The pace of the class was perfect and the food we made was amazing! We highly recommend this class!

This was a great cooking class! We started with a trip to the outdoor market to pick up fresh seasonal ingredients. The class was well organized and included both demo and hands on cooking with each dish. I really enjoyed learning more about cooking artichokes. The cooking methods were well explained and the food was delicious. We ended with a lovely luncheon together. I definitely recommend this experience!

Such a great class! We have been to many cooking classes in Italy and Spain and Michael was the most informative and accommodating Chef of all. He took his time to answer everyone’s questions along with many useful tips! From shopping @ the market to cooking the dishes. Don’t hesitate to book with him . Thank you Michael for a wonderful afternoon!

What makes the Sicilian pantry so special is that Michael only makes things that are available in the market. You are using the freshest ingredients at the right time. It was also wonderful to make four different courses. The best class I have ever taken.

Great cooking class. Started with shopping for fresh ingredients. Then went to a cozy kitchen for our class. Kept us students busy with helping making all the dishes but balanced with keeping the class moving along smoothly. Sign up for this one. Oh, yea. The food was awesome.

We had a great day with Michael. I’m an experienced amateur chef and I learned a number of things that I didn’t know before. Fun, friendly, informative and we prepared a great lunch. Highly recommend the Sicilian Pantry!

I loved this class. It was fabulous. No pizza and tiramisu insight!!! Michael was a tertific knowledgable generous host. Speaks fabulous english and italian I learnt a lot!! Interesting recipes. Genuine food of Palermo and Sicily. I highly recommend this great activity. For us the Mercato was a bit rained out, but that did not affect the day. I highly recommend this day!!

This is a fabulous authentic experience Loved it!! Michael is a terrific host. The market was mostly closed...turns out Palermo doesn't like the rain!! Cooking class was really informative. Michael speaks excellent english and italian. The meal was dishes that are local to Palermo. Thank goodness not pizza, gelato or tiramisu!!!!😆 I loved this class. I really learnt something about food culture in Palermo and Sicilian cooking I highly recommend this class!!! Valeva la penna!!!

Michael introduced me to the phrase “What grows together goes together”. I have taken many cooking classes all over Sicily. Some were good, some were great, and then there is the exceptional. That would be this one. The reservation process was seamless. I received updates in the week leading up to the class, and the experience itself was like nothing I had done before. Michael will meet you on a beautiful piazza and then lead you to one of Palermo’s best markets (Mercato del Capo). The man is on a first name basis with at least half the vendors, and they go out of their way to get him the best that they have to offer. He will tell you stories about the history of Sicilian markets and the stalls of this one and then purchases everything you will need for class. You are guaranteed the best and freshest product. Instead of the usual cramped home kitchen, this class is held in a room specifically designed for the classroom. Large, bright, and airy. He is assisted by his daughter. The class itself is a mix of history, storytelling, and the importance of choosing produce that is in season. I can get mediocre strawberries all year round, but I would rather have something exceptional and magical for three months and then dream about them drenched in cream the rest of the year. This is Michael’s philosophy. After preparing the food you move to a large dining room where you devour the food you just made with a generous amount of wine (We are in Italy, after all). Only six people in our class making it more intimate and personalized. Don’t skip this clas!!!!!

Michael lead an extremely organized market visit and cooking class - with exquisite food, fun and information. Michael is very skilled in the kitchen and was also very knowledgable about Sicilian foods and the history behind them. His studio is gorgeous, his English was impeccable- but most importantly he was warm and friendly and shared his love of cooking with our small multicultural class. I would give this class a 10/10. We loved everything about it.

Chef Michael provided a very good class, the menu was sent out to participants in advance, the instructions were clear, the knife techniques very interesting and useful; the wine was generous and delicious and topped off with a generous pour of orange liqueur. I would not hesitate to recommend this class.

Michael’s cooking class was Outstanding…. Stop looking for other Sicilian cooking classes in Palermo because this has everything you need. It started with a trip to the market which in itself was fun and informative then went to his cooking studio where we prepared four courses of the most amazing dishes we have discovered here on the island. Michael is professional, and a very clear communicator with a delightful sense of humour and extremely knowledgeable about all things regarding Sicily and food. His studio was beautiful, and we were able to enjoy all of the food we prepared with some local wines and great conversation to finish off the day. 10 stars out of 10.

MIchael's class was memorable--and delicious! As we walked through the food market, he taught us how to look for the freshest ingredients and how to think about food seasonally. Back at his cooking studio, he guided us through the preparation of four spectacular Sicilian dishes, including pasta with artichokes and pesto, swordfish polpette (meatballs), panelle (chickpea frittters), and orange granita. Then we ate! He was ready to answer any andall questions and extremely friendly, as was his daughter, Imogen, who was assisting him that day.

We were booked for a cookery class that we had to cancel due to the international pandemic. 5yrs later we made it to Palermo…Michael’s cookery class was beyond our expectations. Michael & Imogen are a great team & we thoroughly enjoyed their company. Starting the day in the market, buying ingredients for the menu, before going to their light & airy cooking school, just a short stroll away. We left with a renewed confidence & a handful of recipes to delight our family & friends with. A trip to Palermo would not be complete without a cooking experience at this cookery school! Thank you 🙂

The experience with Michael was incredible and definitely one of the highlights of our trip in Sicily! I'd highly recommend anyone that is curious and enthusiastic about cooking and local traditions. Don't worry if you're not an expert, Michael will have you covered. I learned a lot and the food was absolutely delicious.

Amazing cooking class led by a seasoned chef. Great experience from start to finish. Wandered through a local market where Michael purchased our food for the meal. Then headed to a quaint kitchen designed for the cooking classes to make the most delicious food. Hands on every step of the way with instruction from the chef in a small group setting. Learned some new tips. At the end we enjoyed the delicious meal with wine and a homemade orange liquor. Highly recommend Michael and the Sicilian Pantry cooking experience.

Excellent experience.Michael was very informative and gave us so many useful tips.Very accommodating for vegetarians.Great value for money and the food and wine was delicious.

What a brilliant day picking local cuisine at the market and then making amazing local dishes! Micheal was a great host/chef and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience! Cannot recommend it more highly!

Absolutely incredible. He introduced all of us to each other and helped us become familiar before starting the cooking was phenomenal. he explained everything as he did it and we participated heavily. The final experience was a four course dinner paired with wine and it was absolutely phenomenal. Michael was so friendly and shared stories from his life and experiences. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fantastic, small cooking class.

Had a great experience with Michael: shopping in the market for ingredients, prep , and cooking. Our group of 8 meshed well, especially guided by Michael. I appreciated his background and experience, but his positive attitude and exuberant manner make him perfectly suited to host and teach this cooking class.

What a great gastronomic experience. Michael was engaging, knowledgeable and a very talented chef. Time flew by. He was patient and helpful and really involved everyone in the cooking process. His cooking studio was warm and inviting and very well equipped. I highly recommend this whole experience.