Cooking Class in Taormina With Chef Massimo
Cooking Class in Taormina With Chef Massimo
Cooking Class in Taormina With Chef Massimo
5
9:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 9:00 PM
About
Join Chef Massimo in Taormina as he leads you through a guided market tour in our Shop With The Chef Tour showcasing Sicily's colorful foods. After the market tour, everyone returns to the kitchen for your hands-on cooking class. Visit the fruit & vegetable vendor to find out what's in season and the fishmonger to choose the best fresh catch of the day in Taormina's historic fish market.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Cooking Class in Taormina With Chef Massimo and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
476 within 3 miles
Attractions
123 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- Ray CChicago, Illinois62 contributionsTruly delicious learning experience!!!!I will only tell you what you have read already and its true! Chef is not only an amazing Chef, he is an exrodianry teacher. Let me emphasize teacher because he helps you understand what you are doing and why, then he makes it fun. I’ve been to many classes before and this one really stands out. You will walk away knowing you can cook this and excited about it. Then we can add the fact that his home sits on a hill overlooking the ocean and its just magical. Really recommend doing this with friends or any way you can get in to spend time with him.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 October 2023
- ColintonTravellerEdinburgh, United Kingdom105 contributionsHighlight of our holidayThe cooking experience with Chef Massimo was, without a doubt, the highlight of our week’s holiday in Sicily. From helping us choose the freshest food from the market, to guiding us through the food preparation, Massimo was so enthusiastic, helpful and engaging, that it was a delight to take part. The best bit was, of course, the opportunity to sit down and eat the wonderful food which he had helped us prepare. I can’t recommend the experience highly enough.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 14 October 2023
- SP2018travelerSeattle, Washington28 contributionsTerrific Experience with Chef MassimoWe had a wonderful experience with Chef Massimo. I learned so much about selecting fruits and vegetables and fish that I had never known after years and years of cooking. And the techniques we learned for making sauces and pastas and dishes was amazing. It was a lot of fun and he has a very vibrant personality. Highly recommend it for a cooking class. It was a wonderful way to spend the day in Taormino.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 October 2023
- Helaine KatzNew York City, New York17 contributionsFabulous experienceI was fortunate enough to spend 4 days with Chef Massimo as part of my Road Scholar tour. He is fabulous! We not only learned how to cook his wonderful recipes but, also, how to shop for the freshest food in the market. We had seasoned chefs and novices in our group and he made everyone feel welcome. We all participated in every part of preparation. And after we cooked, we sat out on his veranda overlooking the water to eat the amazing food. Massimo is a terrific chef, a very good teacher, and a lovely man. I highly recommend him.Visited September 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 23 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
546 reviews
Excellent
543
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
ColintonTraveller
Edinburgh, UK105 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
The cooking experience with Chef Massimo was, without a doubt, the highlight of our week’s holiday in Sicily. From helping us choose the freshest food from the market, to guiding us through the food preparation, Massimo was so enthusiastic, helpful and engaging, that it was a delight to take part. The best bit was, of course, the opportunity to sit down and eat the wonderful food which he had helped us prepare. I can’t recommend the experience highly enough.
Written 14 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SP2018traveler
Seattle, WA28 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We had a wonderful experience with Chef Massimo. I learned so much about selecting fruits and vegetables and fish that I had never known after years and years of cooking. And the techniques we learned for making sauces and pastas and dishes was amazing. It was a lot of fun and he has a very vibrant personality. Highly recommend it for a cooking class. It was a wonderful way to spend the day in Taormino.
Written 14 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pammie667
New York City, NY62 contributions
Aug 2019
We have just returned from a cooking class with Chef Massimo and what an afternoon! You meet the Chef by a gate in town and then travel to the market to select your ingredients for the meal. You then travel to a local kitchen (that overlooks the water) and you have a hands on food preparation class! We made pasta, caponata. meatballs in lemon leaves and many other dishes! Massimo is a fabulous chef and teacher. A wonderful afternoon!!! I would highly recommend taking this class.
Written 26 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ecwaugh
Edwards, CO169 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
My husband and I found this class online and booked with Chef Massimo. Everything was exactly what we hoped for. We started with an informative trip to the local market where Chef picked out the seafood and meat and vegetables for our class. He answered all of our questions and explained why he picked certain types of vegetables, how to tell if fish is really fresh, and many other helpful tips. My husband and I both found it fascinating and Chef Massimo's English is very good so it made it easy to follow along. He is very animated and obviously loves what he does, so it made our whole group more enthusiastic as the day went on.
We then walked to the setting for our class, which was a lovely open space in a dining room of a restaurant. I walked by many other cooking classes during our 10 days in Italy, and usually everyone was crowded in a hot kitchen, but we were in a lovely open space where he set up 4 electric burners and plenty of table space. We made homemade pasta, multiple antipasti, meatballs baked in lemon leaves, calamari, and 3 different kinds of fish.
Afterwards, we all sat down to enjoy our meal, along with plenty of wine. Everything was SO delicious. He made the whole experience so fun, and we would recommend this to anyone who likes to cook and loves to eat great, fresh food. Thank you Chef Massimo!
We then walked to the setting for our class, which was a lovely open space in a dining room of a restaurant. I walked by many other cooking classes during our 10 days in Italy, and usually everyone was crowded in a hot kitchen, but we were in a lovely open space where he set up 4 electric burners and plenty of table space. We made homemade pasta, multiple antipasti, meatballs baked in lemon leaves, calamari, and 3 different kinds of fish.
Afterwards, we all sat down to enjoy our meal, along with plenty of wine. Everything was SO delicious. He made the whole experience so fun, and we would recommend this to anyone who likes to cook and loves to eat great, fresh food. Thank you Chef Massimo!
Written 15 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheila T
New Orleans, LA4 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
What could be better than learning how to cook Sicilian food ... and then eating it?? As part of our Sicily vacation, my husband and I took a 1/2 day cooking class with Chef Massimo Tomarchio in Taormina, Sicily. Our day began with a trip to the local market that included selection of the ingredients for our meal - sea bass, squid, veal, and lots of fresh vegetables. The market tour was both fun and informative. We then walked with the chef to the kitchen in which we would prepare our lunch. From that point on, we went to work making homemade pasta, caponata, veal rolls, breaded squid, and sea bass in red sauce. It was definitely a learning experience. The chef let us do the work - but provided lots of instruction along the way. When our work was done, the chef then served us one of the best meals that we ate in Sicily - including wines from the region. Although we did not know what to expect when we signed up for this class, it turned out to be one of the highlights of our vacation. Definitely would recommend this type of cooking class for anyone who has the opportunity
Written 29 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Storyteller705969
3 contributions
May 2019 • Family
Chef Massimo’s 9.00a - 2:30p cooking class was packed with hands-on lessons about what veggies, fish and meat to purchase and why. Chef’s passion for cooking rubbed off on all of us amateurs! We had a fabulous time cleaning and cooking the sea bass, mussels, calamari, meatballs, veggies and making the homemade pasta. The group accompanied Chef on a trip to the local market where he instructed us how to chose the seasonal produce for our menu. Additionally, when at the market, my husband saw zucchini flowers and excitedly commented how his Sicilian dad and granddad used to make them when he was a child. Chef instantaneously decided to add them to our menu! When I originally made the reservation for our class, I had mentioned to Chef that the day of our class would be my husband’s birthday. The stuffed zucchini flowers were an incredible treat!
The homemade fresh egg pasta was delicious! The sautéed veggies, fish prepared Taormina-style and secret recipe lemon leaf meatballs were out of this world! After the prep and cooking, the group sat down together at a beautiful linen dressed table with lovely plates and stemware overlooking the Ionian Sea. The amazing meal also included local delicious wines. What I didn’t know was that Chef had also stopped and bought scrumptious, fresh cannolis as a surprise for my husband’s birthday! It was a perfect, amazing event and celebration that my husband will always remember! So much fun! My 2 adult, half Sicilian sons in their 20s also participated and loved every minute! Add a day with Chef Massimo to your itinerary in Sicily!! You will be so glad that you did!!
The homemade fresh egg pasta was delicious! The sautéed veggies, fish prepared Taormina-style and secret recipe lemon leaf meatballs were out of this world! After the prep and cooking, the group sat down together at a beautiful linen dressed table with lovely plates and stemware overlooking the Ionian Sea. The amazing meal also included local delicious wines. What I didn’t know was that Chef had also stopped and bought scrumptious, fresh cannolis as a surprise for my husband’s birthday! It was a perfect, amazing event and celebration that my husband will always remember! So much fun! My 2 adult, half Sicilian sons in their 20s also participated and loved every minute! Add a day with Chef Massimo to your itinerary in Sicily!! You will be so glad that you did!!
Written 16 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dori2010
ocon129725 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
Massimo's class was more than how to prepare and cook the amazing produce, fish and meat of Sicily that was chosen at Mercato Centrale. It was also a lesson on how to choose the best local fish, and vegetables. After shopping we arrived at the upper floor of his restaurant and everything was "a posto". Macaroni made by hand, Caponata, Norma sauce, Cauliflower "affogato", baked calamari with bread crumbs, sauted then baked Branzino, This was one highlight of my trip. Massimo revealed to the goup the fantastic foods and cooking style of Sicily.My heritage is from Northern Italy so it was a delight to learn the cooking style of Sicily that is influenced by layers of different ethnic groups- Saracen, French, Spanish, and Sicilian.
Written 31 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa I
Long Island City, NY1 contribution
Aug 2016 • Family
Cooking with Chef Massimo was the highlight of our trip to Taormina! Our group of 8 ranged in age from 12 to 74. Chef Massimo managed to engage the entire group in an amazing cooking experience. His passion and energy are contagious. We were like family by the end of the class. After shopping for local ingredients, we had a hands on cooking lesson and later sat to enjoy our delicious fruits of our labor. Chef Massimo provided us with all the recipes and upon returning to the states I wowed my friends with a homemade Sicilian dinner! I highly recommend this class!!!
Written 21 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Piotr W
Hamburg, Germany64 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
This was an amazing experience! Massimo has taken us first to the local market and explained more than everything about local fruits, veggies, fish and meat. How to pick those that are of good quality and will be tasty. Then we were together preparing amazing meals in a restaurant. A few dishes including Pasta Rustica, amazing Calamari, fish dish and finally Sicilian Caponata! Everythin was delicious and we have learnt many culinary tricks. Make sure to tell Massimo what you would like to cook as these classes can be tailor made! Just perfect!
Written 21 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julian W
Manchester, UK19 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
We started in Taormina market and Massimo explained the best way to buy your vegetables and what to look for and importantly what to avoid when doing so, some hints and tips which we can bring home. We were then back to the restaurant to eat what we cooked and bought. Massimo is a very nice guy and very easy going and obviously enjoys what he is doing, makes it fun for everyone and as we were only 4 in the group he was able to spend more time going through things.
We ate caponata, fried vegetables (in more oil than you would ever imagine :O)) and then breaded fish and created a tomato sauce. Sitting down to eat your own fresh pasta after slaving (well sort of) over the stove was great. Accompanied by some very nice local wine in a nice setting it was one of the most satisfying meals we had in our week.
This was a great way to spend the morning and afternoon...my only suggestion - dont have breakfast as you will have such a great lunch...Thanks Massimo!!
We ate caponata, fried vegetables (in more oil than you would ever imagine :O)) and then breaded fish and created a tomato sauce. Sitting down to eat your own fresh pasta after slaving (well sort of) over the stove was great. Accompanied by some very nice local wine in a nice setting it was one of the most satisfying meals we had in our week.
This was a great way to spend the morning and afternoon...my only suggestion - dont have breakfast as you will have such a great lunch...Thanks Massimo!!
Written 22 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Massimo, hope you’re well. I wanted to find out the timing and duration of the cooking experience please. Thank you :)
Written 20 June 2022
Hey Chef Massimo! Zack and I attended a cooking night with you a few months ago. We were told you’d email us the recipes. I never received one, so I was just checking in to see if we still will?
Written 1 August 2020
hy Emily
please send your e-mail to my email..
i will send them asap ..
thanks
Chef Massimo
Written 3 August 2020
Chef Massimo,
Our group of 6 was scheduled to attend your cooking class on September 11, 2020. Unfortunately due to COVID-19 our Rick Steves tour to Sicily has been cancelled.
Per my emails on May 29th and June 5th, we are requesting a refund of our $560.28 USD fee paid. Also, this request was posted on your website on June 5th. Please respond and provide me feedback regarding the fee refund for Order Code : PTB-NPSNBF.
Regards,
Teressa
Written 8 June 2020
hello Teressa
I did your refund ..
I send an e-mail to you and I hope to see you again in the future :)
thanks
and stay safe..
Chef Massimo
Written 9 June 2020
Hi, does this include wine? My husband and I enjoy cooking and enjoying it with wine
Written 30 December 2019
Hello
Yes the class including wine too..
Chef Massimo
Written 30 December 2019
Hello
Do you have any class available early January (2nd,3rd or 4th)? We would be at least three but maybe more.
Denis
Written 9 December 2019
Hello! I have 3 kids ages 13, 15 and 17. They would love to learn from a professional! We will be in Taormina for 2 weeks, arriving on Dec 18th. Are you available?
Written 27 November 2019
Hi, and thanks to text me! :)
yes day 18th December its still available ..
happy to help you..
Chef Massimo
Written 2 December 2019
Hello -
Is there availability for two on Tuesday, October 8? The TripAdvisor site describes the experience as 9-2:00, but the booking shows 4:00 as the start time?
Thanks
Written 7 October 2019
Hello
Yes tomorrow it’s available only from4 to 8
Because the morning it’s sold out
Chef Massimo
Written 7 October 2019
Hi,
I would like to cook with my family on Friday Sept 27th. I am the only one who has an allergy to gluten. Can i make gluten free pasta and deserts with the group.
Written 28 August 2019
hello , yes September 27th its still available..
how many you are? no problem fro the gluten free, yes you will make your dough..
happy to help you
wait your message
Chef Massimo
Written 28 August 2019
Hi Massimo, is this class suitable for 4 adults who don't eat seafood? Are there other dishes we can create? Thanks, Mikaela
Written 17 July 2019
hello Mikaela
sure! im normally decide at the market what we will prepare.. depend from the fresh season..
hope to see you in my class!!
thanks
Chef Massimo
Written 23 July 2019
Hi Massimo, We are 6 friends, all who like to cook. We would love to take the class. We can do either October 13 or 14. Availability?
Thanks,
Howie
Written 12 June 2019
hello Howie
many thanks to contact me..
yes day 14th October its still available ..
happy to help you wait your message
you can send to me an e-mail
Chef Massimo
Written 12 June 2019
Showing results 1-10 of 29
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing