Ortigia market tour and traditional cooking lesson

Overview

Available languages

English

Italian

4 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

This experience is for a minimum of two people.

Teresa was born in Syracuse and grew up here with her family.Teresa will guide you through the experience from start to finish and it will be a practical course of medium difficulty.

At the Point of Sale you will discover local traditions, Teresa will explain food trivia, basic recipes and you can taste small portions of local food.

Cook & Enjoy (from 10 : 00 to 13 : 00): with the ingredients you have selected at the Point of Sale you will cook three traditional and family dishes. The food will be fresh and the recipes will be seasonal.

By booking this experience you will have a family cookbook as a gift to cook at home like a Sicilian. Two new accommodations are available to accommodate you in Ortigia. Ask for information.

Transportation available only on request (at Reservation)

Book in advance, communicate any allergies / intolerances .If your family consists of more than eight people ask for availability, I offer you a discount.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

A gluten-free menu is not available

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Teresa invites you to immerse yourself in an authentic Sicilian gastronomic and cultural experience! Instagram :_zimmittiteresa_italy_ The experience takes place in two parts. Meeting point: You will meet your Guide at 8:45 am at the Ortigia Point of Sale (Burgio Salumeria), located near the port. Tour of the Ortigia Point of Sale (8 : 45 - 9 : 45) Enjoy a delicious walk through the lively Point of Sale, Food Shopping, discovering local flavors, basic Mediterranean recipes, tasting Sicilian specialties and learning about fresh and preserved food. A 15-minute drive away is the Villa in the Arenella bathing area where the lesson will take place starting around 10.00. Transport is available extra. At Teresa's Villa you will be guided to prepare traditional recipes using some of the fresh ingredients selected at the Point of Sale. Local wine, water and coffee are included. This is a convivial experience and is perfect for couples, families or small groups. If you need comfortable Accommodation, ask for information.Classes also take place in a new apartment near Ortigia. Ask for information, if you are interested.

Sample Menu

main

Pasta or arancine with ragù , or sicilian impanata with vegetables and cheese

The fresh or dry pasta with meat, vegetables or fish sauce. You can specify your preferences, I can also satisfy you with a vegetarian menu.

starter

caponata, parmigiana,bruschetta,meat or fish dish ,vegetable sweet and sour

The appetizer will be typical Sicilian traditional.Vegetables, fish and local and fresh meats

dessert

Traditional Sicilian dessert ,usually dessert with fresh ricotta

We will make a dessert with local product : ricotta, almonds or pistachio, tiramisu, rolle’, almonds cake, pistachio cake, cannoli.

main

Vegetarian menu

On request, the menu can be all vegetarian.

What‘s Included

Wine, mineral water and coffee

Point of Sale: Tasting of local products

Reservation of only one participant may be cancelled for organisational reasons

Ortigia Point of Sale Guided Tour

During the lesson you will be involved in every step of the process.

Flours contain gluten

Options

Ortigia market tour

Duration: 5 hours
No private: If you want a private lesson you can request it (minimum two people)

Reviews

5.00

33 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Ortigia Market Tour and Sicilian Cooking Class
79marlas,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!
Great market tour and cooking class!
averells2026,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
Wonderful experience!
Amanda P,,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
A wonderful and delicious afternoon
652jeanas,,Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!
Interesting and fun
Nina Almthén L,,Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
Amazing Experience and Delicious Food!
stephenhL8809HH,,Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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
Wonderful cooking experience
T1447EYtomr,,Sep 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!
Market tour and cooking class
Quest27585626679,,Aug 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was an excellent tour of the market and the food we made was amazing. Highly recommend both the tour and the cooking class.
Cooking with Teresa was amazing!
bonniesL4498EK,,Aug 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!!
Fantastic culinary experience
Robert and Nola R,,Jul 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.