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 throughout the experience from beginning to end and will be a practical course of medium difficulty.

At the market you will discover the local traditions,Teresa will explain curiosities about food, basic recipes and you can taste small portions of local food.

Cook & Enjoy (from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) : With the ingredients we have selected at the market we will cook three traditional family dishes.The food will be fresh and the recipes will be seasonal.

By booking this experience you will have a family recipe book as a gift to cook like a Sicilian . Two new apartments are available to host you in Ortigia.Ask for info.

Transport available only on request (when you book)

Book in advance, communicate any allergies/intolerances, and choose a day with time available.

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!Follow me on Instagram :_zimmittiteresa_italy_ The experience takes place in two parts. Transportation during the experience has a cost of €20 cash per person ..Meeting point : We will meet at 8 : 45 at the Ortigia market (Burgio Salumeria), located near the port . Ortigia market tour (8 : 45 - 9 : 45) Enjoy a delightful walk through the lively market,Shopping food,discovering local flavors, basic recipes,tasting Sicilian specialties and learning about fresh and preserved food .15 minutes by car there is my Villa in the seaside area where the lesson will take place .In the second part of the experience we will prepare a traditional lunch using some of the fresh ingredients selected at the market.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 I can provide it to you.From December the lessons will also take place in my winter’s apartment near Ortigia. Ask for information, if you are interested. From December 20 to January 6, transport is included in the price.

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

Hands-On Cooking: You'll be involved in every step of the process.

If you want to prepare fresh pasta or birthday cake, ask for it when you book

For organizational reasons, the reservation with only one participant can be canceled.

Book a private experience for your family ask for information

Cook three family-style recipes

The price of taxi transport is about €20 per person but it is variable.

Teresa doesn't cook a gluten-free meal

Options

Last minute

Duration: 3 hours
No private

Reviews

5.00

31 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

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.
A great experience with a super-friendly host.
UKDavidB70,,Jul 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
A unique and incredible experience!
964teresay,,Jul 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!!