Palermo , Italy

Sicilian Cooking Class

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(278 reviews)

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

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About this experience

The Sicilian Pantry is a family run cookery school located in the heart of the Historical centre of Palermo. We offer daily market tours & cookery lessons of traditional Sicilian dishes.

We meet in the morning at one of Palermo’s oldest markets, shop around for any items we will need for the lesson and then stroll to the air-conditioned school kitchen where we prepare a 4 course Sicilian meal, learning the techniques & tricks needed to recreate it when you return home. After the lesson we can sit down together to enjoy our efforts along with a selection of Sicilian wines rounded off with some homemade liqueurs & coffee

We believe that the true expression of Sicilian cuisine comes from the quality of its fresh seasonal produce so we strive to always ensure that we have the best of what Sicily has to offer in order to share this with our guests

This is an entertaining and informative day out, recommended for cooks of all levels

We meet at 10:00 & lessons typically end around 14:30

Available options

Sicilian cookery lesson

What's included

Market Tour

Lunch

Cookery Lesson

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

68 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

210 reviews

5★

207

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for people with severe food allergies, please get in touch to let us know of any dietary requirements.

Meeting point

On the lesson day meet at 10:00am on Piazza Vittorio Emanuele Orlando

The Piazza is in front of the Tribunale di Palermo - the courthouse

At one end you will find a Unicredit bank, I will meet you in front of the bank

You the gps position into a web browser

GPS Position: 38.119715, 13.352518

About Palermo

Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, is a city of rich history, stunning architecture, and a unique cultural blend. Known for its Norman-Arab-Byzantine influences, Palermo offers a mix of grand palaces, bustling markets, and delicious street food that will captivate any traveler.

Top Attractions

Palermo Cathedral

A stunning example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, Palermo Cathedral is a must-visit for its historical significance and beautiful interior.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours €7 for the cathedral and cloister

Palermo Cathedral

This grand palace was the seat of the Norman kings of Sicily. It houses the Palatine Chapel, known for its stunning mosaics and Arabic-Norman architecture.

Historical/Architectural 1.5-2 hours €12 for the palace and chapel

Ballarò Market

One of Palermo's most famous street markets, Ballarò offers a vibrant atmosphere with fresh produce, street food, and local crafts.

Cultural/Shopping 1-2 hours Free to explore

Monreale Cathedral

Located just outside Palermo, Monreale Cathedral is famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Historical/Religious 2-3 hours including travel €6 for the cathedral and cloister

Teatro Massimo

The largest opera house in Italy and one of the most famous in the world, Teatro Massimo is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture.

Architectural/Entertainment 1 hour for a tour €7 for a guided tour

Must-Try Local Dishes

Arancini

Fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, mozzarella, and peas.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Panelle

Chickpea fritters, a popular street food in Palermo.

Snack Vegan

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta with tomato sauce, fried eggplant, ricotta salata, and basil.

Main Course Vegetarian

Cannoli

Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Swimming and snorkeling at Mondello Beach Beach lounging at Mondello Beach Enjoying a leisurely meal at a seaside restaurant Visiting museums and historical sites Attending local festivals and events Boat tours to the nearby islands Swimming and water sports at the beach

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. It's ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: Sicilian, English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time), GMT+2 during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Palermo is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you

Getting there

By air

Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport • 32 km from city center

By train

Palermo Centrale

By bus

Palermo Centrale Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is the primary mode of public transport in Palermo. It's affordable but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: FreeNow, ItTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kalsa Vigàta Mondello

Day trips

Monreale

7 km • Half day

Monreale is famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and the Benedictine Abbey.

Cefalù

70 km • Full day

A charming coastal town known for its beautiful beach and medieval cathedral.

Erice

120 km • Full day

A medieval hilltop town with stunning views and well-preserved architecture.

Festivals

Festa di Santa Rosalia • July 10-15 Sagra del Mandarino • January to February Palermo Pride • June

Pro tips

Visit the markets early in the morning for the best selection and freshest produce
Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Take a food tour to discover the best street food and local specialties
Explore the city on foot to discover hidden gems and charming streets
Visit the cathedral and other religious sites early in the morning to avoid crowds