Cefalu: Sicilian Cooking Class with Sunset & Local Wine

5.00

(203 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I nearly dropped the flour everywhere trying to crack an egg one-handed—Francesca just grinned and handed me a towel. We were in her garden villa outside Cefalu, sunlight flickering through olive leaves, with the smell of basil already making my stomach rumble. It wasn’t fancy or intimidating, just a bunch of us around a big table kneading dough and swapping stories (and yes, I got flour on my shirt). The main keyword here is Sicilian cooking class near Cefalu, but honestly it felt more like being at someone’s family Sunday lunch.

Francesca showed us how to roll cavatelli—her hands moved so fast I had to laugh at my lumpy attempts. She poured us local wine (“only a little,” she winked), and when we started on aubergine caponata, the scent was so sharp and sweet I wanted to eat it straight from the pan. Someone tried to say “cappellacci” with a British accent; Francesca nearly spit out her water laughing. The whole thing lasted about four hours but time didn’t feel real—especially when we finally sat outside with our plates as the sky went gold over the hills. I still think about that view sometimes.

We finished with almond treats (I ate two before anyone noticed) and Francesca snapped a photo for us to take home—a little piece of Sicily in my phone now. There were vegetarian and vegan options too, which made everyone feel welcome. So yeah, if you’re looking for a day trip cooking class near Cefalu that’s got warmth, music drifting from the kitchen, and food you’ll actually want to make again…this is it. Still not sure how she makes pasta look so easy though.