Catania stands out as an ideal place to learn new skills thanks to its lively food scene, welcoming locals, and rich artisan traditions. Whether you’re keen to roll up your sleeves in the kitchen or craft your own ceramics, the city offers an impressive variety of workshops and classes. We’re particularly fond of the Cooking lesson in Catania with lunch or dinner, which provides a hands-on experience in authentic Sicilian cuisine and includes a meal—perfect for those who want a taste of local life alongside their cooking. The Pistachio Ravioli, Pasta Home Cooking Class w/ Wine is another favorite, especially for fans of fresh pasta and regional flavors. For a more personal touch, the Cesarine: Private Pasta Class at Local’s Home offers exclusive insight into traditional recipes in a home setting. And for those who love combining food with culture, the market tour and light lunch combines a lively market visit with a cooking lesson.
Below, you’ll find a variety of workshops that showcase Catania’s culinary and artisanal skills. Whether you want to master Sicilian pasta, make your own ceramics, or explore local markets, this list has a lot to offer interested in a practical, authentic experience.
1. Cooking lesson in Catania with lunch or dinner
This 3-hour hands-on cooking class offers a real taste of Sicilian life, with the chance to prepare island dishes in a welcoming environment. Led by a local chef, you’ll learn to cook several authentic recipes, from eggplant caponata to spaghetti with red sauce, and even canoli filling. What makes this class stand out is the small group size—between 2 and 12 people—ensuring personalized attention and lively interaction. After cooking, everyone sits down to enjoy the meal together, making it more than just a lesson but a social experience. Guests praise the food quality and the warm, friendly atmosphere, with one reviewer noting it was “a perfect introduction to Sicilian cuisine.” The cost is around $110.47 per person, which includes all ingredients and a chance to replicate these dishes at home.
Bottom line: This class is ideal for food lovers wanting a local flavor and a relaxed, engaging environment. Perfect if you’re a small group or solo traveler eager to learn Sicilian recipes firsthand.
2. Catania: Pistachio Ravioli, Pasta Home Cooking Class w/ Wine
At number 2, this 3-hour experience immerses you in the heart of Sicily’s pasta tradition. Guided by a local chef, you’ll learn to make pistachio-filled ravioli from scratch, then enjoy tasting your efforts along with local wine. What makes this class special is its focus on regional ingredients and techniques, giving you a taste of authentic Sicilian pasta-making. Guests appreciate the hands-on approach, as well as the opportunity to discover culinary traditions directly from a local. This class ranks highly for its quality of instruction and the delicious rewards at the end. It’s suited for those who want to hone their pasta skills and sample regional flavors in a friendly setting.
Bottom line: Perfect for pasta lovers seeking a deep dive into Sicilian culinary craftsmanship with a delicious payoff.
3. Cesarine: Private Pasta Class at Local’s Home in Catania
Offering an intimate, 3-hour private experience, this class puts you into the home of a certified “Cesarina,” a home cook dedicated to sharing Italy’s culinary secrets. You’ll learn to prepare three traditional pasta recipes with personalized guidance, then enjoy your creations paired with local wine. The private setting ensures plenty of attention and insider tips, making for a truly authentic experience. Reviews highlight Maurizio’s professionalism and the flavorful dishes he prepares, with one visitor calling it “the experience of a lifetime.” The price is higher at about $171.95, but this includes the chance to cook with a local in their home—an opportunity many treasure.
Bottom line: Best suited for those who want a highly personalized, cultural experience focused on authentic pasta recipes.
4. Catania: Pizza Cooking Class
If pizza is your passion, this 3-hour class is a must-do. Led by a skilled pizzaiolo, you’ll get hands-on with preparing your own pizza from scratch, including the regional specialty scacciata catanese. The instructor will guide you step-by-step through creating perfect dough and selecting toppings, all culminating in a tasting. What makes it stand out is the focus on pizza-making as a culinary art and the fun, interactive atmosphere. While the price isn’t listed, the experience is praised for its completeness and engaging instruction. This class appeals to all skill levels, especially families or groups wanting a relaxed and delicious activity.
Bottom line: Ideal for pizza fans wanting a lively, participatory experience that ends with a tasty meal.
5. Cooking Class Arancini in Catania
This 3-hour workshop dives into Sicily’s most iconic street food—the arancino—and the sweet almond paste treat. You’ll learn from a professional chef how to make these crispy, flavorful rice balls filled with meat or cheese, and the sweet version with almond paste. The class includes tasting your creations and taking home recipes to recreate at home. Guests comment on the quality of instruction and the fun of preparing two traditional symbols of Sicily. It’s perfect for those interested in street food or looking for a practical, hands-on culinary experience.
Bottom line: A tasty, engaging class for street-foodies eager to master Sicilian snacks.
6. Cooking Class with lunch or dinner
This 3-hour Sicilian cuisine lesson combines a traditional cooking class with tasting in Catania. Led by an expert chef, you’ll learn to prepare a variety of regional dishes using fresh ingredients, with an emphasis on Mediterranean flavors. The class is highly rated for its approachable style and the quality of the dishes prepared. Guests love the chance to cook and taste in one session, making it great for all skill levels. It’s also a good option for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Sicilian cooking in a friendly group setting.
Bottom line: A well-rounded choice for those who want to learn multiple dishes and enjoy a shared meal.
7. Ceramic workshop in Catania with a local expert
For something outside the kitchen, this 3-hour ceramic workshop offers a chance to craft on the wheel and decorate tiles. Led by a local artisan, you’ll learn about Sicily’s long ceramic tradition and produce your own piece. The small-group format ensures plenty of individual attention. Guests report satisfaction with the hands-on tuition and the opportunity to create a meaningful keepsake. Additional shipping can be arranged for your pottery if you want to take it home.
Bottom line: Excellent for craft lovers who want a tangible souvenir of Sicily’s artistic heritage in a relaxed, personal setting.
8. Cooking class, visit to the Catania market and light lunch
This 3-hour experience combines a lively market tour with a cooking lesson in Catania. Led by an expert chef, you’ll explore the bustling local market, learn about regional ingredients, and then prepare a meal with what you’ve bought. The class ends with a light lunch of your own making, perfect for those who enjoy the full sensory experience of shopping and cooking. Reviewers praise the authentic flavor and engaging guide, making it ideal for foodies who want a true taste of Sicilian markets.
Bottom line: Best for travelers who love to see where ingredients come from and enjoy hands-on cooking combined with market exploration.
9. Cooking Class in Taormina with Lunch Included
Spanning about six hours, this private cooking experience in Taormina combines a market visit with a full four-course Sicilian lunch. Led by a dedicated guide, you’ll pick fresh ingredients, learn authentic recipes, and enjoy your meal with spectacular views. Guests say it’s both fun and educational, with one calling it “an amazing and traditional experience.” It’s perfect for those seeking a comprehensive, immersive culinary day, with transportation included.
Bottom line: Great for those who want a complete, relaxed day of authentic Sicilian cooking and local culture, ideal for couples or small groups.
10. Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Catania
This 3-hour private class offers a unique look into Sicilian home cooking. Led by a local home cook, you’ll prepare three classic recipes, then sit down to enjoy your meal with a glass of local wine. The scale is small, allowing for personalized instruction, and the focus is on authentic, simple dishes. Reviewers mention the warm atmosphere and the opportunity to recreate the recipes back home.
Bottom line: Perfect for foodies who want a intimate, real-life experience of Sicilian cooking in a home setting.
11. Join us for a Sicilian cooking class in a professional kitchen on Etna, using fresh ingredients from our organic garden
For a more immersive, nature-connected experience, this 2-hour class on Etna combines cooking with the flavors of seasonal, garden-grown ingredients. You’ll learn about local recipes, participate in preparing dishes, and enjoy the fresh produce. The focus on zero waste and seasonality makes it stand out, especially for eco-conscious travelers. Guests highlight the interactive nature and the chance to cook with local ingredients directly from the garden.
Bottom line: Ideal for those interested in cooking with fresh, organic ingredients in a scenic, authentic setting.
12. Cesarine: Market Tour & Home Cooking Class in Catania
This 4.5-hour private experience is perfect for those wanting to combine market shopping with hands-on cooking. You’ll explore local markets and shops, then cook a three-course meal with your host, ending with a family-style dining experience paired with local wines. While reviews note the dishes could be more creative, the personalized guidance and authentic atmosphere make it a worthwhile option.
Bottom line: Suitable for travelers who enjoy market visits and a home-cooked, authentic Italian meal.
How to Choose the Right Workshop or Class
When selecting a workshop, consider your interests—are you more into cooking, crafting, or market experiences? For those who love food, options like the Cooking lesson with lunch or dinner or the Arancini workshop provide practical skills and tasty results. If your passion is for artisan crafts, the ceramic workshop offers a creative outlet. Budget-wise, the group classes generally offer great value, while private experiences like the private pasta class come at a higher price but include personalized guidance.
Timing can also influence your choice—markets and outdoor classes are best in good weather, and booking early is advised during peak tourist season. Think about your interests and schedule, and you’ll find something memorable in Catania’s diverse workshops.
In sum, Catania offers a rich selection of cooking, crafting, and culinary exploration workshops. For an immersive culinary adventure, the small-group classes like the Cooking lesson with lunch or dinner or the Pistachio Ravioli class make excellent choices. Meanwhile, craft lovers will enjoy the ceramic workshop, which offers a chance to create a souvenir. For those wanting a full culture, the market tour combined with cooking provides a lively, authentic experience.
Whatever your interests, booking these experiences early ensures you’ll enjoy a genuine, hands-on taste of Catania’s rich traditions—so don’t delay.
