Thinking about adding a culinary twist to your Sicilian adventure? This Sicilian Cooking Class at Mamma Corleone offers a close-up look at local flavors and techniques, guided by passionate family-run hosts. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just love good food, this experience promises not only tasty results but an insight into Sicily’s culinary soul.
What truly makes this class shine are its personalized menu options—you get to pick what dishes you want to learn—and the small group size, which guarantees individual attention. Plus, the fact that it’s run by a genuine Sicilian family adds a warm, authentic touch that many travelers appreciate.
However, a word of caution: this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so you’ll want to be certain about your plans. Still, if you’re eager to learn traditional Sicilian recipes in a cozy setting, this class is likely to hit the spot.
This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy hands-on activities, love food, and want to take home authentic recipes. It’s also a great choice if you prefer intimate settings rather than large, crowded tours.
- Key Points
- A Closer Look at the Experience
- What Does the Class Include?
- What the Reviews Say
- The Benefits of a Small Group
- The Value
- What to Expect During the Class
- Flexibility and Practicalities
- Who Should Book This Experience?
- Final Thoughts
- Sicilian Cooking Class : Personalize your class
- FAQ
- More Workshops & Classes in Sicily
- More Cooking Classes in Sicily
- More Tour Reviews in Sicily
- More Sicily experiences we've covered
Key Points

- Personalized menu options allow you to choose dishes like Pasta alla Norma, meatballs, or cannoli.
- Small-group size (max 6 people) ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Learn traditional Sicilian techniques from a local chef and family-run business.
- Create four dishes and desserts and enjoy a meal of your own making.
- Flexible timing with options for lunch or dinner classes.
- Authentic experience close to Palermo’s main sights, with a welcoming family vibe.
A Closer Look at the Experience

If you’re interested in cooking authentic Sicilian dishes in a warm, family-run setting, this class really delivers. Located near Palermo’s Cathedral, Mamma Corleone is a cozy space where you won’t feel like just another tourist. Instead, you’re welcomed as a guest, learning from a real Sicilian mamma, which adds a layer of authenticity that many visitors find memorable.
While in Sicily, here are other experiences we've covered
What Does the Class Include?
This roughly 3.5-hour experience involves hands-on participation in creating a selection of four dishes and desserts of your choosing. The menu options include classic dishes like Pasta alla Norma, meatballs, caponata, aubergine rolls, Biscotti regina, Cannoli, and more. The flexibility of selecting your dishes is one of the standout features—you won’t be stuck with a predetermined menu.
During the class, you’ll learn traditional techniques, such as making pasta from scratch, preparing sauces, and assembling Sicilian specialties. The local chef and guides are experienced and passionate, sharing tips that you can recreate at home.
What the Reviews Say
Multiple reviews highlight the welcoming and friendly nature of the hosts. “Mamma Corleone and Lorenzo were very welcoming and made the experience amazing,” one review states. Others love the easy-to-follow recipes: “Very easy recipes with mouthwatering results,” as one traveler put it, noting they could confidently make meatballs, cannoli, and other dishes afterward.
Guests also appreciate that the class is interactive without feeling rushed. “Every step was done easily, enough that you can really remember what you need to do,” said one happy attendee. The small group size means personal attention and more opportunities to ask questions.
The Benefits of a Small Group
With a maximum of six participants, the class feels intimate. This setup is perfect if you want more than just a demonstration—you get to participate fully. And since the group is small, the environment is relaxed, friendly, and conducive to learning.
The Value
At $275.52 per person, this class might seem a little pricey compared to larger group classes, but the personalized attention, authentic setting, and hands-on cooking justify the cost for many. Guests consistently mention that they leave with new skills, authentic recipes, and a memorable experience.
Enjoy hands-on learning? Here are other cooking experiences we've covered in Sicily
- Master the Art of Arancino: A Hands-On Cooking Class in Ortigia
- Fresh Pasta Private Cooking Class
- Ortigia market tour and traditional cooking lesson in the garden
- Sicilian Cooking Class and Market Tour in Taormina
- Half-Day Cooking Class with Lunch in Baglio Florio
- Street food and Cooking class in Syracuse
What to Expect During the Class
You’ll meet at Mamma Corleone’s cozy kitchen, located very close to Palermo’s historic center. Once there, the host family shares their passion for Sicilian food, explaining the significance of each dish and their cooking techniques. The class is designed to be informal and fun, often filled with good humor and stories about Sicilian cuisine.
After choosing your dishes, you’ll get involved in preparing ingredients, cooking, and plating. The process is straightforward but authentic, with clear instructions. Expect to get your hands dirty—kneading pasta, rolling eggplant, shaping meatballs—and the result is a delicious meal you’ll be proud of.
Flexibility and Practicalities
You can choose to take the class for lunch or dinner, which is handy depending on your schedule. The meeting point is easy to find, and the activity ends right back at the starting location, making it convenient to combine with sightseeing afterward.
The tour is non-refundable, so plan accordingly, but the reviews suggest that the experience is definitely worth the investment, especially if you value authenticity and personalization.
Who Should Book This Experience?

This class is ideal for food lovers who want to learn real Sicilian recipes from a local family. It’s great for couples, small groups of friends, or even solo travelers who enjoy cooking and want a genuine cultural experience. If you’re traveling with children, it might work if they’re old enough to participate comfortably, but most reviews focus on adult groups.
Those wanting a relaxed, intimate setting with the chance to ask questions and get personalized recipes will find this a real treat. It’s especially suitable if you’re looking to bring home authentic dishes rather than just take photos of sights.
Final Thoughts
Adding a personalized Sicilian cooking class to your Palermo itinerary is a fantastic way to connect with the local culture through its food. This experience offers hands-on learning, genuine hospitality, and tasty results—an excellent combination for foodies and curious travelers alike.
While the price might seem high at first glance, many guests agree it offers good value for the authentic, intimate experience. The small group size ensures you’re not just watching but actively participating, making the outcome even more satisfying.
If you love food, enjoy learning new techniques, and want an authentic slice of Sicilian life, this class at Mamma Corleone could be a highlight of your trip. It’s a chance to take home not just memories but real recipes and skills that will keep the flavors of Sicily alive long after your visit.
Sicilian Cooking Class : Personalize your class
“This was a great experience for me and my family. Great and easy to follow recipes. Mamma Corleone and Lorenzo was very welcoming and made the expe…”
FAQ

Is this cooking class suitable for a family?
While primarily geared towards adults and travelers interested in food, families with older children who are comfortable in the kitchen may enjoy it. The focus is on hands-on participation, so younger kids might not find it ideal unless they’re eager cooks.
Can I customize the menu?
Yes. One of the main features is that you can choose which four dishes and desserts you’d like to learn, making your experience more personal.
How long does the class last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to learn, cook, and enjoy your meal.
What’s included in the price?
You get the hands-on cooking experience, recipe handouts, and a delicious homemade meal of your own creation—lunch or dinner depending on your choice.
Is the experience accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transit, making it easy to reach in Palermo’s city center.
What happens if I need to cancel?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan accordingly.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted, which is good to know if you’re traveling with support animals.
If you’re after an authentic, intimate Sicilian cooking experience that lets you take home real recipes and stories, this class at Mamma Corleone sounds like a winner. It’s a lovely way to deepen your connection with Palermo’s culinary traditions—and, honestly, it’s a lot of fun.
More Workshops & Classes in Sicily
- Sicilian Cooking Class & Market Tour in Catania with Chef Luca
- Sicilian Cooking Class : Traditional
- Palermo Walking Tour & Traditional Cooking Class with Wine
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- Sicilian Cooking Class and Market Tour with a Local Chef
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More Cooking Classes in Sicily
- Sicilian Cooking Class & Market Tour in Catania with Chef Luca
- Sicilian Cooking Class : Traditional
- Palermo Walking Tour & Traditional Cooking Class with Wine
- Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Cefalu
- Sicilian Cooking Class and Market Tour with a Local Chef
- Catania Market Tour & Cooking in a Historic Home with Francesco
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