Sicilian cooking class experience
From 2010-2023
includes
starting times
lunch 11.30 am or dinner class can start anytime from 17 onwards
This experience lasts 4 hours but this depends on you – it can last as long as you like. We want you to enjoy the moment.
2 hours in the kitchen with half time break with an aperitif and food tasting
Then 4 course meal is served on your private terrace over sea views
Our selection of Sicilian wines and homemade liqueurs, coffee or tea is served at end of the meal.
Recipes and procedures of each dish.
Private Classes are available
Each experience is tailored and we want to know more what you want , contact for availability and price.
Contact details email: villabritannia@gmail.com Via phone: +39 3386319657
Villa Britannia is a Sicilian Villa, with its own private garden and space, located in Taormina centre. Our aim is to express our love for Sicily and that you enjoy your experience in your Sicilian home for the day.
Once arrived, you make yourselves comfortable in the Villa, Louisa the owner will show you around and introduce to you the Villa’s chef, kitchen and menu of the day. This is a hands-on class, but this is also a home so whoever prefers to watch and enjoy the scenery that’s also part of it.
READ OUR REVIEWS FROM 2012- 2022
Authentic experience (from a repeat Customer ) October 2021
being in Louisa’s home is already a treat! Everywhere you look is warmth, beauty, and authenticity. She makes you feel at home in every way. We experienced making macaroni, augratin bream, calamarie, and the lovely caponata so popular in Italy with world-class chef Elvira. The steps are easy enough for anyone who has never cooked! And you will get lots of encouragement along the way for your efforts. “Perfecto!” We took a rest on the terrace and enjoyed a charcuterie board and sparkling wine. Then enjoyed the food we had prepared which was quite good I must say! We couldn’t bear to leave!
I will ALWAYS go back to Villa Brittania and my vacation would not be complete without it. Next time we will spend the night in one of the rooms at VB and stay in Taormina a little longer.
Amazing Experience October 2021
Fresh ingredients with delicious recipes. The lunch alone was worth it. Watching how the meal was prepared was the added bonus. Thanks, Louisa. The location and decor is charming, welcoming, and immaculate. A very homey, comfortable, friendly, relaxing day at Villa Britannia. I was there with part of a five person tour of the Flavors of Sicily, for a cooking class 11-3. I’m ready to move in, a great place to spend time!
Fantastic November 2021
Louisa’s class was phenomenal! She tailored our menu to the types of food we were interested in learning how to make, all while incorporating extra fun for our two kids, ages 7 and 8. We had a blast learning about and cooking Sicilian specialities in Louisa’s kitchen. It was by far and away our most memorable experience in Sicily. Thank you so much!!
A Culinary Affair October 2021
Have you ever seen the film, An Affair to Remember – where Cary Grant spends an afternoon at his grandmother’s lovely home tucked high above the Mediterranean, in the midst of a lush garden? This is exactly the effect an afternoon at Villa Brittania will have on you. You immediately feel at home – as if you are visiting a dear friend or relative and having the opportunity to help prepare the day’s main meal in a charming kitchen surrounded by bowls of fresh lemons and ripe tomatoes and the scent of basil and olive oil. The minute your host, Louisa, greets you, you are at home. As Elvira deftly demonstrates each technique, from gutting a fish to rolling the pasta, Louisa explains the process in beautiful English and helps you achieve culinary results you might never have thought possible. Half-way through the cooking class you are treated to light hors d’oeuvres & prosecco, with the finale being a 4 or 5 course meal served with generous amounts of wine on a shady terrace overlooking the sea below. I can guarantee that your time at Villa Brittania will be the highlight of your trip to Sicily.
Great Cooking class October 2021
Great fun, delicious food, easy-to-follow directions, lovely home. After cooking class, we ate a fabulous lunch made in the class.
Wonderful evening, perfect balance of cooking and relaxing August 2020
We had an absolutely magical evening with Louisa and her team at Villa Britannia. It was in Mid August 2020 so Covid-19 protections were in full effect – we were the only family taking part in the class, masks were worn for the indoor components, but not required on the beautiful terrace. It was a relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of relaxing between cooking components – just the right balance. The Villa Britannia is a very special place and Louisa and her team effortlessly put you at your ease, make you feel welcome and at home. Hope we see you again soon if we visit the gorgeous Taormina again some day.
“Unforgettable cooking workshop Sicilian style “2020
What a wonderful sicilian culinary workshop we had at Louisa’s villa in Taormina! In the spacious kitchen we were taught how to make our own macarini and tomato sauce, veal involtini and eggplants…then we had dinner with the food we prepared , the villa is breathtaking, and Louisa and her staff are so generous and kind, I will no doubt return to villabritannia for more sicilian hospitality.
“Authentic Sicilian Cooking in a beautiful Villa “2020
We did a private cooking class for our family group of 7 and can’t thank Louisa, Marco and team enough for a fabulous evening. A delicious menu of arancini, pasta, involtini etc…. enough “hands on” to inspire our future cooking and to keep our younger participants engaged but also plenty of time to enjoy the view and beautiful surroundings of the villa with a steady stream of drinks. Delicious wines alongside the delicious food. Thank you for a fabulous experience. Good luck with the future.
“fantastic ” 2020
We booked our cooking class for 6 last minute ! Louisa was so accommodating and we thoroughly enjoyed our evening. The Villa is just amazing, and the food we cooked was delicious. We had a couple of people in the group who weren’t huge cooks and still loved the experience.
“amazing experience ” 2019
Cooking is my hobby and, as such, I’ve had opportunity to participate in many chef-taught cooking classes. Without a doubt my tutorial at Villa Britannia is one of the most memorable, enjoyable, and educational classes I’ve had the pleasure to experience. First, what a beautiful venue! Villa Britannia is a hidden gem, one where my wife and I plan to stay sometime in the future. That said, our class was professionally taught using the finest local ingredients and Sicilian style techniques. Louisa, with her father-in law serving as chef-in-residence, helped our small group (5) prepare dishes that were true to Sicilian traditions. After which we enjoyed our delicious several course luncheon with fine local wines and conversations. I cannot recommend more highly, so if you have the opportunity do take time to add this experience to your holiday plans!
“a memorable family experience 2019 “
Louisa and her family (and crew) are fantastic hosts and chefs who will entertain you, educate you, feed you, and keep your wine glasses full! Our family of 8 (including two children) spent four lovely hours on the terrace and in the kitchen. I made pasta for the first time. Learned about cooking eggplant and prepping for caponata and other dishes. And we left very full. Come prepared to eat! We had a lovely day and enjoyed every minute at the table on the terrace, watching the sea and the nearby hillsides, while consuming a lovely multi-course meal and sampling oils and wines.
“a highlight of a week in sicily 2019 “
I echo everyone else’s reviews below mine! My family stayed in Taormina for a week and this was the highlight of the trip. Louisa and her father in law were amazing chef’s. It’s a family run cooking class and the ambiance, culture and day was truly magical.
If you’re looking for a day well spent with amazing views and one of the best meals you will eat in Italy be sure to book by Villa Brittania.
Thanks again Louisa and family!
Steve
“a highlight of our stay in Sicily 2019 “
Our group was focused on the food and culture of Sicily. Our cooking class at Villa Britannia was a highlight of our ten day stay. Louisa and Marco are generous hosts and superb teachers— even our members who had rarely cooked before excelled at making pasta, involtini, and a superb orange and fennel salad. We enjoyed the fruits of our efforts on their glorious terrace overlooking Taormina and the Mediterranean.
“a highlight in Taormina 2019 “
This Sicilian cooking class was really a highlight of our week in Sicily. Louisa and Marco are wonderful hosts and Louisa is a talented chef with a passion for fresh simple local food, while Marco shares his interest in wine with the guests. Just the right amount of chopping and instruction, some conducted in their delightful garden and then seated at a table on their beautiful terrace for a dinner party to enjoy the fruits of our labour.[space height=”40px”]
“fantastic learning experience 2019 “
The Cooking class with Louisa was one of the best highlights of our recent trip to Italy. It was wonderful getting to know the culture of Sicilian food and preparation. This was a great experience and one I highly recommend.
“Villa Cooking class… amazing 2019 “
This was definitely one of the best experiences of our trip to Taormina, and far exceeded our expectations. My friends and I were lucky to get a spot last minute. We were 8 in total and had a delightful time cooking and eating together. Louisa was so warm and inviting as well as informative. We had a complete four course meal, including home made pasta, which we all helped to prepare. In addition, they served us cheese and several local wines. The lush setting, instruction and meal made for a very special afternoon!
“FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE 2019 “
We booked this last minute because of bad weather but were so happy we did! Luisa & her family were so welcoming & friendly. Their beautiful villa was the perfect setting for this class. We began in the kitchen chopping beautiful fresh vegetables and then went to their garden to make pasta from scratch. Next was a cheese tasting accompanied by a wonderful spumonti sparkling wine. We also prepared rolled-up swordfish.
We then sat on their pretty terrace and were served the food we had prepared. Everything was so delicious & accompanied with both white & red wine.
When we were finishing our lunch, Luisa’s charming father sat with us and told stories about his family. It was very sweet & an enjoyable experience.
I would highly recommend this cooking experience! Thanks Luisa & family! We’re looking forward to getting the recipes & recreating them at home!
“amazing experience! A must for every foodie visiting sicily ” 2019
It started as a very rainy day in Taormina, but the bad weather was easily forgotten after the amazing cooking class. Louisa and her family make you feel very welcome in their home! We learned how to make (and taste) the most delicious Sicilian dishes with some very simple ingredients and techniques. There was also (plenty) of matching wine and tasting (cheese) in between. We were there with a British couple and 2 US couples, but the food really brings everyone from a different background and age together. We had the most lovely time at Villa Brittania and went home with some great recipes that we will definitely try at home!
“cooking class in lovely villa ” 2019
I cannot say enough about the wonderful experience my two friends and I experienced this week with Louisa,owner of a beautiful B and B and cooking class extraordinaire,in Taormina,Sicily. The villa location is amazing and the care taken to make this authentic experience unforgettable,was fantastic….over and above anything we could have imagined! We were wined and dined and cheesed in addition to the 4 course meal that we prepared….I never imagined I could actually make my own pasta! ( with the help and guidance of Louisa and her father in law). We were a group of 8 and it was really fun to meet up with others from other walks of life who also enjoy food and cooking. BY the way, one of my friends ,who does NOT enjoy cooking, loved the experience and was a wonderful lemon zester!!! Lots of laughs and great conversation….I would certainly come back again to cook with Louisa, if I am ever lucky enough to be in Bella Taormina.( Louisa kindly sent the recipes so we didn’t need to take notes and I am looking forward to trying them at home!) This was definitely a trip highlight!
“amazing cooking class ” 2019
We cannot speak more highly of Louisa and her staff. We loved her home and the intimacy of the class. Everything was organized and we learned so much. An incredible experience for our Sicilian holiday.
” best Sicilian cooking class ” 2019
We visited Villa Britannia for a wine tasting which we booked via their website. The villa is just outside of the main tourist area so it was nice to get away from the busy town centre. We were met by Marco on arrival who led us to a table he had prepared for us on their gorgeous terrace. The tasting was very relaxed which we liked as it gave us time between each wine to have a chat and enjoy the food and surroundings. We were very fortunate that on the night we visited a cooking course had just finished so we were given tasters of all the different courses they had prepared earlier that evening. The food was absolutely incredible and was among the best we tasted during our trip. It was all really fresh and cooked using quality ingredients. The Caponata was our favourite dish and Louisa very kindly shared the recipe with us so we could cook this at home.
Louisa and Marco were very informative when introducing each of the courses and wines we tried. The wines we tasted were fantastic and there was plenty of it! Marco was happy to top up our glasses and we had a really good chat with him throughout the night.
Overall we had an unbelievable time visiting Villa Britannia, everything from the food, wine to location was spot on and It was really nice that Marco and Louisa took the time to chat with us throughout the evening, their warmness made for a really special evening which we both agreed was the best night of our trip. We could not recommend the tasting highly enough and hope to come back as soon as we can!
” best Sicilian cooking class ” 2019
We did the cooking class this week at Villa Britannia while staying in Taormina. Absolutely exceptional. I cannot say enough. Louisa and Marco were the perfect hosts, and just couldn’t do enough for us. The class was perfectly timed, beautiful fresh ingredients, and learning how to hand roll the pasta to make the macaroni with Marco’s father Peppi was a highlight for sure… done in the beautiful garden outside no less!!
The setting is stunning, and we learned about the Sicilian culture and the history of the Villa from Louisa, who is so passionate about the regional food and her family history, which is fascinating!
Lunch on the patio with the stunning view was amazing, with wine, the dishes we had prepared, and dessert. We spent a beautiful afternoon visiting and never felt rushed. Louisa also took the time to recommend restaurants and sites to see, and even booked a reservation for us on the spot!
Highly highly recommend… a must do; and while we did not stay at Villa Britannia, I would 100% stay here next time, and do the class again!!
Thank you Louisa and Marco. And Peppi too!! We will be back one day, and recommend you to everyone!
Cheers,
Kelly and Darren
” Taormina hidden gem” 2018
My highlight of Scicily was our visit to Villa Britannia. Louisa’s family and staff could not have been more accommodating and professional. Opening their home to one of the biggest groups to attend the Villa, you thought she had done such a large cooking class before. It was a great set-up. Half of the group was in the kitchen. The other half on the patio. Then we switched so everyone had a chance to make what the others were doing. During the switch, cheeses, bread and drinks were offered.
After everyone finished their preparations, the staff cooked all the food and served our meal in a beautiful setting. Food and wine flowed.
I hope I can return someday.
Grazie Millie
Donna S.
“incredibile hands on cooking experience and dinner with a beautiful view” 2018
My mother and I signed up for the Villa Britannia Sicilian Cooking Class in Taormina, Sicily and from the moment we arrived it was pure magic. You enter the beautiful house, drop off your things on the terrace, wash your hands, get your apron, and dive right in. Louisa was so welcoming and informative throughout the whole lesson during which we learned about caponata, made our own hand-rolled macaroni, and prepared a delicious fish dish. Then we enjoyed the fruits of our labor along with some wine and cheese, ending the night with their homemade almond and pistachio gelato. BRILLIANT!
” what an absolute treat ” 2018
If you’re heading to Taormina, then add this cooking class to the list of must-do experiences. We honestly had the most wonderful time. The B&B had so much character and a beautiful garden and view, the perfect setting to learn how to make delicious Sicilian cuisine that was flavoursome and matched beautifully with local wines.
Louisa was incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about cooking, plus, she was attentive and helpful—made you feel like you could quit your day job to be a professional pasta chef.
I can’t recommend the class highly enough, you even get a copy of the recipes so you can impress your family back home. If you’re thinking about booking it…just do it! The best day, the best food and you make new friends after a couple of glasses of wine, too! Bellissimo!
” highlight of our trip ” 2018
Whilst staying at Villa Britannia, we joined the cooking class and it was amazing! Louisa and Marco are such wonderful hosts and the cooking class was just brilliant. I have done many cooking classes in Italy and the UK before and this was hands down the best! Louisa is very knowledgeable about the food and cooking techniques and you definitely will learn a lot! The food was incredibly tasty and they also include cheese tasting, olive oil tasting and the wine seemed to be endless!!It was also such a nice set up as you sit with other families from all around the world and enjoy the meal.
Definitely would recommend this as a must do on a trip to Taormina!
” fantastic experience ” 2018
I took my teenage daughter and her friend to experience something new.
Louisa and Marco could not have been more hospitable hosts and the knowledge they passed on was second to none, learning new recipes and wine knowledge.
We were lucky to have the spent the evening with a fabulous group of people who along with the team at Villa Britannia made a very memorable evening.
Thanks to all.
” fantastic experience in Taormina ” 2018
We had three generations for the Sicilian cooking class with Louisa and each of us thoroughly enjoyed the evening! It was a pleasure spending time in the beautiful family home with such incredible views. The evening was expertly planned to give participants an overview of Sicilian cooking, an opportunity to socialize with other guests, make pasta, and finally enjoy an unbelievable meal on the terrace. Don’t hesitate, just book!!
” fantastic and memorable experience ” 2018
We had an amazing evening at Villa Britannia. Louisa and Marco created very warm and welcoming experience. The cooking class was informative, fun, and a great opportunity to meet other travellers. There was lots of food and drinks, all of which were excellent. We are SO glad we did it – definitely one of the top highlights of our three weeks in Europe!
” a superb experience for the entire group ” 2018
I took a group of more than twenty Americans to Villa Britannia for a Sicilian cookery class and the whole group were enchanted by the whole experience. Louisa was outstanding as a hostess, as indeed were the entire family. Highly recommended.
“amazing time ” 2018
Fantastic cooking class. The hosts (Louisa & Marco) were great. We had a group of 8 and everyone had an amazing time. The food was the best we had on our trip to Sicily. Louisa also supplies the recipes for home so you can make the meal again. Would strongly recommend!
“highlight of our trip ” 2018
Cannot speak more highly of this cooking class. It was the highlight of our trip to Taormina! We had a group of ten friends, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The menu was extensive – far more generous than 4 courses – with seasonable products, traditional Sicilian dishes and the menu tailored according to your preferences. The wine is also flowing throughout the whole dining experience! Very hands on experience. Staff are fantastic. Highly recommend!
” just perfect ” 2018
We don’t always leave reviews but, on this occasion, we felt it was important to share our experience so that others can find out just how good this class was.
When you arrive at Villa Britannia, you are made to feel at home straight away. This is mainly because of the wonderful hosts, Luisa and Marco, and also due to the beautiful setting.
Chef Pippo showed us how to make the tastiest, traditional Sicilian meals including Swordfish ceviche, Caponata and homemade macaroni.
Their sugo was to die for, as were the various cheeses and accompanying wines we sampled throughout the class.
The whole evening was magical. We have travelled many places in Italy over the years and this is one experience that we shall cherish forever.
Grazie millie, Luisa and Marco. We miss your family already.
” best cooking class ” 2018
My sister, her husband, myself and my husband loved experiencing Louisa and Marco’s amazing hospitality. They are so welcoming, and their home is arty and edgy, which I enjoyed. We learned how to make pasta with Pippo, Marco’s dad and other traditional Sicilian specialties with Louisa and Pippo. It was relaxed and fun to get to know everyone taking the class. Then we sat on their beautiful veranda and Marco, a sommelier, paired wonderful wines with the delicious food we enjoyed. We did the afternoon class, it was leisurely and a great way to feel the local spirit of Taormina. The best! Grazie mille Louisa, Marco and Pippo!
“unforgettable ” 2018
We had an unforgettable evening at Villa Britannia. It started with hands-on cooking class, where a work station was perfectly organized for each participant. Louisa and her team are passionate about cooking and pleasure to watch. They make you feel at home from the minute you step into their gorgeous villa. We took short wine and cheese breaks in between cooking, and it was one of the many special touches that Louisa and her family add to the class. Cooking with Louisa and the villa’s chef is a special treat. The terrace where the meal is served is a splendor in itself, overlooking Taormina and a beautiful bay. Without a doubt, it was one of the most memorable evenings in Sicily.
“highlight of our trip – a must do ” 2018
I have no doubt in saying this cooking class was the highlight of our trip, Louisa and her family were incredibly welcoming and demonstrated true Sicilian hospitality.
The food tasted amazing and we are already planning a family gathering where we can put our skills to the test to re-create them.
I was persuaded to book from the excellent reviews this class got online and trust me, it exceeds all reviews and expectations. I was blown away and could not have been happier with the evening and experience. If you are contemplating booking this class, do it, trust me you wont regret it.
“best day in Taormina ”2018
My mother and I did the cooking class our second day in Taormina and my dad joined us for the lunch part. We absolutely loved it and had lots of fun. We enjoyed that it was also hands on with all getting involved throughout the class. Louisa also explained how to use our ingredients back home which may differ slightly.
The wine that flowed was very generous and delicious, compliment the food perfectly.
Was one of the best pasta’s all holiday and fantastic to say was one that we cooked ourselves.
Thank you and can highly recommend it as a day’s activity.
“great fun and great food ” 2018
My Husband and I did the Villa Britannia Sicilian cookery class on the first day of our holiday.
What fun!
Louisa and her family are so warm and friendly and welcoming. Their hospitality and knowledge not only made the day informative and interesting, but it was great fun to all muck in and prepare the meals.
The food was delicious and I am so happy to now be in possession of an authentic Sicilian caponata recipe!
The other participants were all lovely and it was great getting to know people from all over the world over good food and wine.
I would whole heartedly recommend this, it was possibly my favourite day of our trip.
“great insights into Sicilian Cuisine ” 2017
As cooking enthusiasts we really wanted to discover the secrets of the great Sicilian cuisine. Thanks to Luisa, Marco and Chef Pippo we were guided through a traditional Sicilian five-course meal, accompanied by some of the greatest wines. Besides the ins and outs of the meals that were made, Louisa also gave a lot of information on the ingredients, typical procedures and background information. We have no doubt that this cooking class will give us a good fundament of this great cuisine when we’re back home!
Mariëlle & Sebastian
“best cooking class ” 2017
This class was wonderful, definitely our favorite experience while in Italy and Sicily. Louisa was delightful and friendly, very focused on food and flavor combinations while teaching everyone the nuances of each dish. Marco was a fantastic host, ensuring each wine glass was never empty! The food we made was the best we had throughout Italy and Sicily. This class is a must while you visit Taormina. Our only complaint is that we did not stay and their B&B while in Sicily!
“the best day of our sicily tour ” 2017
Our group enjoyed a cooking class and then we lunched on our creations. Super fun! Super tasty…..Louisa, Marco and Pippo were so personable and fun. Thoroughly enjoyed their hospitality, warmth and humor. I would highly recommend taking a cooking class with these gracious people!
“Fantastic in Every way ” 2017
Our Villa Britannia cooking class was part of our alumni tour of Sicily, and the class was fantastic! It was one of the highlights of the trip. First, the setting high above the sea in the charming villa couldn’t be better. Louisa, Marco, Pippo and their staff were a joy. What nice people!!! The class was instructive and the resulting food was absolutely delicious. If you are in Sicily, get to Taormina and be sure to have a cooking class with Lousia and Marco. Do not miss out on this wonderful experience![space height=”40px”]
“a Hidden gem !”2017
Just came back from experiencing one of the highlights of our trip to Sicily. Do not miss the opportunity to learn the Scilian way of cooking.from Luisa , Marcos & Peppio.
The lovely setting of their B&B offered a terrific kitchen to learn & prepare the evening meal. They are a wonderful, warm & welcoming family.. I highly recommend booking this cooking class. You will not be disappointed
“a culinary & cultural treat !” 2017
Family, friends, and food experienced at the highest level! A true Sicilian experience in their lovely home, expert and friendly guidance in the art of preparing the delicacies, and a chance to savor all the magic of a family group that loves what they do! Not to be missed!
“the best cookery class !” 2017
We had an amazing experience at the cookery class with Luisa, Marco & co. We produced ( with a lot of help!) and then ate caponata, sword fish, tuna tartare, home made macaroni, sardines, and stuffed courgette flowers (I’ve probably forgotten something!) . This was served with a whole range of local wines, and finished with a homemade tangerine liquor ( think limoncello). Luisa is a brilliant teacher, and a native English speaker ( important for me – I am hearing impaired and struggle with unfamiliar accents/lip movements). Marco is a great host and effortlessly melded the group of 8 ( 4 different nationalities, none of us knew each other) into a party. Overall, a fantastic experience and well worth the money. Highly recommended
“a treasure in Sicily!” 2017
I had the pleasure of attending a cooking class at Villa Brittania with a large group. Louisa and her family/staff could not have been friendlier. The food was AMAZING! We prepared and ate a delicious meal in a beautiful venue overlooking Taormina. I would highly recommend this cooking class.
“cooking like a total but treated like royalty !” 2017
We arrived at the beautiful Villa Britannia with drop dead views of Taormina and Mt. Etna, thinking nothing could top this. But soon we were immersed in local ingredients, work tables covered with oranges, lemons, prawns, red wine vinegar, tomatoes, basil, fennel, almonds and more. We and our traveling companions were treated to hands on authentic instruction in the fine art of making pasta, incredible sauces, fruits and seafood. The best part was the congenial and genuine hospitality of our hosts Marco and his absolutely fabulous wife who saw to it that everyone had everything we needed for cucina Siciliana, and then produced a delicious follow-up lunch and dessert that matched the breath-taking hilltop vistas from the villa. This would be a destination event for any trip, but for us it was a special capstone on our last day in Sicily that really summed up the generosity and spirit of the people.
“Private Class !” 2017
My 3 friends and I passed Villa Brittania and decided to do a private cooking class, having read no reviews. It turned out to be the highlight of our Taormina stay and by far the best meal we had in Sicily. Louisa, her staff and family were amazing hosts and her villa which has a wonderful kitchen and terraces with amazing views of Taormina, was the perfect location for the lesson. We made a delicious 5 course meal of local specialties, including home made pasta alla “Norma” and an amazing eggplant caponata. Louisa also paired each course with the wonderful Sicilian wines. Whether you are a foodie or not, don’t miss this experience
“Absolutely amazing !” 2017
Absolute trip highlight! My mother and I spent two weeks together travelling around Sicily (Taormina was our first stop) and our cooking class at Villa Britannia was our trip highlight! Louise is an exceptional host and and her B&B property was the perfect setting to experience Sicilian cooking/wine tasting. My mother and I had a private cooking class and we helped make several dishes, and then we sat out on the lovely terrace and enjoyed the meal we helped cook along with generous amounts of wine tasting! Huge thanks to Louise for making this experience so special for us!
“Fun – Sicilian style!” 2017
The cooking class was lots of fun and the hosts were wonderful. The house and garden are beautiful. A+ experience.
“Fun – Sicilian style!” 2017
On a recent trip to Sicily we found that a number of family members and friends were to be in Taormina at the same time so my son organised cooking class at Villa Britannia. What can I say – one of the most memorable days of our 4 week European trip comprising an amazing cooking experience with equally amazing eating experience and impromptu piano recital led by a very capable master and far less capable, but appropriately primed novice – rock and roll will never be the same!! The whole experience was topped off by the best restaurant recommendations in Taormina from the masters of food and fun at Villa Britannia. Cant recommend highly enough. Thanks for such an incredible experience – hope to do it again sometime.
“You won’t regret it – fabulous hosts and charming home with Sicilian culture” 2016
If you want to immerse yourself into the Sicilian culture this is a must. Louisa, her husband Marco, (and their almost newborn) and chef Pippo couldn’t have been nicer or more entertaining. We were there for dinner. Pippo, who was funny and willing to overlook our inexperience, was a great teacher. Louisa answered all our questions and gave a great primer on Sicilian food and culture. We were there with 2 couples, friends and relatives. Wine was flowing early, or liquor if you chose, and the class was terrific and fun. After helping Pippo and Louisa prepare our meals, we sat down on a beautiful porch and were served. It was the best food we had on our trip. Prosecco, wine and Limoncello was non-stop. We were there in September 2016, so we discussed US and Italian politics with Marco. Needless to say it was lively and fun. When it was time to go, Marco lead us to a point where we wouldn’t get lost in Taormina. Overall, it is a must do if you are there. And, we thought the price was inexpensive for what you got and to have such a great experience. We are also preparing pasta at home as we did with Louisa and Pippo! Louisa also recommended a winery on the foothills of Mt. Etna (Barone di Villa Grande). Wow! We highly recommend that, too.
“Fabulous cookery morning followed by a wonderful lunch” 2016
A fantastic morning of authentic Sicilian home cookery. Louisa is infectious with her genuine love and enthusiasm for Sicilian cuisine. We immediately made to feel welcome by Louisa, Marco and Pepe. Their home imbued a wealth of warmth and friendship. Don’t hesitate to book this wonderful cookery class. Gargantuan amounts of food paired with delicious wines of the region.
“Truly memorable experience ” 2016
This cooking class was the highlight of our trip. Having tried so much wonderful food during our time in Sicily, it was great to turn our hand to learning how to make some of the dishes. Louisa and Marco are fantastic teachers of Sicilian cuisine and wine; we enjoyed the historical anecdotes and appreciated their tips for adapting the dishes to the produce that we are able to source at home. Chef Pippo is excellent with his explanations of the different techniques involved in making the pasta, rolling the swordfish rolls and stuffing the anchovies. We’ll certainly be trying these out again at home. To top off a fun afternoon, it was a real treat to have our meal on the terrace after the sun had gone down. The delicious food was accompanied by excellent Sicilian wines and a lovely local limoncello. The whole experience was fantastic and we can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who likes good food and wine. We just wish we could take the delicious Italian tomatoes back to the UK!
“Best cooking class and lunch expeience” 2016
Louisa hosted our traveling group of 23 last week for a cooking class and fabulous lunch with live music. It was the best hands on experience I’ve had with a cooking class and I give my highest recommendation. I hope to visit again!
“Fabulous, fun cookery class and dinner” 2016
We were lucky enough to book in to a cookery class at Villa Britannia earlier this month. I’d arranged it as a surprise treat for my partner, Rob. I’m so glad we didn’t miss this great opportunity, which is also great value. Louisa and Marco, who run Villa Britannia, are so helpful and are all round great hosts. Classes can vary in size, I believe, but in our case there were 4 of us learning with Louisa and chef Peppo (sp?). Louisa speaks fluent English, and keeps all the conversation and directions clear and inclusive (for those who don’t speak Italian, like us). We had great fun making starters, pasta, sauces and various fish dishes. After a few hours laughing and cooking in the kitchen, we moved on to eating and drinking and socialising with our cookery classmates as well as other guests. It was a real highlight of our time in Sicily and very memorable. Thank you Louisa, Marco and Peppo for your generosity with the wine and for such a great night. Amanda and Rob xx
“Relaxed, friendly and very tasty” 2016
We signed up for this cooking class during our excellent stay at the Villa Britannia. It was not to be missed. Pipo was our master-class chef, ably assisted by Louisa. Pipo’s style along with the great tips and tricks he taught us were shown in such an easy manner. The resulting food was probably the best meal we had during our entire holiday in Sicily. The vino was plentiful and it was a superb evening in. We would most definitely do this again once we revisit Taormina and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting this town.
“Taormina Cooking Class” 2016
I highly recommend the Villa Britannia cooking class!! We learned how to prepare regional dishes and how to recreate them when we are back in the US. The class was interactive and intimate, in a beautiful setting! The food was sensational and the paired wines perfectly chosen. We will definitely do this again during our next trip to Taormina, Sicily!!
“Perfect Sicilian Night!” 2016
My husband and I ended up with a private class with Louisa and Chef Pippo. Both were so lovely and fun to learn from. Cooking at Villa Britannia feels just like you are in a friend’s home thanks to the environment that Louisa and her family have created. This was definitely a major highlight of our trip!
“Cooking Class in a Relaxing Villa” 2016
My wife and I had a great time at the cooking class learning about and helping prepare several traditional Sicilian dishes. By coincidence we were the only two taking the class so it really turned into a private lesson. The host Louisa was great in explaining what we were cooking while giving some history in Sicilian food and culture. Being able to attend a class in their villa is fantastic as you are able to relax while you are eating just as if you were at home. Plenty of food, plenty of wine, and overall a great experience.
“Fantastic Experience!” 2016
My husband and I were lucky enough to have the lesson with just Louisa and Chef! And were lucky enough to meet Louisa’s partner and father. It was a fantastic experience and we learnt so much that we have already tried the recipes at home! If anyone is looking for authentic Sicilian food, this is the place to be. Highly recommended!!!
“Amazing local experience” 2016
Absolutely brilliant day!! We had a group of 9 people and everyone absolutely loved the course. Louisa and Marco welcome you into their home, an amazing Sicilian villa, and host a truly authentic Italian cooking experience. Could not recommend the class more highly, guaranteed to have an enjoyable and memorable da
“The BEST Cookery class”” 2016
Fantastic course. Just myself and my husband and another couple. Lovely location and very knowledgeable chef. Prepared our own meal including fresh macaroni, then enjoyed this on the terrace accompanied by wines and limoncello. Louisa was a great host. Thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it!
“A true Sicilian Culinary experience! Bravo!” 2016
My travelling companion and I spent half the day cooking, eating and drinking with Louisa, Pancrazio and Marco. We were truly at home in this beautiful private villa and lovely kitchen. The dishes we requested were all prepared as well as others….so much food, we couldn’t eat it all! ( leftovers were sent with us to go) We had regional wines and liqueurs paired with the dishes as well. I will be returning and bringing friends…. All in all , this is a worth while activity that is both delicious and entertaining. If your lucky, you might even get to meet Louisa’s Dad….
“Amazing culinary experience!” 2016
We had such a fantastic time cooking and learning about locally grown produce! Louisa was both informative and simply a lovely and genuine person, the chef was also fantastic in demonstrating preparation techniques! I highly recommend this to any food and wine lover, even if you don’t particularly like cooking, it doesn’t matter as the eating and drinking at the end is fabulous! A great experience and I’ll be sure to book again when I’m next in Italy! Thank you for your warmth and hospitality!!!
“A Perfect Day!” 2016
We spent a wonderful day with Louisa, Marco, and Pancrazio (or to us “chef”) making arancini, eggplant stuffed with spaghetti and fresh tomato sauce, and pork involtini. It was like hanging out at a friend’s home preparing dinner. Chef spoke no English so Louisa translated as we prepared. There were 6 in our family visiting that day and the meal we created has been a highlight of our visit to Sicily.
“A wonderful experience in a beautiful place” 2016
We did this cooking class based on a recommendation from our airbnb host and it was fantastic. Louisa is just beautiful, she made us feel so welcome in her lovely B&B and she has such a lovely manner it was a pleasure just to talk to her. We had only 3 people in our group which was the perfect size for a hands on experience. Our chef was charming, he did not speak english but at no time was this a problem with Louise interpreting along the way. Marco helped out with the wine and a chat and he was also quite charming. After cooking, we enjoyed our personally prepared meal on the terrace with Marco keeping us supplied with wine to accompany each course. Overall it was a pretty perfect day.
“A Great Cooking Experience” 2016
We had a fantastic day cooking at the beautiful villa Britannia. Who knew cooking could be so relaxing. Louisa ,Marco and the chief made the experience interesting and fun and informative. The food and wine was delicious and the limoncello my favourite of all. I would love to go back to Sicily and have another cookery lesson. Thank you Louisa.
“JUST FANTASTIC” 2016
Louisa is a beautiful person inside and out. She has created a little piece of Sicilian paradise and she radiates something very special that I can’t quite define. We felt at home from the moment we stepped into her quirky, fun, but stylish B&B. It takes someone very special to create something so fantastic. We loved our cookery and then ate our lunch on her terrace.The rest of the day is a bit of a fog after all the wine and her homemade Limoncello – you MUST buy some to take home. If you have a reasonable amount of time in Taormina, this is an essential thing to do. Don’t waste time going to the market with other tutors. The market is a bit of a let-down in Taormina. Let Louisa welcome you with her huge smile and get stuck right in. You couldn’t possibly regret it.
“Unforgettable!!” 2016
Would definitely recommend this cooking and food tasting experience to those visiting Sicily/Taormina. It’s a lovely setting, very Sicilian. The food we made was amazing and I will definitely be trying these recipes at home. I attended solo, the hosts were very welcoming, this day is suitable for anyone of any cooking ability
“Villa Britannia” 2016
This was fun, authentic, easy going, and yummy! Louisa is a superb hostess and the property is charming and unique with beautiful, calming views – you can see the ocean from the kitchen! Class size is limited, making for an intimate and personal experience. I highly recommend this cooking class. We took our 6 year old daughter and she had a blast. They graciously welcomed our 19 month old when we made the reservation, but thankfully I was able to put him in the local ludoteca/day care (the name is Wonderland which I highly recommend as well). Bon appetito!
“A MUST DO IN TAORMINA”” 2016
An incredible Sicilian food experience and a must do whilst in Taormina. Louisa and Marco welcome you into their beautiful villa for a hands on lesson with Louisa and chef, followed by the most amazing meal you will have in Italy. Not to be missed! Reviewed by Eliza pro July 2016
“GREAT COOKING CLASS”
A wonderful introduction to Sicilian cooking. Luisa, the hostess together with her husband and excellent chef made the course both fun and instructive. I will be trying the recipes at home! This should be on everybody’s list of things to do in Taominia. Reviewed world travel pro July 2016
“FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE”
My husband and I were lucky enough to have the lesson with just Louisa and Chef! And were lucky enough to meet Louisa’s partner and father. It was a fantastic experience and we learnt so much that we have already tried the receipes at home! If anyone is looking for authentic Sicilian food, this is the place to be. Highly recommended!!! Reviewed Jessica 2016
“AMAZING LOCAL EXPERIENCE”
Absolutely brilliant day!! We had a group of 9 people and everyone absolutely loved the course. Louisa and Marco welcome you into their home, an amazing Sicilian villa, and host a truly authentic Italian cooking experience. Could not recommend the class more highly, guaranteed to have an enjoyable and memorable day. Reviewed Charles R July 2016
“FANTASTIC
Fantastic course. Just myself and my husband and another couple. Lovely location and very knowledgeable chef. Prepared our own meal including fresh macaroni, then enjoyed this on the terrace accompanied by wines and limoncello. Louisa was a great host. Thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it! Reviewed by LM227 July 2016
“A true Sicilian Culinary experience “bravo “
My travelling companion and I spent half the day cooking, eating and drinking with Louisa, Pancrazio and Marco. We were truly at home in this beautiful private villa and lovely kitchen. The dishes we requested were all prepared as well as others….so much food, we couldn’t eat it all! ( leftovers were sent with us to go) We had regional wines and liqueurs paired with the dishes as well. I will be returning and bringing friends…. All in all , this is a worth while activity that is both delicious and entertaining. If your lucky, you might even get to meet Louisa’s Dad…. Natalina from Canada Italian cooking school Toronto June 2016 Villa Britannia Sicilian cooking class Taormina
“Amazing Culinary experience “
We had such a fantastic time cooking and learning about locally grown produce! Louisa was both informative and simply a lovely and genuine person, the chef was also fantastic in demonstrating preparation techniques! I highly recommend this to any food and wine lover, even if you don’t particularly like cooking, it doesn’t matter as the eating and drinking at the end is fabulous! A great experience and I’ll be sure to book again when I’m next in Italy! Thank you for your warmth and hospitality!!! Michelle and Beth Australia June 2016 Villa Britannia Sicilian cooking class Taormina
“A perfect day “
We spent a wonderful day with Louisa, Marco, and Pancrazio (or to us “chef”) making arancini, eggplant stuffed with spaghetti and fresh tomato sauce, and pork involtini. It was like hanging out at a friend’s home preparing dinner. Chef spoke no English so Louisa translated as we prepared. There were 6 in our family visiting that day and the meal we created has been a highlight of our visit to Sicily. Marco paired lovely wines with our meal and topped it off with cannoli, fresh cherries and mandocello. Exquisite! This experience is worth every penny! Maria Australia June 2016 Villa Britannia Sicilian cooking class Taormina
” A wonderful experience in a beautiful place “
We did this cooking class based on a recommendation from our airbnb host and it was fantastic. Louisa is just beautiful, she made us feel so welcome in her lovely B&B and she has such a lovely manner it was a pleasure just to talk to her. We had only 3 people in our group which was the perfect size for a hands on experience. Our chef was charming, he did not speak english but at no time was this a problem with Louise interpreting along the way. Marco helped out with the wine and a chat and he was also quite charming. After cooking, we enjoyed our personally prepared meal on the terrace with Marco keeping us supplied with wine to accompany each course. Overall it was a pretty perfect day. Susan and Husband Australia June 2016 Villa Britannia Sicilian cooking class Taormina
” A great cooking experience “
We had a fantastic day cooking at the beautiful villa Britannia. Who knew cooking could be so relaxing. Louisa ,Marco and the chief made the experience interesting and fun and informative. The food and wine was delicious and the limoncello my favourite of all. I would love to go back to Sicily and have another cookery lesson. Thank you Louisa.
” JUST FANTASTIC !”
Louisa is a beautiful person inside and out. She has created a little piece of Sicilian paradise and she radiates something very special that I can’t quite define. We felt at home from the moment we stepped into her quirky, fun, but stylish B&B. It takes someone very special to create something so fantastic. We loved our cookery and then ate our lunch on her terrace.The rest of the day is a bit of a fog after all the wine and her homemade Limoncello – you MUST buy some to take home. If you have a reasonable amount of time in Taormina, this is an essential thing to do. Don’t waste time going to the market with other tutors. The market is a bit of a let-down in Taormina. Let Louisa welcome you with her huge smile and get stuck right in. You couldn’t possibly regret it. Donna Surrey – May 2016 Villa Britannia Sicilian cooking class Taormina
” Amazing !!”
Would definitely recommend this cooking and food tasting experience to those visiting Sicily/Taormina. It’s a lovely setting, very Sicilian. The food we made was amazing and I will definitely be trying these recipes at home. I attended solo, the hosts were very welcoming, this day is suitable for anyone of any cooking ability Rebecca Uk – May 2016 Villa Britannia Sicilian cooking class Taormina
“Unforgettable ”
This was fun, authentic, easy going, and yummy! Louisa is a superb hostess and the property is charming and unique with beautiful, calming views – you can see the ocean from the kitchen! Class size is limited, making for an intimate and personal experience. I highly recommend this cooking class. We took our 6 year old daughter and she had a blast. They graciously welcomed our 19 month old when we made the reservation, but thankfully I was able to put him in the local ludoteca/day care (the name is Wonderland which I highly recommend as well). Bon appetito!
Amy and Family November 2015 from Carolina – Villa Britannia Sicilian cooking class Taormina
“Awesome”
If you are interested in understanding what makes Sicilian food so good you need to treat yourself to this cooking class. Louisa, the proprietor, is a lovely English/Sicilian young woman that translates while the Italian chef directs the show. How authentic is it? Chef uses his grandmothers pasta tools to make macaroni. He estimated they were 100 years old. The food was Sicilian simple and authentic. The wine was plentiful and wonderfully paired with the food.
Brian and Family Colorado October –Villa Britannia Sicilian cooking class Taormina October 2015
“What a wonderful experience”
Our travel agent booked this cooking class for us and we didn’t know what to expect. It turned out to be one of the best experiences of our entire trip. The location is magical, high in the hills of Taormina. The chef is funny and entertaining. The food is an extraordinary experience. Best we’ve had in a long time. Louisa is warm and welcoming. Thank you for sharing your home with us. We loved it.
Family Glendale California –Villa Britannia Sicilian cooking class Taormina August 2015
“Magical cooking experience in Taormina”
Six of us had a cooking class two days ago at Villa Britannia and it was fabulous!!! Louisa, Marco, the chef and Louisa’s father made for a wonderful and fun cooking experience for us all! The food and drink were great and the setting magical. I would recommend it to everyone!
Gail & Family USA Villa Britannia Sicilian cooking class Taormina October 2015
“Highlight of our Trip !!”
Our family (8 of us) scheduled a cooking class at Villa Britannia during our visit to Taormina. What a wonderful experience! Luisa is such a wonderful hostess. Carmello is such a great instructor full of knowledge and humor. The Villa and view are breathtaking and come with great family stories from Luisa. We were made to feel right at home and had the best meal of our entire trip! This was truly the highlight of our vacation.
Baton Rouge Lousianna –Villa Britannia Sicilian cooking class Taormina March 2015
“Fun , Relaxing and beautiful !!”
Our stay at the Villa Britannia & the cooking class were by far the high point of our visit to Sicily.
Amjox USA –Villa Britannia Sicilian cooking class TaorminaFebruary 2015
” Experience the full Italian Experience!!”
I booked my three daughters and I into the class for the last day we were in Taormina. I wanted them to experience a taste of the real Italian life that you would have in someone’s home – and we were not disappointed. We were greeted warmly by Louisa and allowed to linger and be ourselves. It helps too that Louisa has perfect English and Italian Most of the ingredients came from the Chef’s home garden, as they would in any home, and our chef Carmello was indeed a charmer, an experienced world traveler and a real Italian gent. The class and laughter flowed whilst the lesson progressed and everyone was given preparation tasks to help out. We did learn many things whilst the class was underway and helped at every step. Apertifs are served in the parlour and then lunch is served on the lovely balcony overlooking the amazing calm view of the Med. We shared a class with a lovely young couple from England and it was great for the girls to mix with other cultures. We drank lovely local wines and ate waaay too much (as you do) and stumbled home. We were given the recipes on return home – via email – and have been re living our wonderful experience. Thanks so much and hope to see you again one day I love doing this sort of thing as it makes you really feel like you have been and lived in that country for just a little while
Homefood Co. Australia Villa Britannia Cooking class Taormina September 2014
” Absolutely Wonderful Experience !!”
We booked in advance to take part in one of Villa Britannia‘s cooking courses on the first full day of our honeymoon. We had decided we would like to do a Sicilian cooking course while we were there and researched in advance to find the best one. The positive reviews on TripAdvisor and the information on Villa Britannia‘s own website helped us make up our mind and we organised it all via email with Louisa who was very helpful. We were staying in Taormina and Villa Britannia was a 20 minute walk from our hotel and a 10 – 15 minute walk from the main street of Taormina (Corso Umberto). We found it quite easily following Louisa’s instructions, so we thought the location was good, especially when we saw the view from the terrace. We had been put in a group with some lovely Australian ladies and we all got on well which was nice, Carmelo and Louisa were also wonderful people and under Carmelo’s instruction we all helped to prepare a four course meal consisting of prawns in an olive oil and lemon juice marinade on toasted bread, vegetable lasagna, veal rolls with bean salad, and crepes with a citrus sauce, all made with fresh ingredients all from Carmelo’s own garden. We were all able to get involved in every part of the preparation of the meal and learned a lot, making everything from scratch and using traditional methods. The class didn’t feel commercialised at all and was just like we had been invited into their home to help make and eat a lovely meal. After everything was all prepared and in the oven we went out on to the terrace to enjoy some drinks, and then were served our 4 course authentic Sicilian meal! This was the only day of our honeymoon where we actually managed to eat a full 4 course meal (my husband even had seconds of the lasagna!) and it was definitely worth it! We also got to sample local wines and limoncello and mandarinetto made by Louisa herself I believe. Louisa also very helpfully suggested things to do and restaurants to eat at in Taormina for the rest of our honeymoon, although no other quite meal matched up to our Villa Britannia feast! All in all we had a wonderful experience that we will never forget, we are so glad that we did our research and chose Villa Britannia, and Louisa has promised to send us the recipes for the meal we made so we are very much looking forward to giving it all a go ourselves now we are home. Thank you so much to Carmelo and Louisa!
By Beth & Husband UK Villa Britannia Cooking class Taormina July 2014
“Best Sicilian Cooking Class !”
Our family of 13 including 2 teens and 3 children) had a most memorable experience at Villa Britannia with Louisa and Chef Carmelo.They graciously allowed all of us to participated in the food preparation.Our children were introduced to new tastes and can’t wait to take out the pasta machine and begin making their own pasta!This was truly an experience of Sicillian hospitality as well as the best in food preparation that we could hope for.The connection to our heritage (we are part Sicilian) was most valuable .We learned more than food preparation.We experienced the true Sicilian culture.Being in this beautiful setting ,using fresh ingredients from both Chef Carmelo and Louisa’s garden and learning food preparation from a Master was most memorable.. We count it as the best meal we had in our week in SicilyNot only did we learn much but we got to enjoy an unforgettable 4 course meal complete with an amazing aperitif that Chef Carmelo prepared as we watched.We were even treated to and Louisa’s dad’s homemade limoncello and mandarincello.We can”t wait to recreate this amazing meal for our friends and family at home. Do not miss this opportunity when in Taormina.
By Joanne New York USA Villa Britannia Cooking Class Taormina July 2014
” Sicilian Cooking at its finest !!”
Our family of nine (their largest group to date), spent a wonderfully enjoyable day with Luisa and chef Carmello at Villa Britannia! The hands on experience and wonderfully relaxed atmosphere was more than we ever dreamt of. Great recipes, fresh ingredients direct from Carmello’s garden. One of the best days of our 13 day vacation. We would highly recommend taking a day off of touring to experience this delightful day.
By Palatine Illnois USA Villa Britannia Cooking Class Taormina May 2014
“Perfect way to spend a day in Taormina!!”
My wife booked us into a cooking class at Villa Britannia. I had high expectations because of previous classes especially Mama Agata in Ravello. I needn’t have worried, we were invited into a world of simple Sicilian hospitality. It was wonderful to be invited into Louisa’s home and to be bossed around in the kitchen by Chef Carmello and even though he was visibly suffering with Sciatica, still managed to pass on his obvious love of cooking. It was a fabulous day and even more enjoyable by the arrival of Louisa’s father Niño who plied us with offers of Cuban cigars and Mandalincino! The food, the wine and atmosphere – Bellisimo
By Andrafella Austria Villa Britannia Cooking Class Taormina MAY 2014
” Classic and Lovely !!”
Perched on a hillside with lovely views and kitchen garden, this class was as much about history and tradition, as it was about local cuisine and technique. The chef, talented with much attention to detail, helped us to create a multi-course meal that was delicious and easily adapts to my home kitchen! Louisa, the gracious owner and hostess, was delightful in her enthusiasm of the cuisine as well as insights to Taormina and surroundings. Topped off with her dad’s homemade limoncello, an end to a perfect day!
BY Lywinner New York USA Villa Britannia Cooking Class Taormina May 2014
This one tops the charts”
Best adventure I ever had on vacation, certainly the best food, and most charming hosts. The chef Carmelo cooked a complex three course feast. A numero uno apperitif (wow), marinated anchovies and prawns, lasagna with made from scratch pasta, sea bass & swordfish, and six layer cherry cake with only garden fresh, mouth watering ingredients. Wow, wow, wow. Everything was totally delicious. Louisa our host is utterly charming and her Dad is a sweetie. Everyone speaks perfect English and probably several other languages. The kitchen is top shelf and the house is a work of art. We ate outside with a spectacular view of the ocean. Worth every penny. Unforgettable experience.
BY JHAVAND CHICAGO Villa Britannia Cooking Class Taormina September 2013
“Our Favorite Thing We Did in Sicily!!”
My family and I wanted to take a cooking class while in Sicily and found this one through Trip Advisor. Villa Britannia is a beautiful villa with friendly gracious hosts. Louisa was a pleasure to work with from the moment I started inquiring about the class. This was by far our favorite experience while in Sicily and the best meal we had while we were in the country! If you are thinking about doing a cooking class you MUST choose Villa Britannia! The class size is smaller than most others and there is plenty of hands on experience in the kitchen. Carmelo doesn’t believe in using machines in the kitchen and so you really get to learn how to make everything from scratch!
BY EUGENE OREGAN AUGUST Villa Britannia Cooking Class TAORMINA 2013
“A most memorable meal in Sicily “
We had a wonderful experience at the Villa Brittania Cooking Class in Taormina Sicily. Louisa has a beautiful villa in heavenly Taormina where she hosts Sicilian cooking classes under the direction of Chef Carmelo. Everything is made with fresh local ingredients and the menu was authentic and original. After we assisted with the preparation we had the pleasure of eating our seafood salad, swordfish involtini, risotto and cassata on the terrace surrounded by the garden. We laughed, ate and enjoyed. Highly recommended.
BY WALLENS NEW YORK – Villa Britannia Cooking Class TAORMINA 2013
“Wonderful! Fabulous food & Sicilian Charm!”
With Louisa. What a wonderful surprise. Louisa is a beautiful hostess, the Villa is so pretty with wonderful views. Carmelo, the handsome, extremely talented professional chef provided us with a full menu, and a hands on experience. He was definitely in charge of his kitchen, but encouraged our participation. There were four of us cooking. After 2.5 hours of cooking we sat on the terrace and thoroughly enjoyed the food prepared. Fresh seafood salad, risotto, swordfish rolls, fabulous dessert and wine to share! We spent 6 hours having a wonderful time, in a beautiful place with very charming people. I can’t say enough good things about this experience. Thank you Louisa & Carmello….and your charming father.
BY CAM220 KANSAS Villa Britannia Cooking Class TAORMINA AUGUST 2013
“Cooking with U-Boss: Un’ultima piacere! (Greatest pleasure!) “
Searching TripAdvisor for a cooking class in Taormina, I was drawn to Villa Britannia’s cooking class web site by Carmelo’s self-proclaimed nickname: U-Boss. Being Sicilian-American, I knew that anyone who uses “u” for the Italian “il” has to be authentic. And what a great pleasure and honor it was to be working at the side of such a skilled (very handsome, too!) chef as Carmelo.The Villa is located high above a quiet residential street. Entrance and paths leading up to the Villa explode with flowers, trees, palm plants. Waiting at the top, lovely Luisa offers a warm welcome and a tour of the Villa, which offers vacation rentals. Luisa, a Brit-Sicilian, owner and manager, and charming Carmelo are a fantastic team. Luisa had graciously encouraged my solo attendance; and what a nice surprise to see a last-minute participant appear. Brad–and American, in-between university graduation and continued studies abroad–added his delightful, youthful savvy and skill to the event.Carmelo runs an efficient kitchen, from menus and needed ingredients listed on a chalkboard, to day-before prep or more involved recipe steps, such as sponge cake and a bagna (reduced fruit syrup for the cassata). We marvel at his genial take-charge manner, yet he’s patient and amenable to our eagerness for hands-on experience. Every ingredient is fresh; and no effort is spared to demonstrate a from-scratch approach, while his commentary and technique reflect over 50 years’ experience. Shellfish, squid, fresh anchovies (not the salty tinned ones) and other fish soon become either a marinated appetizer bruschetta; chopped filling for savory spiedini (skewered swordfish rolls); or a palate-swooning seafood risotto. We behead/de-gut anchovies; pound swordfish cuts into flat medallions; grate cheese, stale bread; chop garlic, prawns, tomato, basil for a filling; chop chocolate and whip cream and ricotta to fill and cover 5 sponge cake layers. Meanwhile, to assuage our eager taste buds, Carmelo stirs up apertivo of orange-y Aperol, bitter campari, red & white vermouths, orange & lemon juice, chopped fresh cherries. Cin-Cin! Out on the deck overlooking a blue sea and Taormina, a lovely table setting with red, white wines sets the tone for our sumptuous lunch, topped off by a magnificent Sicilian cassata (cake) and mandarinetto liqueur Superba! Squisita! Meravigliosa!
BY PRESCOTT ARIZONA – Villa Britannia Cooking Class TAORMINA 2012
“Fabulous Cooking Class”
Fabulous cooking class conducted by Chef Carmelo U Boss and his able assistant and the owner of Villa Britannia, Luisa. Chef had assembled the ingredients the day before and he insists on fresh vegetables from his own garden and the freshness shows through. Many years of experience in London, Sydney & Adelaide hotels and restaurants is evident in his professional approach.. Chef gave four of us a great lesson in Sicilian cooking and we consumed the spoils on a terrace overlooking the beautiful blue sea off Taormina. Red and white local wines selected by our chef accompanied our beautiful meal and a point to note, our chef is a Sommelier and so his selections were excellent. This venue only conducts two lessons per week and we arrived at 10:00 AM, had lunch at 1:00 PM and finally departed in our two Smart Cars at 4:00 PM. A wonderful day with great cooking tips, a wonderful meal and a gracious host and hostess.
BY JOHN PERTH AUSTRALIA- Villa Britannia Cooking Class TAORMINA 2012
“Fabulous”
Our experience with Chef Carmelo and Luisa was fabulous. Chef was so gracious and patient in educating our party and really grateful for his sense of humor. Every step of the way through the preparation of the meal he explained the why and how-to of using fresh ingredients and bringing out the natural flavors in each dish. We were served the meal on the terrace in grand style. An unforgettable experience! Luisa was most hospitable and made us feel right at home, Villa Brittania is a lovely B&B and I was disappointed we had not considered staying there while in Taormina. We received all the recipes as promised and are excited to recreate our unforgettable meal. Thank you both! Ajwrd 07 PA- Villa Britannia Cooking Class TAORMINA 2012