Villa Maria’s Kitchen
Villa Maria’s Kitchen
5
About
Elisa comes from a family with a rich culinary tradition. For years she has been researching various regional cuisines of Greece, discovering traditional recipes and techniques. Her passion for cooking led her to quit her job as a language teacher to work full time sharing her knowledge of food, preparing meals for guests and organizing cooking holidays.
Well traveled, Elisa tries to offer her guests what she's looking for in her travels: an authentic experience to remember.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
125 reviews
Excellent
122
Very good
2
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Catherine
Paris, France319 contributions
Jul 2023
Our group of four attended a 5-hour cooking class including dinner.
The class took place in a tastefully restored kitchen in a beautiful 10-room villa.
All afternoon we learned how to cook the various recipes we had agreed on beforehand. The kitchen was well organized : Elisa had prepared all the ingredients necessary to them on the large central table
and everything went on smoothly : we essentially helped peel the vegetables and stir the preparation of the galatopita, all this while discussing the characteristics of the local cuisine of the various regions of Greece. Afterwards we enjoyed dinner on the terrace upstairs. I recommend this cooking class to anyone interested as it can be conducted in either Greek, or English or French.We later received the recipes in their English version. Thank you again Elisa.
The class took place in a tastefully restored kitchen in a beautiful 10-room villa.
All afternoon we learned how to cook the various recipes we had agreed on beforehand. The kitchen was well organized : Elisa had prepared all the ingredients necessary to them on the large central table
and everything went on smoothly : we essentially helped peel the vegetables and stir the preparation of the galatopita, all this while discussing the characteristics of the local cuisine of the various regions of Greece. Afterwards we enjoyed dinner on the terrace upstairs. I recommend this cooking class to anyone interested as it can be conducted in either Greek, or English or French.We later received the recipes in their English version. Thank you again Elisa.
Written July 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you! I am truly glad to hear you all enjoyed the class and the meal we shared together!
Hope to see you return to Villa Maria one day!
Written July 25, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
El Furlong
7 contributions
Sep 2019
I visited Syros with a group of friends and even before we got to Villa Maria, Elisa was helping us to plan our trip! One of the highlights was the balmy evening on the rooftop savouring the delicious dishes we had created with Elisa that day in her fabulous kitchen in the basement of Villa Maria in the heart of Ermopolis. If you're planning a trip to Syros, please do not leave without spending a few hours at Villa Maria's Kitchen. A local wine shop advised us on the wines to compliment our dishes and Elisa was generous in sharing all the recipies with us. We also had the opportunity to visit Elisas home another day and to spend a few hours creating a yummy lunch which we ate under the shade of the enormous fig tree in her garden - a really authentic experience!
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much Eleanor, for me it was also a great pleasure to meet you all and spend such a lovely week with you. I enjoyed our cooking classes, our meals together and the beach picnic, and hope all of you will be back one day for a culinary week full of new adventures!
Written February 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Katia G
1 contribution
Jun 2022
We joined Elisa's Greek cooking class and it was so much fun. We gathered in the spacious and beautiful kitchen of the lovingly restored kitchen of the 1800's mansion in old Ermoupoli that Elis and Kostas run as an airbnb. Elisa shared recipes, taught us about Greek food, traditions, and the fascinating interconnected history and cuisine of the region. Capped off with a delicious meal in the flower-filled patio, with island cheeses and wines - truly a real highlight of our trip. Highly recommend!
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Katia, I am so glad to hear you enjoyed the whole experience! It was such a pleasure to meet you and your family. I hope you will be cooking some Greek meals, and I also hope you will come back with your other daughter as well next time!
Written June 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jyothi M
3 contributions
Jun 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed the Traditional Greek cuisine cooking class with Elisa at their guest house in Syros. Elisa shared with us a lot about culture and history of Syros and other Greek locations while taking us through the class where a group of four of us (cooking aficionados from various parts of the world) learnt to prepare some fabulous recipes. We did a lot of hands-on work and Elisa has a friendly and warm persona that brought joy to the experience. Later we ate our cooked meal of various courses in their beautiful courtyard, complete with wine and cheese pairing and lots of enjoyable conversations. It was a amazing few hours and I hope to return some day to learn more under Elisa's tutelage. I would thoroughly recommend.
Written June 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Jyothi, it was a real pleasure to meet you and I'm so glad to hear you liked the class and found it useful. I hope we'll have the chance again to cook together and share more delightful moments!
Written June 14, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah S
2 contributions
Oct 2022
Elisa was extremely accommodating. We booked our cooking class just 1 day before and she prepared everything for us. It was incredible to eat traditional food that you don’t find in the restaurants and Elisa always makes sure to make something different each time. We enjoyed a lovely meal at the end with her and she offered us some wine with the meal as well. I can’t sing the praises enough for this experience. You MUST do it. The atmosphere is just so welcoming. Such a gracious host. Thank you!
Written October 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much Sarah for your kind words! I am so happy to hear you enjoyed the class and dinner and will be looking forward to hearing from you when you make the dishes we prepared together at home!
Written October 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gitte L
1 contribution
May 2022
Went for the 8 day Greek Culinary Holiday and could not be more pleased! Elisa and Kostas were superb hosts in a beautiful restored mansion. The rooms were lovingly restored with rich color and antique furniture. The rooms and marble bathrooms were spotless and the linens so fresh. No car traffic so it was so quiet. Easy walk to town and the water. The cooking classes were very well organized and informative, hands on learning the Greek specialties. Elisa is an amazing cook with a multitude of recipes for you to try! I even learned to cook octopus! Elisa and Kostas were superfriendly and always available for help or advice, and always with a big smile. I can very highly recommend Villa Maria for the cooking classes or just as a vacation destination.
Written June 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much Gitte, it was a pleasure to meet you and spend such a lovely week with you. I am really glad to hear you enjoyed the whole experience and found it useful. I hope we'll have the chance to meet again!
Written June 12, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jane K
Hamilton, Canada2 contributions
Jun 2022
Elisa was a very gracious host. Her in-depth knowledge of food, culture and traditions made this a great evening. Elisa had us chopping, stirring and laughing in no time. It didn't matter where we came from or what our abilities (or lack of) was, we all prepared a meal with her guidance. Then we enjoyed the meal on her rooftop patio with wine and more great conversation. A definite must if you are in Syros.
Written June 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Jane,
It was very nice to meet you and cook with you, and I am very happy to hear you enjoyed the class and meal.
I hope you will be making the recipes you learned back home!
Written June 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rarruca
Ermoupoli, Greece2 contributions
Sep 2020
We had an amazing time in the Kitchen with Elisa. Was a busy day, cooked 7 excellent dishes and got great tips about cooking in general. Elisa is very well organised, no wasted time! In the evening we all relaxed and enjoyed the food paired with wine. Was a very enjoyable experience and will go back for sure!
Written September 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Ralu, for me it was also a pleasure and I am very glad to hear you enjoyed it and also found it useful! I hope you will use your new knowledge in your kitchen with great success!!
Written September 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lgemmett
Bristol, UK1 contribution
Nov 2021
I visited Elisa for a cooking class with my husband and mother in law. She taught us to make easy delicious Greek cuisine, including supplying the recipes for us to try ourselves, and we had the meal together afterwards. She made us feel welcome and we learned a lot! Would happily go again or recommend to friends and family.
Written December 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Laura for your kind words, it was a great pleasure for me to meet you all, cook and spend a lovely evening with you. I hope you will be soon using all your new knowledge in your kitchen back home!
Written December 4, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kim M
1 contribution
Jul 2022
It was an enjoyable evening! Chef Elisa was delightful and informative. The kitchen and setting was lovely. The food, delicious. It was a 7 course meal, so pace yourself. I also appreciated the welcoming environment and helpful island tips by Elisa and husband Kostas. I would return again and rent a room in their Air B and B.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim, thank you so much, it was such a pleasure for all of us to meet you, cook with you, and share some lovely moments. I hope to see you return one day for a longer stay!
Written July 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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