Europe
Italy
Puglia
Province of Lecce
Lecce
Things to Do in Lecce
The Awaiting Table Cookery School in Lecce, Italy
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The Awaiting Table Cookery School in Lecce, Italy

See all things to do
See all things to do
The Awaiting Table Cookery School in Lecce, Italy
5
344 reviews
#2 of 21 Classes & Workshops in Lecce
Cooking Classes
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10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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About
'The pioneers of teaching food and wine in Puglia- The New York Times. For the last 18 years, The Awaiting Table Cookery school has been the most praised cooking school and wine programme in all Puglia. (And now the oldest too). Located in the historical centre of Lecce, Italy--or during selected weeks throughout the year, in a castle an hour south of Lecce-- students from 59 countries have chosen us as the best way to go deeper into The Mediterranean Diet, and local, world-class wines. Our schools have appeared in The London Times, Food & Travel, The LA Times, Bon Appetit, The New York Times, Food and Wine, as well as Chinese, Japanese, British, American and Dutch television. The owner, Silvestro Silvestori, is a nationally-certified sommelier here in Italy, as well as a wine journalist for international wine magazines. All classes are hands-on, fun and actively spent in two of the most beautiful kitchens in all of Italy.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
344 reviews
Excellent
327
Very good
11
Average
0
Poor
3
Terrible
3
Jess Littman
Arusha, Tanzania36 contributions
So much more than a cooking class
Mar 2023
This was a truly special travel experience. We did the one-day seafood cooking. Sylvester took us to the fish and produce markets, on the way giving us a succinct and entertaining history of food in the region and explanation of what we were buying. At his beautiful, homey yet fully equipped home kitchen we made mussels, handmade pasta with squid, grilled eggplant, grilled fish, and fresh strawberries with fig sauce. The setup was perfect, with engagement in just enough of the cooking activities while some preparations were done by Sylvester's team so that we were never fatigued or bored. Sylvester was also very generous with the wine and olive oil - he is an olive oil sommelier, in addition to being a talented cook and history buff. And I cannot forget to mention his delightful dachshund Ciccia, our adorable companion throughout the day (though she is not allowed in the kitchen).
Written March 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Claire L
2 contributions
A MUST IF YOU ARE ANYWHERE NEAR LECCE
Mar 2023
If I could give this experience 100 stars I would. We have traveled a lot and taken many cooking classes. Sylvester's is in a class by itself--so far superior. He is incredibly knowledgeable about food, wine, and Italian culture that he weaves throughout the class. It was what you might expect from a week-long class in one day. I cannot recommend this highly enough. It is one tourist experience that was worth more than you pay--a true rarity.
Written March 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mel
Springfield, OH33 contributions
Magnificent!
Jan 2023
What a magnificent experience!
We participated in the one day seafood cooking course, and had the best time. We started at the fish market, moved on to the veggie market, then headed for the amazing kitchen. We learned how to make pasta; new ways to cook some of our favorite vegetables; and how to prepare and cook squid, mussels, and sea bream. Silvestro is like a long lost friend-we just talked all day long. You also learn about Puglian bread, olive oil, and wine.
If you are in Puglia, try one of Silvestro’s classes. You’ll be happy you did.
Written January 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gbailey656
Swanbourne, Australia4 contributions
A deep dive into Puglia food
Nov 2022 • Solo
A five day cooking school sounded good but would it be fun? More than fun, it was an incredible insight into Puglia, Lecce and all that the area has to offer. From our casual first meeting in the square, to the obligatory fresh market, seafood store and then back to the kitchen that became our second home, it was one of my most enjoyable “in country” experiences.
Silvestro’s team of Anna & Sylvia ensured we could focus on leaning whilst they attended to a lot of the admin that goes on during a week like this. Aside from the cooking we did a deep dive into local wines, coffee and olive oil of course. I’m taking the skills I learnt back home and look forward to coming back in the near future. Make this the course you’ve always promised yourself.
Written November 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rhiannon M
18 contributions
Best cooking school in Italy
Oct 2022 • Solo
After being to several cooking schools in various parts of Italy, I can definitively say this was my favorite. Sylvestor and his team have more knowledge about the wine, good and history of Puglia than you would ever find in a museum or a book and share it graciously with all of their students. The classes are highly customized to the needs of the group and I loved being about to experience this region with their expert tutelage. This was hands down the best way to explore Lecce and the region and I would take a trip to this area JUST to attend the class. Will be back (and next time with more room in my suitcase to take home absolutely everything)!
Written October 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cucinapugliese
Such a stiumulating, international group. Thank you for visiting and we look forward to your return!
Written October 31, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brion A
Castle Pines, CO6 contributions
An experience not to be missed!
Sep 2022 • Family
What an amazing experience we had!! We cooked, ate, rode bikes, and learned new things. Silvestro is so knowledgeable about all things food, wine and olive oil. The castle was such a beautiful place to stay and there were so many places to see within a short bike ride. My son and I had a fantastic time and hope we can go back some day.
Written October 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cucinapugliese
We love having multiple generations with us! And thanks for the information about glutten-free pasta recipes!
Written October 31, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Aly M
6 contributions
Excellent one-day fish/pasta/vegetable course
May 2022
We had the most excellent day learning from Silvestro and Anna about Pugliese cooking, wines, and culture. We took the one-day fish course, which also included instruction on pasta making and local vegetable dishes. I take home several pearls of wisdom that will improve my home cooking, and also memories to last a lifetime. Silvestro is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and a great conversationalist. We hope to come back to Lecce and take another cooking course! Grazie Mille!
Written May 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cucinapugliese
yes, do come back! Nothing makes us happier than having returning guests.
Written October 31, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cultureobserver
Livermore, CA88 contributions
A culinary and cultural delight
May 2022 • Couples
We were a group of four with varied interests (wine, olives, fish, food prep, food geo-politics, culture) and skill levels, on the half-day fish course in Lecce. Silvestro delighted each of us, for many and different reasons. The market explanations were interesting and adapted to our questions. He adeptly geared the instructions to fit our group, with his wonderful assistant Anna filling in. Squid, sea bass, seasonal vegetables, oricchette - all came together for a delicious meal with thoughtful conversation and a pink wine tasting. An added benefit for us was that Silvestro is bi-lingual and bi-cultural. This will be a highlight of our trip!
Written May 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cucinapugliese
We look forward to your next visit!
Written October 31, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michele B
2 contributions
A must!
Nov 2021 • Solo
This is a must when visiting Lecce or even make it the reason to visit Lecce. Was a perfectly delicious and delightful food, wine and community experience. Silvestro is a wonderful teacher and guide.
Written November 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cucinapugliese
A true pleasure to have you with us! We hope to see you again.
Written December 11, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TheWizardOfAllThings
Denver, CO20 contributions
A Must expereince learning about the Beverages Food and Culture of Southern Italy
Oct 2021
Far exceeded expectations! This week long journey not only covers the origins of the regions foods, but also the wines and culture of the people too. We participated in the biking, cooking, drinking and wine course while staying in the Barons castle in Spango.
Silvestro is by far one of the most knowledgeable instructors I have come across. He educates, while excites. The journey he takes you on for his class is one of the best and most unique I have come across. His team at the castle, Anna and Sylvia and Giusseppe cant help but make you smile and feel welcome.
We were the first group (9) since covid which obviously presents challenges to any coordinator, but you would never know it!!
The team is great. I HIGHLY recommend any of the offerings Silvestro and his team have.
Written October 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cucinapugliese
it means a lot to us that you were all eager for the week of food, wine and learning, that the old things still work, in an upside down world. We hope to have you back someday!
Written October 20, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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The Awaiting Table Cookery School in Lecce, Italy - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about The Awaiting Table Cookery School in Lecce, Italy
The Awaiting Table Cookery School in Lecce, Italy is open:
  • Mon - Fri 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM