Maria Daniela
Cesarina from 2019My speciality: Pasta with zucchini, ricotta and basil
I live in: Messina
Spoken languages: Italian, English, Spanish
Good to know
I offer vegetarian alternatives
Hi from Maria Daniela!
In Messina, there are many things to see: churches, palaces, fortifications, fountains, and monuments. But, to really get to know this city it is also a must to taste its typical dishes. So, you must therefore know the flavors and aromas typical of this part of Sicily and, the best place is at the home of our Cesarina.Maria Daniela loves the sea, and from the garden of her 1913 villa you can look out and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Strait of Messina. Together with her, you can learn how to make "maccheroncini al ferro" - the traditional fresh pasta that is seasons with the sauce -, and the Messina-style veal cutlets, which she learned to fill and roll since she was a child to help her mother and sisters in the kitchen.
My specialities
- Eggplant parmigiana
- Pasta with zucchini, ricotta and basil
- Meat rolls of Messina style, cooked on the grill
Experiences
Cooking classes (2)
Reviews
5.0
23 reviews
- We had a private pasta cooking class with Daniela at her stunning home in Messina, Italy. She immediately welcomed us in and made us feel right at home and comfortable. We were given light snacks and refreshments while she gave us a tour and some history of her hometown. We then learned how to made cavatelli and ravioli with all fresh ingredients from her town and garden. We got to enjoy some stunning views from her terrace while enjoying our home cooked meal which was some of the best pasta we had during our time in Italy. She then served us a homemade cannoli that was the best cannoli we’ve ever had. This will be an experience we will remember for a lifetime and would recommend everyone to book a class with Daniela if you’re in the area!
- Daniela was absolutely fantastic! Our expected all expectations and then some!! Her home is beautiful with stunning views. It was easy to find and walk to from the cruise port. She was so warm and welcoming. We really appreciated how well she worked with our three kids (ages 16, 14 and 9). We had water, wine and appetizers waiting for us along with a beautifully set table on her terrace. She explained some cool things about the area after ensuring we were comfortable. Then the dough making started! She taught us how to make two different types of pasta and made sure that everyone in the family was involved in the preparations. She took photos and made it lots of fun! Then we learned how to make the filling and stuff our raviolis. Finally, we made the filling for cannolis. Daniela then worked her magic and served us two different types style sauces with our pasta. Both were delicious and we couldn’t decide which we liked more! She explained the Sicilian style of both sauces. Then we had our ravioli, which was a fan favorite!! She joined us at the table to prepare the cannolis in front of us. Our family had such a memorable experience. Highly highly recommend Daniela to anyone looking to see and taste Sicilian culture firsthand. Thank you Daniela for making such awesome memories with our family!
- We had a wonderful time, Maria was entertaining, the food exceptional, it was a really great relaxing atmosphere, very much enjoyed our time with Maria. Her homemade olive oil was so....good.
- This cooking class was so much fun! It was so private and Maria welcomed us into her home for the class. I would recommend this cooking class to anyone staying in Sicily.
- My sister and I absolutely loved our cooking experience with Daniela in Messina! We made two types of pasta: a cavatelli with a tomato and fried eggplant sauce, and a ravioli with a ricotta, lemon and Parmesan filling cooked in butter and sage, as well as a cannoli. Delicious! She also shared braciola and some breads and cheeses along with a taste of her mother’s homemade limoncello. Daniela was friendly and a great teacher, and welcomed us into her home with a beautiful view over Messina. Would do again, and highly recommend!!
Dean Caravito - June 2025
Kristin Fowler - June 2025
Maria Goretti - June 2025
Taylor - June 2025
Nicole - May 2025