The Awaiting Table Cookery School in Lecce, Italy

The Awaiting Table Cookery School in Lecce, Italy

The Awaiting Table Cookery School in Lecce, Italy
5
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
About
'The pioneers of teaching food and wine in Puglia- The New York Times. For the last 20 years, The Awaiting Table Cookery school has been the most praised cooking school and wine programme in all of 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 of wine and a sommelier of extra virgin 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.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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  • Jess Littman
    Arusha, Tanzania36 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    So much more than a cooking class
    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).
    It was a pleasure having you with us, even for just half a day. We hope top have you back again soon!
    Written March 28, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2023
    Written March 23, 2023
  • Donna G
    White Plains, New York45 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great experience
    My husband and I had a fabulous time with Silvestro and a private cooking class. We learned many things, ate exceptional food and wine and had fabulous conversations while doing so. I highly recommend a class with him if you come to Lecce.
    Truly our pleasure to have you with us! We hope to have you back someday!
    Written May 21, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 1, 2023
  • Amanda J
    Brookhaven, Georgia1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best Italian Experience - Learn the craft of cooking, wine, and olive oil!
    If I could rate this experience 20 stars I would! This is not only a wonderful cooking class where you get to pick the fish and vegetables you cook, but it’s also a wonderful walking tour of the city and makes you appreciate putting good food (and olive oil) into your body. I consider myself a “decent cook” but I learned so many new things today that I’ll be able to bring home with me forever. Thank you Sylvestro and Anna for my favorite Italian experience.
    It was a lot of fun to have you two with us! And thank you very much for your purchase of our extra virgin olive oil. We'll be buying a tree for each of you to replant this winter! Your visit- and purchase- helps our olive industry recover. Grazie!
    Written May 21, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 20, 2023
  • CookingWithMichele
    Denver, Colorado117 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The BEST Cooking Experience in Southern Italy!
    I've been taking a group of guests to The Awaiting Table every year for the past fifteen years. Although I've been to cooking schools all over the world, this is by far my favorite. Fabulous instruction, great fun in the kitchen, and the best food and wine enjoyed over long leisurely meals. Can't wait to return this fall!!!
    You coming for our Bicycling/Cucina/Vino class is one of the high-points of the year! We're already putting aside very special wine for your group, some of which is bubbles for the late nights in the pool. See you in October!
    Written June 1, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2022
    Written June 1, 2023
  • Harvey L
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lecce cooking is fun!
    What a great day with Silvestro, first the information on the local area. Then off to the market to purchase fresh supplies, then to the kitchen. We made our pasta from scratch, 12 of us, which included 5 small kids. So much fun and knowledge being shared. You must make this a must do activity when in Lecce you will not be disappointed
    We love families! Especially when there are three generations in the kitchen with us! Thank you for coming and thank you for your olive oil order. We'll also be planting a tree for each of you, so take pride in that your visit will help us recover as an olive oil region.
    Written July 2, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written June 30, 2023
  • Pascha F
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Cheers !
    Thankyou to Silvestro ,Anna & Cechia for such a wonderful day. We learnt so much, chatted for hours and left with a huge smile on our face with the experience being surprise for my partners birthday, couldn’t of asked for a better experience. Silvestro is a beacon of knowledge and was kind enough to answer all our questions, teach us the ins and outs of wine and olive oil tasting, shared tips of buying fresh fish and vegetables. Such a valuable experience from a greatly kind and intelligent person. Thankyou, this experience will be highly recommended. Can’t stop thinking about your beautiful museum of a home also !
    We were thrilled to play a part in your boyfriend's special birthday! We hope to see both of you back here again soon!
    Written August 4, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 31, 2023
  • Santina S
    Mount Laurel, New Jersey14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Another stellar experience!
    We just finished our third (but NOT final) visit with Silvestro Silvestori at Awaiting Table Cookery School. This time we were in the small hamlet of Spongano, Italy. We stayed for a week in an old castle where we learned all about the regional food, wine, and olive oil of Puglia and the Salento. We made much delicious food and learned so much, but the highlight was communing with a group of fabulous strangers who became friends under Silvestro's excellent tutelage. He is the consummate host and made us all feel so appreciated. I can't recommend this activity highly enough!
    A treat having you two back with us! And thank you for buying our olive oil all this years, especially during the Covid years where it was pivotal to our survival as a school. We look forward to your next visit!
    Written September 18, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 11, 2023
  • Laurencarrozzi
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Cooking, community, connection
    Just completed the Tomato Sauce Week at the castle just south of Lecce in Puglia. You will learn much here: but not in a traditional sense. You will learn about the glory of raw olive oil, the lightness of pasta made with barley and the sweetness of the local caffe Leccese. You will chop, peel, roll, knead and if you’re lucky even learn to clean a squid. Morning and afternoon “chalkboard” meetings are lighthearted but full of information from Italian wine regulations to proper Italian language hints to insightful stories about why Puglia is such an area of rich food traditions. But what makes the Awaiting Table experience different is it’s owner Sylvestri and his vast expertise and the energy he emits that draws strangers from around the world together, exchanging stories and forging connections. The format is unique: less about exact technique and tannins and more about cooking as a community and bringing out the natural flavors in foods, all centered in gorgeous surroundings. You will also leaving planning when you will be returning. We already are.
    It was pleasure having you two with us, especially Paul, returning 15 years after his first visit. We look forward to your visit. Also, don't want 15 years this time! ;)
    Written September 18, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 13, 2023
  • Woolly M
    Blue Mountains, Australia7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loved it!
    Just spent a week in the castle as part of the making tomato sauce in a castle class. Even better than I was dreaming of. Really well run, comfortable, delicious, very generous and to top it all off, came home confident of my pasta making and other delicious morsels. Silvestro is a generous host & teacher and manages a diverse group really well. Highly recommend
    Great fun to have you with us! And we hope to have you back again! Let us know if you'd like a case of our extra virgin sent to you in Australia. Enjoy your summer!
    Written September 18, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written September 15, 2023
  • heypete
    Palm Springs, California15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic class for anyone who loves good food
    I can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon in Lecce: Silvestro’s fish market visit & lunch course was the perfect combination of exploring, learning, cooking, eating and making new friends. During visits to local markets and then back at his gorgeous kitchen in the old city, he shared his vast knowledge of food, agriculture, and the Salento region with passion and humor. The hands-on cooking portion left us with lots of skills and ideas we could take home with us. And then came lunch, complete with olive oil and wine flights plus the fresh-tasting food we had just helped prepare. Many thanks to Silvestro and his staff for a wonderful experience.
    Truly a pleasure having you two with us for the day! And thank you for your order of our extra virgin. Should be arrving early next week!
    Written September 26, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 19, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles365 reviews
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Lecce fun
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021 • Friends
What Fun! We went to Lecce to take a course to cook Italian… what an experience! The entire process was an adventure in a far away land! Sylvestro intrigued us with his knowledge of the local foods, wines and culture. He then guided us thru preparation of a multitude of dishes that I’m still salivating over. Each day was something new and get this: we got to drink wine while we ate the food we created! So cool… the experience of going to markets, prepping the dishes and then sitting down as a group was thoroughly entertaining. If you like food and wine, then this is the place to be! Sylvestro gave an outstanding performance in showing us how to be a little bit Italian… just for a short time as we immersed ourselves in the whole experience. I loved the entire process and count myself lucky to have had this opportunity… thank you Sylvestro!!
Written September 10, 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.
a pleasure to have you with us! We hope to see you back with us again soon.
Written September 18, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

DB & JA
Silver Spring, MD21 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
We spent an evening with Silvestro and Anna at his amazing house/cooking school. Actually we started with a walk to the market for shopping and learning about the history of Lecce on the way. Once we got to the house we worked on prepping ingredients and then making fresh pasta as well as delicious bombette that we rolled and then grilled. The evening continued with tastings of wine and olive oil on top of the excellent meal. All in all a fun experience for all of us.
Written June 19, 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.
A treat to have you with us! We hope to see you back someday!
Written July 24, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Brenda M
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Solo
I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 20th anniversary cooking course at The Awaiting Table in September, and I can't rave enough about this exceptional culinary experience!

This is the third time I have attended the school – and it gets better every time. From the moment it began, we were immersed in the authentic aromas and vibrant flavors of Pugliese cuisine. The ambiance was inviting and warm, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the region. Silvestro is not only skilled chef, but also a passionate educator and storyteller, eager to share his expertise about food, wine, olive oil, and the region. His talents attract an extraordinary number of warm, wonderful people from around the world.

The school’s hands-on approach allowed us to immerse ourselves fully in the cooking process. We used fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and the sessions were both educational and entertaining, leaving us with a newfound confidence in recreating these delectable dishes in our own kitchens. We made fresh pasta every day; prepared traditional dishes like ciceri e tria; bottled our own tomato sauce; and cleaned, prepped, and cooked all kinds of seafood. And the unforgettable desserts — especially the roasted peaches with fresh sweetened ricotta – made every lesson/meal a total delight!

The Awaiting Table is a culinary gem. The skills, memories, and friendships I gained during my time there are priceless. If you are looking to immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of Italy and refine your skills in a warm and welcoming setting, The Awaiting Table is an absolute must-visit. I can't wait to return for another unforgettable culinary adventure!
Written September 24, 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.
It's happening more and more, people planning to return on day two of a week-long course. And sure enough, then they are back again. For our 20th birthday week celebration, half of those that came had been to the school 4 times or more. What a compliment! We look forward to seeing you next year!
Written September 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jess Littman
Arusha, Tanzania36 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was a pleasure having you with us, even for just half a day. We hope top have you back again soon!
Written March 28, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

TheWizardOfAllThings
Denver, CO20 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.

heypete
Palm Springs, CA15 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Couples
I can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon in Lecce: Silvestro’s fish market visit & lunch course was the perfect combination of exploring, learning, cooking, eating and making new friends. During visits to local markets and then back at his gorgeous kitchen in the old city, he shared his vast knowledge of food, agriculture, and the Salento region with passion and humor. The hands-on cooking portion left us with lots of skills and ideas we could take home with us. And then came lunch, complete with olive oil and wine flights plus the fresh-tasting food we had just helped prepare. Many thanks to Silvestro and his staff for a wonderful experience.
Written September 19, 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.
Truly a pleasure having you two with us for the day! And thank you for your order of our extra virgin. Should be arrving early next week!
Written September 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Amanda J
Brookhaven, GA1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Couples
If I could rate this experience 20 stars I would! This is not only a wonderful cooking class where you get to pick the fish and vegetables you cook, but it’s also a wonderful walking tour of the city and makes you appreciate putting good food (and olive oil) into your body. I consider myself a “decent cook” but I learned so many new things today that I’ll be able to bring home with me forever. Thank you Sylvestro and Anna for my favorite Italian experience.
Written May 20, 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.
It was a lot of fun to have you two with us! And thank you very much for your purchase of our extra virgin olive oil. We'll be buying a tree for each of you to replant this winter! Your visit- and purchase- helps our olive industry recover. Grazie!
Written May 21, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Donna Hix
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021 • Friends
Cooking adventure extraordinaire, and then some! The hands-on learning southern Italian dishes started with a walking trip through historic Lecce to the local markets where the freshest ingredients were selected under the guidance of Silvestro. From there, we headed to the colorful cooking school known as The Awaiting Table. Here, Silvestro shared not only his knowledge and technique on preparing and cooking the ingredients into delightful Italian dishes, but also his extensive knowledge of Italian wines and provided interesting facts about Lecce, Salento and Puglia. He even guided us on Italian words and phrases to enhance our dining experience! We highly recommend a trip to Lecce and this cooking course with Silvestro, an adventure that will be relished! Buon appetito!
Written September 6, 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.
The pleasure was ours! We hope to see you again soon!
Written September 18, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Woolly M
Blue Mountains, Australia7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Solo
Just spent a week in the castle as part of the making tomato sauce in a castle class. Even better than I was dreaming of. Really well run, comfortable, delicious, very generous and to top it all off, came home confident of my pasta making and other delicious morsels. Silvestro is a generous host & teacher and manages a diverse group really well. Highly recommend
Written September 15, 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.
Great fun to have you with us! And we hope to have you back again! Let us know if you'd like a case of our extra virgin sent to you in Australia. Enjoy your summer!
Written September 18, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Santina S
Mount Laurel, NJ14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Couples
We just finished our third (but NOT final) visit with Silvestro Silvestori at Awaiting Table Cookery School. This time we were in the small hamlet of Spongano, Italy. We stayed for a week in an old castle where we learned all about the regional food, wine, and olive oil of Puglia and the Salento. We made much delicious food and learned so much, but the highlight was communing with a group of fabulous strangers who became friends under Silvestro's excellent tutelage. He is the consummate host and made us all feel so appreciated. I can't recommend this activity highly enough!
Written September 11, 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.
A treat having you two back with us! And thank you for buying our olive oil all this years, especially during the Covid years where it was pivotal to our survival as a school. We look forward to your next visit!
Written September 18, 2023
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 (2024)

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