While you’re in Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast, don’t miss the chance to have a truly unique Italian culinary experience here with us at the Olimpia Cooking School.
Oasi Olimpia Relais’ cooking school was one of the very first culinary schools in the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento area, opening at the same time as the Boutique Hotel. It has long been a much-loved, must-visit destination for those who love food and cooking as much as we do!
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a culinary master, you are assured of an unforgettable experience with us here in Sorrento, as we use the freshest ingredients to make delicious dishes, with plenty of fun and friendship along the way. You’ll learn from a team who are dedicated as much to our guests as we are to the highest culinary values and traditions.
A unique experience in the hills of Sorrento…
The building that now houses the school has always held strong links to the culinary world, since its beginnings as a noble farmhouse built by German aristocrat Max Brandmeyer. He decided to settle in Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi not only for the outstanding natural beauty, but also for the huge variety and top quality of nutritious fresh produce made possible by the favourable climate, unique position and fertile soils. It was he who actually imported and planted the very first “limongella” apple here - now one of the most characteristic apple varieties of the heights of Sorrento.
Later, the property passed to the Insigne family, and today, landlord Mr. Salvatore Insigne is always on-hand and available to every guest.
A shared passion for great food and the finest ingredients…
Above all, Mr. Salvatore is a lover of good food and has a strong passion for "knowing how to cook," which has been passed down from his mother, Ms. Olimpia.
He now takes care of the kitchen, deciding the menus and sourcing only the very best, local ingredients and the freshest seasonal produce. Every morning he visits our onsite orchards and gardens to tend to the vast crop of organic produce that is grown on our estate, so as to guarantee our customers only the finest quality ingredients.
With the rolling hills of the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento as a backdrop, immersed in the verdant gardens of the Oasi Olimpia, cooking classes are held in two large, fully equipped kitchens that are an impressive combination of serious culinary professionalism and charming Italian tradition. The flagship is the large wood-fire oven, carefully constructed according to the exacting standards required by Neapolitan tradition, and covered in typical Vietri tiles.
The duration of classes varies, but is generally a minimum of two or three enjoyable hours that pass quickly as you learn new skills and make new friends. During the lesson, the chef will guide you to success, giving advice and directions, and explaining not only the best method but also the secrets to selecting ingredients. And when you return home, you’ll be able to delight your family and friends with a beautiful meal with the recipes you’ve learned here in Sorrento at Olimpia Cooking School.
And remember, for an unforgettable dish, you need these ingredients:
Cooking lessons begin with a meeting between participants and the chef, chatting not only about the cooking class but also getting to know each other over a glass of wine or a cup of coffee. In fact, a key element of our success is the social atmosphere of friendship and laughter in all our lessons, as we share the secrets of culinary art.
The pride of our Sorrento cooking school is our chef, who speaks perfect English and has years of experience in the field. In addition to being warm, friendly and fun, he is always patient, and willing to explain and demonstrate the best possible way to prepare unique dishes.
Delicious local dishes prepared by you…
Each lesson consists of the preparation of a starter, a first course, a main course and finally a dessert; Four delicious courses of traditional Italian and Neapolitan delicacies, prepared by you.
Among the most popular “primi” or first course dishes include typical Sorrento gnocchi, or the famous ravioli that are a must on our tables, especially on Sunday. You will learn to make the dough from scratch, kneading and shaping it, before creating the perfect sauce. This hands-on approach to learning means you will get real practice under the expert guidance of the chef - and can be proud of what you’ve made!
Main courses may be meat, chicken or fish - but our ultimate goal is to meet your needs, so please let us know of any dietary requirements.
One of our most traditional Mediterranean recipes at Olimpia Cooking School is the famous eggplant parmigiana…and in summer we will use eggplants (aubergines) freshly harvested from our organic garden, for an extraordinary flavor.
Finally we will create a luscious dessert, whether the timeless tiramisu, or panna cotta, and more.
Don’t forget about Neapolitan pizza. We often devote an entire lesson to this most beloved of local delights; Naples was, after all, the birthplace of pizza! You will have the opportunity to learn the secrets that have made it world-famous, and that only few experts are willing to share.
Come along for a cooking class at Oasi Olimpia Relais. Available to those staying in our luxury hotel and elsewhere, it is a great choice for those with limited time, who want to a unique experience learning more about the culinary traditions of our area. Don’t miss the opportunity to make the most of your stay. Included in the price is a practical, hands-on lesson in the kitchen where you will prepare a full 5-course meal, and at the end you can relax with a cocktail served in the cool shade of our fragrant terrace, appreciating the food you’ve prepared. Participation in the class also includes a meal at the restaurant "Oasi" with drinks included.
Come along for a cooking class at Oasi Olimpia Relais. Available to those staying in our luxury hotel and elsewhere, it is a great choice for those with limited time, who want to a unique experience learning more about the culinary traditions of our area. Don’t miss the opportunity to make the most of your stay. Included in the price is a practical, hands-on lesson in the kitchen where you will prepare a full 5-course meal, and at the end you can relax with a cocktail served in the cool shade of our fragrant terrace, appreciating the food you’ve prepared. Participation in the class also includes a meal at the restaurant "Oasi" with drinks included.
This is a great choice for those who want to experience the best the area has to offer in an entirely original way. It’s particularly convenient for those who prefer a stress-free holiday, as we will take care of everything from the moment you arrive in Naples until your departure. With just the right balance of activities, you will attend cooking classes, visit the most beautiful and interesting sights of Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, and also have time to relax and enjoy the best the area has to offer.
This is a great choice for those who want to experience the best the area has to offer in an entirely original way. It’s particularly convenient for those who prefer a stress-free holiday, as we will take care of everything from the moment you arrive in Naples until your departure. With just the right balance of activities, you will attend cooking classes, visit the most beautiful and interesting sights of Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, and also have time to relax and enjoy the best the area has to offer.
