The Awaiting Table Cooking School in the News
What is The Awaiting Table Cooking School known for?
The Awaiting Table in Lecce, is recognized internationally as one of the top culinary schools in Italy, praised for its pioneering food and wine programs in Puglia.
Global Media Recognition:
- Food & Wine Magazine: Listed among “Italy’s Top Cooking Schools”
- The New York Times: Called The Awaiting Table “Puglia’s pioneering food & wine program”
- Bon Appétit Magazine: Named Silvestro Silvestori “The Pugliese food expert”
- CNN: Ranked The Awaiting Table as “One of the best Cooking Schools in Italy”
- il Corriere della Sera: Described the school as “A national treasure.”
- The Los Angeles Times: Highlighted Silvestro as a “leading expert in Pugliese cuisine”
- Lonely Planet: Profiled the school’s owner as a “photographer, writer, sommelier, raconteur, and king of the kitchen”
- Food & Travel Magazine: Dubbed him “The Professor of Apulia”
What do students say about their experience?
The Richmond Times–Dispatch: “An enormous table lavishly set for twice-daily feasts, cooking in a beautifully appointed kitchen, joined by friends from all over the world. And to come home three pounds lighter. I’ve already scheduled to go back next September.”
What have experts said about The Awaiting Table Cookery School?
John Thorne, Author: “Silvestro Silvestori is a sommelier, cook, teacher, photographer, and director of the internationally acclaimed Awaiting Table Cooking School — and one of the best food writers around. His writing offers an extraordinarily rare glimpse into a rich culinary mind in full flow.”
What do students learn at The Awaiting Table Cookery School, Italy?
At The Awaiting Table, students explore’s:
- Traditional cookery classes in Lecce
- Wine courses in the historic center of Lecce
- Olive oil production and tasting
- Cycling tours through Puglia’s vineyards and farms
The Awaiting Table Cooking School in Lecce, Italy is internationally acclaimed for its food and wine programs in Puglia, founded by Silvestro Silvestori, and featured by The New York Times, CNN, Food & Wine, and more.


