Gift Vouchers are available for purchase for either our Italian cooking classes or accommodation. Or for a truly memorable experience, accommodation and class packages are also available. Just let us know where you'd like it mailed to.
Gift Vouchers are available for purchase for either our Italian cooking classes or accommodation. Or for a truly memorable experience, accommodation and class packages are also available. Just let us know where you'd like it mailed to.
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Events Reviews
Conversation came to a standstill
My colleagues and I were delighted with the exquisite four-course lunch, which started with a delicious starter, followed by an entree of filled eggplant. The conversation at our table came to a stand-still when the handmade agnolotti were served in a bowl of heavenly chicken soup. We didn't start the conversation again until we had all finished this delicious dish. The lunch was completed with a homemade dessert. I highly recommend this place. Felice Montrone, Ferragosto 2024
One doesn't get in a restaurant
We loved our day with you. It felt like being with family. The food was excellent so fresh and natural which one doesn't get in a restaurant, and of course, good company. Thank you. Denbigh Sale, Ferragosto 2024
What a beautiful lunch
What a beautiful lunch you gave us Silvana. It was absolutely delicious and it was interesting to meet a group of lovely Italians. With thanks and best wishes. Leonard, Ferragosto 2024
Great service from start to finish
Mushroom foraging in the Blue Mtns with Silvana and her family was amazing and great fun. The accommodation is incredibly tidy and cosy. They had great customer service from start to finish. They were very attentive and careful during the journey through the forest. The highlight was cooking up our freshly foraged Saffron Milkcaps into a delicious meal once we were home. Highly recommend! Max and Valeria, Mushroom Foraging Day Trip, May 2023
Can I give more than 5 Stars?
If I could give 6 out of 5 stars I would. For years my sister longed to celebrate her 50th birthday in Italy, but due to Covid all plans were cancelled. Incredibly Silvana, Antonella and their dear mother Maria brought Italy to her and our entire family. We had a magnificent Italian feast - limoncello, panettone, homegrown olives, handmade salami, pickled green tomatoes, homemade bread, antipasto, handmade lasagna with traditional Southern Italian pasta sauce, and finished off with icey cold Granita al Limone topped with fresh mint. This beautiful family exceeded all expectations, making my sister's day extra special. The extended dining table was beautifully set, and we celebrated against a backdrop of a life sized photograph of Silvana's grandparents’ grapevine pergola in Italy. My sister and her family stayed the night. The house was very homely, comfortable and impeccably clean. We all enjoyed the garden with its fruit trees, vegetable patch and mini vineyard. Thank you Silvana, Antonella and Maria for creating an exceptional celebration for us. We'll have wonderful memories for years to come! Katherine Hynes, Surprise 50th Birthday, Feb 2021
Charming hosts
My wife and I attended the Italian Christmas in July event. Everything about the event was perfect, charming and friendly hosts, delicious food and a wonderful location. We are looking forward to the next event and would recommend the events to everyone. Sean Wakeling, Italian Christmas in July, 2022
We've been spreading the word
Absolutely delightful. Delicious food presented by a charming and knowledgeable host in a lovely setting. We cannot recommend this experience too highly and have been spreading the word to our friends. Denis Gallagher, Equinox A Taste of Italy, 2023
Meticulous detail
Thank you Silvana & Antonella, at Fifth Ave Katoomba Retreat, for staging a beautifully executed, traditional 'Ferragosto' event ! Much appreciation for your warm hospitality & meticulous detail, creating a fun-filled afternoon of delicious feasting & light-hearted connecting. Diana Calleja, Ferragosto, Sep 2022
Wonderful on both occasions
In 2022, I had two catered lunches at this venue – a Christmas in July and a Ferragusto lunch. The food was Italian and it was superb. Delicious, healthy and varied. Drinks were included too. I had a wonderful time on both occasions. I didn't know the other guests beforehand, but we all got along famously. Thank you to the hostesses, Silvana and Toni. I highly recommend the venue and the catering. Two pleasant afternoons in the quiet, beautiful Blue Mountains. Norah Taylor, Jan, 2023
Enjoyable way to spend Sunday
We had a lovely afternoon, with beautiful Italian food. The company was delightful and great conversation was enjoyed. We loved seeing the garden at the back of the house where there was a variety of food production ... fruit and vegetables. It was a very enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Nerida Burton, Equinox A Taste of Italy 2023
Great atmosphere
Thank you Silvana for our delicious lunch. Felt like we were back in Italy. Great atmosphere, wonderful company. Jill and Paul, Italian Food Experience, Jun 2021
Took my soul back to Sicilia
Dear Silvana Thank you for a wonderful lunch!!!. It took my soul straight back to my memories of Sicilia!! Loved the olives, the stuffed mushrooms, and of course, you and your sister's hospitality. Love your work. D Wylde, Italian Food Experience, Jun 2021