Lake Como is one of the most sought-after destinations in Italy, and probably in all of Europe, nestled in the beautiful region of Lombardy and boasting the most postcard-perfect landscapes.
Lago di Como is Italy’s deepest lake, and it’s surrounded by charming villages and backed by mountains – a fairytale location to add to your Northern Italy trip! But its looks are not the only thing it has to offer.
Not many people realize that Lake Como is a culinary paradise, with exquisite regional cuisine and specialties you’ll only find in this part of the country. And while eating your way through the lake is a great way to sample the local fare, I highly recommend joining a cooking class.
They’re such a fun activity, and they introduce you to the traditions and flavors of the region, besides giving you secret recipes and tips so you can recreate your favorite dishes at home. It’s a win-win!
In this article, I’ve compiled the best cooking classes in Lake Como to help you find the right experience for you. Pizza, or pasta? The options are quite varied, though every class will introduce you to the behind-the-scenes of the most delectable Italian dishes, guided by expert chefs.
Why consider my picks for cooking classes in Lake Como? I’m Italian, born and raised in Bologna, which isn’t super far from Lake Como, so I’ve been lucky enough to visit the area a few times. Besides, I’ve taken part in many cooking classes in Italy and around the world – I love them! – and have over 10 years of experience curating travel guides and tours.
You could say that, by now, I’m an expert at identifying extraordinary activities, and I always make sure all the tours I recommend are high-quality, offer the best value, and are led by professionals.
I generally use Viator and Get Your Guide to book tours around the world. I especially recommend them for their great cancellation policy. You can cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund.
Limited time? These are the best tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Small Group Pasta and Tiramisu Class |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local |
| PIZZA-MAKING CLASS | Neapolitan DOC Pizza Class |
OUR PICK: The BEST Cooking Class in Lake Como
▶️ Join this Small Group Pasta and Tiramisu Class in Como to discover the art of making Italy’s most famous dishes, both main and dessert.
You’ll be welcomed into a real Italian home by a Cesarina, an expert home cook, discovering just how far local hospitality goes. You’ll start the experience as Italians do: chatting over aperitivo, with a glass of Prosecco and appetizers as you get to know your group and hostess.
You’ll then be provided with an apron and all the utensils you’ll need throughout the class, taking your place in the cozy kitchen.
The Cesarina, who’s part of a network of cooks who strive to preserve regional traditions, will teach you all the secrets behind the creation of homemade pasta. You’ll mix ingredients, roll the pasta by hand, and shape it while you listen to stories about Lombardy’s culinary heritage and customs.
Once your two types of pasta are ready, delve into the creation of authentic tiramisu, one of Italy’s most beloved desserts (unsurprisingly, because who wouldn’t love a dessert with coffee in it?).
You’ll finally devour your homemade meal paired with wines and coffee. What makes this tour stand out, however, is the hosts. They’ll go to great lengths to make you feel at home, entertain you with stories and anecdotes, answer your questions, and welcome you into their family as if you were one of them. It’s as close as it gets to experiencing Italian life!
Why is this the best tour? It takes place in a local’s home, offering you a rare chance to cook with an Italian in their own kitchen. It allows you to bond over complimentary aperitivo, and ensures an intimate ambiance by capping the group size.
Read what the reviews say:
“Wow! What a wonderful experience of spending time with Anna with her hospitality and amazing touches. We enjoyed traditional Italian food and holiday treats . Made pasta from scratch with historical and local flavors and stories added in. She prepared a children’s tiramisu and then we made a traditional version as well. She is a treasure and our memories are precious.”
Luis_G – Read more reviews
This cooking class in Lake Como includes: All ingredients, an aperitivo, and a meal. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other Great Alternatives
▶️ Delve into a hands-on experience at this Bellagio Cook with a View +Villa Melzi. The cooking class is led by Chef Alessandro at a hilltop restaurant with astounding views.
Equipped with an apron and utensils, you’ll learn to knead, roll, and cut pasta with precision. Discover the secrets to craft delectable fettuccine, tagliatelle, and mouthwatering ricotta ravioli.
As you savor your creations, which include tiramisu for dessert, soak in the stunning panoramic views of Lake Como. You’ll later explore the enchanting Villa Melzi’s botanical gardens, included in the package.
This cooking class includes: All ingredients, a meal, wine, recipes, and tickets to the gardens. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Pasta Fresca Hands-on Cooking Class with a Local in Como will turn you into an (almost) expert chef in just 3 hours, as you discover the secrets to prepare fresh pasta from scratch like an authentic Italian nonna.
A local chef will guide the class, introducing you to the ingredients and the correct way of rolling out the “sfoglia”, the pasta sheet, cutting, and shaping it into your preferred type of pasta. You’ll also make a traditional sauce to go with your pasta meal, which you’ll enjoy with a glass of wine.
This cooking class includes: All ingredients and utensils for the cooking class, a pasta meal, and wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Indulge in a Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Como at a Cesarina’s kitchen. Under the instructions of an expert, unleash your inner chef as you whip up a 3-course meal. The menu features Italian classics like risotto, polenta, and tiramisu.
Once you’ve conquered the kitchen, sit back and relax as you relish your homemade lunch paired with exquisite wines. You’ll even score an official Cesarine apron and shopping bag to show off your newfound culinary prowess.
This cooking class includes: All ingredients, a meal, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Cooking Classes in Lake Como
▶️ On this Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina’s Home in Cernobbio you’ll learn to cook traditional Italian dishes in the home of a local chef.
In a beautiful kitchen, you’ll discover the ins and outs of making delicious, authentic fresh pasta. Then, move on to prepare a tasty sauce, and a starter featuring seasonal ingredients and produce. But your cooking class doesn’t end there!
Once your starter and main are well underway, it’s time to prepare a creamy tiramisu dessert. Cap off the day by relishing all your creations in a beautiful setting, paired with wine.
This cooking class includes: All ingredients, a Cesarina chef, a meal, and wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Como: Private Market Tour & Meal at a Local’s Home is a fun, original alternative. You’ll start the day with a trip to a local market, which you’ll explore with a guide. Learn to recognize the best produce and ingredients before making your way to the host’s home.
You’ll enjoy a cooking demonstration, learning family recipes and cooking techniques, and cap off the experience with a scrumptious 4-course meal. You’ll savor authentic flavors including starter, pasta, a main course, and dessert paired with drinks.
This cooking class in Como includes: A guide, a market tour, a cooking demonstration, and a 4-course meal with drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Pasta Fresca Experience with a Local
Ready to truly delve into the art of pasta making? Learn How to Make Homemade Pasta in Bellagio Area with an expert chef. You’ll be guided on every step of the creation process, from mixing ingredients to kneading, cutting, and shaping.
You’ll receive tips to ensure a successful dish, and the recipes to recreate at home! Once your pasta fresca has been cooked, enjoy it for lunch paired with wine and coffee.
This cooking class in Bellagio includes: All ingredients, a chef, and a meal with wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
A Pizza Making Class in Lake Como
Step up your cooking game with a Neapolitan DOC Pizza Class and Cooking in a Wood Oven at a Local’s House.
Embrace authenticity as you follow the steps of the original pizza neapoletana, and choose your toppings. You can make the traditional Margherita pizza, or top it with Bolognese Ragù, sausage and potatoes, or Parmigiana eggplants.
All ingredients used, from the yeast to the fresh buffalo mozzarella, are of the highest quality, and 100% beech wood is used for a truly unique flavor.
At the end of the class, savor the straight-out-of-the-oven pizza paired with wine.
This cooking class includes: All ingredients, dinner, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
