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8 BEST Cooking Classes in Lake Como (selected by an Italian)

Nestled in the beautiful region of Lombardy lies the world-renowned Lake Como. Famous for its landscapes, charming villages, and exquisite cuisine, it’s an unmissable stop on any Northern Italy trip. It’s also a culinary paradise for food enthusiasts and aspiring chefs!

Among the numerous experiences available in the area, I highly recommend the cooking classes. I always love taking cooking classes wherever I go!

They are a delightful way to immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of the region. And to eat deliciously, of course 😉

Image of fresh pasta and a pasta machine on a wooden table

If you’ve ever dreamed of perfecting the art of Italian cooking, specifically the classics of pasta and pizza (yum!) look no further than Lago di Como.

In this article, we go over the very best cooking classes in Lake Como. Each of them will introduce you to the secrets behind delectable Italian dishes, guided by expert chefs.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds as you explore the heart and soul of Italian cuisine!

Why consider my picks for cooking classes in Lake Como? As an Italian who’s spent years chronicling my country’s diverse culinary traditions, I’ve handpicked classes that capture the essence of Italian cooking.

I’ve sifted through options and zeroed in on those that provide the best quality, authenticity, and value. My connection to Italian culture ensures you get recommendations that resonate with the flavors and techniques of Italy, right in the stunning setting of Lake Como.

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 TOURHome Cooking Class & Meal with a Local
PIZZA-MAKING CLASSNeapolitan DOC Pizza Class

OUR PICK: The BEST Cooking Class in Lake Como

▶️ Join this Small Group Pasta and Tiramisu Class in Como to learn the art of hand-rolled pasta making, and whip up a classic tiramisu.

You’ll be taught by a Cesarina, an expert home cook who strives to preserve regional traditions. Don on an apron, and delve into the creation of fresh pasta from scratch, and the layering of tiramisu.

As your meal is cooked, savor a classic aperitivo while exchanging tips and stories with fellow foodies. Then, indulge in your creations, having gained a deeper understanding of Lombardy’s culinary traditions.

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 in 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 tour includes: All ingredients, a meal, wine, recipes, and tickets to the gardens.  ➥ BOOK IT HERE


▶️ The Como Lake: Cooking Class Italian style in Bellagio is a 3.5-hour experience that will immerse you in the local cuisine in a very interactive way.

You’ll set foot in a private kitchen, where a professional chef will offer instructions, tips, and insider secrets about traditional Italian recipes. Then, roll up your sleeves to prepare homemade pasta from scratch, ragú sauce, and tiramisu.

Once your culinary creations are ready, you’ll sit down to enjoy a scrumptious meal paired with wine.

Powered by GetYourGuide

This tour includes: All ingredients, lunch, wine, and water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Private Cooking Classes in Lake Como

▶️ 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 tour includes: All ingredients, a meal, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE


▶️ 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 tour 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.

Powered by GetYourGuide

This tour 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 tour 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 tour includes: All ingredients, dinner, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

  • Stefania Guglielmi

    Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.