A cooking class is one of the best ways to spend a wet afternoon on Lake Como, and this small-group class in Como town is among the most popular. You learn to make fresh pasta by hand with a local cook, prepare a classic tiramisu and then sit down to eat what you have made, with an aperitivo to start. The class is rated 4.9 from more than 240 reviews, which suggests a friendly, well-run session that suits beginners as well as keen cooks. It gives you a skill to take home and a break from sightseeing, and it works whatever the season, which is useful on a lake where many outdoor attractions close in winter. The small group makes it social, and the aperitivo makes it feel like an evening out as much as a lesson.
What the class is
A small-group pasta and tiramisu class in Como, with an aperitivo included in the title. The operator sets the start time, the length, the menu and the group size, so read the details when you book, and tell them in advance about allergies or dietary needs, because the class uses flour, eggs and dairy. Most classes of this kind run for a few hours and end with a shared meal, so go hungry and do not plan a big lunch before it.
What you do
The pasta is made from flour and eggs, kneaded, rolled and cut by hand, and the cook explains how the texture changes with the type of flour and the thickness of the dough. Tiramisu is assembled from savoiardi biscuits, coffee, mascarpone cream and cocoa, and it is then left to set while you eat the pasta. You will probably learn a sauce or two, and the questions you ask about regional cooking are usually welcome. Expect to work standing up, with aprons provided, and to take the recipes home.
Lake Como food
The class sits in the larger context of lake cuisine, which leans on rice, polenta, freshwater fish such as perch and whitefish, cheeses from the nearby valleys and the sweet bread-and-fruit cake of Como called miascia. A good class is a chance to ask where to eat and what to order, and local cooks are the best source of tips for restaurants away from the tourist lakefront. Pair it with our guide to eating and drinking for ideas on what to try next.
Making the most of it
Book early in the week, wear closed shoes and tie your hair back, and bring a container if you want to take leftovers away. The class is a good choice for rainy days, for families with older children and for couples who want something shared in the evening.
It is less suited to travellers who are short of time, since the class, the meal and the walk to and from the venue take most of an afternoon or evening. Como’s old town is compact, so a short walk before the class and a stroll on the lakefront afterwards complete the day.
Who it suits
The class works for solo travellers, couples, families with older children and small groups of friends, and the small size means the cook can give each person some attention. Vegetarians are usually easy to cater for because pasta and tiramisu are naturally meat-free, but ask the organiser in advance about eggs, dairy, gluten and nuts. If you enjoy the class, ask the cook for tips on which bakeries and delicatessens to visit before you leave town, because the best souvenirs of the lake are often edible.
What to expect
The experience
A hands-on small-group class where you make pasta and tiramisu, then eat the results with an aperitivo.
Best time
Any season, and especially a wet or cold afternoon when outdoor sights are less appealing.
How long
About three hours including the meal, though the operator sets the exact schedule.
Tips
Tell the organiser about dietary needs in advance, go hungry and wear closed shoes.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Food lovers and anyone who wants a rainy-day activity with a meal at the end.
- Families
- Good for older children who enjoy rolling and shaping dough, subject to the operator’s age rules.
- Couples
- A shared activity ending in a sit-down meal, with an aperitivo to start.
- Pair with
- Pair it with a walk along Como’s lakefront or the Duomo before or after.
- Time needed
- An afternoon or evening.
Good questions
Do I need cooking experience?+
No, the class is hands-on and led by a local cook, so beginners are welcome.
What will I make?+
Fresh pasta by hand and a tiramisu, followed by a shared meal with an aperitivo. Check the details for the exact menu.
Can the class cater for dietary needs?+
Tell the organiser in advance. The class uses flour, eggs and dairy, so vegan and gluten-free needs should be arranged before you book.
How long does the class last?+
Around three hours including the meal, though the operator sets the exact schedule.
Does it run in winter?+
Cooking classes are indoors, so they are a good winter choice, but check availability for your dates.
