Cooking Classes in Lake Como

Lake Como is famous for stylish villas that adorn crystal clear waters set against the backdrop of snowcapped mountains — but it’s also a center of Italian cuisine with the scenic town home to unique interpretations of Lombardian and Milanese dishes.

A cooking class in Lake Como offers a wonderful explanation of the regional gastronomy. This will enable you to venture into the home of a local chef, allowing you a marvelous glimpse of the traditional Lombardian way of life — while also learning how to prepare delicious local dishes.

An added bonus is the fact that most of the cooking classes in Lake Como are hosted by a Cesarine-qualified chef — ensuring that you’ll enjoy the highest quality during your class.

Here's all you need to know about cooking classes, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Lake Como.

What are the best cooking classes in Lake Como?

Deciding on the best cooking class in Lake Como is a matter of taste, as well as a preference for the size of the class. While the number of cooking classes is fairly limited, the dishes are not and you can look forward to a delicious and informative experience.

Small group cooking class in Lake Como

This small group cooking class is one of the most cost-effective ways of delving into the cuisine of Lake Como. The class size is limited, with a maximum of 10 participants at a time ensuring a great balance between quality and cost.

You’ll meet your instructor outside their home in Como, and after receiving a warm welcome you’ll head inside. Listen to your host explain the methods and traditions that underpin Lombardian food while they walk you through the day’s menu.

Following this, it’s into the kitchen where you’ll be guided through the steps as your instructor cooks the dishes. The idea is that you spend as much time as possible watching the cooking class and making notes, rather than an ineffective cook-along.

You’ll help with the preparations of the ingredients — especially if there’s a specific technique involved and your instructor will ensure that you get things spot on before continuing.

At the end of the class, you’ll sit down to a delicious 3-course meal enjoying the dishes you’ve helped prepare with some local wine.

Private Lake Como cooking class

A private cooking class in Como is perfect, as it will allow you unfettered access to your guide and cooking instructor. Your instructor will receive you at their home in Como where you’ll enjoy a quick refreshment before things heat up.

This is a more hands-on cooking class and the level of your involvement will depend on how comfortable you are in the kitchen.

Your instructor will tell you more about Lake Como’s history and traditions while prepping your food — and they’ll treat you to some invaluable cooking tips that will be sure to impress your friends and family back home.

In true Italian fashion, there will be wine throughout the cooking class, so make sure to take notes, lest you forget.

Finally, as a reward for all of your hard work, you’ll sit down with your instructor to enjoy the end product.

Are there any combos available with cooking class tours in Lake Como?

Combining your cooking class in Lake Como with other gastronomic activities is a great way to obtain a holistic picture of Lombardian cuisine.

Private Lake Como cooking class with market visit and food tour

This private cooking class combines the preparation of the meals with a market and food tour where you’ll shop for your ingredients — while also sampling some of the local specialties from Delis.

Your guide and cooking instructor will bridge the language barrier, giving you tips to ensure you find the best deal when navigating these markets. Then, with your provisions selected, you’ll head to the instructor’s home to prepare the dishes and enjoy them during a 3-course meal.

Which places are visited?

When it comes to a Lake Como cooking class the focus isn’t on the places visited, but rather on the dishes enjoyed.

Saying this, there are a couple of cooking classes available that also feature a tour element — during these you’ll visit Lake Como’s historical center, visiting restaurants delis and markets in the area. There are also one or two cooking classes that take place in the stunning town of Bellagio.

As for the dishes, you’ll typically prepare four to five dishes during a cooking class, covering starters, mains and desserts. The menu of these cooking classes will depend on the season, with Cavolfiore alla Milanese, a delicious cauliflower dish, serving as a starter during winter.

The main course will usually consist of two dishes with one a pasta dish while another celebrates fresh fish from Lake Como. Finally, you’ll enjoy a delicious dessert — with Miascia, a traditional cake that’s made with pine nuts, raisins and apples, being one of the favorite options.

Italian cuisine is heavily dependent on what is in season — and for a clearer idea of what the menu will look like for your cooking class, you should consult with your instructor when booking.

How much do cooking classes in Lake Como cost?

The price for a cooking class in Lake Como depends on the number of participants and the activities included — but they usually range between €100 and €200 per person.

A small group cooking class in Lake Como will cost approximately €95 per person, making it the least expensive option available. Your class will be limited to a maximum of eight people, allowing for a more in-depth learning experience.

A private Lake Como cooking class will cost around €150 per person, but for this price, you’ll be the only people in the class — enabling your instructor to focus all of their attention on you.

The most expensive option is the private Lake Como cooking class with a market visit and food tour, which will cost €190 per person. However, this is also a private pouting with the added advantage of incorporating a market and food tour in Lake Como — leaving you with a much more comprehensive picture of Lombardian cuisine.

What is included?

All of Lake Como’s cooking classes are conducted by a Cesarine chef. This network of home cooks and chefs serves to ensure the quality of the instructor while also protecting the cultural integrity of the dishes prepared.

Apart from your qualified instructor, you’ll also enjoy the end product of your cooking class, as well as some refreshments. This is usually in the form of local wine, but non-alcoholic options are also available.

Finally, you’ll typically leave the cooking class with a canvas shopping bag, an apron and a recipe book featuring the dishes you’ve cooked.

Where does it start?

The starting point for a cooking class will depend on the tour in question, with some cooking classes starting at the home of the host — while others depart from a location near the city’s historical center or the market that will be visited.

How long does it last?

The duration of a cooking class in Lake Como is usually between 2 and 3 hours — while cooking classes with a market or food tour may last up to 6 hours. Either way, you’ll end the tour with a satisfied palette and a head full of memories.

When is the best time for a cooking class in Lake Como?

The best time for a cooking class in Lake Como is during the  the months of April to June and September to October are ideal for fewer crowds.

Additionally, weekdays either in the morning or early afternoon offer a quieter experience compared to weekends, ensuring a more focused and personalized cooking class with less hustle and bustle.

What other gastronomic experiences can be done in Lake Como?

• Dinners in Lake Como
• Beer Tastings in Lake Como
• Cheese Tastings in Lake Como
• Chocolate Tastings in Lake Como

Travel tips

• Double-check the class schedule, duration, and any specific requirements. Ensure you have the correct date, time, and location to avoid any confusion.
• Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for a cooking environment. You might be provided with an apron, but dressing appropriately for the kitchen is essential.
• Consider to take notes during the class to jot down cooking techniques, recipes, and tips shared by the instructor. This way, you can recreate the dishes at home.
• If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, inform the organizers in advance. They can make necessary accommodations to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Engage with the instructor, seek clarification, and learn as much as you can. Cooking classes are a great opportunity to enhance your culinary skills.