Cooking class · Menaggio · Lake Como
A Fresh-Pasta Cooking Class for Menaggio Visitors
Make pasta with your own hands. You're on the lively west shore in Menaggio, and an easy hour down the lake brings you to our table in central Como, where you'll knead, roll and eat a meal you made yourself.
From a Menaggio base to our table in Como
Menaggio sits in the busy middle of Lake Como's western shore, a gateway town for crossings to Lugano and Switzerland and a favourite with active, outdoorsy travellers. We're in central Como, at the south-west tip of the lake, a short walk from Piazza Cavour and the Duomo. It's a natural pairing: spend the morning on the Menaggio lakefront and the afternoon (or evening) with your hands in flour at our kitchen.
How to reach us from Menaggio
The trip is straightforward and part of the fun, since most of it happens on the water.
- By fast ferry: the hydrofoil down the western shore to Como reaches the city in around an hour, dropping you steps from the historic centre.
- By bus: the C10 line runs along the western shore from Menaggio to Como in roughly an hour, with frequent departures through the day.
- By car: about 40 minutes when traffic is kind, though the lakeside road is narrow and parking in Como is easier left to the train or boat.
Tell us your arrival time and we'll help you choose a session that fits the ferry or bus timetable, so there's no rushing either way.
What to combine it with
Menaggio rewards a slow morning before you travel. Walk the lakefront promenade, swim or sunbathe at the Lido di Menaggio, play a round at the local golf course, or hop across for a day-trip to Lugano. Active families in particular tend to build a full day around it; if that's you, our family cooking class and group sessions are made for exactly that mix of ages and energy.
What you'll cook
Each guest kneads a personal dough ball of flour and eggs. While it rests there's a spritz lesson — build your own Aperol or Campari spritz and drink it as your aperitivo — then you hand-roll the sfoglia with a wooden matterello and shape your pasta. Everyone sits down to eat what they made, finishing with gelato dressed in a few drops of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP. The whole thing runs about three hours. Pick your shape on the masterclass pages: Tagliatelle with fresh tomato, tagliatelle al ragù, green ravioloni with ricotta or farfalle and garganelli.
Practical details
The class is 150 euro per person, with sessions of up to 12 guests; larger private groups are arranged on request. There's no upfront payment — send a request and we'll confirm by email or WhatsApp. We teach in English and French as well as Italian, so language is never a barrier. When you're ready, request your date.
You might also like
- Cooking class from Bellagio — if you're crossing the lake's central triangle.
- Cooking class from Varenna — the eastern-shore counterpart.
- Things to do in Como — to round out your day in the city.
Getting here from Menaggio
≈1 h by fast ferry · or bus + train Get directions ↗
A taste of the class
What our guests say
5.0 · 12 Google reviews
Wonderful experience with delicious foods and wines!
Cannot recommend this experience enough! Marco was very knowledgeable and explained every step of the process. Val was extremely helpful with translating and had perfect English. Between the appetizer, main course, and dessert everything was fantastic and one of the best meals I have ever had. We cannot thank Marco, Val, and their mother for the hospitality and unforgettable experience.
More than 5 stars for Val, Marco and Silvana, who welcomed us into their family home to teach us Italian homemade pasta techniques in such a friendly pleasurable way. They made it fun and you can't help but love this family! A perfect family team working together wanting to share their love of traditional Italian food cooked with joy. We loved every minute. Our favorite thing in Como — this authentic Italian family cooking class should be at the top of your list to do! Grazie mille!!!
My mom, sister, daughter, niece and I did the tagliatelle al ragù pasta making class with Mani in Pasta and had such a great time! Val, Marco and Silvana were wonderful teachers and hosts! They are a wealth of knowledge and are happy to share it with you. I would highly recommend this class for anyone interested in learning how to make delicious, authentic Italian pasta. Gelato at the end was a delicious treat.
We had fun and learned so much! They were so knowledgeable and treated us like family. Not to mention the food was delicious (and maybe I can try to recreate it again at home)! They provided insight into the history of Italian food culture that can only come from generations who live here.
Wonderful experience near the center of Como. The cooking class was very detailed, engaging, and enjoyable. I learned a lot and had a great time. Highly recommended!
I loved the experience! A fun and easy way to learn how to make pasta, the REAL pasta. The chef was super friendly and patient, I really enjoyed the environment she created. I definitely recommend this experience, worth the money and the time.
I had a wonderful experience at this cooking class! The atmosphere was warm and welcoming from the very beginning, and the instructor explained everything clearly and with great enthusiasm.
It's a fantastic and unforgettable experience! A warm place with good vibes and atmosphere! Fun and very professional team! If you visit Como, don't miss Mani in Pasta.
Fantastic cooking class! Clear instructions, great atmosphere, fresh ingredients, and delicious homemade pasta. Highly recommended!
5.0 Verified Google reviews
Cooking up an afternoon from Menaggio?
Send a request — no payment now. We'll confirm your date by email or WhatsApp and help you time it to the ferry.
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