Cooking class from Varenna

A pasta class made for a Varenna stay

Varenna rewards slow days: stone stairways down to the water, the lovers' walk along the shore, a glass of wine at dusk. A morning or afternoon in Como, hands deep in flour and eggs, fits that rhythm perfectly. Our class is small — up to 12 guests — and unhurried, about three hours from first knead to the last spoon of gelato. It is the kind of unscripted, hands-on afternoon that travels home better than another souvenir, and it suits couples beautifully; if you are two, the couples cooking class is the natural fit.

How to reach us from Varenna

We are in central Como, at Via Teresa Ciceri 10A, a short walk from the lakefront and the Duomo — not in Varenna itself, so do leave time for the crossing. From Varenna the loveliest route is by water: take the short ferry Varenna–Bellagio (around 15–20 minutes), then connect to a fast ferry down to Como. By train it is straightforward too — board at Varenna-Esino on the Milan–Tirano line and change in Milan, roughly 1h40 in all. By car it is about an hour down the eastern shore. Whichever you choose, plan to arrive a little early and unwind before we begin.

What to pair it with

Make a full day of it on either side of the class:

• Villa Monastero and its long botanical garden along the water.
• Castello di Vezio above the village, for views over the centre of the lake.
• The Passeggiata degli Innamorati, the lovers' walk hugging the shore.
• Fiumelatte, the short, milky stream that gives the hamlet its name.

Once in Como, our things to do in Como guide points you to the lakefront, Piazza Cavour and the funicular up to Brunate.

What you'll cook

Everyone kneads a panetto of flour and eggs; while it rests we run the spritz lesson — your own Aperol or Campari, drunk as the aperitivo — then you roll the sfoglia with the wooden matterello and shape your pasta. We finish at the table with gelato and a few drops of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP. Choose the shape that tempts you: the Tagliatelle Masterclass with fresh tomato (our flagship), tagliatelle with ragù Bolognese, green ravioloni with ricotta, or farfalle and garganelli with ragù.

Practical details

The class is 150 euro per person, sessions take up to 12 guests, and larger private groups are arranged at a special rate on request. There is no upfront payment: send a request and we confirm by email or WhatsApp. Classes are taught in English and French as well as Italian, so you'll feel at home throughout. When you're ready, send a booking request.

You might also like

• Cooking class for couples — ideal if Varenna is your romantic base.
• Cooking class from Bellagio — the village you'll pass through by ferry.
• Cooking class on Lake Como — the overview for wherever you're staying.