Cooking class · Varenna · Lake Como
Cooking class from Varenna
Varenna is one of the lake's most romantic corners — and a fresh-pasta class in Como makes an easy, memorable day across the water. You knead your own dough, learn to build a proper spritz, roll the sfoglia by hand and then sit down to eat what you made.
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 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.
Getting here from Varenna
≈1 h 30 by train via Lecco · or a scenic ferry 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
Bring Varenna a little closer to the kitchen
Send a request — no payment now. We confirm by email or WhatsApp, in English or French.
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