Meet
Annamaria
Annamaria's passion for cooking began at age 15, when she learned traditional Lombard recipes from her grandmother and started preparing simple, seasonal dishes for her family. Over the years, she expanded her culinary skills through professional cooking courses in Italy and abroad. Her culinary career includes owning a restaurant in Milan and a bar and diner in Ibiza, as well as working as a private chef. Today, she welcomes travelers into her home for an authentic Lake Como cooking class, sharing her love of Italian food, family recipes, and culinary traditions. With a strong interest in nutrition and healthy eating, Annamaria believes that delicious Italian food can also be fresh, wholesome, and balanced. She enjoys sharing her culinary knowledge and passion for seasonal ingredients, offering guests a warm, hands-on cooking experience that celebrates the flavors and traditions of Italian home cooking.
What to expect
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.
Cooking experience:
(1-20 guests)
Enjoy an authentic Lake Como cooking class with Annamaria in her charming, elegant home overlooking the lake in Lierna, a picturesque village on Lake Como's eastern shore. Annamaria welcomes you with homemade coffee before introducing you to the flavors and traditions of Italian home cooking. With stunning lake views and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, this private cooking experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with a local and discover traditional Italian cuisine.
During your hands-on cooking class in Lake Como, learn to prepare classic Italian dishes from scratch using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Depending on your chosen menu, you might learn to make fresh egg pasta, kneading and rolling the dough by hand and with a pasta machine, or prepare traditional Italian favorites such as creamy risotto, homemade gnocchi, or pizza. Annamaria will guide you through each step, sharing her cooking techniques, tips for selecting ingredients, and passion for Italian culinary traditions. Please share your menu preference when booking.
After cooking, sit down to savor the delicious meal you've prepared together, accompanied by wine, dessert, and lively conversation. Weather permitting, enjoy your meal at Annamaria's beautiful outdoor dining table overlooking Lake Como. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced home cook, this private Lake Como cooking class offers a memorable way to experience Italian food, local hospitality, and the beauty of the lake.
Market visit:
(1-20 guests)
Discover the flavors of Lake Como on a private guided market tour followed by a hands-on Italian cooking class in Annamaria's home in Lierna. Begin your experience at a lively local market, where residents shop for fresh produce, regional cheeses, and seasonal specialties. Explore the colorful stalls with Annamaria, meet local vendors, sample regional products, and learn how to select the fresh ingredients that are central to traditional Italian cuisine.
During your Lake Como market tour, discover local food traditions and select seasonal ingredients to use in your cooking class. After exploring the market, return to Annamaria's welcoming home overlooking Lake Como, where she'll guide you through preparing authentic Italian dishes from scratch. Learn traditional cooking techniques, discover the flavors of regional cuisine, and enjoy a hands-on cooking experience using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
This private Lake Como market tour and cooking class offers a wonderful opportunity to experience everyday Italian life, connect with a local, and discover the region's culinary traditions. From exploring a neighborhood food market to preparing a homemade Italian meal with beautiful lake views, enjoy an authentic market-to-table experience in one of Italy's most scenic destinations.
Transportation: For groups of five or more, guests must arrange their own transportation from the market to Annamaria's home, as her car accommodates a maximum of four guests.
Market Tour Meeting Location: The market location varies depending on which local market is open on the day of your experience. Annamaria will contact you in advance with the exact meeting point and instructions.
Notes:
Dietary Restrictions: Annamaria can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-free diets with advance notice. Please share any dietary requirements when booking. While gluten-free options are available, her kitchen also handles gluten, so cross-contact cannot be ruled out. This experience is not suitable for guests with celiac disease or severe gluten allergies.
Pets in the Home: Two friendly dogs live in Annamaria's home and may be present during your experience. If you have allergies or prefer not to be around dogs, please let her know in advance so she can keep them in a separate room.
Transportation: If you need transportation from the port, please contact Annamaria directly to discuss arrangements in advance.
Languages spoken:
Italian, English, French and Spanish
Sample menu
Traveler reviews
Great fun morning cooking and learning how to make pasta. Lots of tips to follow and
remember when we get home. Tiramisu was delicious as well and the bruschetta
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kate
June 08, 2026
My friends and I had a great time at Annamaria's class. The class itself was wonderful, we made fresh pasta, the best bruschetta I've ever had and a tiramsu.
Annamaria was a great host, she was warm and friendly (and generous with the wine). She taught well and was a delight throughout.
I would highly recommend this class
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Nadia
September 03, 2025
