The secrets to learn pasta and gelato (icecream)

A Warm Look at the Milan Cooking Experience

If you’re thinking about adding a culinary twist to your Milan trip, this pasta and gelato class offers a delightful way to learn some authentic Italian secrets. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions make it clear that it’s a well-loved choice for travelers eager to get hands-on with Italy’s most famous flavors.

One of the best things about this experience is the small-group setting—it’s personal and engaging, making it easier to pick up tips and ask questions. Plus, the chance to sit down and enjoy your creations amid flowers and fruit trees sounds like a lovely way to round out a trip. That said, keep in mind that the class runs for about three hours, so it’s best suited for those with a bit of time to spare and a genuine interest in cooking. If you’re looking for a fun, authentic experience that’s perfect for food lovers and curious learners alike, this could be just the thing.

However, it’s worth noting that gelato isn’t the main focus of the class—mainly it’s about pasta, tiramisu, and sauces. Also, you’ll want to be comfortable with a bit of a walk and some city navigation, especially since the meeting point is in the heart of Milan and can be tricky to find amidst city construction. But overall, for its value, friendly vibe, and rich family heritage, this experience tends to get high marks. It’s especially suited for those who want to go beyond sightseeing and come away with real skills and delicious memories.

Key Points

• Small group sizes ensure personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Learn authentic Italian techniques for pasta, tiramisu, and gelato, directly from a family with a tradition of cooking.
• Enjoy local wines and homemade limoncello with your meal, adding a genuine taste of Italy.
• A beautiful setting surrounded by art, flowers, and fruit trees makes the experience feel special.
• Clear instructions and friendly hosts make it accessible even if you’re new to cooking.
• Perfect for food lovers and curious travelers wanting to create their own Italian feast.

What to Expect: The Heart of Your Milan Cooking Class

This is no ordinary cooking workshop. Hosted in an elegant Milanese home, this experience offers much more than just recipes; it’s a chance to step into a family’s kitchen and learn the secrets handed down through generations. The host, Bruna Evangelisti, has a passion for sharing her family’s recipes, and her stories add warmth and context to every step.

Meeting at Via Giuseppe Dezza, just a short subway ride from the city’s main sights, the location is accessible but requires following directions carefully—especially during city construction. Once there, you’ll step into a charming space filled with art, antiques, and a cozy, welcoming vibe, perfect for creating a relaxed learning environment.

The three-hour session begins with an introduction to pasta dough, where you’ll discover the techniques needed to make perfect, elastic pasta from scratch. The class focuses on making pasta and ravioli, giving you the skills to recreate authentic Italian dishes at home. You’ll also learn how to craft flavorful sauces that complement your pasta—an essential part of Italian cuisine.

A highlight is the family recipes for tiramisu and gelato. You’ll learn the “secrets” to achieving that soft, creamy texture that makes gelato so irresistible. The recipes are traditional, passed down from Grandma Bruna—so you can impress friends and family back home with your newfound skills.

Throughout the class, you’ll be encouraged to participate actively—helping knead dough, filling ravioli, or whipping cream. The instructor, Lucas or Marco, is praised for being engaging, patient, and full of helpful tips. The experience is very hands-on, meaning you’ll get your fingers dirty and learn by doing.

Once everything’s prepared, you’ll sit down at a charming table, surrounded by flowers and fruit trees, and enjoy your culinary creations. To enhance the meal, local wines and homemade limoncello are served, making each bite and sip taste like Italy.

From the reviews, many guests appreciated the convivial atmosphere and the chance to meet people from different countries. The instructor’s friendly approach and the beautiful setting seem to elevate this experience beyond just a cooking class—it’s a memorable cultural encounter.

The Details: A Thorough Breakdown

The Itinerary

The experience kicks off at the designated Milan location, where you’ll be greeted by your host. The focus is on creating a welcoming, family-style environment, so don’t expect a commercial kitchen—think of it more like cooking in a friend’s home.

First, you’ll learn to make pasta dough from scratch. This includes kneading, rolling, and cutting, with plenty of guidance from your instructor. Several reviews mention how much they appreciated the detailed tips on handling pasta, helping even beginners get it right.

Next, the class moves on to filling and shaping ravioli. This part is especially fun, as you’ll see how simple ingredients come together to produce something truly delicious. The instructor emphasizes traditional techniques, aiming to pass down authentic skills.

Then, you’ll focus on sauces that pair perfectly with your pasta. While some reviews mention that gelato isn’t the main focus, the class does include the secret to making family-style gelato, showcasing how Italian desserts can be both simple and sublime.

Finally, you’re guided through making tiramisu—a true Italian classic. The host shares tips for achieving the best texture and flavor, making sure you leave with a recipe that works at home. The added bonus here is tasting your own work, paired with wine or limoncello.

The Setting

The location is described as elegant, surrounded by artworks and antique pieces from the Palladiana Palace—adding a sense of history and charm. Guests often comment on how cozy and inviting the space feels, which makes learning more enjoyable.

The outdoor area, with flowers and fruit trees, provides a beautiful backdrop for sitting down to eat. It’s a peaceful spot that elevates the dining experience, making you feel like you’re in a family gathering rather than a formal class.

Group Size and Duration

Limited to a maximum of 4 travelers, the small-group setup ensures personalized attention. Many reviews mention how this intimacy allows for more interaction and tailored guidance. The three-hour duration strikes a good balance—enough time to learn, cook, and enjoy a meal without feeling rushed.

Price and Value

At $87.08 per person, this class offers solid value. You’re not just paying for recipes—you’re learning techniques, enjoying local wine, and sharing a meal in a beautiful setting. Many reviews highlight how memorable and worthwhile the experience was, especially considering it’s a hands-on, intimate class.

Accessibility and Booking

The meeting point is easy to reach via public transit, but it’s important to follow the detailed instructions provided the day before. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, which provides some flexibility if plans change. The class is often booked well in advance—about 41 days on average—so planning ahead is wise.

The Authenticity and Family Touches

What makes this experience stand out is the genuine family connection. Bruna and her family bring tradition and warmth, making it more than just a cooking lesson. Several reviews mention her storytelling, patience, and enthusiasm, adding a personal touch that’s hard to find in commercial classes.

The recipes are traditional, and the tips shared are practical—perfect for anyone who wants to replicate the flavors of Italy at home. Plus, the inclusion of limoncello and wine, homemade and served during the meal, truly captures the Italian spirit.

Who Should Consider This?

This class is ideal for food lovers who want to get hands-on and learn authentic techniques. It’s also perfect for those interested in family traditions or looking for a cultural experience beyond sightseeing. If you’re traveling with a partner or small group of friends, the intimate setting will be especially enjoyable.

Keep in mind that gelato isn’t the main focus, so if you’re mainly after ice cream skills, you might find some disappointment. However, the pasta, ravioli, and tiramisu are so well-executed that you’ll leave with recipes and techniques worth trying at home.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children?
While the experience is friendly and engaging, it’s mainly designed for adults, and children’s participation isn’t specifically highlighted. That said, families with kids who enjoy cooking might find it a fun activity.

How long is the class?
The class lasts approximately three hours, giving enough time to learn, cook, and enjoy your meal without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the hands-on cooking experience, recipes, and the meal with wine and homemade limoncello. The setting itself is part of the charm.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience. Within that window, refunds aren’t available.

Is it easy to find the meeting point?
The host sends detailed directions the day before, but be aware that city construction might make finding the exact spot a little tricky—so follow instructions carefully.

Do I get to take recipes home?
Absolutely. You’ll learn to make pasta, gelato, and tiramisu, and most reviews mention how excited guests are to replicate their new skills at home.

Is this experience good value?
Considering the personalized attention, authentic recipes, and beautiful setting, many guests feel it’s a worthwhile investment, especially for foodies.

Is the gelato part of the class?
While gelato is included, the focus is mainly on pasta and tiramisu. The gelato secret is shared, but it’s not the main activity.

What’s the size of the group?
It’s limited to 4 travelers, making it very intimate and allowing for plenty of interaction.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a genuine, hands-on Italian cooking adventure in Milan, this class offers a lovely blend of tradition, skill, and good company. The small-group format, warm family atmosphere, and beautiful setting make for a memorable experience that goes beyond just learning recipes. You’ll leave with not only new culinary skills but also stories and memories rooted in Italian family life.

This experience suits those who enjoy active participation, appreciate cultural authenticity, and want to take home more than just souvenirs—namely, a taste of Italy in the form of pasta, gelato, and tiramisu. It’s a wonderful choice for foodies, curious travelers, and anyone eager to connect with Italian traditions in a relaxed, friendly environment.