Meet Laura at the lively Santa Margherita market, where she’ll guide you through her favorite local vendors and help you discover the fresh, seasonal ingredients that define Venetian cuisine. During this 1-hour guided tour, you’ll explore select shops to pick up ingredients for your upcoming Italian cooking class. After the market visit, enjoy a scenic 20-minute walk to Laura’s home, where your hands-on cooking and meal experience will begin.
For an authentic, gratifying and refreshingly local perspective on life in Venice, away from the tourist crowds, Laura’s cooking experience is a must-do. Step into Laura’s cozy, well-equipped kitchen and discover the secrets of Veneto cuisine as you enjoy a light appetizer. During this 1.5 hour hands-on Venice cooking class, you’ll learn to prepare a seasonal, creamy risotto (or pasta or polenta if you let her know in advance) and a decadent tiramisù or other Italian dessert. Laura will guide you through each step, from crafting the perfect mascarpone cream to assembling your own individual dessert, while sharing stories about the origins and traditions behind the dishes. After cooking, enjoy the meal you helped prepare over laugher and conversation. If you choose the optional alcohol add-on, Laura will serve a welcome aperitif such as prosecco, followed by red or white wine with your meal.
Laura welcomes you into her cozy home, nestled in a charming, authentic Venetian neighborhood just a 20-minute walk from the city center. Laura learned to cook from her mother and loves preparing traditional dishes from the Veneto region using only fresh, organic ingredients sourced from nearby farmers. You might enjoy Venetian dishes like risotto, polenta with creamed cod or handmade vegetable tortelli followed by her signature tiramisu and coffee. This off-the-eaten-path experiences offers a glimpse into everyday Italian life in Venice, far from the tourist crowds. You can also pick up insider tips on places to visit from your local expert!
1. A former vegetarian, Laura is happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary requests. Be sure to indicate any dietary preferences when placing your booking online.
2. On occasion, Laura’s friend and roommate, Ilaria, also a native Venetian in her thirties, may be present during your experience to assist or join in.
3. Like most traditional Venetian homes, Laura’s apartment does not have air conditioning, but she keeps it comfortable with the use of fans and good ventilation.
4. Laura can comfortably host up to 4 guests, but is happy to accommodate 5 if needed - just note that space may be a bit cozy.
This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
AperitifFocaccia with regional olives, cheeses and honeyRisotto with meat, fish or seasonal vegetables or fresh pasta (if you inform her in advance)TiramisùCoffee and limoncelloBorn and raised in the heart of Venice, Laura is passionate about sharing her city’s rich food, culture, and traditions with guests. She welcomes travelers into her charming apartment in the city center. A dedicated social worker, Laura spends her free time traveling, exploring local markets, watching films and most of all, cooking. Inspired by her mother’s home-cooked meals, she began experimenting with recipes from cookbooks and developed a deep love for sharing food with others.
“While traveling through South America, I discovered the joy of home-cooked experiences and instantly fell in love with the idea. I would be thrilled to share the food and culture of my city with travelers, especially in Venice, where it can be hard to connect with locals.”
"Laura is very friendly and welcoming. Very easy and interesting person to talk to. It was a very interesting experience. Besides that, she is a great cook and she knows how to make delicious food. You can really taste the goodness and freshness in her food. Laura’s home is located in an area which is very local with not many tourists, so you will get to experience a real Italian suburb. Cooking Veneto food with Laura is a great experience. You will learn a lot about the food, how to cook some new dishes and also you will have a pleasure being part of Laura’s company."
"We had a FANTASTIC time. Our clients that we treated to this experience were over the moon with it, and Laura was an absolutely amazing host and teacher. We were actually at her house for a little over 3 hours, the conversation was so natural, and she was such a good host. Once it hit 10pm I had to kind of be like ok guys, we need to leave and give her her house back now. "
"Laura was warm, knowledgeable, and made us feel completely at home in her kitchen. Once in her cozy, beautiful apartment, we prepared a full Venetian meal from scratch with Laura’s expert guidance.
From handmade pasta to rich sauces and local wine pairings, every moment was hands-on, engaging, and absolutely delicious. The views from her kitchen and dining space were stunning. We couldn’t stop taking photos! It felt like spending the afternoon with a friend who happens to be an amazing chef.
Whether you're a foodie or just looking for something truly memorable and authentic, this is the experience to book. Thank you, Laura, for such a warm and unforgettable day!"
"What an unforgettable experience! Laura welcomed us into her beautiful home with such warmth and hospitality—it truly felt like visiting an old friend. We had the joy of making creamy risotto and the most decadent tiramisu, both of which were absolutely mouthwatering. Laura is not only an incredible cook, but also an exquisite host. Her passion, kindness, and attention to detail made the entire experience feel intimate, authentic, and truly special. It was an absolute honor to share her kitchen and learn from her. A must-do for anyone looking for a meaningful culinary adventure!"
