Ristorante Salice Blu
Ristorante Salice Blu
4.6
About
Cooking Lessons Private Cooking Lesson with chef Luigi Gandola.10.00 am: Meet chef Luigi in your hotel lobby in Bellagio or from Bellagio ferro station and transfer by private vehicle to his restaurant the “Salice Blu”.Enjoy a cup of coffee with Luigi before visiting his Herb Garden (with its 40 different aromatic herbs) behind the restaurant’s kitchens.The cooking lesson begins at 10.30 and you can assist Chef Luigi in making home made pasta, risotto and ravioli using fresh local products from the market. Enjoy these delicacies for lunch.Following lunch, Chef Luigi will give you a diploma as well as an English translation of the recepies.Apron With Himalaia sign And. Little present of italian foodTransfer back to your hotel at 2pm. ( time can change)
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4.6
111 reviews
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6
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Toni S
Atlanta, GA33 contributions
Aug 2022
The food at this restaurant is world-famous and we certainly agree! Luigi has dedicated his lifetime to carrying on the traditions of his father and grandfather. In 2023, the restaurant will celebrate its 50th anniversary by opening a 12 room inn on the property. We hope to see Luigi there!
Written August 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grazie toni!! You my best student!!
Written September 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lori G
Upper Montclair, NJ292 contributions
Oct 2022
Dined there our first night on Lake Como and it was DAMNED NEAR PERFECT. Had the 7 course tasting menu with 3 wines. The food was simply outstanding. Chef Luigi is a personality and an active presence in the dining room. He gives all an autographed cook-book. Cannot recommend more highly.
Written October 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelJunkieRC
Las Vegas, NV13 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
First off, Luigi is quite a character (in a good way). He's oozing with culinary passion, and it's really touching to learn how much his late father influenced his obsession with food, quality, and doing things the right way.
Luigi's restaurant, Salice Blu (Blue Willow), is perched high above the quaint town of Bellagio. It has amazing views. Luigi picked us up in his van (which was much nicer than we were anticipating), which was very convenient.
My wife and I found the class to be extremely interactive, educational, and, most of all, fun. Luigi's knowledge of food and culinary processes is formidable, and he does a great job explaining everything in a manner that's easy to understand.
We had a blast making our own ravioli! It was awesome to get our hands dirty, and to help Luigi layer the tri-colored pasta in neat rows in preparation for filling. We used a whipped ricotta cheese and orange zest filler, which was divine. Luigi was kind enough to pour our group glasses of prosecco to make the process even more enjoyable :)
We were somewhat fortunate to attend class on a mid-week day when it was raining outside. I say that because it was only my wife and I, as well as one other couple. We got along with the other couple really well, and we had a blast cooking together in what felt like a private lesson just for us (which it really was). We ended up spending the rest of the day with the other couple, laughing and telling stories while drinking an unbelievable amount of wine. It was an unforgettable experience, which we owe to Luigi and his cooking class!
If you're a foodie, this is totally worth doing - you won't be sorry you did!
Luigi's restaurant, Salice Blu (Blue Willow), is perched high above the quaint town of Bellagio. It has amazing views. Luigi picked us up in his van (which was much nicer than we were anticipating), which was very convenient.
My wife and I found the class to be extremely interactive, educational, and, most of all, fun. Luigi's knowledge of food and culinary processes is formidable, and he does a great job explaining everything in a manner that's easy to understand.
We had a blast making our own ravioli! It was awesome to get our hands dirty, and to help Luigi layer the tri-colored pasta in neat rows in preparation for filling. We used a whipped ricotta cheese and orange zest filler, which was divine. Luigi was kind enough to pour our group glasses of prosecco to make the process even more enjoyable :)
We were somewhat fortunate to attend class on a mid-week day when it was raining outside. I say that because it was only my wife and I, as well as one other couple. We got along with the other couple really well, and we had a blast cooking together in what felt like a private lesson just for us (which it really was). We ended up spending the rest of the day with the other couple, laughing and telling stories while drinking an unbelievable amount of wine. It was an unforgettable experience, which we owe to Luigi and his cooking class!
If you're a foodie, this is totally worth doing - you won't be sorry you did!
Written June 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TATE58
New York City, NY90 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
Looking for something fun do to with our kids we took a private lunch lesson with CHef Luigi for 3 adults and the 3 teens.
Yes ,he has a small garden but over looks to what appears to be a junk yard , it was still interesting and fun. The so called pasta lavoratory / kitchen is in the basement, passing thru a type of night club. It is clean , his friendly kitchen staff are part of the show and the uniforms impecable.
The reason why the lesson is all about making and decorating pasta is he doesnt have a working kitchen were the lesson is conductued. The staff runs around some where else in the building to cook the fresh pasta. The sauces are not made by you and that is shame. The one dish he cooked in front of us was a risotto, done on the burner of a portable grill.
If you are not interested in making fresh pasta at home do not waist your time or money on this course. If you are it is a good usefull experience. He is good at it and very technical , you would learn a few tips. The pasta is excellent , very good , specially the gnocchi but he kills it on the presentation. Less is better!
The delicious rissotto with fresh zucchini flowers from his garden was served on a piece of baked pasta imitating a dish. Baked pasta is like eating card board, no good. Too fancy not even at Villa Este the plates are that ornate.
Once they brought the fancy plate of only carbohydrates we were left alone on the table. We had to pour our own wine. Service was not as fancy as the plates. There were delicious plates of fish passing by for the locals having lunch. Chef Luigi was not interest in us as much as he was on his regular customers having lunch. He added 35 euros extra to our bill for his cooking book and that was just the icing to the cake. We thanked him, paid and left ...never to come back or suggest anybody to go there for a cooking class.
Yes ,he has a small garden but over looks to what appears to be a junk yard , it was still interesting and fun. The so called pasta lavoratory / kitchen is in the basement, passing thru a type of night club. It is clean , his friendly kitchen staff are part of the show and the uniforms impecable.
The reason why the lesson is all about making and decorating pasta is he doesnt have a working kitchen were the lesson is conductued. The staff runs around some where else in the building to cook the fresh pasta. The sauces are not made by you and that is shame. The one dish he cooked in front of us was a risotto, done on the burner of a portable grill.
If you are not interested in making fresh pasta at home do not waist your time or money on this course. If you are it is a good usefull experience. He is good at it and very technical , you would learn a few tips. The pasta is excellent , very good , specially the gnocchi but he kills it on the presentation. Less is better!
The delicious rissotto with fresh zucchini flowers from his garden was served on a piece of baked pasta imitating a dish. Baked pasta is like eating card board, no good. Too fancy not even at Villa Este the plates are that ornate.
Once they brought the fancy plate of only carbohydrates we were left alone on the table. We had to pour our own wine. Service was not as fancy as the plates. There were delicious plates of fish passing by for the locals having lunch. Chef Luigi was not interest in us as much as he was on his regular customers having lunch. He added 35 euros extra to our bill for his cooking book and that was just the icing to the cake. We thanked him, paid and left ...never to come back or suggest anybody to go there for a cooking class.
Written October 3, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suyangi G
Milton Keynes, UK196 contributions
Jun 2016 • Family
Reading the great reviews on trip advisor my family and I decided to book private cooking lesson with Chef Luigi Gandola. It started off very well with Chef Luigi coming to pick us up from our hotel, showing us around his garden, us making/rolling the dough for pasta but from then on we might as well be watching Chef Luigi cook on television. He spent quite a lot of time making pasta in the pasta machine while we watched. He made soufflé while we watched, he made Risotto while we watched. The only other thing we helped with was rolling the gnocchi in worm like shape. May I add that the soufflé we saw Chef Luigi make was for his paid customers, in other words it felt like we had paid Chef Luigi to cook for his paid customers. Lunch was ok. Pasta was very cold, Risotto was inedible. Wine selection was great. Also please be aware of the books given after lunch as you will have to pay for them.
Written June 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick B
Ilkley, UK1 contribution
Aug 2011
We booked a morning cooking lesson having previously eaten in the restaurant on several occasions.
There were four of us (2 adults and 2 teenagers), in the kitchen and Luigi, and his team were fantastic. We prepared and cooked our lunch, visited the herb and vegetable garden and spent several unforgettable hours learning from a great chef. Luigi is a very kind, considerate and patient 'teacher' and we all had a very enjoyable experience - so good in fact that we are going back next year to learn some more
There were four of us (2 adults and 2 teenagers), in the kitchen and Luigi, and his team were fantastic. We prepared and cooked our lunch, visited the herb and vegetable garden and spent several unforgettable hours learning from a great chef. Luigi is a very kind, considerate and patient 'teacher' and we all had a very enjoyable experience - so good in fact that we are going back next year to learn some more
Written November 21, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brandon S
4 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
Looking for a unique experience on our second trip to Lake Como, we definitely found it in the mushroom and truffle hunt with Chef Luigi. We were picked up at the dock and driven to Salice Blu, traded vehicles and headed up the hills where we spent the rest of the afternoon roaming the forest in company with Luigi and one of his staff, a mushroom authority and of course the truffle dog.
After an excellent harvest we returned to the restaurant and began prepping dinner, including caring for and chopping the mushrooms, making pasta dough, risotto and dessert. Once our Italian cooking skills were exhausted we were ushered to the patio and enjoyed a truly exquisite meal and the warm hospitality of the restaurant.
Overall this was a much more encompassing experience than we anticipated; not only dramatically enhancing our appreciation of mushrooms, but for one day being part of a fun Italian family passionate about cuisine and a great time.
We highly recommend this activity if you don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty and enjoy a mostly easy walk in the woods. If not, then don’t miss Salice Blu where you can experience Luigi’s knowledge and passion of the local ingredients in a beautiful relaxing setting.
On a side note: Luigi went above and beyond and personally drove us back to the ferry where we made it with two whole minutes to spare. We met his wife, mom and grandma, and genuinely had a wonderful time. We will wear the aprons every time we prepare mushrooms.
After an excellent harvest we returned to the restaurant and began prepping dinner, including caring for and chopping the mushrooms, making pasta dough, risotto and dessert. Once our Italian cooking skills were exhausted we were ushered to the patio and enjoyed a truly exquisite meal and the warm hospitality of the restaurant.
Overall this was a much more encompassing experience than we anticipated; not only dramatically enhancing our appreciation of mushrooms, but for one day being part of a fun Italian family passionate about cuisine and a great time.
We highly recommend this activity if you don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty and enjoy a mostly easy walk in the woods. If not, then don’t miss Salice Blu where you can experience Luigi’s knowledge and passion of the local ingredients in a beautiful relaxing setting.
On a side note: Luigi went above and beyond and personally drove us back to the ferry where we made it with two whole minutes to spare. We met his wife, mom and grandma, and genuinely had a wonderful time. We will wear the aprons every time we prepare mushrooms.
Written September 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OmaAnnie
East Williston, NY118 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
Chef Luigi picked us up on time from our hotel in Bellagio. He is a careful driver and soon we were at his family restaurant. We enjoyed a cappuccino and then walked outside to see his herb garden where he picked zucchini flowers to use in our lunch.
Then we put on our aprons, has some water and began make the pasta, which is not easy. It was made of semolina and eggs. Afte kneading the dough, and rolling it, Luigi used a pasta machine and so did we to make tri-color ravioli, tagliatore and cones. We also made the dough for gnocchi, using a ricer and making and rolling the dough.
Then we helped with the risotto and a cinnamon dessert.
We enjoyed prosecco and met his mama and nonna as well as the others chefs, both professional and student.
Then we ate our creations along with additional choices. We had a nice wine with good service. We were given homemade olive oil as well as diplomas and a small booklet with the menu of the day and other recipes.
Excellence the food! We did buy one of his books and he signed it! We took lots of photos of cooking and he posed with us. He is a friendly man who is also a good chef.
You can just eat the restaurant as well and with reservations, he will pick you up.
One of the highlights of our trip!
Then we put on our aprons, has some water and began make the pasta, which is not easy. It was made of semolina and eggs. Afte kneading the dough, and rolling it, Luigi used a pasta machine and so did we to make tri-color ravioli, tagliatore and cones. We also made the dough for gnocchi, using a ricer and making and rolling the dough.
Then we helped with the risotto and a cinnamon dessert.
We enjoyed prosecco and met his mama and nonna as well as the others chefs, both professional and student.
Then we ate our creations along with additional choices. We had a nice wine with good service. We were given homemade olive oil as well as diplomas and a small booklet with the menu of the day and other recipes.
Excellence the food! We did buy one of his books and he signed it! We took lots of photos of cooking and he posed with us. He is a friendly man who is also a good chef.
You can just eat the restaurant as well and with reservations, he will pick you up.
One of the highlights of our trip!
Written September 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela J
Melbourne, Australia134 contributions
Nov 2015
We were recommended this cooking experience with Chief Luigi
Grandola at his restaurant in Bellagio. He picked us up from the bus as we were staying in Como. A quick 10 min drive and we were having coffee and getting ready with apron on to start our course. Chief Luigi walked us through his herb garden explaining with passion his use of fresh herbs vegetables he grows for the restaurant. His course was so much fun. We picked up lots of tips as he enjoys sharing his knowledge. We were spoilt with a glass of prosocco while cooking. Once completing the lunch menu of selected dishes we helped cook it was time to have lunch and taste the mornings work. Fanastic. Chief Luigi speaks good English and has a fun side which makes for a really fabulous Italian cooking experience. His staff and family are their to help as well so you know how special it is. I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to experience a cooking class in Italy.
Grandola at his restaurant in Bellagio. He picked us up from the bus as we were staying in Como. A quick 10 min drive and we were having coffee and getting ready with apron on to start our course. Chief Luigi walked us through his herb garden explaining with passion his use of fresh herbs vegetables he grows for the restaurant. His course was so much fun. We picked up lots of tips as he enjoys sharing his knowledge. We were spoilt with a glass of prosocco while cooking. Once completing the lunch menu of selected dishes we helped cook it was time to have lunch and taste the mornings work. Fanastic. Chief Luigi speaks good English and has a fun side which makes for a really fabulous Italian cooking experience. His staff and family are their to help as well so you know how special it is. I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to experience a cooking class in Italy.
Written November 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth
Coffs Harbour, Australia32 contributions
Oct 2015 • Friends
I have done this cooking class twice , the chef is on TV cooking shows a bit like the Jamie Oliver for Italy , he is funny and very informative . A definite must do when visiting Bellagio .well worth the money and you get to eat the food as they serve you afterwards with wine .
Written October 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Could we bring our two children, ages one and three?
Written September 30, 2018
I Personally wouldn’t. You’re in the kitchen of the restaurant the entire time and as a mom I think it would be too stressful to try to cook and to keep an eye on the kids
Written September 30, 2018
Is the cooking class appropriate for children ages 11 & 12 who like cooking?
Written June 8, 2018
Our family of ten will be at Villa Narciso from June 23 to 30, 2018. Can we book a private cooking class. We will have four children from 8 to 14 years old. What are your charges if we opt for a regular lesson instead of a private class?
Written December 3, 2017
Yes of course
Email me on luigigandola()gmail-com
Thank you
Chef Luigi Gandola
Written December 4, 2017
Hi. What is the cost of chef luigi's classes? Looking at a group of 6.
Written July 22, 2015
It was $150.00 USD per person. We enjoyed the class, the day started at 10am and we didn't get back to our hotel until 3pm. Luigi is very friendly and entertaining, and the food was excellent.
Written July 22, 2015
How can I book a reservation? Do I need to call you or can I email you?
Written May 1, 2015
Yes You Can email me this is The price list
COST OF COOKING COST OF COOKING LESSONS 2015
Only by reservation
COST OF COOKING CLASS GROUP LESSONS 2015
1 person € 150
2 / 8 people 120 € all incluse
9 / 10 people 110€ all incluse for person per persona
Plus 11 people cost 100€ for person all incluse
Saturday and Sunday group class pricing for 2-5 people. 150 Euro per person.
COST OF PRIVATE LESSON
WITH CHEF LUIGI GANDOLA
1= 500€ private for person
2 private 300€ all incluse per person
3-4 people / persone. 195€ all incluse for person per persona
5-7 people / persone. 165€ all incluse for person per persona
8-14 people/persone cost 120€ for person per persona all incluse
15-70 people/persone cost 100€ person for person per persona all incluse
PRIVATE LESSON IN YOUR VILLA OR IN APPARTMENT
…...COST OF COOKING CLASS LESSONS 2015
PRIVATE LESSON IN VILLA OR APARTMENT OR IN AN OTHER ITALIAN RESTAURANT
WITH CHEF LUIGI GANDOLA
1= 1000€ private for person
2 private 600€ all incluse per person
3-4 people / persone. 350€ all incluse for person
5-7 people / persone. 200€ all incluse for person per persona
8-14 people/persone cost 120€ for person per persona all incluse
15-29 people/persone cost 80€ person for person per persona all incluse
30-70 people/persone cost 60€ person for person per persona all incluse
Just a few minutes drive from Bellagio’s city center and Lake Como, an elegant restaurant in Bellagio is home to the award-winning imaginative Chef Luigi. While young, Chef Luigi worked in the illustrious Villa D’Este for seven years and has already won 40 gold medals in international culinary competitions. Still, Chef Luigi is humble and energetic as he talks about using local ingredients and teaches his hands-on pasta cooking class in his family-owned restaurant.
Your culinary adventure begins at 10:00 a.m. when Chef Luigi himself picks you up from your hotel lobby in Bellagio , post office, or ferry gate, and regales you with tales from his kitchen on the ride over to his family’s restaurant. Once at the restaurant, relax for a moment with a cup of coffee or cappuccino with the chef and then you dress onnthe apron and explore the herb garden behind the restaurant. The hands-on cooking lesson begins at 10:30 a.m. and focuses on creating homemade pasta fresca, packed with fresh day ingredients, as well as risotto, tagliatelle, gnocchi And dessert Every day different. After enjoying your lunch on the terrace (weather permitting).
Chef Luigi will also send you off with a home made bottle of olive oil,
an apron, a diploma of participation, as well as a recipe book (in English) focused on dishes typical to the region. Your class ends at 2:30 p.m. when Chef Luigi returns you to Bellagio town or your bellagio hotel with the private van of the restaurant with all of your culinary souvenirs.
Thank you
Written May 5, 2015
Buonasera thank You for your message You Can book directory
COST OF COOKING COST OF COOKING LESSONS 2015
Only by reservation
COST OF COOKING CLASS GROUP LESSONS 2015
1 person € 150
2 / 8 people 120 € all incluse
9 / 10 people 110€ all incluse for person per persona
Plus 11 people cost 100€ for person all incluse
Saturday and Sunday group class pricing for 2-5 people. 150 Euro per person.
COST OF PRIVATE LESSON
WITH CHEF LUIGI GANDOLA
1= 500€ private for person
2 private 300€ all incluse per person
3-4 people / persone. 195€ all incluse for person per persona
5-7 people / persone. 165€ all incluse for person per persona
8-14 people/persone cost 120€ for person per persona all incluse
15-70 people/persone cost 100€ person for person per persona all incluse
PRIVATE LESSON IN YOUR VILLA OR IN APPARTMENT
…...COST OF COOKING CLASS LESSONS 2015
PRIVATE LESSON IN VILLA OR APARTMENT OR IN AN OTHER ITALIAN RESTAURANT
WITH CHEF LUIGI GANDOLA
1= 1000€ private for person
2 private 600€ all incluse per person
3-4 people / persone. 350€ all incluse for person
5-7 people / persone. 200€ all incluse for person per persona
8-14 people/persone cost 120€ for person per persona all incluse
15-29 people/persone cost 80€ person for person per persona all incluse
30-70 people/persone cost 60€ person for person per persona all incluse
Just a few minutes drive from Bellagio’s city center and Lake Como, an elegant restaurant in Bellagio is home to the award-winning imaginative Chef Luigi. While young, Chef Luigi worked in the illustrious Villa D’Este for seven years and has already won 40 gold medals in international culinary competitions. Still, Chef Luigi is humble and energetic as he talks about using local ingredients and teaches his hands-on pasta cooking class in his family-owned restaurant.
Your culinary adventure begins at 10:00 a.m. when Chef Luigi himself picks you up from your hotel lobby in Bellagio , post office, or ferry gate, and regales you with tales from his kitchen on the ride over to his family’s restaurant. Once at the restaurant, relax for a moment with a cup of coffee or cappuccino with the chef and then you dress onnthe apron and explore the herb garden behind the restaurant. The hands-on cooking lesson begins at 10:30 a.m. and focuses on creating homemade pasta fresca, packed with fresh day ingredients, as well as risotto, tagliatelle, gnocchi And dessert Every day different. After enjoying your lunch on the terrace (weather permitting).
Chef Luigi will also send you off with a home made bottle of olive oil,
an apron, a diploma of participation, as well as a recipe book (in English) focused on dishes typical to the region. Your class ends at 2:30 p.m. when Chef Luigi returns you to Bellagio town or your bellagio hotel with the private van of the restaurant with all of your culinary souvenirs.
Thank you
Luigi Gandola.
Ristorante Salice Blu
Via per Lecco 33 22021
Bellagio Como. Italy
Tel 0039031950535
Fax 0039031950393
Written January 16, 2015
Hello
How did you book the cooking class?
I can't find on the restaurant website where to make a cooking class reservation.
Thank you.
Written January 15, 2015
You have to email or call them. They do not have online reservations.
Written January 16, 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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