Eating Milan: Navigli Food & Drinks Tour

Eating Milan: Navigli Food & Drinks Tour

The next best thing to being backstage at Milan fashion week.
National Geographic
Rick Steves
Lonely Planet
Fodors
Virgin

Experience the Milanese lifestyle in this luxury capital

Ages: 4+
Duration: 3 hours
Departs: Daily 10:30 am, 5:00 pm, 5:30 pm
Stops: 5
Group Size: Max. 12
Location: Navigli
377 Reviews

Highlights

Enjoy a tasting of either rich Italian cheeses with charcuterie or carpaccio with creamy polenta and gorgonzola, always served with a glass of local wine. 🍷

Learn about aperitivo through montanarina, a Milanese-style fried pizza 🍕, in the evening, or try Milanese pastries in the morning

Discover the Ligurian tradition of tinned copper-cooked Farinata, a plant-based focaccia that’s been around for centuries 🌱 and taste the famous Focaccia di Recco, filled with creamy fresh cheese.

Sip on Italian wine while you sit just steps away from the city’s iconic canals 🤌

Discover some of the hidden treasures of the Navigli, before enjoying an Italian supper fit for a king 😍

End your experience with a classic Italian dessert to leave your sweet tooth smiling 🍮

Tour Description

Experience the vibrant energy of Milan in its trendy and picturesque Navigli district. Taste fresh cuts of carpaccio and local charcuterie, discover the rich Lombard tradition of polenta and Gorgonzola, and savor Milan’s iconic saffron risotto.

All while exploring the Navigli and their historic canals and discovering what it truly means to dine “Alla Milanese”.

Dietary Information

Vegetarian-Friendly Tours but vegan, gluten-free, or kosher options may be limited. Please share dietary restrictions upon booking for best accommodation. Note that tastings outside those catered for your needs are at your own risk. The company assumes no responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances. Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies cannot participate in this activity for their safety.

Why Eat with Us?

Expert Local Guides: Fun, knowledgeable, and English-fluent Milan locals.

Milan’s Hidden Gems: Enjoy exclusive access to local favorites where you’re treated like family.

Culinary Diversity: Taste a variety of delicious dishes, and hear the stories behind the food.

Cultural Immersion: See Milan through the eyes of a local.

Established Expertise: Since 2011, simply the best food tours in Europe!

What a great food tour experience. Our guide Chiara was very knowledgeable of the history of the city and the area and the food culture. It was an easy walking, learning and eating evening. The food choices were all interesting and different and delicious. They were places I probably would not have discovered on my own. I highly recommend it to visitors to Milan especially if you have never been to the canal district. And I hope you get Chiara as a guide.
MemphisTravler Tripadvisor

Your tour, your way.

Upgrade to a private experience just for your group. Enjoy a dedicated guide, flexible pacing, and the freedom to tailor the itinerary exactly to your interests.

  • Adult (From 18) From €97

  • Adolescent (13-17) From €87

  • Child (4-12) From €78

Book Now
or
Calendar loading…

Free cancellation 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Lowest Price Guarantee

Winner: TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Restaurant and Food

#1 Food Tour in Italy

Book now and save 15% off additional tours across Europe!

11 countries, 23 cities, 50+ food tours. Book now and receive a special loyalty code to save even more on future adventures.

Book Now

Only one discount code per order. See terms.

The Flavors You'll Taste


  • Fried Pizza or Milanese Pastries
  • Local charcuterie and cheese or Carpaccio with polenta and gorgonzola
  • Focaccia di recco/Farinata
  • Saffron risotto
  • Italian dessert
  • Regional wine
  • Local beer
  • Water

Please note that the items above are a selection of the delicious foods we often feature. Offerings may vary by day or season, but you're sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!

Meeting Point

Arco di Porta Ticinese

Milan, MI 20123

Your guide will be waiting for you right in front of the main monument and wearing our purple Eating Europe bag!

What Makes Navigli Special

Navigli is Milan at its most relaxed and soulful. Built around the city’s historic canals — once used to transport marble for the Duomo — this neighborhood trades Milan’s polished elegance for something warmer, more bohemian. Its waterside walkways are lined with artist studios, vintage shops, and colourful buildings that feel closer to a southern Italian town than a northern fashion capital.

As evening falls, Navigli comes into its own. The canals light up and aperitivo hour takes over — bars line the water’s edge with generous spreads of olives, cured meats, and bruschetta alongside perfectly mixed Negronis and spritzes. Beyond the ritual, the neighbourhood’s side streets hide excellent trattorias serving risotto alla milanese, ossobuco, and fresh pasta in candlelit rooms. Sunday mornings bring a sprawling antique market along the canal, where a slow cornetto and cappuccino feel like the perfect start to the day. Navigli is where Milan lets its guard down and reminds you that la dolce vita isn’t just a Roman thing.

What people are saying

Why Eat with Us?

#1 food and drink experience in Europe - 14 years. 500,000 Clients. 60,000 Five-Star Reviews!

Every tour is meticulously curated to showcase the very best of Milan’s food scene.

Exclusive access to the most legit local spots, from the famous hole in the wall to the trendy new restaurants.

Premium tours with expert guides, outstanding food, and drinks always included

#1 food and drink experience in Europe - 14 years. 500,000 Clients. 60,000 Five-Star Reviews!

Every tour is meticulously curated to showcase the very best of Milan’s food scene.

Exclusive access to the most legit local spots, from the famous hole in the wall to the trendy new restaurants.

Premium tours with expert guides, outstanding food, and drinks always included

Private tours

Looking for a private food tour? Whether you’re visiting with a group or a local craving a unique day out, we’ve got you covered!

For more details or specific requests, reach out to [email protected] or call +1 917-909-6432.

Meet Your Local Milan Tour Guides

Our Milan food tours are led by locals who know the city eats far better than its reputation suggests. Risotto perfectionists, aperitivo devotees, and market regulars who've watched Milanese food culture evolve while keeping its roots. They take you beyond the fashion district and into the trattorias, delis, and neighborhood bars where Milan reveals its true character — elegant, generous, and deeply proud of what comes out of its kitchens.

Jessica
Jessica
Born and raised in Messina, Italy, I brought my bubbly Sicilian enthusiasm to Milan 4 years ago. I also spent 3 years studying in Bologna and 1 year in Ciudad Real, Spain.
My favourite Milanese food is cotoletta, golden, crunchy and deeply comforting (also huge… and I’m a determined eater!). It reminds me of home.
What I love most about Milan is the feeling it gives you. It’s a city that’s always on the move, yet still feels especially welcoming. And when it comes to food, everything slows down. People pause for an aperitivo, for a chat, to share a laugh and simply enjoy being together.
Laura
Laura
Born in Cremona, the city of Torrone (the Italian Nougat), I was raised in a family of cooks, so the passion for food is in my veins! I moved to Milan 12 years ago, but for a year I lived in Rome and then in Vietnam, where I fell in love with the Roman Pizza and the Vietnamese flavours.
I’m a huge fan of fusion food, in particular with Asian influences, but when I want to feel at home, my comfort food is for sure the creamy and flavourful Milanese Risotto, with a generous amount of saffron.
What I love about Milan is the beautiful combination of modern skyscrapers and charming ancient buildings, one next to each other and the liveliness of this city, where there is always something interesting to do and something tasty to eat!
Claire
Claire
Born and raised just outside Milan, I have lived in the UK for several years and in beautiful south Italy, always returning to my home town at the end of every experience.
My favourite Milanese food is definitely polenta&gorgonzola! I love how the stronger flavour of the cheese completely melts on the mild polenta, creating a really delicious overall result 😋
What I love of Milan is the fact that this is a city to discover, and this also concerns its cooking heritage. Everybody knows pizza, but not "mondeghili"... Let's discover together the hidden kitchen delicacies of misterious Milan!
Cecilia
Cecilia
Born in Mexico and raised between Liguria (close to the French border) and Rome, I’ve always been surrounded by different cultures and traditions. For the past 5 years, I’ve been happily calling Milan my home.
My favourite Milanese dishes are definitely risotto allo zafferano and cotoletta alla milanese, the creamy richness of the risotto and the crispy perfection of the cotoletta are simply irresistible! But I also love the amazing cuisine melting pot that this city offers.
What I love about Milan is its vibrant energy, full of music and artistic events. It’s a city rich in opportunities, where modern life blends beautifully with deep-rooted traditions.
Giulia
Giulia
Born in Monza, a city famous for F1 and very close to Milan, I’ve always loved traveling and learning about new and different cultures. That’s why I left home at 19 years old and had the chance to live in Turin (Piedmont) and Venice but also in Valencia (Spain) and Hawaii.
My favourite Milanese dish is risotto but I looove cheese! I’m a cheese lover and in the Lombardia region we have so many! One of my favorites is gorgonzola, which is also perfect with risotto, of course!
What I love about Milan is its energy and lifestyle. Always updated, always open to something new and different: it is definitely something unique to this city! The historical parts are not missing.. They’re just hidden! Something that a local will definitely love to talk about and show you.
Chiara
Chiara
Born and raised in Monza, just outside Milan. Curiosity has always been my compass: it’s what brought me to live in Verona, then all the way to Granada in Spain, and even to the United States.
I proudly define myself as a true Polentona! Polenta is my go-to comfort food: warm, simple, and even better when it’s topped with plenty of melted cheese.
Milan, to me, is a city that reveals itself slowly. It’s not about instant charm — it’s about discovering its character step by step. It can be elegant, chaotic, creative, and full of contrasts all at once. That’s exactly why I love it: it never feels the same, and it always has something new to offer, whether it’s food, culture, or just the atmosphere of its streets.
Maria Chiara
Maria Chiara
Born in Fano, a charming seaside town on Italy’s Adriatic coast, I moved to Milan for university… and never left. After many years working in advertising agencies, I’ve started a new chapter of my life as a tour guide and host of cooking classes.
My favourite dish is homemade tagliatelle with ragù, which I also teach during my cooking classes. Fresh pasta rolled out by hand with a wooden rolling pin is simply incomparable.
What I love most about Milan is getting lost in its streets and discovering hidden gems of incredible beauty: historic buildings decorated with frescoes, secret gardens, and quiet cloisters sometimes forgotten by time. My personal corner of paradise is the magnificent Villa Necchi, where I love to soak in the elegance of another era.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Tour Information

Is a food tour in Milan worth it?

Absolutely! There’s no better way to experience the beautiful city of Milan and its culture than a food tour with a local guide.

What food is Milan famous for?

Risotto alla milanese, ossobuco, cotoletta alla milanese or panettone are frequently listed as the most famous foods to originate from Milan.

What’s included in the price of the food tour?

All food and drinks, as well as your professional local guide are included in the price you pay for the tour. No hidden charges or upsells here.

How long are the tours?

Our Milan tours range in length from 3 to 3.5 hours.

What neighborhoods or areas do the tours cover?

Each tour’s area can be found listed as its “location”. For example, you might explore the trendy Navigli district!

What is the group size?

Our tours have maximum capacity of 12 guests. This ensures that our small groups are able to move unobtrusively through the neighborhoods we explore, respecting our surroundings and the locals that live in Milan.

I’m traveling alone. Do you offer single tickets?

We love welcoming solo travelers! All of our tours are open to individual guests.

Do children under 4 need a ticket for the tour?

Children under 4 years old do not need a ticket and can join the tour for free. However, food is not included for children under 3 and under. Paid tickets with food included are available for ages 4 and up.

Food and Drink

What kind of food will we taste?

You will discover a variety of regional and Italian dishes, highlighting Milan’s mix of classic Italian cuisine and modern culinary innovation. Offerings may vary by day or season, but you’re sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!

Are drinks included?

Yes. All tours include drinks, and they’re always included in the price you pay.

Do the tours accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free diets?

Vegetarian-Friendly Tours but vegan, gluten-free, or kosher options may be limited. Please share dietary restrictions upon booking for best accommodation. Note that tastings outside those catered for your needs are at your own risk. The company assumes no responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances. Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies cannot participate in this activity for their safety.

For full details, guests should always refer to the specific tour page, as limitations may vary.

Are portions enough for a meal?

Yes. On each of our Milan tours, you are guaranteed to eat at least the equivalent of a full meal.

Can I buy food or souvenirs at the stops?

Of course! If you would like to purchase something at one of the stops we make, you are welcome to do so yourself, or if you need assistance, you can ask your helpful guide.

Booking and Payment

How do I book?

Visit eatingeurope.com and click on the orange “Book Now” button: it’s simple as that! You will be able to choose your tour, date, time and number of guests before booking.

What forms of payment are accepted?

We accept major debit & credit card payments, iDEAL and Bancontact.

Are there discounts for children, students, or groups?

We offer discounts on tickets for adolescents and children, but unfortunately do not offer discounts on group bookings.

What is Eating Europe’s cancellation policy?

Small group tours can be cancelled and refunded up to 24 hours before tour departure. Private tours can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure. For full details, please see our cancelation policy page.

Accessibility & Safety

Are private tours suitable for all ages, including children or seniors?

We are committed to providing a great experience for all of our guests, so if you require a private tour to be suitable for children or seniors, please get in touch and we can create a bespoke experience for you.

Are the tours wheelchair/stroller accessible?

Please note that some of our tours involve areas with limited accessibility and are not wheelchair/stroller accessible. For assistance and alternative option, please contact us. We’re dedicated to providing a great experience for all our guests!

What should I wear?

There is no dress code on our tours, however it’s recommended to wear a good pair of shoes (these are walking tours, after all!) and be prepared for the elements, even though most of our stops are indoors.

Are tourists welcome in Milan?

Yes, absolutely! Milanese are proud of their city and are happy to share it with visitors who embrace its unique character. The warmest welcomes are found when visitors appreciate the rhythm of local life—whether that’s by supporting small, family-run trattorias, being mindful of noise in charming neighbourhoods like Brera, or simply embracing the local ritual of the evening aperitivo!

That spirit of mindful travel is at the heart of what we do. Our small group food tours are designed to connect you with the real Milan, introducing you to the local families behind our favourite vendors and sharing the stories that make the city so special.

Tour Experience & Expectations

Will the guide speak my language?

Our guides are all fluent in English, and of course speak Italian as well. For requests for tours in other languages, please contact us.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Yes! You are welcome to take photos and videos of the food and scenery throughout your tour. If you would explicitly like to get photos of fellow guests or your guide, we kindly ask that you get their permission first.

Do I need to tip the guide?

Tips for our lovely guides are not required, but they are appreciated!

Will we visit the same places as other tours?

No. While some tours may have one or two stops which other groups visit (can’t help it if they’re popular!), Eating Europe are proud that the majority of stops on every Milan tour are restaurants and vendors who work exclusively with us.

Do you offer private or custom tours?

We do! Please see the “Book a Private Tour” option or contact us, and we can arrange a private or custom Milan tour to suit your specific needs.

City Tips

Navigli_canals_milan

Navigli Milan: Canals, Aperitivo, Food & Things to Do

Why Navigli Is One of Milan’s Most Vibrant Neighborhoods Have you ever heard of Navigli? This is one of Milan’s most exciting districts, offering a blend of historic charm with a youthful edge that attracts buzzing crowds. Central hubs like Darsena and Naviglio Grande are exciting corners that everyone should...
Taste_of_Milan

A Guide to Food Sagras in Milan

In Milan, a sagra is a special type of food festival that celebrates a specific food or type of ingredient. In terms of Milanese cuisine, sagre often focus on risotto alla Milanese, ossobuco, or dishes featuring polenta. Attending a sagra as part of a foodie visit to Milan is a great...
dishes_Milan

An Essential Guide to Seasonal Eating in Milan

The cuisine throughout Italy and in major cities like Milan always factors in seasonality. This is tied to the traditional foodways of using what the land gives you, as well as the seasonal rotation of popular traditional dishes. When you go on a ...
ossobucco_food_milan

A Culinary Guide to Food in Milan

Milan may be known for its fashionable lifestyle and fabulous examples of Gothic architecture, but one thing people don’t give the city enough credit for is its diverse food culture. You see, that polenta you had last week comes from this gem in northern Italy, as do the cotoletta, the...
More Milan Tours

Know where to eat before you arrive

Food tips, travel inspiration, and special offers across Europe. Always free.