Milan Food Tours

Get ready for a sensory journey through the capital of Lombardy. One of the best things to see and do in Milan is to indulge in the enticing aromas and authentic flavours that await you around every corner. From the quaint cobbled streets of Brera, to the lively canals of the Leonardo Da Vinci-esque Navigli, to the bustling markets of Porta Ticinese, these food tours will take you to explore the best of the local cuisine.

Taste craft beer, sample fresh pizzas and pastas, and sweeten your palate with authentic gelato. You can also go wine tasting among trattorias and restaurants, and don't forget to savour the authenticity of street food. Here are the prices, pros and cons of the must-do food experiences in Milan.

Immerse yourself in the culinary essence of Milan with a gastronomic walking tour of Navigli and Porta Ticinese. For approximately 4 hours, an expert gastronome can take you along the famous "columns of San Lorenzo" to walk through Navigli, Milan's canal district that you will want to get lost in.

These canals are lined with art galleries, vintage shops, trattorias, pizzerias and clubs for all tastes, making it perfect for sampling the contrasts of Milanese cuisine amidst a colourful atmosphere, especially if you make it one of your things to do in Milan at Christmas time.

During this type of tour you will have the opportunity to sample a selection of local wines, artisanal cheeses and cocktails exquisitely prepared by expert mixologists. Savour specialities with fresh and refined ingredients such as tarts mignons, charcuterie and cheese boards, artisan pastas and, of course, gourmet pizzas. Another dish often included is risotto milanese, the emblematic dish of Lombardy.

To conclude this appointment with the other Milan, it is time for dessert, usually starring cannoncini filled with local ingredients, accompanied by an authentic espresso coffee.

Interesting details

• Price: from 88 € per person.
• Duration: 3 - 4 hours approximately.
• What you need to know: on this type of tour there are usually between 5 - 6 stops to sample the variety of food in the area. Although the tour can be done for lunch, the area comes alive when the sun goes down. If you prefer to take the boat tour instead of walking, you can also book a boat tour in Milan's Navigli neighbourhood.
• What the tour may include: Gastronomic guide service. Wine tasting. Lunch or dinner. Tapas tasting. Alcoholic drinks. Bottled water.
• Pros: the tour allows you to explore one of the most picturesque areas around Milan, its canals are a must for lovers of good food and art in one place and you will be surrounded by an expert.
• Cons: Groups can be large. No shuttle service to the accommodation is included.

The good life beyond the Piazza del Duomo is summed up by experts as Milan 'a la Milanese', and the highlight of a tour of Milan's vibrant food scene is a walking tour of the charming Brera neighbourhood. Discover the authentic flavours of Italian cuisine as you explore the cobbled streets and art galleries of this iconic area best known as bohemian luxury.

This type of tour can be done privately, accompanied by an expert guide, you'll have the opportunity to sample a variety of dishes at **Brera'**s finest eateries. From wood-fired pizzas to cotoletta alla milanese, breaded steak to risotto alla milanese and Italian cheeses and cured meats, the tour will take you on a culinary journey that seduces the palate. In addition, you will have the opportunity to taste a variety of wines to complement your dining experience.

Take the opportunity to explore the highlights of Brera. Visit the Pinacoteca di Milano or get lost among the little streets around the Piazza della Scala, while enjoying the unique atmosphere of Brera, especially enchanting during the Christmas season with its bright lights and festive atmosphere, this activity is an ideal activity to do in Milan in December.

Interesting details

• Price: from €120 per person.
• Duration: from 3 hours and upwards.
• What you should know: although children are usually welcome, it is important to keep in mind that the minimum age for drinking alcohol is 21, so they do not enjoy wine tasting and other alcoholic beverages on this type of food tour in Milan.
• What the tour may include: expert local guide service. Wine tasting, usually about 3 - 5 varieties. Walking tour of Brera. Local food tasting, often about 6 - 10 dishes and tapas, enough to cover a full lunch or dinner. Coffee. Bottled water.
• Pros: the area is chic, home to trendy restaurants, terraces and cafés, so you get a taste of Milanese haute cuisine surrounded by art in all its expression.
• Cons: Transfers to accommodation are not usually included.

In the wide mix of gastronomic possibilities in Milan, street food stands out and bohemian luxury is at the forefront of the experiences. With these street food tours in Milan you will discover the essence of Italian cuisine.

Accompanied by a local guide, you can explore the picturesque streets while savouring a variety of sweet and savoury Italian dishes. From Venetian sandwiches to fried pizzas and tapas with fresh mozzarella, as well as delicious focaccias, this type of tour is an explosion of flavours. And if you make the experience one of your things to do in Milan in winter, specifically in December, try the classic panettone in its city of origin.

Tours are usually private, but if you prefer, you can also join a small group to share the experience with other foodies.

Interesting details

• Price: from €90 per person.
• Duration: 3 - 4 hours.
• What you should know: this type of tour is one of the few that takes place on transport, so people with physical disabilities can join the experience.
• What the tour may include: local guide service. Street food tastings, often 6 - 10 varieties of snacks. Bottled water. Beer. Glass of wine. Soft drink. Shuttle service to accommodation.
• Pros: this is the ideal tour for people who want to get to know the gastronomy of Brera without walking as part of the tour is done by metro, tram or bus. It is a flexible gastronomic tour, adjusted to the season and group.
• Cons: Public transport tickets usually cost extra. The recommendation is to get your Milan Public Transport card.

Fancy following Leonardo Da Vinci's gastronomic trail in the heart of Milan? Join a gastronomic experience with wine tasting in a traditional wine cellar. You will be able to immerse your senses in a journey through the most authentic flavours of Italy.

An expert sommelier will guide you through the vast range of local wines, while you enjoy hors d'oeuvres prepared by a professional chef. From robust reds to fresh whites and sparkling wines, every sip will delight your palate. Pair your wines with risotto and pasta dishes, carefully selected to enhance the flavours. Afterwards, visit an artisan cheese dairy to sample exceptional cheeses. Finish with a perfectly paired 4-5 course meal and a sweet treat to round off the experience.

Details of interest

• Price: from 50 € per person.
• Duration: from 90 minutes onwards.
• What you need to know: this type of experience can take place in the Navigli or Brera neighbourhood, depending on the tour you book.
• What the tour may include: wine tasting in 3 - 5 varieties. Sommelier guide service. Tasting of Milanese gastronomy. Visit to a wine cellar. Visit to an artisan cheese factory.
• Pros: it is an activity that often takes place in small groups.
• Cons: The transport service is often at an additional cost. The tour is often offered in Italian and English only.

In Brera it's typical to visit La Scala Theatre right after climbing up to Milan's Duomo Terrace and shopping along Manzoni, Della Spiga, and Monte Napoleone streets but, if you want to indulge your senses in the best Milanese style, you have to savour its gastronomy and finish with a gelato, as offered in this kind of gastronomic tour of Brera.

For about three hours, you will discover the rich history of Milan while tasting traditional and delicious bites. From aubergine parmigiana, Milanese meatballs, Italian culatello, to the famous cannoli, each dish is a reminder of why Milan is the city of aperitifs that will ruin your diet.

And, to top it all off, finish with a creamy Italian gelato, a sweet temptation that captures the essence of life in Milan. And don't miss the opportunity to pair these delicacies with local craft beers.

Interesting details

• Price: from €85 per person.
• Duration: from 3 hours onwards.
• What you need to know: this is a walking tour with 6-7 stops for tastings and as many stops to highlight the most popular buildings in the area.
• What the tour may include: professional guide service. Tasting of tapas and snacks. One gelato. Bottled water. Coffee.
• Pros: the tour can be enjoyed with friends and families, even worthwhile among things to do in Milan with children.
• Cons: Alcoholic drinks are usually extra on this type of tour. Transport service to the accommodation is not included.

Depending on the type of tour you choose, the average duration is three hours, however, you can sign up for shorter experiences such as wine tastings, where 3-4 pairings are tasted and only last about 1.5 hours.

Another factor that affects the length of time is private or group experiences. There is a tendency to extend the time for large groups.

• Footwear. As most of this type of tour is done on foot, at the end of the day it's a sort of city-tour with food tasting, so you make your way through the cobbled streets while sampling the best of the local cuisine.
• Language. Please note that most tours are available in Italian, French and English.
• Special diets. If you have a vegan, vegetarian or other special dietary requirements, alternatives are usually offered within these tours. With your booking, I recommend that you notify us of your preferences so that options tailored to your taste are included.
• Wheelchair users. As mentioned before, these tours are usually walking tours, and are not adapted for wheelchair users. If this is your case, I recommend that you check before booking.

• Local expertise: Guided food tours in Milan are usually led by local experts who know the best places to eat and drink in the city. Their knowledge provides a more authentic and complete experience that can be difficult to find on your own.
• Privileged access: Guides have access to exclusive locations and can often organise special tastings and behind-the-scenes tours that self-guided tourists might not have the opportunity to experience.
• Comfort and convenience: With a food tour, you don't have to worry about planning each meal or finding the best places to try the local cuisine. Everything is organised for you, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience.
• Cultural connection: The guides not only take you out to eat, but also provide you with information about Milan's history, culture and culinary traditions. This enriches your experience and allows you to better understand the food you are tasting.
• Social interaction: A food tour is an opportunity to meet other travellers with similar interests and share culinary experiences together. It's a fun way to socialise and make new friends while enjoying the delicious food of Milan.

In the capital of Lombardy, gastronomy is a celebration of refined and comforting Italian cuisine that ranks among the best in the world. You can't miss the risotto alla Milanese, a signature dish of the city that combines creamy rice cooked with saffron, butter and Parmesan cheese, creating an explosion of flavour in every bite. Another must is the ossobuco with risotto or polenta, a delicious combination of veal simmered in white wine and broth, accompanied by creamy risotto or polenta.

For pasta lovers, the cotoletta alla milanese is a classic choice: a veal cutlet breaded and fried to a crispy outside and juicy inside. Also not to be missed is polenta e osei, a traditional dessert consisting of a sweet polenta moulded to resemble a small bird, covered with marzipan and decorated with candied fruit.

Last but not least is panettone, an iconic Milanese Christmas sweet that has become a symbol of the festive season throughout Italy. This fluffy sweet bread is filled with candied fruit and sultanas, and is traditionally served during the winter holidays, so even if you're welcoming the year in the city you can make tasting it one of your things to do in Milan in January.