Eating Milan: Navigli Food & Drinks Tour

If you’re craving an authentic taste of Milan’s lively culinary scene, the Eating Milan: Navigli Food & Drinks Tour offers an enticing glimpse into the city’s rich gastronomy and stylish lifestyle. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it hits all the right notes for a memorable, flavorful experience.

What really makes this tour stand out? First, the combination of delicious local foods—from award-winning pizza to homemade tiramisù—paired with stunning canal views. Second, the chance to learn about Milanese and Ligurian traditions through tastings and demonstrations. Lastly, the relaxed four-hour format strikes a good balance, making it a manageable yet immersive experience.

That said, a potential consideration is the tour’s walking component, which requires comfortable shoes and a willingness to stroll through trendy districts. Also, while the tour is well-suited for most, those with severe allergies might need to double-check ingredients beforehand. This experience is ideal for foodies, culture lovers, and anyone wanting a taste of Milan’s stylish, culinary side.

Good To Know

• Authentic Flavors: Tastes from pizza and risotto to Ligurian focaccia are included
• Educational: Learn about Milan and Da Vinci’s influence through food and history
• Scenic Setting: Enjoy canal-side aperitivo and views that blend tradition with style
• Guided Experience: Hosted by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide
• Value for Price: With five tastings plus wine and a tiramisù demo, it offers a complete foodie experience
• Weather Flexibility: Operates rain or shine, so plan accordingly

This four-hour adventure packs a lot into a historically and gastronomically rich part of Milan—the Navigli district. Known for its picturesque canals once designed by Leonardo da Vinci, Navigli today buzzes with cafes, bars, and eateries, making it a lively backdrop for food explorations.

You’ll meet your guide in a central square—precise location details are provided upon booking—and then set off on a journey that combines culinary delights with local stories. The tour is designed to showcase Milan’s classy lifestyle, highlighting its tradition of aperitivo culture, hearty risottos, and inventive desserts.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary: What Can You Expect?

Starting with Aperitivo by the Canals

The tour kicks off with a classic aperitivo, a way Italians unwind with drinks and small bites. Here, you’ll indulge in a selection of polenta, gorgonzola, and fine wines, all enjoyed beside the canals. This setting allows for a relaxed start, soaking in both the scenery and the vibrant local atmosphere. Reviewers like Lindsay mention that Chiara—our guide—was incredibly sweet, helping set an inviting tone right from the beginning.

Pizza from an Award-Winning Baker

Next, the focus shifts to pizza—hand-stretched and crafted by a renowned baker who has worked in top restaurants worldwide. This isn’t just any pizza; it’s a taste of Milan’s best, created with skill and passion. Expect to sample a variety of flavors, possibly including classic Margherita or more innovative toppings, depending on the day.

Carpaccio and Gorgonzola with Canal Views

As you stroll, the guide introduces you to local delicacies like carpaccio—thinly sliced raw meat or fish—and creamy gorgonzola cheese, served with a backdrop of historic waterways. These tastings aren’t just about flavor but about understanding Milanese appetites and traditions.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Ligurian Focaccia: Farinata

No tour of Italy’s food scene is complete without exploring regional specialties, and here, you’ll taste Farinata, a centuries-old Ligurian focaccia made from chickpea flour. Known for its crispy exterior and soft interior, Farinata offers a plant-based treat that’s both hearty and simple. It’s a nod to Italy’s diverse regional cuisines, and many reviewers appreciate the chance to try something less mainstream.

The Highlight: Risotto with Venison

The pièce de résistance is a serving of Risotto, Milan’s iconic dish, prepared with braised venison for a rich, comforting flavor. The guide emphasizes that Risotto “is the ultimate expression of dining alla Milanese,” and tasting it here provides an authentic flavor of the city’s culinary identity. Guests hint that the dish’s presentation and taste hold up even against the best in Italy.

Sweet Ending with Tiramisù

The finale involves a live tiramisù demo, where you’ll learn the secrets to making Italy’s beloved dessert. Many reviews, including one from Lindsay, highlight that the tiramisù experience was a highlight, with plenty of opportunity to make your own and enjoy the result. It’s a delightful way to end the tour—sweet, satisfying, and a perfect Instagram shot.

The Food and Drink: How Is It?

The tour includes five tastings, which cover a broad spectrum of Italian cuisine: aperitivo, pizza, carpaccio, gorgonzola, and risotto. Plus, a glass of local Italian wine and the homemade tiramisù. The value here is evident—you’re not just nibbling but experiencing a curated selection designed to showcase the region’s best.

The guide’s insights deepen the experience, sharing stories about the dishes’ origins and ingredients. As Lindsay noted, the guide Chiara was “so sweet,” making the experience warm and engaging. The small group size means plenty of interaction and personalized attention, enhancing the enjoyment.

Practical Details and Considerations

Pricing at $112.15 per person is reasonable given the scope of tastings, the guide’s expertise, and the picturesque setting. For travelers eager to combine culture and cuisine, this tour offers great value, especially considering the inclusion of drinks and a cooking demonstration.

The tour operates rain or shine—so bring an umbrella if needed—and requires comfortable shoes for walking through cobblestone streets and along the canals. It’s suitable for most, but severe allergies may restrict participation due to ingredient uncertainty.

Meeting point details are straightforward, and the activity ends at the same location, making it easy to continue exploring or head to dinner afterward. The tour is also flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, perfect for spontaneous travel plans.

What Did Travelers Say?

Lindsay’s review emphasizes the warmth of the guide and the quality of the food, despite a minor hiccup with the app address. She notes that the experience was “incredible,” and the company and food were highlights. This suggests that, overall, the tour delivers on its promises, with knowledgeable guides and tasty, authentic food.

This experience is ideal for food lovers eager to taste authentic Milanese and regional specialties. It’s perfect if you want a relaxed, informative introduction to Milan’s culinary scene without spending hours in restaurants.

Those interested in learning about Milan’s history and Leonardo da Vinci’s influence through food and scenery will find this tour engaging. It also suits travelers who appreciate small-group, guided experiences that balance sightseeing with tasting.

However, if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer a more self-guided approach, this might feel a bit structured. Also, those with mobility issues should note the walking involved and the tour’s non-wheelchair accessibility.

The Eating Milan: Navigli Food & Drinks Tour offers a well-rounded taste of Milan’s vibrant food scene, set against the stunning backdrop of its historic canals. It’s a thoughtfully curated experience that combines delicious regional dishes with cultural stories, making it ideal for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—they want to taste and learn.

From the expert guide Chiara to the variety of foods, this tour delivers a flavorful, authentic glimpse into Milan’s culinary identity. With the chance to enjoy local wines, watch a tiramisù demo, and walk through one of the city’s most picturesque districts, it’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon in Milan.

Whether you’re a first-timer eager to explore Milan’s food culture or a seasoned traveler looking to deepen your understanding of Italian cuisine, this tour offers a satisfying balance of fun, flavor, and history—all in a compact four-hour package.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 4 do not require a ticket, making it family-friendly. However, keep in mind the walking and tasting nature of the tour, and check if your kids are comfortable with the pace and types of food.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, the tour runs rain or shine, so it’s wise to bring an umbrella or raincoat just in case.

What’s included in the price?
You’ll get five food tastings, including aperitivo, risotto, polenta, carpaccio, and gorgonzola, along with local wine and a tiramisù demo.

Are there any dietary restrictions I should be aware of?
Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies may need to consider this tour carefully, as ingredient details are not specified in advance.

Where does the tour start and end?
The meeting point is right in front of the main monument in the square, and the tour concludes back at this same location, making it easy to explore more afterward.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts approximately four hours, making it a pleasant but not overwhelming addition to your Milan itinerary.

You can check if your dates are available here: