Flavours of Milan: Private Food Tour in Navigli District
Milan may be a hub for finance and fashion, but its culinary scene is not to be missed. Lombardy’s classy capital has a lot to offer in terms of gastronomy, from traditional Milanese dishes to cutting-edge cuisine, not to mention a robust aperitivo culture. The Navigili district in particular is a wonderful place to experience Milan’s gourmet prowess while strolling along its historic canals, and our private food tour with a local guide will ensure you savour the city in style on an evening adventure.
On your private food tour, you will:
- Eat your way through Milan’s Navigli district with a knowledgeable local guide;
- Learn all about Ligurian cuisine and how Milan’s food scene has also been influenced by the rest of Italy;
- Taste a wide variety of dishes, including a traditional focaccia and Milan’s most iconic risotto;
- Walk along the centuries-old canals and hear about their long history and connection to Leonardo Da Vinci;
- Soak in Navigli’s vibrant atmosphere and find out how it became such a culinary hot spot;
- Discover the ingredients and recipes that set Milanese cuisine apart;
- Sip spectacular regional wines and local drinks along the way;
- Delve into Milan’s aperitivo culture and see why Navigli is the place to be for this quintessentially Italian ritual;
- End with a delectable Italian dessert.
In a lively Milanese piazza, your local guide will be on hand to introduce you to the city’s beloved Navigli district. Strolling along the centuries-old canals, some of which were masterminded in part by Leonardo da Vinci, you’ll hear fascinating stories of their past while soaking in the ambience that makes Navigli one of Milan’s most exciting neighbourhoods.
Along the way, you’ll eat your way through a curated selection of eateries, each revealing a different side of Milan’s culinary landscape. The journey showcases not only the city’s iconic dishes but also flavours that reflect the wider influences of Italian cuisine. You might begin with a slice of warm, traditional focaccia or hand-stretched pizza, before sampling a golden plate of saffron risotto, the dish that has come to define Milanese cooking. Seasonal tastings such as farinata, braised venison, or delicately prepared carpaccio with polenta and gorgonzola highlight the incredible local food scene, while platters of artisan cheeses and charcuterie provide an opportunity to savour some of Italy’s finest ingredients.
No visit to Milan would be complete without a glass in hand, and this tour ensures you sip your way through the experience, pairing tastings with regional wines and perhaps a local craft beer. You’ll also delve into the city’s legendary aperitivo culture, discovering why Navigli is the place to be for this quintessentially Italian ritual. And as every food lover knows, the perfect meal must end on a sweet note, so you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy an indulgent tiramisù or another equally tempting Italian dessert.
This tour is ideal for inquisitive travellers who want to move beyond the surface, uncovering hidden gems and flavours that can’t be found in guidebooks. With a local expert leading the way, you’ll not only enjoy an unforgettable array of food and wine but also gain a deeper appreciation for the culture, history, and spirit of Milan’s most atmospheric district.
