The Top 5 Food Tours in Milan
Food is Milan's hidden treasure. Most people know Milan for shopping and art. But the real magic? It's in the food. We spent three months trying different food tours in Milan to find the very best ones.
Think of walking through old streets and tasting real Italian food with local experts. These food tours show you places that most tourists never find. You can try fresh pasta, visit local markets, and learn how Italians really eat. We joined many tours to tell you which ones are worth your time and money.
No time to read, these are the best tours
| The Best Milan Food Tour | Delicious! Milan's Favorite Food Tour |
| The Top Small Group Tour | Milan Walking Tasting Tour with Secret Food Tours |
| A Tour With a View | Eating Milan: Navigli Food & Drinks Tour |
| Tours Offered in Multiple Languages | Best Street Food Walking Tour in Milan |
How we judged each food tour in Milan
We created a clear scoring system to find the best food tours in Milan. First, we paid for each tour ourselves - no special treatment or freebies. We looked at important things like if the food was really authentic (not tourist versions), how knowledgeable the guides were about Milan's food history, and if they spoke good English.
We checked if the tour went to local spots where Milanese people actually eat, not just tourist places. Value was important too - we compared prices and how much food you got. Tour group size mattered (smaller groups are usually better), and we noted how much walking was involved.
To make sure we were thorough, we sent different team members on the same tours at different times of the year. Finally, we asked other tourists about their experiences and checked if the tour companies handled dietary needs well. Only tours that scored high in all these areas made our final list.
Food to look out for on a Milan food tour
Panzerotti are Milan's answer to the calzone - golden, crispy half-moons of fried dough stuffed with tomato and melted mozzarella.
The Milanese Mondeghili might look like simple meatballs, but these street snacks have a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Made from leftover meat and bread, then fried until crispy, they're perfect for eating while walking through the Navigli district.
For breakfast on the go, the Brioche con Gelato is a uniquely Italian treat - a fresh pastry split and filled with your choice of gelato. Even in winter, you'll see Milanese enjoying this sweet combination with their morning coffee.
Don't miss Polenta e Zola - grilled polenta topped with gorgonzola cheese. Street vendors often serve this warming snack in paper cones during the cooler months. It's especially popular in the Brera neighbourhood.
A more modern street food trend is the Piadina, a thin flatbread filled with cured meats, cheese, and arugula. While it originated in Romagna, Milan has embraced it as a quick lunch option, with vendors adding their own Milanese twists.
Finally, there's the classic Risotto alla Milanese served in paper cups during festivals and street fairs. This portable version of the saffron-infused rice dish lets you enjoy Milan's signature flavour while exploring the city.
A Map of Milans typical food tours
Our favourite Milan tours:
1. Delicious! Milan's Favorite Food Tour
What Makes This Tour Special
Being a private tour, you'll enjoy a relaxed pace without the crowds of larger groups. Your guide gives you personal attention while sharing local insights about Milan's food culture and history. The route cleverly combines food tastings with cultural landmarks, giving you both a culinary and historical perspective of the city.
Tour Highlights
This intimate private food tour takes you through central Milan's hidden gems. You'll taste 5-6 traditional Italian treats including pizza, gelato, Sicilian cannoli, and artisanal sandwiches. The tour includes Italian wine and bottled water with all tastings.
Tour Languages: Available in English, Italian, and French
Duration: 2.5 hours
Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour starts.
2. Milan Gourmet food tour - Do Eat Better Experience
What Makes This Tour Special
This small-group experience (maximum 12 people) offers a perfect blend of traditional and trendy Milan cuisine. The tour takes you through multiple courses at carefully selected eateries, giving you a comprehensive taste of Lombardy's food culture from classic dishes to modern interpretations.
Tour Highlights
Experience Milan's gourmet side with multiple sit-down tastings including authentic pizza gourmet, traditional Milanese risotto, and artisanal charcuterie. The tour culminates with Italian pastries and coffee or gelato (in summer). Each tasting is paired with stories about Milan's culinary traditions and history.
Tour Language: English
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour starts.
3. Best Street Food Walking Tour in Milan
What Makes This Tour Special
Milan may be known for its status as Italy’s fashion capital, but this vibrant city also offers a fantastic street food scene. This tour gives you the chance to explore the best street food from different regions across Italy while walking through some of Milan’s most stylish neighbourhoods. Your expert local guide will lead you to hidden gems, offering a personalised experience that combines great food with fascinating insights into Italian culinary traditions.
Tour Highlights
This 3-hour private tour takes you to 4-5 of the best street food spots in Milan. Along the way, you’ll sample a variety of Italian delicacies, such as specialty sandwiches from Venice, focaccia from Liguria, Sicilian pastries, artisan charcuterie, and more, all paired with either wine, beer, or soft drinks. In addition to the food, you’ll discover the city’s lesser-known sights, including churches and hidden corners that even locals may not know about.
Tour Languages: Available in English, Italian, and Spanish
Duration 3 hours
Cancellation Policy Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts (local time).
4. Milan Walking Tasting Tour with Secret Food Tours
What Makes This Tour Special
While Milan may be more famous for its fashion than its food, the city has a hidden culinary scene that’s well worth exploring. This small-group walking tour takes you through the lively Navigli district, a hub of Milan’s dining scene, where you’ll discover some of the best eateries the city has to offer. With the help of an insider foodie guide, you’ll enjoy a variety of regional Italian specialties, including Sicilian, Neapolitan, and Pugliese dishes, alongside Milanese classics. It’s an excellent way to explore this trendy neighbourhood while indulging in both savory and sweet delicacies, all paired with a glass of red wine.
Tour Highlights
During this 3.5-hour tour, you’ll savour a variety of regional Italian dishes, such as Arancina from Palermo, Risotto with leek, pear, and Gorgonzola from Novara, Panzerotto Pugliese, and a Sweet Pasticciotto. You’ll also enjoy a luxurious fruit tartlet and finish off with an espresso coffee. The tour is designed to give you a taste of Milan’s diverse food offerings in a relaxed, intimate setting with personal attention from your guide.
Tour Languages Available in English
Duration 3 hours 30 minutes
Cancellation Policy Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts (local time).
5. Eating Milan: Navigli Food & Drinks Tour
What Makes This Tour Special
This 4-hour walking tour takes you deep into the heart of Milan’s vibrant Navigli district, where you’ll experience the flavors that define the city’s culinary culture. As you stroll along the picturesque canals, your expert guide will introduce you to a variety of traditional Milanese dishes, from hand-stretched pizza to fresh carpaccio, gorgonzola, and chickpea pancakes. The tour even includes a hands-on experience where you’ll learn to make your own world-class tiramisù and customize it to your taste. This is more than just a food tour—it’s a chance to immerse yourself in Milan’s rich history and culture while tasting some of the best local dishes.
Tour Highlights
Explore the charming streets of Navigli with a local guide, and visit foodie spots you might otherwise miss. You'll sample traditional Milanese foods such as award-winning pizza, risotto, and the unique Farinata (a Ligurian focaccia made with chickpea flour). Along the way, you’ll also learn about Milan’s history, including the legacy of Da Vinci, while enjoying an aperitivo featuring polenta and carpaccio or a selection of cheeses, including Gorgonzola.
Tour Languages Available in English
Duration Approximately 4 hours
Cancellation Policy Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts (local time).
The top platform to book a Milan food tour
When it comes to booking a Milan food tour, Viator is one of the best platforms to consider. Known for its user-friendly interface and reliable customer service, Viator offers a wide range of curated food tours that let you explore Milan’s culinary gems with ease.
One of the standout features is their free 24-hour cancellation policy on most tours, allowing you to book with confidence knowing that you can adjust your plans if needed.
Additionally, Viator’s "Reserve Now, Pay Later" option provides extra flexibility, letting you secure your spot on popular tours without having to pay upfront. This combination of convenience, flexibility, and trustworthiness makes Viator a top choice for booking Milan’s best food experiences.
More Milan food tours
FAQ's about food tours in Milan
What makes Milan's food scene unique?
Milan’s food scene blends traditional Milanese dishes like risotto alla Milanese with regional specialties from across Italy. It’s known for both classic dishes and modern twists, with a focus on fresh, authentic ingredients. Try these on the Delicious! Milan's Favorite Food Tour and discover hidden gems of the city.
What types of food will I taste on a Milan food tour?
Expect to try panzerotti, gelato, artisanal sandwiches, gorgonzola, risotto, and regional street food like farinata and polenta e zola, along with classic Italian pastries. Sample these delicacies on the Best Street Food Walking Tour in Milan.
What should I look for when choosing the best food tour in Milan?
Look for authentic, local food, smaller groups, knowledgeable guides, and tours that take you to hidden gems rather than tourist traps. Also, check the cancellation policy for flexibility. A great option is the Milan Walking Tasting Tour with Secret Food Tours, which provides both authentic dishes and insider knowledge.
How long do Milan food tours usually last?
Most food tours last between 2.5 and 4 hours, depending on the itinerary and the number of stops. For example, the Eating Milan: Navigli Food & Drinks Tour lasts about 4 hours.
Are Milan food tours available in languages other than English?
Yes, many tours offer languages like Italian, French, and Spanish, in addition to English. Check the details for each tour, such as the Delicious! Milan's Favorite Food Tour, which is available in English, Italian, and French.
Do Milan food tours cater to dietary restrictions?
Yes, most tours can accommodate vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly diets if you inform them in advance. The Best Street Food Walking Tour in Milan is a great option that caters to various dietary needs.
What should I wear for a Milan food tour?
Wear comfortable shoes and casual clothing for walking, with a light jacket or sun protection depending on the season. The Milan Walking Tasting Tour with Secret Food Tours and other tours will involve plenty of strolling, so comfort is key!
Can I cancel my food tour in Milan if my plans change?
Yes, most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts. For example, the Delicious! Milan's Favorite Food Tour and the Milan Walking Tasting Tour with Secret Food Tours both offer this policy.
How do I know if a food tour in Milan is worth the price?
Check for good food variety, small group sizes, and positive reviews to ensure you’re getting value for your money. Tours like Eating Milan: Navigli Food & Drinks Tour and Milan Gourmet Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience are known for offering great value with fantastic food experiences.
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