Milan: Navigli Food & Drinks Tour with Eating Europe

If you’re thinking about experiencing Milan through its food scene, the Navigli Food & Drinks Tour with Eating Europe might just be what you’re looking for. While I haven’t personally taken this particular tour, it’s highly praised, with a perfect 5-star rating from more than 220 reviews. It offers a welcoming way to explore a lively part of the city, combining delicious tastings with cultural insights.

What we love about this experience is how it blends authentic local flavors with engaging storytelling. First, the small-group format means you’ll get personal attention and a more relaxed atmosphere. Second, the variety of tastings—ranging from award-winning pizza to risotto and traditional chickpea pancakes—keeps things interesting and satisfying.

One thing to keep in mind is the price point of around $115 per person. Given the extensive itinerary packed with multiple stops, guided insights, and tastings, many find it offers good value—especially when you consider the quality and local focus. The tour lasts roughly four hours, making it a manageable but substantial way to spend part of your day.

This tour is best suited for food lovers, curious travelers, and anyone interested in Milan’s culture who wants to enjoy a relaxed, social experience rather than just ticking off sights. It’s also a solid option for solo travelers eager to meet others and share stories over good food.

Key Points

• Small-group format ensures personalized interaction and a friendly vibe.
• Tastings cover a broad spectrum of Milanese cuisine, from pizza and risotto to chickpea pancakes.
• Guides are knowledgeable and passionate, sharing stories that add context to the food.
• Locations are carefully curated to include hidden gems you might miss exploring on your own.
• Duration of around 4 hours makes it an efficient yet thorough experience.
• Priced at about $115, it’s reasonable considering the quality and variety of experiences.

A Closer Look at the Navigli Food & Drinks Tour

Starting Point & First Impressions

The tour kicks off at a vibrant piazza, the Piazza Ventiquattro Maggio, a lively spot that perfectly captures the modern-meets-historic vibe of Milan. Here, the tour organizer emphasizes the importance of the neighborhood, known for its picturesque canals and energetic atmosphere. As you gather in this spot, you’ll get a sense of the area’s unique character—a mix of trendy bars, artisanal shops, and historic architecture.

Stop 1: Forno Del Mastro – Organic Pizza & Craft Beer

Our journey starts at an award-winning bakery renowned for organic, biodiversity-focused ingredients. This first taste of Pizza alla teglia paired with craft beer sets a relaxed tone. The bakery’s focus on high-quality ingredients brings a genuine flavor to the pizza, making a strong first impression. Reviewers often highlight that this stop offers a delicious introduction to Milanese street food without feeling hurried.

Stop 2: Ripa di Porta Ticinese – Polenta, Carpaccio & Gorgonzola

Next, we’re next to the canal at Ripa di Porta Ticinese, a charming spot with a modern ambiance that still respects Milan’s culinary roots. Here, we sample polenta, carpaccio, and Gorgonzola cheese. The setting is lively, and the attentive service adds to the experience. Many guests appreciate this stop for how it showcases classic Milanese dishes in a contemporary setting. As one reviewer noted, it’s a “story of classic Milanese cuisine in a modern ambiance.”

Stop 3: Via Vigevano – Ligurian Chickpea Focaccia (Farinata)

Moving along to Via Vigevano, we meet Farinata, a simple chickpea focaccia originating from Liguria. This dish, cooked in copper tinned pans, offers a hearty yet straightforward flavor. It’s a staple from Liguria but has found a home in Milan through this tour. The focus on traditional techniques adds authenticity. Expect a crispy exterior with a tender inside—a favorite among critics who appreciate authentic recipes.

Stop 4: Officina del Riso – Risotto & Rice Variations

The next stop is a dedicated risotto hub, blending Mediterranean ingredients with local rice varieties. Here, we enjoy Risotto alla Milanese, a signature dish with saffron that truly embodies Milanese culinary identity. The venue’s creative approach and canal-side setting make it a highlight. As one reviewer points out, it’s a “creative hub devoted to risotto and rice variations,” which helps to deepen your appreciation of Milan’s gastronomic traditions.

Stop 5: Mascherpa Tiramisù Boutique + Coffee & Gelato

No Milanese food tour would be complete without dessert, and this stop offers a step-by-step guide to making Tiramisù. After learning the craft, you get to create and customize your own version—an interactive and tasty finale. Guests love the hands-on experience and the opportunity to take home a sweet memory. It’s also an ideal way to relax after several savory stops.

Scenic Canal & Neighborhood Exploration

After the tastings, the tour takes time for a leisurely stroll along the scenic canals, which date back to the 12th century. The canals are more than pretty backdrops—they’re social spaces filled with trendy bars and shops, offering a lively yet authentic slice of Milanese life. Many reviews mention how walking here gives a different perspective of the city—more relaxed and community-focused.

Historic Porta Genova & Market Visit

The tour includes a visit to Porta Genova, a historic gate and transportation hub, giving an idea of the city’s evolution. The market nearby offers a glimpse into local produce and artisan goods, rounding out the experience with a touch of Milan’s daily life.

Cheese & Local Specialties at R(é)sistenza Casearia

The last stop is at a high-end cheese shop specializing in local Gorgonzola and mountain cheeses. Tasting these cheeses, many travelers comment on their quality—highlighting that the cheese is sourced directly from farms and local producers, making the experience both delicious and authentic.

What You Can Expect from This Tour

Taste Variety & Quality: From pizza to risotto and chickpea pancakes, the tastings are substantial and crafted with care. Guests often comment on how the food exceeds expectations, with some noting that the cheese and meats are top-notch.

Knowledge & Storytelling: Guides are praised for their passion and knowledge, offering insight into Milan’s history, culture, and culinary traditions. This makes the experience informative as well as delicious.

Social & Fun Atmosphere: With a maximum of 12 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate feel. Many reviews emphasize the friendly guides and the convivial group dynamic, often mentioning how they bonded over shared meals and stories.

Accessibility & Convenience: Locations are centrally located, close to public transit, making it easy to join without stress. The 4-hour duration offers a good balance—long enough to experience a variety of flavors but not so long as to be tiring.

Pricing & Value: At about $115, guests generally agree this offers good value, considering the number of stops, quality of tastings, and guided insights. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that immerses you in the local way of life.

Considerations: The tour is not designed for large groups, so booking in advance is wise. Also, the focus is on local ingredients—seafood isn’t featured, and those with severe allergies might need to be cautious. Lastly, gluten-free or vegetarian options should be communicated ahead of time, as the menu is primarily traditional.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits foodies, culture lovers, and travelers eager to explore Milan beyond the typical sites. It’s perfect for solo travelers looking to meet others, couples wanting a relaxed yet enriching afternoon, and small groups seeking authentic local flavors. If you’re interested in learning about Milanese dishes and their history while tasting a variety of dishes, this tour checks all those boxes.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately four hours, giving you enough time to enjoy multiple tastings and learn about the neighborhood without feeling overwhelmed.

What is included in the price?
You get a guided walk through Navigli, several tastings including pizza, risotto, chickpea pancakes, cheese, and a tiramisù workshop, plus a small group experience.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
While specific requests should be communicated, the tour includes gluten-free and vegetarian options at some stops. It’s best to inform ahead if you have allergies or special diets.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Many reviews mention how solo travelers quickly felt part of the group, especially given the friendly guides and convivial atmosphere.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking, and a positive appetite. The tour is mostly walk-and-eat, so be prepared for some strolling along the scenic canals.

Is this tour family-friendly?
This tour is geared towards adults interested in food and culture. It isn’t specifically marketed as family-friendly, but older children or teens with an interest in food might enjoy it.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour. Refunds are straightforward if you need to cancel.

Final Thoughts

The Navigli Food & Drinks Tour with Eating Europe offers a genuine taste of Milan with an expert guide, delicious local dishes, and a chance to see a vibrant neighborhood from the inside out. It’s especially suited for travelers who love good food, enjoy learning in a relaxed setting, and want to connect with the city’s lively culture.

While it’s not a tour for seafood lovers or those seeking a purely sightseeing-focused experience, it more than makes up for it with its authentic cuisine, engaging storytelling, and convivial atmosphere. If you’re after a memorable, flavorful day in Milan that goes beyond the typical tourist trail, this tour is a solid choice.

Hope this helps you decide if this is the right Milan adventure for you. Either way, enjoy your trip and buon appetito!