Milan: Navigli Food Tour with Risotto, Wine & 7 Tastings

Summary

Stroll Milan’s canals and taste risotto, arancina, panzerotto and wine

You’ll wander Milan’s lively Navigli district with a small group, tasting Sicilian arancina, creamy risotto with gorgonzola and pear, classic panzerotto and local wine along the way. Expect laughter with your guide, new flavors from across Italy, and moments where Milan’s history sneaks up on you between bites.

What’s the experience like?

We started weaving through the streets near Porta Genova — you know that feeling when a city is just waking up? That was it. The tram rattled somewhere behind us and our guide, Marco, waved us over to this tiny bakery window. First bite: arancina from Palermo. Still warm in my hand, crispy outside and somehow sweet-smelling? I tried to say “grazie” like a local but probably missed the mark. Marco grinned anyway. We wandered along the canal in Naviglio Grande after that — water glinting under those old bridges, people setting up for the day.

The food tour kept surprising me. One minute we’d be ducking into a shop for creamy risotto (with gorgonzola and pear — I didn’t expect to like that combo so much), next we’d be standing in Darsena watching locals argue about football over espresso. There was something about the way the city smells here: coffee, river air, sometimes fried dough drifting out of nowhere. I’m still thinking about that tartlet we had — flaky pastry with fruit that tasted almost too fresh for November.

By the time we reached Porta Ticinese, my feet were tired but in that good way. We passed street art and someone’s nonna waving from her balcony. Marco pointed out the medieval gate — older than it looks if you ask me — and told us stories about how Milan became this crossroads for all kinds of Italian food. Funny how you can taste Sicily and Puglia without leaving one neighborhood. We ended near the Duomo, not going inside but just standing there as the afternoon light hit all that marble… felt like Milan wanted to show off a little.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Milan's Navigli and landmarks

• Visit Porta Genova railway station
• Explore Darsena district and canals
• Walk along Naviglio Grande canal
• See medieval Porta Ticinese gate
• Stroll shopping street in Milan
• View Milan Cathedral from outside

Top questions

How many tastings are included on this Milan food tour?

The tour includes more than 7 tastings featuring dishes like arancina from Palermo, risotto with gorgonzola and pear, panzerotto Pugliese, fruit tartlet or pasticciotto, plus wine and coffee.

Does the tour include risotto in Milan?

Yes, creamy risotto with gorgonzola and pear is one of the featured tastings on this Milan food tour.

Where does the Milan food tour start?

The tour starts near Porta Genova railway station in Milan.

Is wine included on this Navigli food tour?

Yes, a glass of red wine is included as part of the tastings during the tour.

Will we visit famous sites like the Duomo or Naviglio Grande?

You’ll walk along Naviglio Grande canal and end near the Duomo (Milan Cathedral), viewing it from outside.

Is there much walking involved on this Milan food tour?

Yes, there is a fair amount of walking so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Are dietary requirements accommodated?

You should contact in advance regarding dietary requirements so they can try to accommodate your needs.

What’s included

Your day includes more than seven Italian tastings—think arancina from Palermo, creamy risotto with gorgonzola and pear, classic panzerotto Pugliese—plus an elegant fruit tartlet or sweet pasticciotto. You’ll also enjoy a glass of red wine and coffee along the route as your local guide leads you through Milan’s Navigli district before ending near the Duomo.