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12 Best Food Tours in Milan – From Street Food to Gourmet

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Are you looking for the best food tour in Milan? We have you covered!

We all know that Italy is known for its incredible cuisine, right?

Its cities are filled to the brim with delicious local dishes from  Bologna’s  ragu to Naples’ pizza.

And if you’re heading to Milan, located in Northern Italy, you’ll soon discover that it’s no different here. 

Milan is most known as a city of elegance, fashion, and beautiful architecture, such as Duomo di Milano.

However, you would be missing out if you didn’t dive into Milan’s other great, and often underrated quality: the food. 

🏆 BEST FOOD TOUR IN MILAN

Don’t have time to read the whole article? The best choice is the beautiful 4.5-star tour: Milan Mixed Aperitivo and Street Food

We love Italy so much, that only a few years ago we took our three kids and went on a 3.5-month road trip around this amazing country.

Our journey took us from the North to the South and all the way through Sicily, discovering the local food options along the way.

Through the stomach, to the heart, they say.

Well, can’t go wrong with Italian cuisine and homemade pizzas and pasta, right? But there’s so much more.

We believe that one of the best ways to explore the food culture and any city, such as Milan, is through a food tour.

And that is why we have compiled a list of these 12 of the best food tours in Milan.

Quick Guide: Best Food Tours in Milan

After a quick list of the top food tours in Milan? Here are the best food tours:

Milan Mix  Aperitivo  and Street Food Tour with Do Eat Better Experience

• Milan’s hidden gems street food tour
• Great stories of local Milanese cuisine and history
• Great food, wine, and cocktails

Food Walking Tour of Brera, Milan

• Cobbled streets of the Brera district
• History behind the culture and food
• Free Italian beer as a pre-dinner appetizer

Best Street Food in Milan Walking Tour

• Off-the-beaten-track restaurants
• Local wines and Milanese gelato
• Pre-book for vegetarian options

The 15 Best Food Tours in Milan

Here is your all-inclusive guide to the best food tours in Milan. Your only task is to choose one!

1. Milan Mix  Aperitivo  and Street Food Tour with Do Eat Better Experience

• Who is this tour for: those who want to indulge in Italy’s  aperitivo  tradition.  
• Guest Rating: 4.5 stars
• Length:  3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
• View on  Viator

One of Italy’s finest traditions is the  aperitivo , a pre-meal drink that happens at the end of the workday to get you ready for dinner.

With this Milan food walking tour, you will discover that there is a lot more behind this seemingly indulgent tradition. 

On this Milanese food tour, you will take a pleasant walk on the streets of Milan and stop at 5 locations .

Beginning with cocktails made by talented mixologists , you’ll then head to Via Cosico to try the best of Italian wine.

By now, your appetite will be fully induced, and it’s time to taste the best of Italian cured meats and gourmet snacks.

We had a great time on the street food tour. The cocktails and wine were superb and all the food was excellent. We really liked the fact that we got to try places that we wouldn’t have thought to visit – the gourmet jacket potatoes in particular were amazing. Emine was a great guide – really friendly and knowledgable, providing stories about the history of Milan and the bars and cafes that we visited. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone who loves food, wine and cocktails – but make sure you bring your appetites! LEANNE (READ MORE REVIEWS ) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

At your next stop, you’ll head to Milan’s historical canal, Naviglio Grande , and try a delicious concoction made of stuffed potatoes.

Your tour ends with the innovative pizza cone for dinner , and Italian ice cream for dessert. 

All your food and drink are included in your ticket price. 

Please Note : This tour is not wheelchair accessible. 

Why you will love this food tour:

2. food walking tour of brera, milan.

• Who is this food tour for : history lovers
• Guest Rating: 5-star tour
• Length:  3 hours (approx.)

Walk the cobbled streets of the Brera district and discover Italian delicacies brought to you by a local foodie guide.

Brera has a vibrant and bustling atmosphere with street markets and an active nightlife for you to enjoy.  

Throughout this 3-hour tour, you’ll learn the history behind Milan and its food.

You’ll be stopping at 6 stops , including restaurants, cafes, and markets to get a truly well-rounded experience

At each stop, there will be plenty of opportunities to indulge in traditional Milanese staples.

Enjoy regional dishes such as rice and polenta, saffron-flavored risotto, and veal Milanese.

Perfect experience from start to finish. Starting from breakfast pastries to lunch meats, to the best lasagna I’ve ever had, to historic family wine, and finally finishing with gelato. The history behind all the foods and cultures of Milan/Italy were all mixed in the best way possible. Can not recommend this tour enough. GRETCHEN (READ MORE  REVIEWS ) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With so much on offer, you might want to have a light breakfast before embarking on this food tour!

As an added bonus, you can enjoy a little of the Italian culture with a free Italian beer as a pre-dinner appetizer.  

• The history behind the culture and food

3. Best Street Food in Milan Walking Tour

• Who is this tour for: those who want to discover the best street food from across Italy
• Guest Rating: 5 stars

In this food walking tour of Milan, you’ll get the chance to taste Italy’s finest street food.

With an expert local guide to show you around, you’ll discover the lesser-known restaurants and shops, getting the authentic Milanese experience. 

Your tour guide will be able to tell you more about Italian cuisine than you thought possible, making your sightseeing tour not only delicious but interesting too. 

Throughout the tour, you’ll get the chance to sample Venetian sandwiches , focaccia from Liguria, and pastries from Sicily.

Best tour experience we’ve had since arriving in Italy 16 days ago. Our tour guide, Marco was very knowledgeable and passionate about the history of Milan and the resurgence of local, sustainable foods. We experienced a great sampling of the local restaurants that are bringing traditional Milanese foods back to life. Thanks Marco! LORIANN (READ MORE REVIEWS ) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Enjoy some Italian local wines with some charcuterie, a board made up of fine cheese and meats.

And, of course, no food tour would be complete without some Italian gelato.  

Please Note : Vegetarian option is available, but please advise at the time of booking.

Why you will love this tour:  

4. half-day food tour on foot.

• Who is this tour for: history lovers
• Guest Rating: 4.8 stars
• Length:  3 hours
• View on  GetYourGuide

This three-hour walking tour combines tasting great Italian food with getting to know Milan’s intriguing history.

Your guide will take you through the historical streets of Brera, teaching you about how the city has changed and adapted throughout the centuries.

Discover how the Navigli canals were once used to connect the entire city, and how more modern designs have been introduced such as the Porta Nuova, Milan’s business district. 

My husband and I had SUCH a fun night with Daniele and Antonio for our private walking food tour. We got a lot of great info from both of them and it also felt like we were just hanging out and enjoying the company. The stops are all really thoughtful and there are quite a few different bites to taste so I felt it was really generous. The bites are not entirely Milan-specific except for a couple but by the end we felt we learned a lot about Milan and its food. Our stomachs were satisfied after a great evening. GETYOURGUIDE TRAVELER (READ MORE REVIEWS ) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The food you’ll taste along the way will only heighten your experience.

With 6 tasting stops , you will discover the origin of the Italian classics you know so well such as Parma ham and gelato.

By the end of the tour, you’ll be able to recognize traditional Italian dishes such as  melanzane alla Parmigiana  ( eggplant parmigiana ) and  cannoli  (Sicilian cream horns), as well as Milan’s finest wines. 

Please Note:  This tour is not suitable for vegans

Why you will love this tour:

• Food and historical streets of Brera
• Learn a tonne about the cuisine and gelato
• Taste the finest Milan local wines

5. Walking Food Tour of Milan with Tastings

• Who is this tour for: who would like a personal experience
• Length:  4 hours (approx.)

Get out of the city center of Milan and enjoy a more local experience with this 4-hour food tour of Milan.

Let your local guide take you around the lesser-known streets , telling you the history of the unique local cuisine of Milan and Lombardy as you go.

What is great about this tour is their willingness to personalize it to your taste.

Heard of an Italian treat you really want to try?

Let your guide know and they will be more than happy to help as much as they can. 

Each stop on this tour includes a glass of Milan wine to complement your food.

We met with the wonderful historian Francesco – who was our tour guide. He showed us around the city of milan and told us wonderful stories while tasting amazing milanesian food. We Recommend everything about This tour! 6 star review! FANNEY (READ MORE REVIEWS ) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

There’s a wide variety of treats in line for you to try, including  risotto alla Milanese , cold meats, deep-fried gnocchi , bread, and cheese. 

Throughout the tour, you’ll also get the chance to see the Colonne di San Lorenzo, a group of ancient Roman ruins in Milan’s city center. 

Please Note : This is not wheelchair accessible

• The guide takes you to lesser knows streets
• Very personalized approach
• Check out the ancient Roman ruins

6. The 10 Tastings of Milan With Locals: Private Food Tour

• Who is this tour for: who would like the full experience 
• View on Viator

There’s so much going on with this tour, it’s difficult to know where to begin.

With this 3-hour private tour, you will see all of Italy’s finest meals with a phenomenal 10 different stops.

The luxury of booking a private tour means that you can really personalize your experience , so don’t hesitate to ask your guide if there’s anything specific you would like to try. 

On this Milan food tour, your guide will take you through the beautiful streets of Brera, sampling organic gelato , tramezzini (sandwiches), and local ham as you go.

Then you’ll have a sweet treat, tasting some of the best artisan chocolate.

Highly recommend this tour, a great introduction to the foods and culture of Italy. Our tour guide Serena was simply wonderful. She was very knowledgeable and took us to places that made us feel like locals. Charcuterie, chocolate, granita, regional specialities and the best canolo ever canolli to us in the States. What a great start to our time in Itlay. NANCY (READ MORE REVIEWS ) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

You’ll also stop at a local wine bar to enjoy an evening glass of Italian wine.

Finally, you’ll get the chance to indulge in some cheese tastings before making a final stop to satisfy your authentic Italian (Milanese) pizza cravings (authentic flavors). 

Please Note:  This is not wheelchair accessible

• Personalized tour to your needs
• Local hams, organic gelato and more
• Cheese-tasting and authentic pizza

7. Milan: Private Tour with Drinks & Bites in Centro Storico

• Who is this tour for: for those interested in Milan nightlife 
• Length:  2.5 hours

What To Love About This Food Tour :

If you want to know more about where’s best to go in central Milan, look no further.

When in a new city, it can be difficult to know where to go to get an authentic experience of the local nightlife.

However, with your local guide, you’ll be able to experience Milan’s vibrant and exciting nightlife in all the best places. 

Along this food tour of Milan, you’ll get three free drinks and local delicacies included in your ticket.

The spots you will be visiting are all places frequented by locals, so you know you’re getting an authentic, Italian experience.

Our tour was really great! Guide Serena is exceptional, we enjoyed talking not only about Milan, its history, but just all the topics on the table. Those few hours went pretty fast. We felt it as if we were just hanging out with a friend.  GETYOURGUIDE TRAVELER (READ MORE REVIEWS ) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Whilst you discover these drinking spots, your guide will share with you some of Milan’s interesting history along the way.

You’ll be getting to know the city whilst enjoying Italian wine, beer, and cocktails.

Please Note : This is not wheelchair accessible. Vegetarian options are available. 

• Authentic experience of the local nightlife
• Three free drinks and food included
• Check out the central Milan

8. Milan Gourmet Food Tour – Do Eat Better Experience

• Who is this tour for: want to enjoy the best quality Milan’s food on offer
• Length:   4 hours (approx.)

This daytime food tour is perfect for those who want to enjoy Italy’s best, from good coffee to good pasta .

On this tour, your local guide will take you off the beaten track and visit restaurants throughout the city. 

You’ll begin your tour with a platter of locally produced cured meats, cheeses, and other Italian appetizers accompanied by a perfectly paired glass of wine.

You’ll continue on your tour and enjoy either a traditional Milanese risotto or stuffed potato.

Your guide will choose which is best for the season so you experience only top-quality food. 

It wouldn’t be an Italian food tour without trying the classic pizza.

We spent a wonderful few hours with the fabulous Piera on the most lovely foodie walking tour. There was 5 stops in total with sweet & savoury options and inbetween our guide shared lots of interesting and helpful pieces of info on Milan and it’s cuisine. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed each location, all the first class foods and the excellent company of our guide. Highly recommend. HEATHER (READ MORE REVIEWS ) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Enjoy watching true professionals create this dish, and explore the range of Italian toppings available to you (you won’t be finding any pineapple here!).

For your final stop, you’ll end with a sweet treat of  cannoncini , a cream-stuffed horn of buttery pastry, alongside an espresso.   

• Traditional Milanese cuisine off-the-beaten-track
• Great wine tasting
• Delicious desserts and coffee

9. Delicious! Milan’s Favorite Food Tour

• Who is this tour for: those who are short on time
• Length:  2 hours (approx.)

If you’ve only got a short amount of time, this 2-hour walking food tour of Milan is perfect for you.

You’ll still get to experience Milan’s culinary highlights , including the design district of Brera and the shopping street of Corso Garibaldi.

This tour was a great way to see parts of Milan we never would have discovered. Definitely come with an appetite – there was so much food! Armando was a fabulous guide and shared his knowledge and humor with our group as we ate our way through this beautiful city. Highly recommend! JEZSAP (READ MORE REVIEWS ) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This tour is easy to fit into your schedule as you can choose to take it at lunch or dinner.

Along the way, you’ll learn about different types of Italian pizzas and taste local favorites like fresh Italian pizza,  Sicilian cannoli , and artisan sandwiches. 

Whilst you hop between stops on your tour, your local guide can give you a tour of the local sights. 

As a private tour, you will have a more personalized experience, and your guide will really be able to focus on your group. 

Please Note:  This is not wheelchair accessible.   

• Perfect for a short tour option
• Choice of lunch or dinner times
• Personalized to your needs

10. Milan Patisserie Tour

• Who is this tour for: those who love life with sweeter treats 
• Guest Rating: 4.8

If you have a taste for the sweeter things in life, you must take this food tour of Milan’s traditional pastry shops.

In the 2.5-hour walking tour, you’ll visit 4 patisseries in Milan . 

Here, you’ll try Milanese specialties such as:  cannoncini,  a delicious puff pastry filled with custard;  panettone ,  sweet bread with raisins and candied fruit;  marron glacé,  an ancient dessert made of a chestnut immersed in water then sugar syrup before being finally glazed;  Pralines , handmade chocolate sweets filled with fruit or other chocolate;  and finally  pasticceria  pastries, which come in various shapes, sizes, and colors.

As you taste these treats, your guide will have the opportunity to teach you the history behind the traditional sweets. 

Nice tour and delicious sweet foods. The four locations are quite close together. You don’t have to walk much, but you don’t see much of the city either. Guide was great!!! GETYOURGUIDE TRAVELER (READ MORE REVIEWS ) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

At some stops, you’ll even have the opportunity to see the kitchen where they prepare these delicious treats and learn firsthand how they are created. 

Please Note:  This is not wheelchair accessible 

• 2.5 hours of delicacies
• Cannoncini and handmade chocolates
• Not too much walking

11. Milan: Traditional and Modern Food Tour

• Who is this tour for: want to experience Milan’s new and old food scene
• Guest Rating: 4.6 stars

This three-hour food tour combines two sides of Milan’s culinary scene: century-old Italian traditions and new, bustling, and innovative creations. 

All the food you will try comes from local, high-quality producers so you only experience Milan’s best. 

You’ll start your tour at a hidden venue, tasting local Franciacorta sparkling wine .

Then, your guide will introduce Milanese specialties, teaching you not only about the food itself, but the Italian lifestyle.

After, enjoy tasting the traditional dishes, such as a traditional Risotto Alla Milanese, fresh pasta, and complimentary local wine. 

Paola was very knowledgeable and entertaining. She showed us her favourite places to eat typical food of the area. We had a wonderful warm evening during a festive time. Very enjoyable. GETYOURGUIDE TRAVELER (READ MORE REVIEWS ) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Continue your tour by tasting local meats and cheeses, before finishing with a delicious Italian dessert. 

Please Note:  Vegetarian and non-alcoholic alternatives can be provided

• Old and new Milanese traditions
• Hidden venue to taste sparkling wine
• Vegetarian options available

12. Drinks & Bites in Milan Private Tour

• Who is this tour for: those who love a good cocktail
• Length:  2.5 hours (approx.)

This private food tour of Milan allows you to experience all of its highlights without the bustle of a group tour. 

Your guide will be able to give you personal recommendations and teach you about Milan’s well-loved tradition, the  aperitivo .

Enjoy classic Italian cocktails in some of Milan’s best happy hour restaurants.

You’ll be greeted with a glass of “prosecco on the go” as you stroll through the local park to your first stop.

There, you’ll enjoy the history of Milan’s oldest canals, and sample classic Milanese Campari . 

Next, enjoy Milan’s vibrant atmosphere as you walk to your next destination along the banks of the Naviglio.

Your final destination will have you enjoy expertly crafted cocktails , made by professional mixologists.

We had a wonderful time meeting Serena and learning about the history of Milan as well as getting excellent restaurant and gelato recommendations! Finding Serena at the pick-up point was very easy. She is so lovely and friendly! We agreed to have another group join our tour after they experienced some traveling mishaps and we are so glad they did! We enjoyed meeting everyone and making new friends. This may have made our experience even better! The tour was fantastic and the drinks and food were delicious. We loved getting a local’s perspective and insights. Can’t wait to try this again on other adventures! COLLEEN(READ MORE REVIEWS ) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Whilst this tour celebrates Italy’s drinking culture, you will also get to sample the best food Milan has to offer.

As you taste these delights, your guide will add to your experience as they explain the history and stories behind each dish and the  aperitivo  tradition. 

Please Note : This is not wheelchair accessible. Non-alcoholic options are available. 

• Milan’s best happy hour restaurants
• Private and personalized experience
• Get to know the Italian drinking culture

FAQs About Food Tours in Milan

Here are some answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about food tours in Milan:

Milan Mix Aperitivo and Street Food Tour with Do Eat Better Experience and Food Walking Tour of Brera, Milan are two great food tour experiences in Milan. The Milan Mix Aperitivo and Street Food Tour with Do Eat Better Experience offers a unique blend of traditional Italian aperitivo and street food in Milan, while the Food Walking Tour of Brera, Milan takes visitors through the charming and historic neighborhood of Brera, where they can taste a variety of authentic Italian foods. Both tours provide excellent opportunities to explore Milan’s culinary culture and discover its diverse flavors.

The 10 Tastings of Milan With Locals: Private Food Tour , Milan: Private Tour with Drinks & Bites in Centro Storico , and Drinks & Bites in Milan Private Tour are all good food tours in Milan for avoiding crowds. As private tours, they offer a more intimate and personalized experience, allowing visitors to explore the city’s culinary culture at their own pace and without having to navigate through large crowds. These tours also offer the opportunity to visit lesser-known local eateries and hidden gems that are not typically frequented by tourists, making for a unique and authentic culinary experience.

The Milan Gourmet Food Tour – Do Eat Better Experience is one of the best food and gourmet tours in Milan. This tour offers visitors the chance to taste a variety of high-quality Italian foods, including traditional Milanese dishes, artisanal cheeses, fine wines, and gourmet chocolates, all while exploring the city’s vibrant culinary scene. The tour is led by local food experts who share their knowledge of Milan’s culinary culture and history, making for an informative and enjoyable experience for foodies and gourmet enthusiasts alike.

Yes, food tours in Italy are definitely worth it! Italy is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and food tours provide an excellent opportunity to sample a wide variety of authentic Italian dishes, discover local culinary traditions, and explore hidden foodie gems that are not typically found in guidebooks. Additionally, food tours often include a knowledgeable guide who can provide insights into the history, culture, and ingredients of Italian cuisine, making for a fun and educational experience. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just love to eat, a food tour in Italy is a must-do activity that will enhance your travel experience and leave you with lasting memories.

Milan is famous for its delicious and diverse cuisine, but it is particularly renowned for its risotto alla Milanese, a creamy saffron-infused rice dish, and its world-famous panettone, a sweet bread loaf traditionally eaten during Christmas time. Milan is also known for its delicious aperitivo culture, which typically involves enjoying small bites of food with a drink before dinner. Additionally, Milan is home to a variety of other tasty specialties, including ossobuco alla Milanese, cotoletta alla Milanese, and a variety of delicious gelato flavors.

Final Thoughts On Food Tours in Milan

Europe has some of the best food available, whether you’re enjoying a  long weekend in Barcelona,  or relaxing on  the Greek island of Kefalonia,  you’re almost always assured to have good food.

However, when it comes to Italy… We LOVE ITALY. Yes, I put it in capitals, because there is something special for us about this amazing country.

There’s nothing quite like the culinary traditions of Italy, from creamy gelato to delicious cheeses, and of course, the delightful aperitivo tradition.

That is why we recommend that Italy is the perfect place to take a walking food tour as it is the best way to truly discover all there is on offer. 

And, as you will have seen from the tours above, there is a lot to discover in Milan.

Whether this is your first time seeing the city, or you’re a seasoned traveler here, there’s something new for everyone to discover. 

All of the tours above give you a unique and local experience of Milan.

Find the perfect combination between seeing the sites, learning about the city’s history, and enjoying Italy’s incredible food and traditions.

And you get to enjoy these traditions with a local by your side, giving you the inside tips to make it a truly unforgettable experience.  

Tip: Staying in Milan for a couple of days? You might be interested in checking out one of the tours from Milan to Lake Como or visit other places near Milan to make your stay that much more fun.

Andrzej Ejmont

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Milan Street Food & Drink Evening Tour

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• Important Details

Join us for a delectable adventure in Milan as we explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Our Milan Street Food & Drink Evening Tour  is your ticket to an evening filled with delicious street foods, expertly crafted cocktails, and the finest Italian wines. Follow your expert guide to five different locations, stopping at each to sample a local food or drink. Your tour leader will explain Milan’s historical influence on the wider Italian culinary scene. From gourmet stuffed potatoes and pizza cones to creamy gelato, there’s no better Milanese dining experience.

Our Milan Street Food & Drink Evening Tour is tailor-made for food lovers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an authentic taste of Milan. Whether you’re exploring solo, with a loved one, or in a group, this tour promises an unforgettable evening of flavors and cultural immersion. Book now and treat your senses to a tasty journey of Milan food.

Milan Street Food & Drink Evening Tour Highlights

• Immerse yourself in the best dining experience in Milan
• Relish street foods from vendors only known by local foodies
• Explore the character of the Navigli neighborhood alongside your expert guide
• Sample a range of fun drinks, like cocktails, beer, and wine

Milan Street Food & Drink Evening Tour Itinerary

If you have any questions about our Milan Street Food & Drink Evening Tour, please contact us. Our team is standing by and will be happy to help

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10 Delicious Milan Food Tours to Check Out in 2024

On any Italy itinerary, indulging in the local food and wine is always a must! I mean, what’s the point of traveling if not for the food!?! Just kidding…kinda 😅 Anyway, if you want to ascend into foodie heaven, I highly recommend joining a local guide on one of the many delicious food tours in Milan! These guides ensure you get a much more intimate look into Italy’s world-famous food scene! To assist you in picking the perfect experience, I’ve detailed 10 of the best Milan food tours, ranging from cooking classes with Italian chefs and street food walking tours to incredible wine-tasting experiences!

🍷 Short on Time? Here’s the Best Milan Food Tour

Best Street Food Walking Tour — This private tour has over 125 5-⭐️ reviews and includes 5 food tastings & a wine tasting within the trendy neighborhood of Brera. Plus, direct pick-up from your hotel is included for more ease.

10 Best Milan Food Tours (2024)

To make finding your perfect foodie experience a little easier, I’ve categorized them into separate groups. The three types are below and you can just click on the links below if you want to be taken to that specific section of the post. Otherwise, if you have no preference or want to learn about everything available, I’m going to dive right in!

Milan Food Walking Tours

Milan cooking class, milan wine tours.

First on the list are walking food tours in Milan. These are perfect if you’re looking to both get your steps in for the day and explore the local area as well as taste plenty of delicious foods!

1. Best Street Food Walking Tour

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – 275+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  3 hours

The  Best Street Food Walking Tour includes:

• 5 street food tastings from several regions of Italy
• Exploring the trendy district of Brera
• A wine-tasting or beer
• Direct pick-up from your hotel in Milan
• Private tour with only your group!

🍝 With over 275+ 5-star reviews and the Viator Badge of Excellence, this food walking tour is easily one of the best Milan food tours to take! Over 3 hours, you’ll get to discover the lesser-known street food scene in Brera, one of the trendiest and most vibrant neighborhoods! From specialty sandwiches from Venice and Focaccia from Liguria to Sicilian pastries and delicious artisan cheeses, your expert guide will lead you through a wonderful gastronomic experience! And the best part is that the tour is a private experience with hotel pick-up included. Thus, you won’t have to worry about navigating the city and can simply enjoy the sweet and savory specialties that Italy is beloved for!

“What a great day with Marco- he walked us all around the city- explained to us all the historical aspects and we got to eat such great food!! It was a great day in Milan!! Would highly recommend!!” – Lisa H. ( sEE MORE REVIEWS )

2. Milan Food Walking Tour of Brera

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – 170+5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  3 hours

The Milan Food Walking Tour of Brera includes:

• 6 Food Tastings of classic Milanese dishes & other Italian specialties
• Learning the history of each dish
• Sampling Italian craft beer
• Northern Italy aperitivo
• Insight into Milan’s history, architecture, and food scene

🧀 During this Milan food walking tour , you’ll get to sample some of the best local delicacies that Milan has to offer. Led by a food expert guide, you’ll be taken to several charming eateries around the Brera district and get to try Parma ham, Milanese meatballs, artisan beer, and other delicious treats! Moreover, your guide will also provide you with detailed information about each dish, how it’s prepared, and the history behind it. You’ll also learn about how Milan has evolved throughout history and all the cultural influences that have shaped its cuisine. In short, this 3-hour tour is the perfect introduction to Milanese food culture and great for those open to making new friends along the way!

“Lovely introduction to Milan and Milanese food. I thoroughly recommend doing this on your first day, to get a feel for the city. A great tour conducted by Daniele, who was knowledgeable and a delightful host.” – Nicola H. ( sEE MORE REVIEWS )

3. Private Tour with Drinks & Bites in Centro Storico

⭐️  RATING : 4.5 out of 5 – taken by 50+ guests! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  2.5 hours

The  Private Tour with Drinks & Bites in Centro Storico includes:

• 3 Delicious bites of food that are traditional to the region
• Enjoying 3 free drinks
• Checking out the best local spots
• Introduction to Milan’s nightlife
• Private tour

🍷 Looking for a food tour that allows you to also foray into Milan’s awesome nightlife scene? On this 2.5-hour tour, you’ll be joined by a local guide who will take you to the best local spots in the Centro Storico neighborhood, which is essentially Milan’s old town and filled with a plethora of historic monuments! During the tour, you’ll get to savor 3 different drinks and 3 small bites from popular local spots in the area as well as learn more about the city’s unique nightlife scene. So, if you’re in the market for a tour that offers both a food and nightlife experience, then be sure to check out this private tour!

“We had a wonderful evening with Alessandro in the Navigli, the canals area of Milan. Alessandro was from the area and was very knowledgeable of the history and local color of this fun area. The aperitivi and bites were delicious. No need for a big meal.” – Tour guEST ( sEE MORE REVIEWS )

Not up for walking but still want the ultimate culinary experience? Or perhaps you’re looking to level up your home cooking game and learn how to prepare authentic Italian food? 🙋🏽‍♀️

Either way, consider taking a cooking class while in Milan! Below, are some of the best cooking classes that you can book to get an intimate experience with local chefs and learn how to prepare some of Italy’s famous dishes!

Plus, all ingredients, tools, and recipes are provided in each class so all you have to do is show up ready to cook! 👩‍🍳

4. Learn to Cook With an Italian Chef

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – 195+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR: 3 hours

The Learn to Cook With an Italian Chef Class includes:

• Learn how to prepare 3 Italian dishes
• Step-by-step instructions by a professional chef
• End class with incredible dinner & Italian wine tasting
• Cooking in a professional kitchen
• Recipe cards to take home

👩‍🍳 Ready to level up your Italian food game? This is one of the most popular and affordable Milan cooking classes available! During the 3-hour cooking class , Chef Ilaria will teach you how to prepare a traditional Italian 3-course meal with a starter, main, and dessert with fresh ingredients! At the end of the experience, you’ll get to enjoy a hearty dinner and some fine Italian wine to reward yourself. And since the experience only allows up to 8 guests, you’ll have ample time to learn from the chef and bond with other guests! So, if you’re seeking a top-notch culinary adventure in Milan, consider this fantastic 3-hour cooking class!

“Chef Ilaria was absolutely amazing! The environment was so friendly and supportive and i learned so many new things to share with my family! This experience was a highlight of my trip!” – Michael G. ( sEE MORE REVIEWS )

5. Small-Group Pasta Making and Tiramisu Class

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – taken by 100+ guests! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  3 hours

The Small-Group Pasta Making and Tiramisu Class includes:

• Cook with a local home cook in their home within Milan
• Learn how to roll fresh pasta & prepare 2 kinds of pasta from scratch
• Enjoy an Italian aperitivo
• Prepare authentic tiramisu
• Intimate, private experience

🍝 Wish you had an Italian nonna to teach you how to make authentic pasta? Within this highly-rated small group cooking class, you’ll get to learn the secrets of how to make authentic pasta from the comfort of a local’s home, which is almost as good as having an Italian nonna! During the 3-hour experience, you’ll be taught everything about the pasta-making process from start to finish, learn how to make Italy’s famous tiramisu, and of course, enjoy all your hard work with some complimentary wine! Thus, if you’re ready to befriend some locals and have an intimate, hands-on cooking experience, check out this beloved cooking class in Milan !

“Beatrice was so warm and welcoming to my friend and I! It was such an authentic experience cooking pasta and tiramisu in her lovely flat while learning about Beatrice, the neighborhood and Italian culture. This was definitely a highlight of our trip! I would highly recommend cooking with a local to everyone!” – Tour guEST ( sEE MORE REVIEWS )

6. Pasta & Risotto Cooking Class in Milan and Market Food Tour

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – 85+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  5 hours

The  Pasta & Risotto Cooking Class in Milan includes:

• Visiting Milan’s local markets and bottegas
• Learn from an experienced chef
• Prepare risotto, hand-rolled pasta, and dessert
• Enjoy your homemade lunch with a glass of wine
• Graduation certificate
• Booklet with recipes

🍝 Want the full culinary experience, including visiting the local markets? During this half-day tour, you’ll not only get to visit the local market but also select the best ingredients with your guide. Then, you’ll head to a professional kitchen space, where you’ll be taught how to prepare risotto, hand-rolled pasta, and a dessert by an experienced chef! When the cooking part is complete, you’ll get to enjoy the fruits of your labor with a glass of premier wine! Therefore, if you’re traveling in a large group and looking for a fully immersive Milan cooking class experience, this guided tour is a must-do !

“A truly well done cooking experience ! The chefs were very knowledgeable. I learned some great tips on executing the dishes and the recipes were excellent ! I have taken several classes before and I felt this one was one of the best .Highly recommend this class.” – Diane r. ( sEE MORE REVIEWS )

7. Gelato and Pizza Making Class in Milan

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – 85+ 5-star reviews | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  3 hours

The  Gelato and Pizza Making Class includes:

• Learning from a chef in a centrally located cooking studio
• Making homemade pizza & creamy gelato
• Insight into the history of Italian gelato & pizza
• Take home a souvenir apron & certificate of attendance
• Digital booklet w/ recipes
• Snacks & drinks

🍨 If you love gelato as much as I do, which is a LOT 😅, then you won’t want to miss out on this awesome gelato and pizza cooking class ! Over 3 hours, you’ll get to make authentic Italian pizza and creamy ice cream from scratch with an experienced chef! At the end of the session, you’ll not only get to enjoy your creations but get to take home your apron and a certificate of attendance as a souvenir! We love “free” souvenirs with especially special value! So, if you’re looking for a relaxed experience, that’s perfect for families with kids, join this gelato and pizza workshop in Milan!

“My family and I had a wonderful time at the class. Our instructor was patient as we brought 3 young children. The class was spacious and small enough to ask questions and enjoy ourself” – CHRISTINA R. ( sEE MORE REVIEWS )

Milan is part of the Lombardy region, which is known for its sparkling wines from Franciacorta and Oltrepo-Pavese. Thus, if you’re after a more wine-focused tour, here are 3 awesome Milan wine tours to check out!

8. Milan Wine Tasting Experience

⭐️  RATING : 4.7 out of 5 – taken by 45+ guests! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  1 hour

The Milan Wine Tasting Experience includes:

• Wine tasting experience in a traditional wine bar
• Taste 3 glasses of local Italian red and white wines
• Learn the history of the wines & how to best sample them
• Indulge in regional specialties from Lombardy
• Attended by a knowledgeable, local sommelier

🍷 If you’re looking to add ‘tasting a few fine Italian wines’ to your itinerary, consider joining this wine-tasting experience ! During this short yet efficient 1-hour wine tasting tour in Milan, you’ll get to visit a traditional wine bar in the heart of the city. There, you’ll get to sample 3 glasses of local red and white wines and learn about their unique histories from an experienced sommelier! As you sip on some carefully selected wines, you’ll also get to indulge in foods that represent the traditional flavors of Lombardy!

“A lovely experience for my family. Guide very knowledgeable and able to answer lots of questions. Tasty appetizers. Definitely would recommend!” – Tour guEST ( sEE MORE REVIEWS )

9. Full-Day Food & Wine Experience in Franciacorta

⭐️  RATING : 4.7 out of 5 – taken by 55+ guests! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  1 day

The  Full-Day Food & Wine Experience in Franciacorta includes:

• Traveling along the gorgeous Franciacorta wine route
• Wander around the medieval town of Bergamo
• Indulge in a 3-course meal w/ a glass of wine near Lake Iseo
• A guided winery tour w/ 2 wine tastings
• Roundtrip transportation in a luxury minivan w/ free wi-fi

🍷 Ready for a break from city life in Milan? If so, embark on a full-day excursion to the Italian countryside ! You’ll get to travel along the stunning Franciacorta wine route and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the region. One of the stops is at Bergamo, which is a UNESCO heritage site . You’ll have ample time to explore the medieval city and its Venetian walls. Afterward, you’ll be led on a guided winery tour, where you’ll get to visit the cellars and taste two exquisite wines. To top off the day, you’ll enjoy a three-course lunch and some more regional wine in an excellent restaurant! And all this will be made even more enjoyable with roundtrip transportation in a luxury minivan, with free wi-fi. So if you’re looking to escape retreat to more peaceful areas for a day and indulge in some prestigious Italian wine (and maybe bring some back home 😉), definitely check out this Milan wine tour!

“I loved how the guides took us to the places they recommended us to see, gave us a brief introduction to the places, and gave us some time on our own to take in the sights and places. The food was excellent, the winery exquisite, would definitely do it again.” – Tour guEST ( sEE MORE REVIEWS )

10. Aperitivo Tour With Street Food

⭐️  RATING : 4.5 out of 5 – taken by 150+ guests! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  3.5 hours

The  Aperitivo Tour With Street Food includes:

• Discovering the vibrant Navigli district with a local guide
• Stopping at 5 different locations
• Tasting a variety of cocktails, wines, and street food
• Trying the innovative pizza cone and some refreshing gelato

🍷 On this 3.5-hour tour , explore the lively Navigli district, which is known for its canals that run through the area. As you make your way through the area with your knowledgeable local guide, you’ll stop at 5 different places and enjoy some aperitivo drinks and wines that beautifully showcase the rich wine culture of the region! Additionally, you’ll sample some delicious street food, such as gourmet stuffed potatoes and beautifully prepared charcuterie boards with the best Italian cheeses and cold cuts! Therefore, if you’re looking fun night out in Milan that involves lots of eating and drinking, then check out this tour!

“Very much enjoyed the experience. We did it on our first evening in Milan, which I highly recommend. Terrific way to see this part of the city. Georgia was a wealth of knowledge. She answered all of our questions. Nice selection of food and drinks.” – Tour guEST ( sEE MORE REVIEWS )

Milan Food Tours Comparison

Whew! You made it… but at what cost? 🤔 Just kidding — But, if you’re like me and can’t remember some of the differences between the different Milan food tours, here’s a (hopefully) useful chart I made summarizing the tours above!

PRO TIP: If you’re reading on your mobile device, turn your phone sideways so the information is across the long side. This should help 🙂

What Are the Best Food Tours in Milan?

Naturally, this depends on your personal interests and what you want out of the experiences. But, my favorites are the highly-rated: Best Street Food Walking Tour , Cook With an Italian Chef , and Food & Wine Experience in Franciacorta .

Which Places Provide the Best Food Tours in Milan for Groups?

If you’re traveling in a larger group, almost any of the tours can accommodate you as long as you book ahead of time. However, if you’re traveling with a massive group of 12+ people, the Gelato and Pizza Making Class and Pasta & Risotto Cooking Class can accommodate up to 20 people!

Are Food Tours in Italy Worth It?

In my very biased opinion, Milan food tours are absolutely worth it! Not only will you get to taste several delicious Italian dishes or street food, but you’ll also get to learn the history of these classic items. Why they are staples in Italian culture, the amount of love and work that goes into preparing them, or even how to make them yourself! Truly, if you’re even the slightest foodie or have any interest in delving into the iconic local cuisine, there’s no better way than with a Milan food tour led by a local guide! Plus, you’ll likely get to explore some of the city’s iconic landmarks and neighborhoods… all while gaining valuable insider info from your guide. 😉 I mean who better to ask for recommendations for a city than a passionate local!? So, even though some of the experiences in Milan may be more expensive than you’d like, getting to immerse yourself in the Italian food scene is well worth it — at least I think so.

Tips for Planning a Food Tour in Milan

When you’re planning and getting ready to embark on your food tour, here are some tips and things to keep in mind!

• ⏰ Book in advance: If there’s a tour that’s piqued your interest, I recommend booking it as soon as you can. This is the best way to ensure you get the tour time and date you want, especially during the peak travel summer season!
• 🌤 Check the weather : Make sure to check the weather forecast before heading out for your tour so that you can dress appropriately.
• 👟 Comfy Shoes: I know Milan is one of the most fashionable cities in Europe, but you’ll probably be standing a lot during the cooking classes or walking around a lot on the other types of tour. So, be sure to wear comfy shoes — your feet will thank you!
• 💸 Bring money: You’ll likely want to buy food souvenirs or have the option to buy more drinks. So, make sure you bring some extra cash! I personally like to throw in a small extra tip if I think my guide did an awesome job 🙂
• ⏱ Check departure points & times: Double-check your tour’s departure point and its start time so that you don’t find yourself lost or late.
• ✅ Check inclusions: Although I’ve done my best to cover the essentials, the tours are constantly updating so you’ll want to carefully check the fine details.
• 📸 Savor the Experience: These tours usually end up being the highlight of my trips, and it brings me so much joy to look back on the pictures of them — so don’t forget to take that blurry group selfie picture!

Where to Stay in Milan

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and looking for housing accommodations in Milan, here are a few places I recommend checking out based on where I’ve stayed and through research.

Low-Cost Stay

• Ostello Bello Grande — Awesome hostel I loved staying at! | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10
• Milan Suite Hotel — Stylish 4-star hotel with breakfast buffet | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10

Mid-Range Stay

• The Square Milano Duomo — 4-star hotel near Piazza del Duomo | ⭐️ 9 / 10
• Room Mate Giulia — 4-star hotel centrally located w/ restaurant | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10

Fancy Stays

• Principe di Savoia — Luxurious 5-star hotel w/ swimming pool & spa | ⭐️ 8.9 / 10
• Mandarin Oriental, Milan — Incredibly fancy 5-star hotel w/ everything lol | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10

Feel free to click these buttons to head to your favorite booking platform and see additional housing options there.

You can also explore various housing accommodations with the interactive map below! Simply input your party size, travel dates, and nightly budget!

Food Tours in Milan: FAQ

The exact cost for these various food tours in Milan will vary depending on the company, duration, and overall experience you select. But in general, the prices for all the tours above range from $43 – $279 USD / €40 – €260 / £35 – £230. Thus, there are foodie experiences available in Milan that can fit almost any type of traveler’s budget!

If you’re a fan of Paris, then I definitely think Milan is worth visiting — at least once. For me, Milan is like the Italian equivalent of Paris since it’s a vibrant and bustling city, known for stunning architecture, incredible carbohydrate-filled foods, prestigious wines, and of course high-end fashion! Plus, with the city’s abundance of art galleries, cafes, museums, historic churches, and piazzas, it can be quite an amazing travel destination.

While Milan is usually associated with fashion before food, Milan is still a good city for food! From classic traditional dishes like Risotto alla Milanese to more contemporary eats like panettone (Italian Christmas cake), the city is full of culinary delights. And, if you’re looking for the ultimate culinary experience, you definitely can’t go wrong with joining one of Milan’s amazing food tours!

Milanese-style food refers to thinly cut meats that have been dredged in flour, eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs and then fried. But, this isn’t always the case…For example, the most famous traditional Milanese staple is Risotto alla Milanese , which consists of long-grain rice cooked in a flavorful broth.

The most popular and must-try Milanese dishes include Ossobuco (braised veal shanks), C otoletta alla Milanese (breaded veal cutlet), and Cassöeula (a stew made from pork and cabbage).

Wrap-Up: 10 Best Milan Food Tours (2024)

Ultimately, Milan is a city that has so much to offer aside from just luxury designer stores and the famous Duomo (although I did love exploring the Duomo 😅). For example, there’s a massive and thriving food culture that is filled with so much deliciousness! From trying the classic and contemporary dishes that the city is known for to sampling unique cocktails and regional wines, there’s so much to explore! And, joining a local guide on one of many food tours in Milan gives you a chance to authentically see, taste, and experience the culture beyond what’s simply on your plate. Plus, meeting locals who can show you the best of their beloved city is pretty great. 🤩 So, if you’re looking for a wonderful way to discover Milan and its culinary delights, then make sure to check out one of these 10 best Milan food tours ! 🇮🇹

Read More About Europe

• 🇦🇩 Andorra: Looking to travel off the beaten path? Learn about the little country stuck between Spain and France! This mountainous country is easily accessible from Barcelona and Toulouse!
• 🇪🇸 Spain: Want a relaxing getaway in northern Spain? Consider visiting Bilbao , a beautiful city filled with unique architecture and delicious food , and near Spain’s most famous wine region !
• 🇲🇨 Monaco: Fancy a trip to the land of the rich and famous ? Visiting is likely less expensive than you think , and if anything, you can pop over for a day from Nice !

Save This Post for Later!

Kristin is the founder of Global Travel Escapades, a blog dedicated to helping travelers explore beautiful destinations and planning their wildest travel dreams. She has explored 30 countries and is on a mission to visit 50 by age 30. Along the way, she has lived in places like sunny San Diego and the vibrant French capital! Ultimately, Kristin hopes her passion for adventure, delicious food, and all things F1 & tennis inspires others to plan their next travel escapade!

THE 10 BEST Milan Food Tours

Milan food tours.

• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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12. Drinks & Bites in Milan Private Tour

13. Milan Food Tour (Duomo & Brera District)

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15. Taste Milano Food Experience in the centre

16. Private and guided day at the Barolo cellars in Piedmont

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Milan Street Food – The Ultimate Guide

Updated April 21, 2019

// By Margherita

If you follow us on Snapchat or Facebook, you’ll be familiar with our quest to find the best Milan street food. We decided to name our quest the Milan Street Food Challenge. In this post, we want to share with you the results of our challenge – so what’s the best street food in Milan?

Best Milan Street Food – Why?

Nick and I are massive fans of street food. We’ve discovered it in the early days of our travels, and since then, the sight of any kind of street food place – whether it’s a noodle stall in Bangkok , a  food court in Penang or a food truck in Berlin – is enough to get us excited.

When we moved to Milan in 2010 and told people that in South East Asia and India we ate pretty much only street food, the answer was generally ‘bleah’ and ‘is that clean?’ – six years later, and Milan has been swept away by the street food craze taking Europe by storm.

So, we’ve decided to research the street food scene of our city and compile a list of the best Milan street food places . To make our research a little more fun, we’ve come up with the idea of the Milan Street Food Challenge , and spent 30 days wandering around the city in search of the best street food, and produced a video every day.

The Milan Street Food Challenge Rules

First things first – how did we choose the places we featured? What’s the definition of ‘street food’ we used? The Milan street food scene is quite varied, including food trucks, kiosks, cafés, delis and even some full-fledged restaurants that just slapped on the ‘street food’ label because it’s oh-so-hip these days.

First rule – we decided to define as street food anything that could be eaten on the go . Most of the times, we ordered take away – other times, we sat down (especially if the weather was bad), but we always ordered food that could easily be had in a street food format. For instance, we didn’t go to those ‘gourmet burger’ places that serve gigantic burgers laden with all kinds of sauces, because that’s not the kind of food you’d have on the go.

Second rule – we never let places know we were coming in advance, we didn’t ask for payment in exchange for inclusion in this list, and paid for most meals ourselves. You’ll probably notice that in some videos we interviewed people and asked them to talk about their products. Sometimes we were offered samples to try, and in other cases the owners or managers forfeited our bill – we gladly accepted, but this didn’t influence our decision to include the establishment on this list.

Third rule – we only featured places located in Milan, or street food trucks mostly operating around Milan . We crossed the city borders only once, to go to Sesto San Giovanni, Milan’s largest borough – we were about 200 m away from the border between Milan and Sesto so we decided that was ok.

So, here are the places we featured. First, you’ll find out top 10. Then, the remaining twenty – plus a bonus. Because when in Italy, you NEED to have gelato.

Best Milan Street Food – Our Top 10 (in no particular order)

1) ravioleria sarpi – via paolo sarpi , 27 – watch video here.

Via Paolo Sarpi is the main drag of Milan’s Chinatown. Half way down the street there’s a hole-in-the-wall, with a queue out the front at all times. Behind a glass window, Chinese and Italian workers roll dough, mix stuffing, fill dumplings and dish out delicious Chinese crepes.

We tried two varieties of dumplings – the pork and cabbage ones were absolutely excellent, the beef and leek ones were also very nice, but if we were to go back, we’d go for pork dumplings. We also had a Chinese crepe with meat – a fried egg is mixed with the batter, and the inside is stuffed with leeks, coriander, a kind of fried savoury donut, beef and some barbecue and spicy sauce.

How much? €4.50 for a non-veg crepe, €3 for 4 dumplings. A steal!

2) Sciatt ‘a Porter  – Viale Montegrappa, 18 – Watch video here!

Just off fancy Corso Como you’ll find Sciatt à Porter, a restaurant dedicated to the culinary tradition of Valtellina . The signature dish are sciatt, buckwheat fritters filled with casera cheese and served in a paper cone. Just amazing. I have visited Valtellina dozens of times, but these were the best sciatt by far – perfectly crispy and with rich, molten cheese within.

We also tried a few other specialties from the menu, including a delicate trout tartare, some bresaola and slinzega (traditional cured meats), a tasting of polenta and taroz (mashed potatoes and beans with cheese and butter) and some truly delicious croutons with lardo.  Sciatt à Porter is perfect for an aperitivo , to sample the great Valtellina produce and enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant, or just to grab a cone of sciatt to go. Either way, you won’t be disappointed!

How much? €5 for sciatt.

3) Pretesto  – Via Fratelli Campi, 2 – Watch video here!

Pretesto is dedicated to the culinary tradition of Umbria. Despite having visited Umbria multiple times, I didn’t know much about its food – for instance, I had never heard of torta al testo , Pretesto’s signature dish. Carlo, the friendly chef, explained that torta al testo is a kind of unleavened bread that dates back to centuries ago, when it was prepared as an alternative to ordinary bread.

Torta al testo is cooked on a specific griddle, called ‘testo’, and served hot, cut into wedges and stuffed with Umbrian cured meats – we opted for ciauscolo , a soft salami flavoured with garlic and pepper. We also enjoyed some ‘frittini’, a basket containing arvoltolo (fried dough), supplì (rice fritters flavoured with saffron or truffle), panzerotti with herbs and sausage and fried mozzarella.

Pretesto is also a great choice for aperitivo – there’s a buffet with lots of Umbrian specialties, and a drink and food from the buffet is €10.

How much? €6 for filled torta al testo, €8 for frittini.

4) I Baccalà – Food truck (check their Facebook page for weekly locations)

Watch video here.

Fish and chip lovers from all over the world, do yourselves a favour and chase down I Baccalà – one of the best fish and chips I’ve head in my whole life , even though I wasn’t on the beach in Australia , but in sunny via Tortona with an injured ankle.

This bright blue truck serves fish and chips, made with fried chunks of crispy and piping hot baccalà, calamari and chips, and spring rolls. We opted for baccalà and chips with wasabi mayo, served with beer from a local microbrewery, and it was truly a delicious lunch. After all, if there’s a queue, it’s got to be good!

How much? €5 for baccalà and chips.

5) The Meatball Family  – Via Vigevano, 20 –  Watch video here!

The Meatball Family (TMF for short) is a restaurant in via Vigevano, and a food truck wandering around the city, both dedicated to delicious world of meatballs – as well as fish balls, and veg balls. We’ve seen the truck at several weekend markets and events, but ended up trying their meatballs at their via Vigevano restaurant.

With meatballs starting from €12 (around €7.50 from the food truck, if I remember correctly) this was one of the priciest places that we’ve visited, but quality was awesome. Nick opted for their TMF Original meatballs , with a beef and mortadella mix served with marinara sauce, and I went for the vegan option named Amnésia , made with potatoes, mushrooms and a truffle-scented sauce.

How much? €13 for TMF Original meatballs, €9.50 for the daily special

6) El Caminante – Food truck (check their Facebook page for weekly locations)

This is my mum’s favourite food truck, and after having tried it, it’s one of my favourites too! They serve arepas, Venezuelan maize flatbreads with a variety of fillings – I opted for the ‘traditional’ one named Caracas, containing chicken and avocado with honey mustard sauce, and my dad opted for Valencia, filled with a beef, onion and pepper stew and topped with cheese. Excellent, but messy!

How much? €7 for arepas

7) Bab  – Via San Marco, 34 –  Watch video here!

I bet you’ve all heard of sushi, but what about gimbab (bab for short), or Korean rolls? They’re similar to sushi in the sense that they also contain rice and they’re wrapped in seaweed, but instead of raw fish they contain cooked vegetables, meat and fish. Jin and his wife, the owners, make all rolls by hand in their cute restaurant near Brera. Get there early, as they tend to sell out quick!

How much? €9 for 8 rolls

8) Mariù Kebab  – Viale Sabotino, 9 –  Watch video here!

Mariù serves gourmet kebabs with a variety of ingredients, allowing you to ‘build your own’. Flavours are Mediterranean-inspired – the meat is marinated with ingredients like thyme and rosemary, and available ingredients include nduja, a Calabrian pork and chilli spread, burrata, friarielli (a bitter green from Naples), grilled aubergines and sundried tomatoes.

You can choose between two kinds of bread, piadina and puccia (a bread made with pizza dough), chicken or veal kebab, and lots of vegetables and sauces. My choice? Chicken kebab with sundried tomatoes, friarielli, nduja and yogurt sauce. Yum!

How much? €6.90 for a chicken kebab with 4 ingredients from the menu

9) Biroccio – Food truck (check their Facebook page for weekly locations)

I couldn’t miss the chance of having risotto alla milanese from a food truck ! I was skeptical at first, but all my doubts dissipated when I saw that every serving of risotto is made fresh by order! I do make a mean risotto, but Biroccio risotto was way way better than mine.

Their signature dish is risotto alla milanese with saffron , but sometimes they offer other flavours like seafood risotto, and mondeghili, Milan’s traditional meatballs.

How much? €7 for risotto alla Milanese.

10) The Rolling Filipino Fast Food – Piazza Vesuvio (Mon-Fri lunchtime)

We also followed a reader’s recommendation and tried this bright pink food truck dishing out Filipino favourites every weekday lunchtime. There are lots of dishes on offer – we opted for pancit (stir-fried noodles) and adobo , perhaps the Philippines’ most beloved dish, made with chicken and pork marinated in vinegar, soy, garlic and bay leaves. Owner Karen also serves amazing banana caramel skewers and halo-halo, a crazy Filipino dessert made with crushed ice, coconut milk, sweet beans, tapioca balls, and a bunch of other ingredients.

How much? €5 for pancit and adobo, €1 for banana skewers

Watch all our Milan Street Food Videos on our Youtube channel – click on image below

Best milan street food – navigli.

As you can see, the Navigli area is the hotspot of Milan’s street food scene. Just grab a map and design your own street food tour looking at our recommendations below!

11) Le Striatelle di Nonna Mafalda  – Via Vigevano, 13

Have you ever heard of piadina, the flatbreads popular in the Romagna region ? Striatelle are basically the same thing, but they’re made with natural yeast , making them taste lighter and fluffier than regular piadine. This shop in via Vigevano offers a variety of fillings – there are literally pages and pages. We chose the ‘Terun’ with Parma ham, gorgonzola, orange peel and cime di rapa. A great alternative to regular panini and piadine!

How much? €5-7 for a striatella

12) Bagels – Piazza XXIV Maggio, 1/8

Milan really needed a bagel place – and now we’ve got it! Bagels sells (yes, you guessed it) homemade bagels , either as they are, or filled. There are dozens of fillings to choose from, from typically American ones like pastrami and kosher turkey to Mediterranean ones like tomatoes and mozzarella or Parma ham. We thought prices were a tad on the high side – we opted for the NY Pastrami and Swiss which cost €9.25, but the quality couldn’t be faulted, and the filling was generous.

How much? From €2 to €10, depending on filling, or €1.50 for bagels alone.

13) Squisini – Via Col di Lana, 12 ***2019 UPDATE – CLOSED*** 

First of all, do not be intimidated if you reach this address and you see no shop. Just press the buzzer marked ‘SQUISINI’ and cross the courtyard to find a staircase leading to a basement – that’s where you’ll find Squisini! Sergio, one of the owners, explained that Squisini are small rolls filled with ingredients inspired by Italian regions , then baked.

We sampled three different ones – Piemonte, with leeks, butter and cheese, Alto Adige with speck and asiago cheese, and Calabria with broccoli, sausage and hot chillies. A great way to travel around the flavours of Italy!

How much? €3 for one – cheaper if you buy several

14) Burgez  – Via Savona, 15

This is the only burger place we featured , because it’s the only one we’ve found that remains faithful to the idea of burgers as affordable fast food – even though the quality is far higher than your every day high-street fast food chain. If you check their site, you’ll see that all ingredients are sourced with a special eye to quality, resulting in a burger that is excellent, unpretentious and can be had on the go. And they also have cheesy chips. Winning!

How much? Around €10 for a menu with burger, chips and a drink.

15) Rost’Eat  – Via Vigevano, 14

The specialty of Rost’Eat are arrosticini, small grilled lamb skewers from Abruzzo, served with slices of bread with olive oil. They’re quite small, so you’ll need at least 5 to fill up – or you can opt for a sisa, a round bread roll filled with arrosticini or a variety of cured meats and pecorino cheese. Rost’Eat is very small and popular, so grab some food and head to nearby Naviglio Grande for a stroll!

How much? €5 for 5 arrosticini, around €6 for a sisa

16) Kiosko – Piazza XXIV Maggio

A fisherman kiosk selling fresh fish during the day, and cones of fried calamari, squid, prawns, whitebait and others at night. They have a few tables where you can sit and enjoy a drink, or just eat while you stroll down Naviglio Grande nearby!

How much? €5 for fried squid and calamari

17) Ambasciata Tarantina – Via Borsi 1

A tiny shop just off Naviglio Grande serving up puccia, a kind of roll typical of Taranto and Salento made with made with pizza dough. There are dozens of fillings on offer – we opted for traditional uccelletti,  chunks of smoked scamorza cheese wrapped in pancetta then grilled, served with either chips or rucola. Make sure you also order a Raffo, Taranto’s very own beer.

How much? €5 for a puccia with uccelletti

18) Italian Noodles  – Via Vigevano, 33

This is your friendly noodle place, offering takeaway in cardboard boxes like those you see in American movies. There are all kinds of noodles on offer – from China, Japan, Thailand and elsewhere in Asia , as well as some interesting fusion combinations and Italian spaghetti. We opted for a very nice Pad Thai, and the portion was huge.

How much? Between €7 and 10

19) Mama Streat  – Corso di Porta Ticinese, 77

Milan also needed a Mexican takeaway place, and now we’ve got it! Just off Porta Ticinese you can get tacos, burritos and empanadas to go from Mama Streat. We had a taco and burrito with carnitas (slow-cooked pork) – the meat was tasty but the salads and beans tasted a bit bland, and the advertised guacamole was in fact salad cream. Not bad, but could be improved!

How much? €2.50 for taco, €5 for burrito

20) Maido  – Via Savona, 15

The only reason why I didn’t include Maido in the top 10 is because out of all the places we visited, this is probably the most restaurant-y of them all. It’s a Japanese street food place, serving excellent okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes topped with seaweed and bonito flakes), rice burgers and soba noodles. Eighties kids will recognise the decoration inspired by popular cartoon Kiss Me Licia and other anime characters.

How much? Around €9 for okonomiyaki and rice burger

21) Panzerotti da Bis – Corso Cristoforo Colombo 6

There’s a very popular panzerotti shop just off the Duomo, but take my advice – hop on tram number 2 and head to Panzerotti da Bis instead. Panzerotti are fried pastries filled with tomato and mozzarella – the ones we had at da Bis weren’t oily at all, and the filling was perfectly melted. Leave room for a slice of Bari focaccia , topped with cherry tomatoes, olives and a generous helping of olive oil.

How much? €2.50 for two panzerotti, €2 for Bari focaccia

Best Milan Street Food – Porta Romana

Another street food hotspot! There are lots of street food places between Crocetta and Viale Bligny and several more around Via Muratori – shall we visit them for season 2 of the Milan Street Food Challenge?

22) Sorry Mama  – Corso di Porta Romana, 79

When thinking lasagna, I normally imagine family dinners – but Sorry Mama shows that you can also have lasagna street food style! You can choose between various kinds of lasagna – traditional Emilia with bolognese and white sauce, vegan lasagna, pesto lasagna and lasagna with scamorza, bacon and pistachio. Lasagna is served in takeaway containers, you can either eat in or take out.

How much? Between €5 and €7.

23) Johnny Pizza a Portafoglio  – Viale Bligny, 16

How about pizza street food style? I’m not talking about pizza slices – Johnny serves pizza a portafoglio, meaning a whole pizza folded into fours ready to be eaten on the go . Pizza a portafoglio is smaller than a regular pizza but it’s still a delicious lunch or snack, and you can choose between various toppings. Just one word of warning – it’s messy!

How much? Between €4 and €7.

24) Al Pizzetta  – Viale Montenero, 73

If the portafoglio style is too messy for you, head to Al Pizzetta, serving small pizzas Pescara style , about 15 cm in diameter, made with a crispier kind of dough, perfect to be enjoyed on the street as a snack. Toppings include anchovies (my fave), sausages and potatoes or friarielli (a kind of broccoli), or speck and brie (Nick’s fave).

How much? Between €2 and €4.

Best Milan Street Food elsewhere

25) corey’s soul chicken  – via paolo sarpi, 53.

Back in Chinatown, lovers of Southern flavour shouldn’t miss this place, serving up delicious fried chicken tenders and wings. Each serving of chicken can be enjoyed with a side dish – we tried stewed beans and homemade potato salad, both very tasty.

How much? Around €7 for chicken and a side dish.

26) La Siciliana – Via Teodosio, 85

Quite simply the best cannoli this side of Sicily . This place has been making amazing Sicilian sweets and savoury pastries since 1956 and it’s the only place (in my opinion) that makes cannoli comparable to the ones you have in Sicily. Almond biscuits and granite are also to die for, as are cartocciate, savoury pastries typically containing tomato, mozzarella, ham and other fillings.

How much? Around €3 for cannoli, granite and cartocciate

27) Toasteria Mi Casa  – Piazza Governo Provvisorio, 5

Panini are boring, let’s go for toasties! This cute café serves toasties with homemade bread and a variety of inventive filling – for instance, signature ‘Mi Casa’ contains pancetta, saffron cream, parmesan, sundried tomatoes and almonds. We visited for aperitivo and enjoyed a craft beer with six mini toasties with inventive toppings like ham and mango or tuna and peanuts!

How much? €5 for a toastie, €6 for aperitivo

28) Cose Nostre  – Via Chiesa Rossa, 71

Another Sicilian place! Cose Nostre brings up the best of Palermo food to their shop on the southern outskirts of Milan, close to the Naviglio but away from the mess! Some of their best offers include sformato di anelletti , a baked pasta dish and Torta Sette Veli , a chocolate cake that is one of my favourites ever. I wish my next birthday would come soon so I can get my very own Sette Veli! Special mention for the friendliness of the staff.

We also enjoyed two very nice savoury pastries – one with ham and bolognese sauce and one with anchovies and cacio cavallo, a hard cheese.

How much? Around €3 for pastries, the rest according to weight.

Best Milan Food Trucks

29) pantura.

One of my favourite food trucks, especially because of their delicious grilled octopus sandwiches with potatoes and parsley . Their bread, baked in a wood-fired oven, is what truly makes Pantura’s sandwiches and bruschette sing. Also try their bruschette with tomatoes and burrata for a quick snack.

How much? Around €3 for bruschette, €6 for grilled octopus sandwich.

30) Friselleria

This food truck wins the price for friendliest ever! It’s a small Ape car wandering around Milan, selling ‘Friselle Kits’ to take away or eat on the spot. Friselle are crisp breads served topped with tomatoes, olive oil and a variety of other ingredients , including capers, olive pate and artichoke cream. Owner Rocco is super nice and will be happy to help you create your very own frisella. This was also our most popular video!

How much? Around €3 for a ‘Frisella Kit’

BONUS! Best Gelato in Milan

31) la gelateria della musica  – via pestalozzi, 4.

When in Italy, you just HAVE TO have gelato! Plus, gelato is street food, isn’t it? So, we’ve decided to conclude our Milan Street Food Challenge featuring Gelateria della Musica, our favourite gelateria in town. It’s really hard to choose between the various flavours that change daily, but my very own favourites and peanut butter, salted pistachio and ‘pane e marmellata’, meaning bread and butter! Sorbets are the best I’ve had by far. They’ve started expanding and own a few shops in town besides their ‘headquarters’ in Via Pestalozzi – let’s just hope quality remains high!

How much? €2.80 for 2 scoops

Do you know any other awesome Milan Street Food places? Let us know, we are already planning season 2 of the Milan Street Food Challenge!

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7 thoughts on “Milan Street Food – The Ultimate Guide”

I love the gelateria! Thanks for taking us there! BEST GELATO EVER!

Thank you for coming DJ!

Oh my goodness, there are so many places I haven’t been to! I’ve barely scratched the surface of Milan!! Squisini looks absolutely fantastic, I love the idea behind it! How come Luini isn’t on this list? I can’t visit the city without their panzerotti!! Will have a think about suggestions for Part 2… my boyfriend always raves about a panino place run by two old women but I can’t remember what it’s called! xxx Lucy @ La Lingua | Food, Travel, Italy

Hey Lucy! Thanks for your comment. To be honest, I don’t like Luini much. It’s touristy and vastly overrated. Try Panzerotti da Bis next time then tell me what you think! Thanks

I am getting ready to move to Milan within the next month, and I just found your blog! I love all your posts. These foods all look so delicious 🙂

Also, I read the bike and tram posts, but any advice on buying a longer-term transportation pass?

Thanks Lauren! Glad you liked the Milan posts. If you need to buy a long term transportation pass your first stop should be the ‘ATM Point’ in Loreto, Duomo, Centrale, Garibaldi and Romolo station – you need to get a magnetic card where you can then load your monthly/yearly passes. More info here! http://www.atm.it/en/ViaggiaConNoi/Abbonamenti/Pages/Abbonamentiurbani.aspx Hope you enjoy Milan! We’ll be back in November.

Wow! I mean, wow! Such a beautiful street food culture they have in Milan!

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Where to Eat and Drink in Milan Right Now

A new generation of bars, restaurants and bakeries are reinvigorating the Italian city’s food scene.

Croissants at Pan, a bakery that combines European and Japanese flavors and techniques in Milan’s Acquabella neighborhood. Credit... Valentina Sommariva

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By Laura May Todd

• April 11, 2024

Late last December, Milan entered an unofficial state of mourning when the beloved Brera-neighborhood restaurant La Latteria — known for its spicy lemon pasta and strict no-reservations policy — closed after 58 years of service. But despite this loss, the city’s food scene has never been more vibrant. The last six months have seen a wave of new bars, restaurants and cafes — many of them run by young people from the fashion and design worlds — open their doors. With them, a fresh energy has been injected into a city better known for old-school haunts like the cocktail institution Bar Basso and the four-decade-old cafe Fioraio Bianchi. Here, seven new arrivals, from a revived family-run trattoria to a Lebanese-inspired dessert shop.

The hand-painted signage outside Bar Nico, in the quiet Acquabella district, remains unchanged from its days as a Bolognese pastificio (a pasta maker specializing in recipes from Bologna), but inside, the place has been transformed into a modern bar, where a steel and concrete counter anchors a sparse room furnished with wooden bistro-style tables. Founders Chiara Pino, a model, and Riccardo Ganelli, who previously worked for the fashion brand Sunnei, were inspired by the lively neighborhood wine bars they found on their travels to Paris and Barcelona. They’ve curated a menu of natural wines mostly from small producers in France and Italy: Temps des Cerises from the Languedoc-Roussillon; Contrada Contro, made near Monti Sibillini in the Marche; De L’avant, from Les Varrons in France. Also on offer are a selection of nonalcoholic kombuchas and simple small plates like a radicchio and balsamic salad, canned mussels in escabeche sauce and raw sausage from Bra, a town in Italy’s Piedmont region, served with spicy mustard and arranged in the shape of a smiley face.

Yoji Tokuyoshi, the former sous chef at the revered Osteria Francescana in Modena, about 100 miles south, opened Pan with the restaurateur Alice Yamada last April after the shokupan (Japanese milk bread) at Bentoteca, his Japanese fine dining restaurant in the Ticinese neighborhood, began to garner attention. Pan serves pastries and desserts made with a mix of European and Japanese techniques and flavors, like flaky miso cinnamon rolls, Basque-style matcha cheesecake and anpan, sweet rolls filled with red bean paste. There’s also lunch — and, on the weekends, brunch — with an ever-changing menu that has included dishes like avocado toast with poached eggs and spicy shichimi powder on shokupan; pappa al pomodoro, the traditional Tuscan tomato and bread stew; and omurice, a Japanese dish that combines an omelet with fried rice. The mint green interiors, designed by the local architecture firm Studio Wok, include a bar made of gridded fiberglass panels and rows of pale green textiles along the ceiling inspired by noren , the fabric room dividers commonly used in Japan.

Located on Via Mario Pichi — a quiet side street in the Navigli district, a popular nightlife hub — the restaurant Gloria was opened in September by Rocco Galasso and Luca Gennati, the longtime managers of the natural wine bar enoteca/naturale in the nearby Ticinese neighborhood, and Tommaso Melilli, a chef and food writer. They took over a sixteen-year-old family-run trattoria and left things — including the name, which belongs to the former owner — largely as they were, save for a few decorative additions, such as a zinc-clad counter and floral William Morris wallpaper. The dining room feels like a standard trattoria, but in the kitchen, Melilli modernizes traditional Italian recipes using seasonal ingredients and unconventional flavors. Past dishes have included pumpkin risotto infused with bitter almond, pork-stuffed cabbage rolls with pomegranate, and pasta with chickpeas and smoked chestnuts.

Trattoria del Ciumbia

This intimate bistro opened on Via Fiori Chiari — a narrow cobblestone alleyway in the fashionable Brera neighborhood filled with bars and restaurants — in December. The menu is packed with homey Milanese favorites: cassoeula, a slow-cooked pork and cabbage stew; bruscitti, beef ragu simmered in red wine and served over soft polenta; and mondeghili nella verza, a northern Italian take on cabbage rolls. But the real draw is the atmosphere. The retro-futuristic interiors were designed by the renowned local firm Dimorestudio and were inspired by the traditional Brera trattorias of the 1960s, when the neighborhood was a bohemian artists’ hub. Guests sit on Dimorestudio’s minimal steel and woven straw Rei chairs amid walnut paneling and colorful floor tiles.

Oslo Made in Heaven

Sisters Yasmine and Julie Audi opened this dessert and ice cream shop in February, following in the footsteps of their mother, Nayla Audi, who established the original Beirut branch in 1997. The family also previously lived in Los Angeles, where they ran the popular Fairfax District bakery Milk, which closed in 2021. In Milan, the small storefront is on a quiet lane not far from the San Babila metro station. Inside, shimmering gold mosaic tiles depict a sunburst that runs from the floor to the glass dessert cabinet, where fluffy angel food cake piled high with pink, rose-flavored icing is stored. (The cake can be topped with sesame-flavored cotton candy or matcha whipped cream.) The shop also stocks ice cream and sorbet in flavors like orchid, jasmine or coffee toffee crunch, as well as handmade Loukoum candies — otherwise known as Turkish delight — available in rose or miske, a pine-like flavor derived from the mastic tree.

Bicchierino Bar

Set on a busy commercial street in the southwest neighborhood of Giambellino, Bicchierino has a similar origin story to Bar Nico: The relaxed local wine bar was founded by a group of five friends who also work in other creative industries, including photo production, and wanted to create an intimate space for their community to gather. The mismatched furniture, industrial shelving, and long wooden counter scattered with bottles more closely resemble the kitchen of a loft style apartment in Berlin than a typical Milanese bar. In addition to a rotating menu of small-batch natural wines, there are unfussy dishes, often made from ingredients found in the nearby Lorenteggio Market, like potato salad and artichokes served with pecorino and Parmesan cream. Occasionally, on the weekends, guest chefs take over the kitchen. The Argentine chef Facundo Castellani, who’s worked at the three-Michelin star Restaurant Mirazur in Menton, France, recently served a set meal of onion and smoked cheese empanadas; spicy aguachile with whitefish, apple and kiwi; and tacos al pastor.

Via Stampa is the first Milanese restaurant from the 28-year-old winemaker Marco Guzzetti, whose organic farm and winery, Podere del Maro, opened in Liguria in 2018. The 50-seat space overlooks the Roman-era Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore in Cinque Vie, the city’s historic center, yet it feels more like a Parisian bistro than an Italian trattoria. The dining room features a carved wooden bar at the entrance, which opens up to an enfilade of sunlit rooms with white walls and pale parquet floors. The menu — just as pared back and elegant as the décor — focuses on small, seasonal plates that in the spring include fried artichokes with Parmesan fondue and mint, and ravioli stuffed with borage, an earthy tasting wild herb.

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