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
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)
Milan Cooking Class
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 Wine Tours
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
Mid-Range Stay
Fancy Stays
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
How Much Is a Food Tour in Milan?
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!
Is Milan Worth Visiting?
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.
Is Milan a Good City for Food?
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!
What Is Milanese Style Food?
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.
What Is the Best Food in Milan Italy?
The most popular and must-try Milanese dishes include Ossobuco (braised veal shanks), Cotoletta 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! 🇮🇹
