The Navigli Canals are one of the iconic places of Milan, a reminder of its waterway past and, nonetheless, today a beautiful setting for a walk. The first canal was built at the end of 1100 and Leonardo Da Vinci, in 1482, planned the lock system that allowed navigation of the canals from Como Lake to Milan. Boats brought grain, fruits, local products, cattle, wood, grevel and other construction materials to Milan (among them, the ones used to decorate Duomo – Milan’s Cathedral.). At the end of XIX Century the fluvial transport ceased because they were impractical (the boats had a speed of 3 Kilometers per hour) and also in competition with railroads and trams, and eventually cars. The waters were then used by industries that polluted them and the Navigli ceased to be navigable. 

Among the many initiatives that try to bring back the splendor of Navigli Canals is the one that Navigli Lombardi launched in collaboration with Consorzio dei Comuni dei Navigli, a godsend for foodies: Navigli Golosi. 

Until December 7th, more than 50 restaurants in and around Milan's surroundings will offer typical Lombardy dinner at a set price menu. 

Restaurants, trattorie and osterie of lbairate, Besate, Boffalora Sopra Ticino, Busto Garolfo, Cisliano, Cuggiono, Morimondo, Motta Visconti, Ozzero and many more await for you to taste Lombardy cuisine. Among the dishes on the menu, typical recipes like Cassoeula (cabbage, pork parts, “verzini”, special local sausage), risotto with saffron and porcini mushrooms, ossobuco (marrow bone), cotoletta alla milanese (crumbed veal steak), onion soup, trippa (tripe, made of the first three chambers of a cow’s stomach), brasato d’asino (braised donkey meat) and of course all the local cheese like gorgonzola and taleggio. 

 Risotto with saffron and porcini mushroom

Taleggio, a typical cheese from Lombardy

Cassoeula, a typical Lombardy dish 

This initiative holds a special importance for Milan because it brings awareness to local tradition and shares the culture of the territories that Navigli Canals cross. Are you ready to discover it?  

Check the website for details and to download the list of restaurants that partecipate. 

 Written by Elisa della Barba