A Local's Guide: Best Food in Turin Italy

Turin Cuisine

Nestled in the heart of northern Italy, Turin (or Torino in Italian) is a city renowned for its elegant architecture, rich cultural history, and sophisticated atmosphere. However, beyond its historical significance and stunning baroque facades, Turin offers an equally enchanting culinary experience. The city’s gastronomic scene is a blend of traditional flavors and contemporary innovation, reflecting its deep ties to the Piedmont region’s rich agricultural heritage. Let’s embark on a culinary journey through Turin, highlighting the city’s signature dishes.

Keep in mind that some specialties can be found throughout the region, while others are unique to the city itself.

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A local's guide to Turin Italy

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Grissini

No visit to Turin is complete without indulging in the city’s famous grissini. These crispy breadsticks, which originated in Turin, are often served as an appetizer at restaurants across the city. The story goes that grissini were first made in the 17th century for a young Duke of Savoy who had trouble digesting traditional bread. Thin, crunchy, and perfect for snacking, grissini can now be found all over Italy, but their true home is Turin.

Bagna Cauda

A hallmark of Turin’s culinary tradition is bagna cauda, a warm, savory dip made from anchovies, garlic, and olive oil. This unique dish is often served with an array of raw and cooked vegetables, perfect for dipping into the flavorful sauce. Bagna cauda is traditionally enjoyed during the colder months, and its communal nature makes it a staple of family gatherings and festive meals. It’s a dish that epitomizes the richness and warmth of Piedmont cuisine.

Agnolotti del Plin

A quintessential pasta dish from Piedmont, agnolotti del plin are small, delicate pockets of pasta filled with roasted meat, often accompanied by a rich meat or butter sauce. "Plin" means "pinch" in Piedmontese, referring to the way the pasta is sealed by pinching the dough. This traditional dish is a must-try when visiting Turin, and each bite is packed with robust flavors that pay homage to the region’s culinary expertise.

Vitello Tonnato

One of the most beloved dishes in Turin is vitello tonnato, a cold veal dish served with a creamy, tangy tuna sauce. The combination of tender, thinly sliced veal with the unique tuna-based sauce creates a delightful contrast of flavors. This dish is often enjoyed as an appetizer or as part of a traditional Piedmontese meal, and it's a prime example of the region’s ability to harmonize seemingly unlikely ingredients into something exceptional.

Gianduiotti

For those with a sweet tooth, gianduiotti is a must-try. Turin is the birthplace of gianduja, a mixture of chocolate and hazelnuts that was invented during the Napoleonic era when cocoa was scarce. Gianduiotti are small, individually wrapped chocolates made from this smooth and creamy mixture. They are a true representation of Turin’s dedication to fine chocolate-making and are often enjoyed with an afternoon coffee or as a sweet souvenir from the city.

Bicerin

Turin’s signature drink, bicerin, is a layered beverage made from espresso, hot chocolate, and whipped cream. This decadent drink was invented in the 18th century and is still served in the city’s historic cafés. Turin has a rich and deeply ingrained caffè culture, with old-fashioned cafés that have preserved their charm and elegance for centuries. These establishments are not just places to grab a quick coffee; they are cultural institutions where people gather to socialize, read, and enjoy life at a slower pace. It’s perfect for sipping on a chilly day while taking in the elegant surroundings of one of Turin’s beautiful squares. Be sure to visit the famous Caffè Al Bicerin, where the drink was first created, for an authentic experience, and explore the city’s other historic caffès like Caffè Torino and Caffè Fiorio, which have retained their classic ambiance and offer a taste of Turin’s café tradition found nowhere else.

Brasato al Barolo

For a taste of Piedmont’s exceptional wine, try brasato al Barolo, a slow-cooked beef dish braised in Barolo wine. This hearty, flavorful dish showcases the region’s renowned wines and highlights the depth of flavor that comes from slow cooking meat in this prestigious red wine. The result is a tender, succulent dish that pairs perfectly with a glass of Barolo, making it a must for any food lover visiting Turin.

Bonèt

When it comes to dessert, bonèt is a traditional Piedmontese treat that you won’t want to miss. This rich, chocolatey pudding is made with eggs, cocoa, sugar, and amaretti cookies, creating a velvety texture with a subtle almond flavor. Often served with a drizzle of caramel, bonèt is the perfect way to end a meal in Turin.

Restaurant Recommendations in Turin

Below are some excellent restaurants to try in Turin. The "€" reflects the price range.

• Piola da Cianci € (Google Maps location): I had to include Piolada Cianci, as it's now an iconic spot offering traditional Piedmontese food at affordable prices. You can't make reservations, so expect to wait in line. While it’s become a bit crowded and lost some of its hidden-gem charm, I still recommend it for the authentic experience.
• Piattini Caffe Vini € (Google Maps location): A small, charming, low-key restaurant that I highly recommend. It’s still relatively unknown, making it a great spot for an intimate meal.
• Poormanger € (Google Maps location) and Poormanger 2 € (Google Maps location): If you're looking for a quick, affordable lunch, this is the place to go. They specialize in serving only stuffed potatoes, perfect for a tasty and filling meal.
• PoDiCiotto € (Google Maps location): This place is a bit outside the city center, but if you're looking to dine outdoors on a sunny day, it's a great, affordable option. You can enjoy your meal by the river, surrounded by nature—an oasis within the city.
• Pescheria Gallina €€ (Google Maps location): An informal spot to enjoy some fish dishes at affordable prices. No reservations are allowed, so be prepared to drop by and wait for a table.
• La Taverna Dei Mercanti €€ (Google Maps location): A great spot to gather with friends, this restaurant offers traditional Piedmontese dishes in a relaxed, low-key setting. The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for a laid-back meal while enjoying authentic local flavors.
• Da Frasca €€ (Google Maps location): As mentioned above, you'll find a low-key restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Piedmontese cuisine in a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. It's an ideal spot for those seeking authentic flavors in a casual setting.
• Trattoria Ala €€ (Google Maps location): Another informal restaurant where you can savor traditional cuisine, this spot offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with authentic local dishes. 
• La Piola di Alfredo €€ (Google Maps location): Here’s another laid-back restaurant where you can indulge in traditional dishes. With its welcoming vibe and a menu showcasing authentic local flavors, it's an ideal place for a casual meal with friends or family.
• L'Acino €€€ (Google Maps location): Here you'll find traditional Piedmontese cuisine with a more refined touch, perfect for a nice dinner out.
• Gaudenzio Vino e Cucina €€€ (Google Maps location): In this restaurant, you'll discover excellent, elevated dishes that take traditional cuisine to the next level.
• Baleno Idea di Mare €€€ (Google Maps location): If you're looking to try elevated Italian fish dishes and experience something a bit different, this is an excellent place to do so.
• Madama Piola €€€ (Google Maps location): In this restaurant, you can savor elevated Piedmontese cuisine. Be sure to try the ravioli del plin—they're a must!
• Scannabue €€€ (Google Maps location): As above, this restaurant offers traditional cuisine with a twist, elevating classic Piedmontese dishes to a new level.

Historic café

• Caffè Confetteria Al Bicerin (Google Maps location): Opened in 1793, its specialty is the famous bicerin, a typical hot drink from Turin made with coffee, chocolate, and cream, for which the establishment holds the original recipe.
• Caffè Gelateria Fiorio (Google Maps location): Founded in 1780, Fiorio is another historic café situated in the heart of Turin, beneath the porticoes of via Po. For many years, it served as a meeting place for the Savoy nobility, earning the nickname the café of the 'codini' and 'Machiavelli' due to the distinctive attire and lively discussions held there. Its standout specialty is undoubtedly the ice cream, particularly the gianduia flavor.
• Caffè San Carlo (Google Maps location): One of the meeting places for intellectuals during the Risorgimento, the historic café San Carlo, located near the square of the same name, is renowned especially for its fine coffee blends. The atmosphere is lavish, decorated with stuccos, statues, and precious marbles.
• Caffè confetteria Baratti & Milano (Google Maps location): Located between the Galleria Subalpina and Piazza Castello, the confectionery café Baratti & Milano in Turin has been open since 1875. The Art Nouveau interior was designed by architect Casanova. Here, you can savor a wide variety of delicacies, including some of the best hot chocolate in Turin.
• Caffè Mulassano (Google Maps location): Located near Piazza Castello, Caffè Mulassano in Turin, which opened in 1907, was a regular gathering place for the local nobility as well as the artists from the nearby Teatro Regio. Amidst the stunning mirrors, marble tables, and various decorations, you can enjoy a tramezzino, the café's specialty. A tramezzino is a type of Italian sandwich made with soft white bread, typically filled with various ingredients such as meats, cheeses, and vegetables—it's a dish that originated here.
• Caffè Platti (Google Maps location): This historic café still features an 19th-century ambiance and offers many Turin specialties, including the famous paste di meliga and, of course, gianduiotti.

In this section I would include Farmacia Del Cambio, for a more upscale breakfast, as it shares ownership with Ristorante Al Cambio, a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Pizza 

• A casa di Pulcinella (Google Maps location)
• Gennaro Esposito (Google Maps location)
• Da Ciro (Google Maps location)
• Pizzeria Cammafà (Google Maps location)
• Ruràl (Google Maps location)
• L' Antica pizzeria da Michele (Google Maps location)

Exploring Turin’s local cuisine is not just about tasting incredible food—it’s a journey through the city’s history, culture, and traditions. Buon appetito!