You will find this treasure near the entrance to the Galleria dell'Industria Subalpina under the arches of Piazza Castello. An old confectionery, it was opened in 1873 by partners Milano and Baratti who soon gained the title of 'suppliers to the royal household'. It is almost a ritual here to have tea or hot chocolate accompanied by an assortment of Bignole, sweet pastry cases filled with Zabaglione, vanilla, chocolate or hazelnut, all with a glazed topping. The bronze bas-reliefs on the façade, the brass clock, the large mirrors, and the lamps date back to the shop's refurbishment in 1909.
Caffé Fiorio was founded in 1780, but only became really successful in the early 1800s when it was taken over by the Fiorio brothers. This café saw a whole host of political personalities pass through it during the Risorgimento, right at the time when Italy's future was being determined in Turin. It was called 'The café of the pony tails and the Machiavellians' because it was the meeting point of may aristocrats, officials and members of the government. Among these were Giovanni Prati, Cesare Balbo and Santorre si Santarosa. Together they made the Florio into the breeding ground for public opinion in Turin. This is why it is said that the king Charles Albert used to enquire about the latest news asking, 'Qu'est-ce qu'on dit aujourd'hui au Café Fiorio?' In 1845, the Café was refurbished by a host of artists and was transformed into a meeting place for many of the middle classes among whom were Rattazzi, Lamarmora and D'Azeglio. The premises at the time were adorned with frescos by Gonin, Morgari and Gerbi and by sculptures by Bogliani which were unfortunately damaged during the last war. However, the internal rooms have retained some of the old atmosphere.
Pepino has a very central position being in the delightful piazza Carignano right in front of the Palazzo dei Guarini (one of the most significant pieces of 17th Century Italian history). It was once a shop belonging to a Neapolitan man named Domenico Pepino. Towards the end of the 19th century he introduced Turin to the wonders of home-made ice-cream. Moreover this shop boasts the invention of the "pinguino" in 1937. This was the famous "passeggiata" ice cream which was inserted onto a wooden stick. As in the past it is still a reference point for the audiences of the neighboring Teatro Carignano.
There's a Parisian-esque area in downtown Turin and Piazza Solferino could remind you of the Champs Elyseès: pure Eighteenth century architecture with gardens and fountains. In this beautiful square is located Vintage 1997, one of the most elegant spots in town. It's has a smart, sophisticated ambiance where one can enjoy gourmet cuisine served with contemporary flair. Try the seafood entreè, foie gras, top quality beef costata and stunning desserts and cheeses. The wine list is well curated and complements the dishes perfectly.
Gelateria Popolare pretty much says it all in its name. One of the most popular ice-cream shops in the city of Turin, Italy, it is has some unique flavors, like ginger gelato. Centrally located, the store has a great spot witnessing the goings and comings of the busy and vibrant Flea Market. The owner is approachable and friendly and the staff hand-makes every scoop. If you’re in the area, you must definitely take some time to visit it.
Bicerin (from bicchierino; small glass) is a local specialty, which lends its name to this café. Decorated in wood, mirror and marble inside the cafe has a vintage feel; outside the cast-iron capital columns are original. This bar is very popular with the locals who stop by for their daily dose of caffeine and a convivial chat. Specialties include Zabaione, cold chocolate and a wide range of herbal teas. One of the city's most iconic cafes, Al Bicerin is an institution that oughtn't to be missed while visiting Turin.
The tradition of a historic cake shop never tires. Anyone with a sweet tooth will go wild here amongst pralines, fresh and dry pastries, chocolate, fruit and hazelnut cakes and sweet marron glacé in autumn. They have offered various types of chocolates since the 1940's; the house specialty is the gianduiotto cream cake with chocolate and cream.
Torteria Berlicabarbis is a patisserie and café in the Italian city of Turin. It truly has some of the most delicious desserts in the city. To the chefs in the kitchen reaching the correct taste is the most important thing. There is another kind of bliss in just sitting there, a door away from the bustling city, with an aromatic cup of violet tea in your hand. And along with the tea, on the table is a Bavarian chocolate pie and a basket of warm freshly baked bread.
TheGelateria La Romana is one of the most popular ice-cream and gelato parlors in the Italian city of Turin. The chain has successfully taken over, and in Turin. there are several outlets on Via Madama Cristina, Corso Inghilterra and Corso Sebastopoli. The chain is run by the Zucchi family and the main philosophy of the store has always been to bring smiles to faces, like a child wholly and happily focused on eating an ice-cream.