During your stay, you absolutely cannot miss visiting one of Turin’s famous historic cafés. They preserve the atmosphere of the 18th and 19th centuries, when they were meeting places for intellectuals, politicians, ladies of high society, patriots, writers, and artists.

Beyond their original interiors, which transport you back in time, these cafés offer a wide selection of coffee, aperitifs, and cocktails, as well as, just like in the past, traditional pralines and sweets… simply delicious.

If you are in the mood for something sweet, the bicerin (which means “small glass” in the Piedmontese dialect) is perfect for you. Served hot and roughly the size of a large cappuccino, bicerin is a drink made of coffee, cocoa, and cream.

Chocolate and coffee in Turin? Absolutely.

Since 1895, Turin has been home to the famous company Lavazza. Founded in Turin, today around 27 billion cups of Lavazza coffee are consumed worldwide each year.

And what about chocolate? Turin produces around 40% of Italy’s total chocolate production. This is an old tradition: the city has been exporting chocolate since the early 18th century, and the first praline was created in Turin. Don’t miss the most famous one: the Gianduiotto, triangular in shape, made with IGP Tonda Gentile del Piemonte hazelnuts.

If it is warm outside or it’s aperitif time, you can also enjoy one of the many vermouth-based cocktails, accompanied by delicious canapés. The history of vermouth begins in 1786, when Antonio Benedetto Carpano flavored Moscato white wine with herbs and alcohol. Even today, the original recipe can be tasted under the name “Carpano Antica Formula.”

Which are Turin’s historic cafés?

Baratti & Milano – Piazza Castello 27
Caffè Fiorio – Via Po 8
Al Bicerin – Piazza della Consolata 5
Caffè Mulassano – Piazza Castello 15
Caffè San Carlo – Piazza San Carlo 56
Pasticceria Stratta – Piazza San Carlo 191
Caffè Torino – Piazza San Carlo 204
Platti – Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 72
Pfatisch – Via Paolo Sacchi 42

Also recommended, even if not officially “historic”:

Caffetteria Reale – Piazzetta Reale 1

My favorite one? … Al Bicerin, Piazza della Consolata 5…