Description:
Beguiled by their décor, tempted by their aroma, enthralled by their history, Turin’s coffee houses are unique. These cafés are the beating heart of this, historic, elegant and arty city. Modern Italy was created in and around some of these extraordinary cafés, reflecting Turin's 18th century baroque splendour. Today, Turin's 21st century future can be seen in the latest additions to this impressive café portfolio. This is not just about coffee however, these cafés offer a mouth watering selection of hot and cold drinks, delicacies and snacks, lunches and dinners. So sip a bicerin, enjoy a gelato, savour an apertivo and watch the Torinese in action..
View Iternary mapDay Note:
Today let's start in Piazza San Carlo, half way down Via Roma and of Turin's greatest squares. Here you will find not only wonderful cafés and shops but art and architecture standing side by side in an amazing setting. Enjoy your coffee!
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Piazza San Carlo
Contact:
Location:
- Piazza San Carlo
- Turin,Piedmont10121
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Map
Description:
One of Italy's most stunning and beautiful squares, known locally as Turin's drawing room. Built in the mid 17th century and designed by Carlo di Castellamonte, perfectly laid out, porticoed and elegantly proportioned. At the square's southern end lie two churches, on the left, Santa Cristina, on the right, San Carlo, whilst in the centre stands a statue of Emmanuel Filbert, sculpted by Carlo Marocchetti in 1838, known as "El Caval 'd Brons" (The Bronze Horse). The square bisects Via Roma and makes the perfect place to stop for a coffee or apertivo after all that sightseeing and shopping.
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Caffè Torino
Contact:
- +39 (0) 11 54 51 18
- visit website
Location:
- Piazza San Carlo, 204
- Turin,Piemonte10121
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Map
- user rating
Description:
One of the city's grandest cafés and most elegant meeting places, located in the beautiful Piazza San Carlo, known locally as 'Turin's drawing room'. Caffé Torino opened in 1903 and moved to its present location in the 1930's during the rebuiding of Via Roma. A favourite haunt of actors, poets and politicians, Cesare Pavese and Alcide De Gasperi were regulars, as were Brigitte Bardot and Ava Gardener. Caffé Torino is decorated with a heady mixture of cream and pistachio, glinting mirrors and sparkling chandeliers plus a belle epoque winding staircase. Famous quotations from international literary history adorn the walls and one above the bar pays homage to coffee: "dolce come l'amore, puro come un angelo, caldo come l'inferno". The atmosphere is definitely elegant but relaxed. In fair weather sitting at one of the outdoor tables, covered by 17th century porticoes, is a must. Between 18:00 and 21:00 you can snack off a fabulous selection of dishes and platters laid out along the bar for around 7 €. Don't forget to look out for the bull embedded in the pavement just outside, standing on his balls could bring you luck!
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The Bull in Piazza San Carlo
Contact:
- +39 011 535 181
Location:
- Piazza San Carlo
- Turin,Piedmont10121
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- user rating
Description:
Although the reasons why are obscure, the city has always been symbolized by a bull, but whatever the origin of the association, it must have had a positive value. This is the case with the bull in Piazza San Carlo. It is said that to tread on its horns, or even better its genitals, will bring great fortune. The only thing is that it must be done accidentally. And for this reason, you will not be told in what part of the square the bull is to be found, hoping that you will tread on him by accident!
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Caffè San Carlo
Contact:
- +39 (0)11 53 25 86
- visit website
Location:
- Piazza San Carlo, 156
- Turin,Piedmont10121
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Map
- user rating
Description:
Caffè San Carlo is one of Turin's oldest and most famous, in many ways, it is the essence of Turin's café culture, a place where you can have an espresso or prosecco in real style. Early chroniclers called it "a palace", hardly surprising as the lavish mixture of gilded mirrors, rich plasterwork and classical art is topped with a very large helping of Murano chandelier. In 1832 it became the first café in all of Italy to use gas lighting, which enhanced the interior, a favourite of Cavour and a place where the Risorgimento patriots met. Today its the perfect place to pause, reflect and people watch, whether in the morning to see the locals 'take' their heart starting espresso and enjoy a chocolate or cream pastry, or in the evenings when they return for free stuzzichini (almost all the cafés feature these evening snacks, if you pay for a drink you can help yourself to an aladdin's cave of pizzette, frittata, roated vegetables, salads, cheese, salami, olives, bread and more!) and an aperitivo. A Torinese 'must do' since 1822.
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Caffè Platti
Contact:
- +39 (0)11 50 69 056
- visit website
Location:
- Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 72
- Turin,Piedmont10128
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Map
Description:
Caffè Platti is one of the newest of Torino's historic and well preserved cafes. Establised in 1875 as Liquoreria Platti, the cast iron shop front reflects Turin's industrial past, whilst inside it is opulent, well preserved, Liberty style decor was frequented by intellectuals and statesmen. More recently it was favourite of a certain Gianni Agnelli of FIAT fame and Luigi Lavazza. Today's clientele include some of Turin's glitterati who still enjoy the spacious and charming interior where large embossed mirrors reflect the decorative cream and gilded ceiling onto marble-topped tables. The house specialities include the Chocolate Platti, a hot chocolate drink with Cointreau and orange peel and la Torta Platti, a delicious gianduia chocolate cake accompanied by fresh seasonal fruits. Light lunch with fixed menu is served from 12:00 to 14:30. Aperitivo time is a must, its best to stand at the bar and enjoy your drink whilst marvelling at the array of goodies before you, canapes, pizzette and mouth watering pastries from their own pasticerria next door. Whether its for a coffee, lunch, an apertif or even dinner, this is a place to see and be seen. Dinner is served à la carte from 19:30... read more
Day Note:
Start with breakfast at Caffe Mulsanno, forget that boring hotel stuff, get out and enjoy the city. Afterwards enjoy the Royal Palace and 'take' a coffee at one of the newer cafés in town inside what was once the Royal Fruitery. Overdosed on Royalty? Head over to Galleria Subalpina and have lunch at Baratti & Milano, a Turin institution. Later pop in to Al Bicerin and taste an exquisite hot drink in its original setting!
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Caffè Mulassano
Contact:
- +39 (0) 11 54 79 90
- visit website
Location:
- Piazza Castello, 15
- Turin,Piedmont10123
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Map
Description:
In many ways Caffé Mulassano is the most discreet of Turin's cafés, its dark colours and hues are reminiscent of a gentlemen's club, wood, leather and purple marble are the watchwords here. White jacketed baristi somehow create their legendary drinks behind a minute counter and serve the handful of tables in this unique café. Rated among Gambero Rosso's top 18 cafés in Italy (Turin has three more), Caffé Mulassano was inaugurated in 1907 and painstakingly restored in 1978. One of many bars in Italy to claim the invention of the tramezzino (Italian sandwich), some say their espresso is the best in the city, aromatic, creamy and strong with a flavour of pepper and spices, it is in many ways the perfect place for a coffee or hot chocolate. Frequented by Royalty and the Arts, Benedetto Gigli, the opera singer, used to pop in during rehearsals at the nearby Teatro Regio, today pre-theatre cocktails are often taken here by a new generation of theatre goers, €5 for a drink taken at the bar, €7 if you sit at one of the tables.
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Palazzo Reale e Giardini Reali
Contact:
- 0039 (0) 11 43 61 455
- visit website
Location:
- Piazza Castello
- Turin,Piedmont10121
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Map
Description:
On the north-eastern side of Piazza Castello, a little square can be seen. It is called the Piazzetta Reale, and is closed by a cast-iron gate topped by statues of the Dioscuri, twin brothers of Helen of Troy. On the far side of Piazza Reale is a view of the Royal Palace, residence of the Savoy family since 1865. It is possible to go on a guided tour through the various rooms where the rulers of the Savoy household once lived. The Royal Gardens are of particular interest, as they are situated behind the palace, and play host to various open-air bars and evening entertainment during the summer months.
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Caffè Reale
Contact:
- +39 (0) 331 729 51 54
- visit website
Location:
- Piazzetta Reale 1
- Turin,Piedmont10122
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Description:
Opened in 2007, the Caffé Reale is the latest addition to Turin's cafe society. Sitting alongside the Palace, this building once housed the royal fruitery, before being transformed to a library and finally a humble storeroom. Today, following extensive renovations, the building has been restored to its former royal glory. The interior is regal too, full height, illuminated wooden showcases display beautiful porcelain from the Royal family's collections. An interesting place to sip your coffee whilst surrounded by these royal porcelain.
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Galleria Subalpina
Contact:
Location:
- Piazza Castello
- Turin,Piedmont10123
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Map
Description:
In the heart of Turin, Galleria Subalpina-its complete name is Subalpine Industry Arcade-was built in 1873 as a shopping arcade by architect Pietro Carrera. He designed it in glass, marble and iron, following the pattern of contemporary Liberty architecture. The arcade connects Piazza Castello to Via Battisti and Piazza Carlo Alberto. It is one of the most elegant places in town, housing flowerbeds and several shops. Among them are the Caffè Baratti, one of the most famous city's cafés, a restaurant, an antiquarian bookshop and a cinema. In 1878, Mark Twain visited and loved it. The German philosopher Nietzsche lived there. Turin people just believe that strolling in the arcade brings good luck! - Maria Frullini
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Caffè Baratti & Milano
Contact:
- +39 011 561 3060
- visit website
Location:
- Piazza Castello, 29
- Turin,Piedmont10123
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Map
- user rating
Description:
Official confectioner to the Savoy Royal Household, this grand café sits on the corner of the Galleria Subalpina and Piazza Castello opposite the Royal Palace. Opened in 1858 by Ferdinando Baratti and Edoardo Milano, the café moved to its present site in 1875 and soon became the meeting place of Turin's great and good. Today the yellow marble façade and the classically dressed windows offer an insight into what lies inside, crystal chandeliers, wooden paneling, gilted mirrors and stuccoed ceilings. Its a great place to watch elegant Torinese devour their espresso's and the delicious house pastries. The house speciality however is the hot chocolate, a creamy, dense and velvety concoction, now available as a ready made mix to drink at home, but this is not a good idea. Sip your hot chocolate here, inside Baratti & Milano, and absorb the elegance, history and aromas of this Turin Institution. On your way don't forget to grab a bag of sweets from the mouth watering selection, sugar coated almonds, hazlenut pralines and their signature Cremino and Gianduiotti Chocolates.
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Al Bicerin
Contact:
- +39 (0) 11 43 69 325
- visit website
Location:
- Piazza della Consolata, 5
- Turin,Piemonte10122
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Map
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Description:
Located in Turin's atmospheric quadrilatero Romano, Turin's oldest and smallest café has barely changed since it opened in 1763. Frequented by Cavour, Dumas and Puccini, this establishment soon became very popular with the aristocracy. The minute interior has only eight marbled-topped tables and the original counter still stands as solid as ever whilst three dozen multi-coloured sweet jars perch on the shelves behind. It is the original home of the 'Bicerin'. An exquisite hot drink, with three layers, one espresso, one chocolate and one fresh cream in secret amounts, served in a tall glass so you can admire the fusion of colours and the aroma. Preferably sipped after mass at the Sanctuary of the Consolata just across the piazza, this is a truly Torinese ritual and not be missed on any account.
Day Note:
Start your day at the 'Mole', Turin's iconic building, home to the Cinema Museum. Enjoy a coffee at Cabiria Café whilst admiring the glass lift that whisks you up to the observation platform of this amazing building. Later stroll down Via Po, through the arcades to Piazza Vittorio Veneto, one of Turin's largest squares. Head back up Via Po an stop at Caffe Fiorio to taste the best ice cream in Turin. Dine at San Tommaso 10, the original Lavazza coffee house...read more
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Mole Antonelliana
Contact:
- +39 ( 0) 11 53 51 81
- visit website
Location:
- Via Montebello 20
- Turin,Piedmont10124
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Map
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Description:
This iconic building is in many ways Turin's Eiffel Tower, the symbol of Turin. A 167.5 metre landmark, originally planned as a synagogue by Alessandro Antonelli, it was the highest brick building in the world at the time of its completion and remains the tallest building in Turin. Damaged by a storm in 1953, the spire was rebuilt, following its collapse, in metal with a stone overlay. Today it is home to Italy's National Cinema Museum.
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Cabiria Café
Contact:
- +39 (0) 11 81 72 401
- visit website
Location:
- Via Montebello, 20
- Turin,Piedmont10124
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Map
Description:
The contemporary Cabiria Café is sited inside the National Cinema Museum on the ground floor of the 167.5 metre Mole Antonelliana, Turin's most iconic building. Designed by Alessandro Antonelli, this was once the highest brick building in the world and still remains the tallest building in Turin. Continuous, 35mm montages, including Cabiria, the 1914 Italian silent epic about ancient Rome, are shown on the ground floor adjacent to the café, where lined rows of chaises longues are inclined towards two giant screens. The Cabiria Café, named after the film, offers a new twist on Turin's portfolio of great cafés, part movie set, part lounge bar with intimate seating areas, luminous tables and gauze canopies. The lunch menu is inspired by film themes, in the evening at aperitif time, sample classic cocktails or a glass of Piedmont wine whilst admiring the extensive buffet. At night the Cabiria Café morphs into a very cool bar.
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Caffè Fiorio
Contact:
- +39 (0)11 81 70 612
- visit website
Location:
- Via Pò, 8
- Turin,Piedmont10123
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Map
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Description:
Established in 1780 and known as 'the ponytail café' for its patronage by aristocrats, officials and politicians of the time. Some say it was here that Italy's political future was plotted by Cavour and Garibaldi, this may be so, for it certainly was a place where people met to discuss their thoughts and air their opinions. Today the interior still maintains an elegance from a byegone era with its sumptuous interior and Caffè Fiorio serves a varety of rich fare including traditional coffees, a delicious lunch buffet and some of Turin's best homemade gelato made to a secret recipe. Don't miss the 'Gianduiotto con crema e panna', their classic gelato.
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San Tommaso, 10
Contact:
- +39 (0)11 53 42 01
- visit website
Location:
- Via San Tommaso, 10
- Turin,Piedmont10122
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Map
Description:
Opened in 1996, San Tommaso 10 is the showcase café for Lavazza. Luigi Lavazza opened his first drugstore on this site, over 100 years ago, in the heart of Turin, between Via Garibaldi and Piazza Castello. This is where he began to create his original blends of coffee beans and using a distinct technique, from firing to grinding, he elevated and separated Lavazza from all the other brands. The San Tommaso 10 café is modern, cool and very popular among the Torinese for its unique atmosphere, the walls are decorated with images sourced from the company's image and advertising archive. The café offers excellent tramezzini and cocktail drinks at apertivo time. The restaurant's menu is inspired by local recipes and from classic Italian cuisine.
- Destination(s): Turin
- Type: Best of...
- 3 DAYS
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