Turin is the capital city of the Piedmont region in northwestern Italy, with the Aosta valley region to the north, Milan to the east, Genoa and the Liguria region to the south, and France to the west.
We aren’t quite sure why Turin is overlooked - the architecture is beautiful, the city’s historical culture is some of the best in Italy, and Piemonte cuisine is superb. First, the architecture. Turin is Italy’s most western major city, which means there is a lot of French influence. You’ll see French influence everywhere in the building designs - not overly done, just hints in the ornate finishes of the buildings, etc. It’s just a little thing that makes it unique compared to other major Italian cities.
Next, the historical culture. It’s probably not well known in cultures outside of Italy that Turin was the first capital of the unified modern Italy, as it was only for the first 4 years. However, it was chosen for the capital for its significance, and still today it shows why. There’s things you’ve probably heard of (the Shroud of Turin). However, most likely there’s historical culture you haven’t that’s waiting to be found. It’s a hidden gem that luckily isn’t on most people’s radar!
torino
where to stay in Turin
where to stay in Turin
b&b via stampatori
NH collection torino piazza carlina
where to eat in Turin
Ristorante Consorzio is located in the Quadrilatero district. The food here is decadent. The ambience - cozy, artsy, a bit hipster even? Whatever you call it, it works. Start out with their modern takes on some classic aperitifs - Kelly had her favorite drink of the trip and she still talks about it to this day - an Americano Spritz! Then move on to their fantastic selection of primi, with our favorites being the agnolotti and the risotto alla bergese. Finish with their amazing selection of dolce - highly recommend the almond gelato. You won’t be disappointed.
This restaurant blew us away. Before you arrive at your table, you’ll know you’re in for something special. Once you settle in, you have the choice of three tasting menus - the classics, something more creative and modern, or a combination of both. When the dishes start coming, each is creative and delicious - a blend of Italian and Spanish cuisine. We are from Texas and weren’t expecting to 1) be served an empanada and 2) that it be done in proper homage to Mexican culture. Once you finish the main courses, you are whisked away to a more relaxed area, with comfortable seating in an entirely different room. There isn’t a dessert menu per se, rather the staff will ask your preferences and match up what the pastry chef has prepared for the evening (ours had dry ice as part of the presentation). No matter what dolci come out, there will most likely be the famous “Lavazza coffee” served (being the restaurant is right next door the Lavazza headquarters). The entire experience was unique and highly recommended.
The Bruzzone brothers have a gem of a trattoria in Turin. The menu has a lot of the traditional dishes of the region; they just do an impeccable job of executing them at a very reasonable price point. We loved their award-winning agnolotti di plin. If they have more than one option on the menu, we recommend ordering both. Really, anything on the menu is great. We also really liked their panna cotta - truly one of the best we’ve ever had. The flavor was incredible. The restaurant has very limited seating - you’ll likely be out of luck if you don’t get a reservation ahead of time.
Lao is famous for their soup dumplings, which we recommend getting a variety of, and their biang biang noodles. We ordered the Xiao Long Bao, Hong You Huntun (a spicy wonton soup), Dan Dan Mian (so good!), and the Ang Rou Che Mian (Biang Biang Noodles). We also really enjoyed their tea selection, which paired perfectly with the food. They don’t take reservations so it’s first-come-first-serve. When we arrived at 7pm to grab a table, there were already several groups in front of us waiting for the doors to open (which we found shocking since we're usually the only ones eating early!). If you love authentic Chinese cuisine (or are tired of traditional Piemontese food), we highly recommend dining here!
Modern and contemporary, Aroma’s food looks as appealing as it tastes. While the style, theme, and main ingredients are consistent, their menu changes quite often, so you will be able to try something new and different each time. We definitely recommend getting their primi with gamberi (shirmp), as they melt in your mouth. Actually, all their primi choices are amazing. Save room for Gianduia, meliga e zabaione (a chocolate/hazelnut combination with custard). Aroma is across the Po, near the Chiesa Parrocchiale della Gran Madre di Dio.
Modern and contemporary, Aroma’s food looks as appealing as it tastes. While the style, theme, and main ingredients are consistent, their menu changes quite often, so you will be able to try something new and different each time. We definitely recommend getting their primi with gamberi (shirmp), as they melt in your mouth. Actually, all their primi choices are amazing. Save room for Gianduia, meliga e zabaione (a chocolate/hazelnut combination with custard). Aroma is across the Po, near the Chiesa Parrocchiale della Gran Madre di Dio.
Modern and contemporary, Aroma’s food looks as appealing as it tastes. While the style, theme, and main ingredients are consistent, their menu changes quite often, so you will be able to try something new and different each time. We definitely recommend getting their primi with gamberi (shirmp), as they melt in your mouth. Actually, all their primi choices are amazing. Save room for Gianduia, meliga e zabaione (a chocolate/hazelnut combination with custard). Aroma is across the Po, near the Chiesa Parrocchiale della Gran Madre di Dio.
Modern and contemporary, Aroma’s food looks as appealing as it tastes. While the style, theme, and main ingredients are consistent, their menu changes quite often, so you will be able to try something new and different each time. We definitely recommend getting their primi with gamberi (shirmp), as they melt in your mouth. Actually, all their primi choices are amazing. Save room for Gianduia, meliga e zabaione (a chocolate/hazelnut combination with custard). Aroma is across the Po, near the Chiesa Parrocchiale della Gran Madre di Dio.
Modern and contemporary, Aroma’s food looks as appealing as it tastes. While the style, theme, and main ingredients are consistent, their menu changes quite often, so you will be able to try something new and different each time. We definitely recommend getting their primi with gamberi (shirmp), as they melt in your mouth. Actually, all their primi choices are amazing. Save room for Gianduia, meliga e zabaione (a chocolate/hazelnut combination with custard). Aroma is across the Po, near the Chiesa Parrocchiale della Gran Madre di Dio.
Razzo combines traditional Piemonte with French and Asian influences. The space is intimate and unassuming. Our favorite was definitely the panini al vapore - could have eaten just these and would have still raved about this place! The plin di costata are the tagliolini al granchio also great choices.
This place is perfect if you’re looking for a snack or food on the go. Roberta takes pride in the focaccia she makes! We highly recommend trying the original focaccia along with whatever strikes your fancy from the more exotic choices.
best gelato spots in Turin
Alberto's gelato is divine. His focus on simple, fresh ingredients makes his gelato some of the best we've ever had! He also has locations in Milano and Alassio, so you can get your gelato fix in multiple cities nearby.
With multiple locations in Torino, be sure to stop here for specialty coffee, chocolate, or gelato! We grabbed some gelato and it was some of the best we've had in Italy. We opted for stracciatella with gianduia (the ultimate flavor combination!), pistacchio, and fondente (dark chocolate).
what to try in Turin
what to try in Turin
Gianduja is a blend of chocolate and hazelnuts; the same base ingredients as Nutella. We admit - we were never the biggest fans of Nutella, which is made in Alba, only about an hour's drive south of Turin. We were even a little bit cautious on whether or not to try Gianduja, based on these irrational fears. But once we tried it, we became obsessed (and I mean obsessed). With all of the chocolate producers in Turin, we found a ton of amazing options at many of the local stores. We always order dessert at any restaurant that has it on the menu (and sometimes they make it look like a gianduiotto!).
Gianduiotto/Gianduja
If you are in the area between October through January (maybe!), you might luck out and be able to try the Piedmont White Truffle. Only available in this area of the world, and only found in the wild, it’s a rare delicacy. The best way to eat it is over a dish with not overpowering flavors, and to have the truffle grated directly over the dish in front of you. A true gem!
piedmont white truffle
A specialty pasta that is made with a higher ratio of egg yolks than normal. It is traditionally made with butter, salt, and pepper. It pairs very well with Piedmont White Truffle!
tajarin
what to drink in Turin
what to drink in Turin
Nebbiolo is grown throughout the Piedmont region, in all directions from Turin, and is used to make incredible wines. Perhaps the most well-known (and pricey) are the Barolo and Barbaresco, which we adore. Each micro region has their own take on how they use the versatile Nebbiolo grapes. Branch out and explore - find one that matches your palette!
nebbiolo wines
Turin is the birthplace of Vermouth. You may know Vermouth, a fortified wine, as it is used in many fancy cocktails like the Martini and the Manhattan. It can be used in many different ways, from neat, to the main ingredient in a cocktail, to a complementary flavor enhancer. Our favorite is a vermouth spritz - a simply sweet or dry vermouth paired with sparkling wine (usually Prosecco), soda water, and a garnish like orange or lemon!
vermouth
Trust us - this is something worth seeking out. A three-layered drink consisting of espresso, hot chocolate, and whipped cream, Bicerin is an experience all in itself. It is often considered a “must do” if you are visiting Turin - it would be quite the tragedy to visit and miss out on the experience of enjoying a Bicerin!
bicerin
You might be surprised that Turin is the origin of many drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. From wine to coffee, you’ll always be able to find something local that is delicious!
what to see in Turin
what to see In Turin
For the view of the city, this is the spot. While people do walk here, we recommend taking the bus as far as you can. Even with the taking the bus, there's still a bit of a hike up to it. The church, which dates from the 16th century is quaint but beautiful inside. It's worth a peek inside. Once you gather your breath, tour the church, and come back out, the views will prove to take away your breath again. You can even grab a bite to eat while enjoying the views at Al Monte Dei Cappuccini.
Santa Maria al Monte dei Cappuccini
parco del valentino
Parco del Valentino is a picturesque park, located on the west bank of the Po River. When we were last in Turin, the park was set up for Eurovision! It has a ton of walking/biking trails, the Borgo Medievale (although it looks like a medieval castle) was built in 1884, and the Promotrice delle Belle Arti (used for temporary exhibitions). A great place very close to the city center to get away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy a break.
We admit - we haven't actually gone inside or up Mole Antonelliana, but maybe the best way to see it is around town. It is iconic; and surprising that it doesn't have more recognition around the world. It is a stunning piece of architecture and gives Turin a striking skyline. If you have Netflix, check out the series The Law According to Lidia Poet, set in the late 1800s, and you'll notice it being built in many scenes! We happened to be in Turin during Eurovision in 2022 and it was lit up for the occasion!
mole antonelliana
Walk the porticoes and piazzas
Turin’s architecture is truly impressive, with unique influences that set it apart from many other Italian cities. While Bologna holds the title for the most porticoes, Turin’s covered walkways along streets like Via Po and Via Roma are perfect for shopping and people watching. Both streets lead to Piazza Castello, a lively square that’s absolutely worth exploring for its history and stunning sights.
The Royal Palace of Turin is absolutely stunning and worth the visit. Walk through the rooms of the palace that offer views of the gardens and the Mole Antonelliana, make your way to the incredibly huge royal armory, and witness the breathtaking Chapel of the Holy Shroud. If the weather is nice, stroll through the magnificent gardens afterwards. We aren't always museum people, but we really enjoyed our time here.
musei reali
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helpful
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