Turin is the capital city of the Piedmont region in northwestern Italy, with the Aosta valley region to the north, with 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. It’s a hidden gem that luckily isn’t on most people’s radar!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 even get to your table, you’ll know you’re in for something special. There is an open kitchen and the art throughout goes in concert with the food experience. 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. Simply put - amazing. And – we haven’t even gotten to dessert! 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). Look at the photos to see how the unique dessert is!
This restaurant blew us away. Before you even get to your table, you’ll know you’re in for something special. There is an open kitchen and the art throughout goes in concert with the food experience. 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. Simply put - amazing. And – we haven’t even gotten to dessert! 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). Look at the photos to see how the unique dessert is!
This restaurant blew us away. Before you even get to your table, you’ll know you’re in for something special. There is an open kitchen and the art throughout goes in concert with the food experience. 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. Simply put - amazing. And – we haven’t even gotten to dessert! 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). Look at the photos to see how the unique dessert is!
This restaurant blew us away. Before you even get to your table, you’ll know you’re in for something special. There is an open kitchen and the art throughout goes in concert with the food experience. 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. Simply put - amazing. And – we haven’t even gotten to dessert! 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). Look at the photos to see how the unique dessert is!
This restaurant blew us away. Before you even get to your table, you’ll know you’re in for something special. There is an open kitchen and the art throughout goes in concert with the food experience. 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. Simply put - amazing. And – we haven’t even gotten to dessert! 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). Look at the photos to see how the unique dessert is!
This restaurant blew us away. Before you even get to your table, you’ll know you’re in for something special. There is an open kitchen and the art throughout goes in concert with the food experience. 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. Simply put - amazing. And – we haven’t even gotten to dessert! 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). Look at the photos to see how the unique dessert is!
This restaurant blew us away. Before you even get to your table, you’ll know you’re in for something special. There is an open kitchen and the art throughout goes in concert with the food experience. 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. Simply put - amazing. And – we haven’t even gotten to dessert! 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). Look at the photos to see how the unique dessert is!
This restaurant blew us away. Before you even get to your table, you’ll know you’re in for something special. There is an open kitchen and the art throughout goes in concert with the food experience. 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. Simply put - amazing. And – we haven’t even gotten to dessert! 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). Look at the photos to see how the unique dessert is!
This restaurant blew us away. Before you even get to your table, you’ll know you’re in for something special. There is an open kitchen and the art throughout goes in concert with the food experience. 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. Simply put - amazing. And – we haven’t even gotten to dessert! 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). Look at the photos to see how the unique dessert is!
This restaurant blew us away. Before you even get to your table, you’ll know you’re in for something special. There is an open kitchen and the art throughout goes in concert with the food experience. 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. Simply put - amazing. And – we haven’t even gotten to dessert! 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). Look at the photos to see how the unique dessert is!
This restaurant blew us away. Before you even get to your table, you’ll know you’re in for something special. There is an open kitchen and the art throughout goes in concert with the food experience. 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. Simply put - amazing. And – we haven’t even gotten to dessert! 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). Look at the photos to see how the unique dessert is!
This restaurant blew us away. Before you even get to your table, you’ll know you’re in for something special. There is an open kitchen and the art throughout goes in concert with the food experience. 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. Simply put - amazing. And – we haven’t even gotten to dessert! 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). Look at the photos to see how the unique dessert is!
This restaurant blew us away. Before you even get to your table, you’ll know you’re in for something special. There is an open kitchen and the art throughout goes in concert with the food experience. 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. Simply put - amazing. And – we haven’t even gotten to dessert! 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). Look at the photos to see how the unique dessert is!
This restaurant blew us away. Before you even get to your table, you’ll know you’re in for something special. There is an open kitchen and the art throughout goes in concert with the food experience. 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. Simply put - amazing. And – we haven’t even gotten to dessert! 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). Look at the photos to see how the unique dessert is!
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.
A newer restaurant in Centro, 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.
A newer restaurant in Centro, 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.
A newer restaurant in Centro, 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.
A newer restaurant in Centro, 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.
Nebbiolo is grown throughout the Piedmont region, in all directions from Turin, and is used to make red wines. Perhaps the most well-known (and pricey) is the Barolo, which we adore but save for special occasions. There are a lot of other options, like Barbaresco, as 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!
Turin is the birth place 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!
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!
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!
Gianduja is a blend of chocolate and hazelnuts; the same base ingredients as Nutella. We admit - we aren't 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. We try to find versions available in the United States, we miss it so much. While our favorite is in Alba at Osteria dell’Arco (it was basically a mega-sized Reese’s Peanut Butter cup.. of course with hazelnut butter, not peanut butter). We found a ton of amazing versions in Turin as well.
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!
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!
A salad invented in Russia in the 1860s in Turin?! Yes, we were surprised too! It's great as an antipasti, preparing your palette for the rich pastas to come.
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.
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 and it was lit up for the occasion!
The architecture in Turin is amazing. The building structures have influence that many parts of Italy do not. While Turin doesn't have the most porticos (that title goes to Bologna), the porticos on many of the streets like Via Po and Via Roma have great shopping and people watching. Those two streets happen to end in the Piazza Castello, which is definitely worth walking around and checking out the sites.
The Arena is famous, and rightfully so. It was built in 30 A.D. and is still in use today. It’s extremely impressive and really cool to have right in the middle of town. If you’re able, check out a live show that they have in the warmer months of the year.
Sneak a peek at Juliet's Balcony early in the morning before anyone is there. A bit of a tourist’s delight, the balcony itself wasn’t even constructed until the 20th century. Admittedly, this is not something up our alley, but this is a main draw for the city. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Check the times as the gate to the courtyard is locked during non-operating hours.
A bit outside of the city center (but not too bad for those willing to get in a good walk!), this garden built in the Renaissance Era has the best vistas of Verona. It’s worth the climb up the terraces to get an incredible view of the city!
So nice we ate there twice! Vicolo Battisti offers an entire menu dedicated to pizza and the other to Piemonte specialities. We opted to visit twice so that we could try both. The weather was delightful so we dined alfresco where they line the street with tables. The staff is young, hip, and helpful. The food was excellent. Reservations recommended.
So nice we ate there twice! Vicolo Battisti offers an entire menu dedicated to pizza and the other to Piemonte specialities. We opted to visit twice so that we could try both. The weather was delightful so we dined alfresco where they line the street with tables. The staff is young, hip, and helpful. The food was excellent. Reservations recommended.