“What news from the cafès today?” King Vittorio Emanuele
II would often ask his counselors when he wanted the low-down on the
political situation. If we’re going to be honest, a chapter of Italian
history was actually written in Turin cafès. Cavour was a
patron of Caffè Fiorio, but Massimo D’Azeglio, Giolitti and
Einaudi preferred Baratti & Milano.
Caffè Al Bicerin - Photo: City of Turin Kit
De Gasperi used to wind
down at Caffè Torino. Alexandre Dumas was a habituè of Bicerin (the “snifter”), Guido Gozzano liked the Art
Nouveau rooms in Mulassano, but Platti was
Cesare Pavese’s favorite.
Things haven’t changed much and the historic cafès are the
heart and soul of Turin tradition and culture: a safe bet for tasting some
special subalpine pastries in oh-so-chic style.
Historic cafès
Al Bicerin
Piazza della Consolata, 5
Tel. 011-4369325
The specialty of the house is the "bicerin", a chocolate beverage mixed
with coffee, hot bitter chocolate and milk cream. Don't leave town without
having tried it!
Bicerin - Photo: City of Turin Kit
Caffe' Baratti & Milano
Piazza Castello, 29
Tel. 011 440.71.38
Located at the entrance to the Galleria Subalpina, this cafè
conserves the elegance of fin de siècle atmosphere and is the
perfect stopover for an aperitif. The refined restaurant serves
lunch from 12:30 to 14:30.
Caffè Elena
Piazza Vittorio Veneto, 5
Tel. 011-8123341
This historic cafè once was the haunt of the writer Cesare
Pavese and the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. Tables are set
under the porticoes with a view of the square. Besides its
well-stocked wine cellar, this popular cafè offers a wide
selection of aperitifs and appetizers.
Caffè Fiorio
Via Po, 8
Tel. 011-8173225
Established in 1780, the cafè was popular with artists and
politicians such as Rattazzi, D'Azeglio and Cavour. Nicknamed
"cafè of the pigtails", it was also frequented by gentlemen
aristocrats and high military officers during the 1800s. The
rooms still conserve the elegance of times past. Light lunch also served.
Caffe Platti - Photo: City of Turin Kit
Caffè Platti
C.so Vittorio Emanuele II, 72
Tel. 011-5069056
Established in 1875, this cafè has conserved its original
furnishings. Pavese and Einaudi were frequent guests, and
today's clientele still draws from the city's upper classes.
Light lunch with fixed menu is served from 12:00 to 14:30 and
dinner is served à la carte from 19:30 to 24:00.
Caffè Miretti
C.so Matteotti, 5
Tel. 011-533687
Small but elegant cafè famous for its excellent ice cream.
Caffè San Carlo
caffe San Carlo - Photo: City of Turin Kit
Piazza San Carlo, 156
Tel. 011-5617748
The first Italian cafè to use gaslight that illuminated the rich
plasterwork and statues decorating the rooms. At the time,
chroniclers called it "a palace", where Risorgimento patriots and
statesmen met. Bar service. outdoor cafè.
Caffè Mulassano
Piazza Castello, 15
Tel. 011-547990
Established at the turn of the century, it was popular with the
nobility from the royal court and the artists from the nearby
Teatro Regio. An ideal place for a cup of coffee or hot cocoa
and a look at the beautiful wood and marble furnishings. Its
original owner created sandwiches that eventually made his
establishment famous.
Caffè Neuv Caval 'D Brons
Piazza San Carlo, 157
Tel. 011-545354
Elegant cafè serving aperitifs and coffee, with a choice
selection of pastries, appetizers and sandwiches. A winding
staircase leads to the upper floor restaurant with view of the
square and outdoor cafè.
Caffe Torino - Photo: City of Turin Kit
Caffe' Torino
Piazza San Carlo, 204
Tel. 011-545118
One of the city's most elegant gathering places, with outdoor
tables under the 17th century porticoes surrounding the square.
The elegant interior decor dates from the turn of the century.
Light lunch served.
Confetteria Stratta
Piazza San Carlo, 191
Tel. 011-547920
Established in 1836, the confectionery made by Stratta is famous
in Italy. Its show windows display the traditional products of
piedmontese confectionery. Favorites include caramels,
gianduiotti and filled chocolates. No bar service.
Pepino
Caffe Pepino
Photo: City of Turin Kit
Piazza Carignano, 8
Tel. 011-542009
Established in 1903, the cafè is located in the square in front of
Palazzo Carignano, the seat of the first Italian parliament, and the
historic Teatro Carignano (pedestrian zone). It was the preferred
cafè of the House of Savoy. Today, its outdoor tables offer a
welcome place to enjoy a quick lunch, ice cream or cake.
Confetteria Avvignano
Piazza Carlo Felice, 50
Tel. 011-541992
Typical Turin confectionery shop established in 1883,
beautifully decorated with lacquered and golf leaf furnishings
dating from 1926. A wide variety of choice products such as "Droneresi"
(meringue filled with rum-flavored chocolate) and "Baci di
Cherasco" (bitter chocolate filled with hazelnut creme). No bar service.
