4 Italian restaurants you absolutely must visit in Turin

Turin, capital of the Savoy states in the Middle Ages and then of unified Italy in 1861, is located in the northwest of the country. Near the Alps, it's home to several Piedmontese culinary classics, including vitello tonnato and gianduja. Less touristy than other Italian cities, it's the perfect destination for foodies looking for a city break.

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Baratti & Milano

Founded in 1858, this prestigious confectionery house is famous for its gianduiotti , ingot-shaped chocolate bonbons made with gianduja, a chocolate and hazelnut paste. Its historic café, located just off Piazza Castello—one of the city's largest squares—is a good example of Turin's chocolate tradition. Ferrero, creator of Nutella, is from Piedmont after all! Beyond the small sweets, they also serve excellent pasta, such as tortelli alla marjoram, which is larger than tortellini. In northern Italy, pasta is richer than in the south. It is served with butter or cream sauces rather than the tomato and olive oil-based sauces found in the south.

www.barattiemilano.it

Caffè San Carlo

Open since 1822, this legendary café in the majestic Piazza San Carlo quickly became a meeting place for the region's elite. The sumptuous decor is a fine example of the city's architectural refinement. Beyond coffee and pastries, guests can sample vermouth, Turin's iconic fortified wine, created by Antonio Benedetto Carpano in 1786. Their vitello tonnato is equally divine. This dish, made with thin slices of cold veal and a sauce of tuna, anchovies, egg yolk, olive oil, lemon juice, and capers, is a classic of Piedmontese cuisine.

www.costardibros.it/caffe-san-carlo-torino/

Caffè al Bicerin

Bicerin, an iconic Turin drink, was created in 1763 in the café of the same name. Made with espresso, thick hot chocolate, and cream or frothed milk, it quickly became a Turin tradition prized by intellectuals and writers. It's understandable that such a recipe would be a great pick-me-up to combat writer's block!

bicerin.it

Scannadue

Opened in 2008, this restaurant is decorated in a vintage style, so much so that you would think it has been around for decades. Their home-style cuisine, showcasing regional flavors, has earned them numerous accolades, such as the Michelin Bib Gourmand, highlighting restaurants offering excellent value for money.

www.scannabue.it

The Travaglini vineyard

Made from 100% Nebbiolo, the region's unique volcanic terroir gives Gattinara wines a distinct minerality and freshness. They are recognized as one of the great vintages of Piedmont.

www.travaglinigattinara.com

The Acquerello rice field

At Tenuta Colombara, an old Piedmontese farmhouse dating back to the 1400s, Piero Rondolino and his children specialize in growing Carnaroli rice, ideal for risotto. Aged for at least a year, the rice is then sold under the Acquerello brand, available in Montreal.

www.acquerello.it

The Ca' Vittoria restaurant

This Michelin-starred restaurant-inn located in Tigliole, in the heart of the Asti hills, is well worth a visit. Chef Massimiliano Musso offers cuisine inspired by Piedmontese classics with an Asian twist, given his years of experience on the continent, particularly in Taiwan.

www.cavittoria.com

Our colleague was a guest of the Piedmont Tourist Office.