From Vermouth to White Truffles, Turin’s Food Scene is a Treasure Trove of Flavors

Turin, the former capital of Savoy and a city steeped in history, is a culinary paradise waiting to be discovered. As the birthplace of vermouth, grissini, and espresso, this north Italian city is a fitting host for the annual World’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony. But you don’t need to have deep pockets to enjoy its great food scene. Behind the city’s elegant piazzas and royal palaces lies a vibrant food culture that is accessible to all.

Savio Losito, co-founder of the app Unexpected Italy, took me on a journey to uncover the city’s hidden gems. Our first stop was Latteria Bera, a dairy in the historic centre that has been a staple of the community since 1958. Chiara Franzoso, the owner, stocks a huge range of fresh and aged cow, goat, and sheep cheeses, as well as charcuterie specialities that are a must-try. The most popular dairy product is fresh cream whipped with sugar and vanilla, served in little pots like ice-cream, with nuts, chocolate, or a dollop of warm zabaglione.

Next, we headed to Scannabue, a city institution that has been serving up Turin classics such as carne cruda, vitello tonnato, and stuffed pasta for decades. But what sets Scannabue apart is its innovative dishes, such as goat’s cheese with almonds and house-dried tomatoes, and marinated artichokes. The friendly atmosphere and Paolo Fantini’s welcoming smile make this restaurant a must-visit.

Le Vitel Étonné, a restaurant with a French/Piedmontese name, is another gem that serves exquisite meat dishes. The head chef, Massimiliano Brunetto, creates antipasti that are almost too beautiful to eat, such as tripe salad and stuffed courgette flowers in rice batter. The pasta dishes are equally impressive, with tajarín carbonara style with asparagus and guanciale, and agnolotti stuffed with veal, beef, and pork.

In the residential district of Turin, we found Antiche Sere, a restaurant that feels like a scene from a book or film. The hand-written menu includes all the favourites, plus ribstickers such as pork shank with potatoes, and rabbit stew in white wine. I particularly liked the “electric” tomini cheeses, with chilli-spiked green herb sauce.

Fratelli Bruzzone, a deli that evolved into a restaurant, is a family-run business that offers several welcome plant-based dishes. The porcini mushrooms in a fujot, a ceramic dish with candle used to keep bagna cauda warm, were a highlight, as was the plin with goat ricotta and asparagus.

Our final stop was Ristorante Consorzio, a dark and intimate restaurant that is widely admired for its modern twists on traditional dishes. The Sicilian chef, Valentina Chiaramonte, creates dishes that are both innovative and delicious, such as crispy egg on braised chard, and grilled asparagus with pea cream and pine nuts.

As the sun sets over Turin, the city comes alive with the sound of laughter and conversation. From the riverside San Salvario district to the gentrifying Borgo Nuovo, there is no shortage of places to eat and drink. And with its rich food culture and welcoming atmosphere, Turin is a city that is sure to leave you wanting more.

Where to Stay

For those looking to stay in Turin, the B&B Look TO is a must-visit. Opened in 2019, this charming B&B is located in an 1830s palazzo overlooking the vast Piazza Vittorio Veneto. The four bedrooms are named after flowers, and the breakfast room is filled with sunny yellow. The owner, Giuliana Marsiaj, is a landscape designer who has decked out the guest sitting rooms in rich dark teal and glowing red.