Visit the salons frequented by Cavour and Carlo Alberto, discovering the historic chocolate shops of Turin

29 Jan 2021

Gruppo UNA

Alcune mantengono ancora lo stile austero, elegante e lussuoso dell'800, altre offrono esperienze multisensoriali per gustare del buon cioccolato artigianale. Quali sono le migliori cioccolaterie di Torino? Parti insieme a noi in un viaggio nella storia e nella tradizione della città Magica per scoprire quali sono i luoghi dove assaggiare il miglior cioccolato piemontese.

Al Bicerin - Piazza della Consolata, 5

Two hundred years after Al Bicerin first opened, this historic café in the heart of Turin still looks almost identical today. Walk in to this fragrant establishment, sit down at a table and order a bicerin, Turin’s iconic drink with a bittersweet taste, made out of chocolate, coffee and buttermilk. Invented right here at this cozy little café, the drink slowly gained popularity around town. Count Camillo Benso di Cavour is said to have frequented this establishment: rumour has it that rather than accompanying the royal family to church at the Santuario, the Count would wait for them here, comfortably ensconced at a table beneath the clock, keeping one eye on the church from behind the curtains.

Al Bicerin - Piazza della Consolata, 5

 

Peyrano - Corso Moncalieri, 47

Peyrano first opened its doors in Turin in 1915. Initially a candy-maker, the workshop branched into chocolate-making after World War I under Antonio Peyrano’s stewardship. In 1920, it became a regular supplier to the Italian royal family. Today, the firm makes more than eighty varieties of chocolates. The historic Peyrano company is known worldwide for its milk and dark chocolate fantasies, clusters, orange creams, diablottini and diablottoni, cat’s tongues, gianduiotti and cremini. This delightful place is chock-full of chocolates and treats prepared by one of the finest chocolate-makers on the international scene. 

Peyrano - Corso Moncalieri, 47

 

Guido Gobino - Via Cagliari, 15/b

The Guido Gobino artisanal store has been making top artisanal chocolate for years. Together with Peyrano, it is known as the mecca of gianduiotto chocolates. The artisanal chocolate shop offers a tasting room with video, sound and olfactory installations, a reading room to learn more about the chocolate world, and an immense variety of chocolates... all crying out to be tasted. Delicacies not to be missed include classic gianduiotti, Tourinot gianduiottini, cremini with extra virgin olive oil, and many chocolate goodies available loose or packaged. As well as its production facilities, the historic Via Cagliari store houses the original Guido Gobino’s store; an additional outlet on Via Lagrange offers a multi-sensory experience dedicated to the food of the gods.

Guido Gobino - Via Cagliari, 15/b

 

Baratti e Milano - Piazza Castello, 29

This historic locale in Piazza Castello was founded in 1858. Ever since, it has been one of the Magic City’s most popular spots. A member of the Association of Historic Venues in Italy, the cafeteria offers visitors the opportunity to taste chocolate and whipped cream prepared exclusively by hand. A historical supplier to the Royal House, Baratti e Milano is famed for its sugared almonds, gianduiotti, candies and small pastries; not for nothing does it feature the House of Savoy’s coat of arms on its packaging. You will love sampling their thick, creamy hot chocolate while admiring the Galleria Subalpina, as Pietro Mascagni and Guido Gozzano did in the past. The cafeteria is also a great place to purchase a huge variety of chocolate bars and small chocolates. 

Baratti e Milano - Piazza Castello, 29

 

Caffè Fratelli Florio - Via Po, 8

l Fiorio is not just one of Turin’s flagship cafes, it is among the venues that has best preserved the city’s atmosphere and traditions. In the lead-up to Italian Unification, something in which Turin played a significant role, the Fiorio was a hotbed of public opinion. ”What are they saying at the Fiorio?” asked Carlo Alberto every morning, as advance copies of the Albertine statute was read within the café’s four walls. Ever since, the sumptuous café has been a favourite haunt of artists, aristocrats and politicians, including Massimo D’Azeglio, Giovanni Prati and Cavour. It still welcomes visitors with delicious hot chocolate and tasty homemade ice creams. Dubbed the “Machiavelli and Codini café”, on your visit make sure you try out their delicious ice cream, zabaglione, gianduiotto with cream and whipped cream, or their classic nougat and hazelnut ice cream.

Caffè Fratelli Florio - Via Po, 8

 

Where to stay in Turin

A tour like this, which has not just your taste buds but Italian history covered, deserves a tip-top place to stay. Principi di Piemonte | UNA Esperienze, a symbol of Turin’s past splendour, located in an imposing rationalist-style building that is among Turin’s most refined architectural jewels, looks forward to welcoming you for a luxurious stay in a great location. 

 Principi di Piemonte | UNA Esperienze

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