Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Turin, Italy

Turin, Italy, Turin, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Turin, Italy

1. Bagna Cauda

A traditional Piedmontese dip made with garlic, anchovies, and butter, served with raw vegetables.
  • Authentic Experience: Tasting this dish in a local enoteca (wine bar) provides an authentic taste of Piedmontese cuisine.
  • Social Interaction: Sharing Bagna Cauda with friends and family is a key part of its cultural significance in Turin.
  • Unique Flavor Profile: The strong garlic and anchovy flavor sets Bagna Cauda apart from other Italian dips.

2. Agliolio

A simple sauce made with garlic and olive oil, typically served over boiled potatoes.
  • Quick & Easy Meal: Agliolio is a quick and easy meal to enjoy during a busy day of sightseeing in Turin.
  • Locally Sourced Ingredients: The high-quality garlic and olive oil used in Agliolio come from the surrounding Piedmont region.
  • Versatile Dish: Agliolio can be found in many restaurants, making it a versatile dish for travelers.

3. Risotto alla Pilota

A creamy risotto made with rice, butter, onions, and white wine, traditionally served in the city of Ivrea.
  • Cultural Significance: Risotto alla Pilota is a symbolic dish tied to the history and traditions of Ivrea.
  • Rich Flavor Profile: The rich and creamy texture of Risotto alla Pilota makes it a satisfying comfort food.
  • Day Trip Destination: A visit to Ivrea to try this risotto can be an enjoyable day trip from Turin.

4. Tajarin

Long, thin pasta noodles served with butter and sage, or a creamy sauce.
  • Regional Specialty: Tajarin is a unique and iconic dish of the Biella region near Turin.
  • Luxurious Texture: The silky, delicate texture of Tajarin sets it apart from other pasta dishes.
  • Dining Experience: Experiencing the artistry of freshly made Tajarin at a traditional trattoria is an unforgettable dining experience.

5. Bicchiere di Verdura

A chilled glass of vegetable broth served as a palate cleanser between courses.
  • Palate Refresher: Bicchiere di Verdura helps to cleanse the palate and prepare for the next course.
  • Traditional Practice: This practice dates back centuries in Piedmontese dining culture.
  • Unique Dining Experience: Trying Bicchiere di Verdura adds a touch of authenticity to your dining experience.

6. Caffè Torino

A traditional coffee drink made with equal parts espresso, cream, and sugar.
  • Caffeine Boost: Caffè Torino provides a delightful caffeine boost for travelers in need.
  • Rich & Sweet Flavor: The rich, creamy, and sweet flavor of Caffè Torino is a unique twist on traditional espresso.
  • Historical Significance: This drink originated in Turin and remains a popular coffee choice among locals.

7. Stroppa Lievito

A sweet bread filled with jam or chocolate, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
  • Sweet Treat: Stroppa Lievito serves as a tasty treat to start the day in Turin.
  • Affordable Option: This affordable baked good can be found at many bakeries throughout the city.
  • Traditional Pastry: Stroppa Lievito is a beloved traditional pastry in Piedmont, Italy.

8. Fiamei

A type of fritters made with potatoes and zucchini, typically served as a side dish.
  • Comforting Side Dish: Fiamei offers a comforting and filling accompaniment to any meal.
  • Locally Sourced Ingredients: The fresh vegetables used in Fiamei are sourced from nearby farms in the Piedmont region.
  • Crispy Texture: The crispy texture of the fritters provides a satisfying contrast to softer dishes.

9. Gianduiotto

A traditional chocolate-hazelnut praline candy, named after Turin's beloved carnival character Gianduja.
  • Sweet Souvenir: Gianduiotto makes for a delightful souvenir to bring back home.
  • Iconic Treat: This iconic treat is synonymous with Turin and Piedmontese culture.
  • High-Quality Ingredients: The high-quality chocolate and hazelnuts used in Gianduiotto are a testament to the region's culinary excellence.

10. Gelato al Bicchiere

A unique way of serving gelato in a glass instead of a cone.
  • Refreshing Treat: Gelato al Bicchiere offers a refreshing treat on hot summer days in Turin.
  • Taste Variety: With countless flavors to choose from, you can sample a variety of gelatos during your stay.
  • Iconic Italian Dessert: This popular dessert is an iconic symbol of Italian cuisine.

11. Fritto Misto al Plin

A fried plate of plin (ravioli-like dumplings) filled with meat and served with a garlic-infused sauce.
  • Hearty Meal: Fritto Misto al Plin serves as a hearty and satisfying meal in Turin.
  • Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of meat-filled plin and the garlicky sauce creates a rich, savory flavor profile.
  • Cultural Experience: This dish offers a unique cultural experience by showcasing the region's traditional culinary practices.

12. Panissimo

A flat bread made from cornmeal and wheat flour, traditionally served with butter or tomato sauce.
  • Quick & Filling Snack: Panissimo serves as a quick and filling snack during your travels in Turin.
  • Versatile Dish: The versatility of Panissimo allows it to be served with various toppings and sauces.
  • Regional Specialty: Panissimo is a beloved specialty of the Monferrato region, near Turin.

13. Casella di Bra

A traditional cake made with nuts, honey, and raisins, popular during the winter season.
  • Holiday Treat: Casella di Bra is a delicious holiday treat to enjoy during your winter visit to Turin.
  • Unique Flavor Profile: The sweet and nutty flavor of Casella di Bra sets it apart from other Italian desserts.
  • Traditional Baking Technique: The unique technique used to create the lattice top of the cake is a testament to the region's traditional baking practices.

14. Asti Spumante

A sparkling white wine produced in the Asti region, perfect for toasting and pairing with desserts.
  • Celebratory Drink: Asti Spumante is a festive drink to toast special occasions during your stay in Turin.
  • Sweet & Fruity Flavor Profile: The sweet, fruity flavor profile of Asti Spumante complements desserts beautifully.
  • Regional Specialty: Asti Spumante is a beloved specialty of the Asti region, near Turin.

15. Grissini di Savigliano

Long, thin breadsticks made from a specific type of wheat flour, produced in the town of Savigliano.
  • Traditional Snack: Grissini di Savigliano serves as a tasty and traditional snack to enjoy during your travels.
  • Crispy Texture: The crisp, satisfying texture of Grissini di Savigliano makes it a perfect accompaniment to various dishes.
  • Unique Origin: These breadsticks are made using a specific type of wheat flour found only in the region around Savigliano.