What to Eat in Turin: 13 Treats You Should Not Miss

The popularity of Italian cuisine around the world means that everyone thinks they know what there is to eat in Italy. However, Italian cuisine is in many ways a victim of its own success. There's hardly a city in the world where you can't get pizza and pasta these days, but the versions you'll get outside of Italy are very different from the real thing.

Additionally, Italian cuisine is highly regional. The traditional dishes you'll get in Turin are based on Piedmontese cuisine, which is completely different from what you'll find elsewhere in Italy. Ultimately, this is part of the appeal of visiting different Italian cities because the regional dishes can change from one city to the next.

Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Turin, and you'll be ready to explore the city through your stomach and learn more about the typical dishes and local cuisine of this northern Italian city. Whether you're looking for a great fine dining restaurant or a Michelin-starred restaurant to try a modern twist on traditional recipes, or you'd rather keep it casual and fun with the best street food in Turin, there's plenty to eat here to suit any appetite or budget. Traditional dishes of homemade pasta and polenta can also be great for vegetarians, and you'll find them on the menu of the best vegetarian restaurants in Turin. So what are you waiting for? It's time to learn all about the most delicious dishes in Piedmontese cuisine.

Turin Food: Hazelnuts

If you love Nutella, then you've already got a soft spot for hazelnuts. These little nuts are actually native to the Piedmont region, and they feature prominently in many traditional dishes. One of the most famous is gianduja, a chocolate-hazelnut spread that's similar to Nutella but even more delicious. You can find gianduja all over Turin, from bakeries to gelato shops.

If you want something a little more savory, try tajarin, a type of pasta made with egg yolks and flour. This pasta is usually served with a sauce made with butter and grated hazelnuts. It's a simple dish, but the combination of flavors is absolutely delicious.

You can also find hazelnuts in many dessert dishes, such as torta gianduja (hazelnut cake) and panna cotta al cioccolato gianduja (chocolate hazelnut pudding).

Turin Food: Wine

Piedmont is one of the most famous wine regions in Italy, and Turin is the perfect place to sample some of the best wines in the world. There are many great wineries in the area, but you can also find excellent wines at restaurants and bars throughout the city.

One of the most iconic Piedmontese wines is Barolo, a red wine made from Nebbiolo grapes. This wine is often described as the "king of wines," and it's definitely worth trying if you're a fan of red wine.

Another excellent option is Barbera, which is also made from Nebbiolo grapes. This wine is lighter and more fruit-forward than Barolo, making it a good choice if you're new to Piedmontese wines.

Of course, there are many other types of wine produced in Piedmont, so be sure to ask your server for recommendations.

Turin Food: White Truffles

If you love mushrooms, then you'll definitely want to try some of the delicious truffles that are found in the Piedmont region. These rare fungi have a strong, earthy flavor that goes well with many different dishes.

Truffles are most often used in pasta dishes, such as tagliolini al tartufo (thin noodles with truffles) and risotto al tartufo (rice with truffles). You can also find them on pizza, in omelets, and even in ice cream.

If you're looking for a truly unique experience, be sure to try one of the many truffle-hunting tours that are offered in the Piedmont region. These tours will take you into the forests to search for these delicious fungi with the help of trained dogs.

Piedmont was doing slow food before the slow food movement was even a thing. Foraging for truffles in the forests around Turin is about as slow food and local as dining gets.

Turin Food: Gnocchi

Gnocchi is a type of pasta made from potatoes, and it's a popular dish in Turin. This pasta is usually served with a tomato sauce or a butter and sage sauce.

If you're looking for something a little different, try gnocchi alla bava, which is gnocchi served with a gravy made from beef or veal. This dish is often served at special occasions, such as weddings.

For a truly unique experience, be sure to try gnocchi al plin. This dish consists of small balls of gnocchi that are pinched together and then cooked in broth. It's a very traditional dish, and it's definitely worth trying if you're looking for something authentic.

You'll find gnocchi just about everywhere in Turin, from the fanciest fine dining restaurant to the tiniest hole-in-the-wall family-run restaurant in the back streets of the city. As one of the most popular regional dishes, gnocchi is a great way to eat like a local and enjoy one of the most authentic culinary experiences there is to be had in Turin.

Turin Food: Risotto

Risotto is a classic Italian dish made with rice, broth, and various other ingredients. This dish is usually served as a main course, but you can also find it on the menu at many restaurants in Turin.

There are many different types of risotto, but some of the most popular include risotto alla milanese (with saffron), risotto alla piemontese (with beef or veal), and risotto al tartufo (with truffles).

No matter what type of risotto you choose, you're sure to enjoy this delicious dish. Risotto is a great way to try some of the local flavors of Turin, and it's definitely one of the city's most iconic dishes.

Turin Food: Bicerin

Bicerin is a popular drink in Turin that consists of coffee, chocolate, and cream. This rich and creamy beverage is perfect for chilly days, and it's a great way to warm up after a long day of sightseeing.

You can find bicerin all over Turin, but one of the best places to try it is at Confetteria Stratta. This historic cafe has been serving bicerin since 1817, and it's definitely worth a visit if you're looking for a truly authentic experience.

Turin Food: Brasato al Barolo

Barolo wine is obviously great for drinking, but it has other uses, such as adding rich flavor and complexity to this traditional dish.

Brasato al Barolo is made with beef that has been slow-cooked in wine until it's incredibly tender. The meat is then served with a sauce made from the cooking wine, and it's often served with polenta or mashed potatoes.

This dish is definitely a must-try for any meat lover, and it's a great way to experience the flavors of the Piedmont region. You can find it on the menu at many restaurants in Turin, but one of the best places to try it is at Ristorante Bava.

Turin Food: Raw Meat

This is not one for the squeamish and definitely not for vegetarians. But Turin is famous for its raw meat dishes, and if you're feeling a little adventurous, it's worth trying one of these meat items. The best restaurants in Turin use high-quality ingredients to ensure that the meat is perfectly safe to eat, and you may be surprised just how tasty uncooked meat can be.

Some of the most popular raw meat dishes include carpaccio (thinly sliced beef or veal), tartare (minced meat), and filet mignon.

If you want to try something truly unique, be sure to order tajarin al tartufo at Ristorante Bava. This dish consists of paper-thin strips of pasta served with raw egg yolk, truffles, and Parmesan cheese. It's an acquired taste, but it's definitely worth trying if you're looking for a uniquely Turin experience.

Turin Food: Vitello Tonnato

This is a classic Italian dish made with veal, tuna, and mayonnaise. The veal is cooked until it's incredibly tender, and then it's sliced thin and served with a sauce made from tuna, mayonnaise, and other ingredients.

Vitello Tonnato was originally invented by a Milanese doctor for people with sensitive digestive systems. Whether it worked for its intended purpose or not is up for debate, but the dish was tasty enough to quickly become popular across Northern Italy, including in Turin. Served cold, it's a great way to beat the heat of summer, and the creamy tuna-flavored sauce takes the tender veal to the next level of flavor. Served with fresh vegetables and a good glass of wine, this makes an incredible meal to enjoy in Turin.

Turin Food: Bra Sausage

This sausage is made with beef, pork, and red wine, and it's a staple of the Piedmont region. Bra sausage can be found in many dishes across Turin, but it's most commonly served on its own as an appetizer.

The sausage is cooked over an open fire, and it's often served with grilled peppers or other vegetables. It's definitely a must-try for any meat lover, and it's a great way to experience the unique flavors of the Piedmont region.

Turin Food: Agnolotti del Pin

Agnolotti del Pin is a type of ravioli made with beef, pork, and spinach. The filling is wrapped in dough made with flour and water, and then they're boiled and served with a variety of sauces.

This dish is a specialty of the Piedmont region, and it's definitely worth trying if you're looking for something truly authentic. These hearty dumplings are the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploration and are a great way to fend off the sometimes cold Piedmontese winter.

Turin Food: Bonet

Bonet is a traditional Piedmontese dessert made with chocolate, amaretti cookies, and custard. It's then topped with whipped cream and served chilled.

This dessert is rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious. It's the perfect way to end a meal and is sure to leave you feeling satisfied.

You can find Bonet on the menu at many restaurants in Turin, but one of the best places to try it is at Gelateria Coppa d'Oro. This gelateria has been serving up this delicious dessert since 1894, and it's definitely worth a visit if you're looking for an authentic taste of Turin.

Turin Food: Uovo in Camicia con Fonduta

This dish is made with a poached egg, fondue, and truffles. It's a simple dish, but the flavors are anything but ordinary.

The egg is cooked until the white is firm and the yolk is still runny, and then it's placed in a bowl of melted cheese. The cheese is then flavored with truffles, and the whole dish is served with a slice of bread for dipping.

If you're looking for a truly unique culinary experience, this is definitely the dish for you. It's rich, creamy, and full of flavor, and it's sure to leave you wanting more.

Conclusion

There's so much more to Italian cuisine than pizza and pasta. And the traditional dishes you'll find in Turin are unlike those you'll get to try anywhere else in the country. So eating your way through Turin is a great way to get to grips with the culture and history of the city, as well as a fun thing to do in its own right.

Plus, located as it is along the Po River and close to the Italian Alps, there is no shortage of places to enjoy the best hikes in Turin and burn off some of those unwanted calories. Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage, and you'll be able to enjoy everything Turin has to offer.