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Turin food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Turin.
Photo by Carmen Laezza on Unsplash
What to eat in Turin
6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Bagna Càuda
$15–$25
A warm, garlicky anchovy dip served with an assortment of raw and cooked vegetables. It's a communal dish that embodies Piedmontese hospitality and flavor.
Where to try: Trattoria Vineria San Marco
Agnolotti del Plin
$12–$18
Tiny, pinched ravioli typically filled with roasted meats and served with a simple butter and sage sauce or the pan juices from the roast. The 'plin' refers to the pinch used to seal them.
Where to try: Osteria Antiche Volte
Vitello Tonnato
$18–$28
Thinly sliced, cold roasted veal topped with a creamy sauce made from tuna, capers, and anchovies. A deceptively simple dish that highlights quality ingredients.
Where to try: Ristorante Del Cambio
Brasato al Barolo
$20–$35
Beef braised for hours in Barolo wine until meltingly tender, usually served with polenta. This is a rich, deeply flavorful dish showcasing Piedmont's king of wines.
Where to try: Cucina Dorazio
Gianduiotto
$2–$5
The iconic Turin chocolate, shaped like an inverted boat, made with gianduja (hazelnut and chocolate paste). It melts luxuriously in your mouth.
Where to try: Guido Gobino
Bonet
$6–$10
A rich, chocolate and amaretti cookie pudding, often flavored with rum and caramel. It's a classic Piedmontese dessert that's both comforting and sophisticated.
Where to try: Cantina Vini Orientali
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Quadrilatero Romano
Historic, charming, and bustling with traditional trattorias and artisan food shops.
Traditional Piedmontese CuisineWine TastingPeople Watching
San Salvario
Eclectic and lively, known for its diverse culinary scene, from ethnic eateries to modern bistros and aperitivo spots.
International CuisineAperitivoNightlife
Crosetti
A more local, residential area with excellent neighborhood restaurants offering authentic, home-style cooking.
Authentic Local FoodFamily-Friendly DiningValue
Vanchiglia
Bohemian and creative, with a growing number of trendy cafes, wine bars, and innovative eateries.
Modern ItalianCoffee CultureCasual Bites
Dietary notes
Piedmontese cuisine is traditionally rich and meat-centric, with many iconic dishes featuring beef, veal, and pork. While vegetarian options are increasingly available, especially pasta dishes with vegetable sauces or cheese, vegan options can be more challenging to find outside of dedicated establishments. Gluten-free pasta is usually available upon request.
Local etiquette
- •The 'aperitivo' is a serious affair; locals often linger for an hour or more, enjoying drinks and nibbles before dinner.
- •Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekend evenings.
- •Tipping is not obligatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small gratuity (5-10%) for excellent service is appreciated.
- •Dinner is typically eaten later, starting around 8:00 PM or 8:30 PM, with many kitchens not closing until 10:00 PM or later.