The Historic Cafés of Turin
In Turin, the historic cafés are unmissable, gathering places in the 19th century for intellectuals, politicians, poets, and writers who made an important contribution to the history of the Unification of Italy.
Ideal for breakfast, among many are the Caffè Torino, in Piazza San Carlo, where luxury and elegance shine in gilded mirrors, painted medallions, in the magnificent Art Nouveau staircase and in the finely embossed wood and marble counter. It is open every day from 8 a.m. to midnight. The Caffè Abrate, on Via Po, opened in 1866, whose interiors are warmed by furnishings in Piedmontese style wood and period memorabilia.
For an aperitif or a snack, the right place is the Caffè Mulassano, under the porticoes of Piazza Castello since 1907. Small and cozy, with very few tables, it has managed to maintain the original Belle Époque atmosphere. Turin locals recognize two great merits: having launched the Parisian trend of sandwiches first, still unsurpassed today for variety (over 30 types) and quality, and having introduced toast in 1925 with a toaster machine imported from the United States.
Or also, Al Bicerin, in Piazza della Consolata, just steps from the magnificent church. A small venue, with a muffled atmosphere, which “borrowed” its name from the homonymous hot drink, made with coffee, chocolate, milk, and cream, served in a thick glass shaped like a chalice.
