Sidestreet Travel

Italy has been my dream trip since I was sixteen. My first trip to this incredible country was to Turin for Eurovision. I knew little about the city before arriving, but I was surprised and impressed. The city was electric and buzzing because of Eurovision. Still, even without the galvanizing energy of the song contest, Turin has a unique regional character for food, wine and culture that will delight those who visit. Here are some highlights for why to visit:

1. The city is small to medium-sized and easy to explore on foot.
2. It doesn’t feel overrun with tourists, and it feels easy to integrate into the daily life of a local.
3. The food selection is diverse and affordable.
4. Wine country is close.

Located in northern Italy, Turin is the capital city of Piedmont, a famous wine region (the wine is indeed divine). Turin is a small city with a cozy yet bustling feeling, much more low-key and relaxed than its famous neighbour Milan. Get lost walking around this charming city, with exquisite baroque architecture at every corner. The key is to wander the city with little of an agenda, and be prepared to be pleasantly surprised by the unique food and wine experiences that await you.

Local Food Culture: 

1. Battuta al coltello di Fassona – Is a version of tartare specific to the Piedomont region and is a high grade quality of meat. The ‘Battuta al coltello’ refers to the local technique of beating the meat with a knife. The meat is seasoned with salt, pepper, and lemon. Because of its uniqueness and regionality, the dish has been designated Slow Food.
2. Vitello Tonnato combines sliced veal with tuna sauce, anchovies, and capers.
3. Peperoni al Forno in salsa di acciughe is roasted peppers, aka pepperoni, topped with anchovy sauce. Bell peppers are a locally sourced and prized vegetable from the Piedmont region, so you get a truly authentic local dish.
4. Agnolotti del plin is a traditional stuffed pasta dish with meat or vegetables. It is a typical dish of the region, so it is an excellent opportunity to try something hyper-local.

Aperitivo is a beloved Italian tradition that is not unique to Turin, but it’s worth noting as a local food culture. It’s a pre-dinner drink meant to “open the appetite.” The most widely recognized is the Aperol spritz, a refreshing cocktail made with Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water. You will also find small snacks like olives, cheese, meats, and bread accompanying your aperitivo, making it a social and culinary experience.

Where to eat and what to expect: 

La Societe die Carbonari—This restaurant came recommended, but it showed me that the best local restaurants are the cozy hole-in-the-wall spots. So be open to strolling and stumbling upon restaurants and bars on side streets. If the weather permits and there is space, sit on the terrace. The food and wine were fantastic. You can expect generous portions and a great selection of meat, pasta, and fish dishes.

Casa del Barolo— This wine shop/tasting room is a must. You can do a wine and food pairing, perfect in the afternoon or as an Apertivo. But the wine is so damn good. The shop is family-owned and was started by the father, who began working with small-scale producers to bring a unique range of wines to the community. Over the years, he has developed an incredible assortment of locally produced wines. The pairings are generous and delicious. Be prepared to take home a selection of Barbara, Nebbiolo, rose, and sparking whites.

Piola da Ciani— This is a local hot spot, a charming local spot in the center, tucked into a little square surrounded by other restaurants and bars. When the weather is nice, sit outside and prepare to get cozy. We shared multiple dishes across the antipasti, primi, secondi, and contorni for three people. We also ordered 1L of red wine, and it was delicious! This trip made me obsessed with learning to eat like Italians. This spot is also great for people-watching, especially locals, and it’s nice because there are few tourists. Bellissimo.

Gelato, gelato, gelato everywhere. 

You will find delicious options throughout the city, but here are a couple of top-notch spots offering a more bespoke experience.

+Di Un Gelato – A but hype, but delicious. An excellent assortment of traditional and unique flavours, in addition to pastries and coffee. I recommend an affogato or at least two scoops. 

Niva Gelato: This is a traditional family-run gelato shop. This spot has been in business for twenty-five years and focuses on simple, uncomplicated flavours and ingredients. Try your gelato in a cone or a brioche for something different. 

Common sense: General notes on Apertivo culture. Enjoy an Aperol or Campari spritz, but avoid the big piazzas and squares. They are super touristy and overpriced. Instead, wander the side streets and grab a spot in a pedestrian-heavy area to people-watch with a spritz. 

Cultural Highlights: 

Piazza San Carlo – This is the central plaza in the city, with architecture dating back to the 17th century. The large, open plaza is excellent for taking in the views while being entertained by street musicians and impromptu dancers, not to mention people-watching. If you’re thirsty and want an aperitivo, walk to a nearby side street to avoid the touristy prices.

Museo Nazionale dell’ Automobile: If you’re a car aficionado, you will derive great joy from this museum. It was purposefully built to showcase a comprehensive collection of cars and provides a detailed look at the vehicles’ history and technical prowess while also connecting to the more extensive evolution of transport from the 20th century onwards. 

Basilica of Superga: This profound basilica offers visitors an extraordinary view of the city and surrounding area from its hilltop position. The baroque architecture is a stunning juxtaposition against the backdrop of the city. 

Getting Around: 

The buses are well connected in Turin, so if you need to go longer distances but have time, it’s an excellent way to see the city. Make sure to bring cash. 

Electric Scooters are all over the city. They are helpful for short trips around the inner city, but be careful of the cobblestone streets and merging into the traffic circles. 

Walking is my favourite way to explore the city, and Turin is such a charming city on foot. Take your time, wander, and enjoy seeing a more intimate portrait of Turin on foot. It’s also a great way to exercise and take in all the tasty treats. 

Wine Country: 

If you have a few days in Turin, you can use it as a base to explore the nearby wineries. Given this region’s superb quality and range of wine, it’s worth making time to imbibe in wine country.