Exploring Torino's Authentic Cuisine: Dishes, Restaurants & Recipes

Torino food europe

Sep 29, 2023 • 3 min read

Torino's Authentic Cuisine: Dishes, Restaurants & Recipes

Located in the Piedmont region of Italy, Torino is not only famous for its architecture and stunning landscapes but also for its delicious cuisine. Influenced by its French and Italian neighbors, Torinese cuisine boasts a unique blend of flavors and ingredients. From fragrant truffles to rich chocolates, Torino offers a diverse gastronomic experience. Let's delve into the mouthwatering dishes, must-visit restaurants, and even try our hand at some traditional recipes.

Traditional Torinese Dishes

When in Torino, make sure to try these iconic dishes:

Bagna Cauda: A warm dipping sauce made from garlic, anchovies, olive oil, and butter. Served with an assortment of vegetables, this dish is perfect for sharing.
Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino: Translating to garlic, oil, and chili, this pasta dish is simple yet bursting with flavor. The combination of garlic-infused olive oil and spicy chili flakes is a delightful treat for the taste buds.
Vitello Tonnato: A classic appetizer of cold, sliced veal covered in a creamy sauce made from tuna, mayonnaise, anchovies, and capers. It's a unique combination that somehow just works.
Quattro Formaggi: This mouthwatering pizza is topped with a delicious combination of four kinds of cheese, typically including gorgonzola, fontina, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Cheesy goodness!
Tajarin al Tartufo: Tagliolini pasta made with egg yolks and served with a generous grating of fresh truffles. Truffles are a culinary specialty of the region and add an earthy, aromatic element to this dish.
Bunet: A traditional Piedmontese dessert, bunet is a rich and creamy chocolate pudding made with amaretti cookies, cocoa, and caramel. It's a decadent way to end any meal.

Must-Visit Restaurants in Torino

When it comes to enjoying Torinese cuisine, these restaurants are not to be missed:

Ristorante del Cambio: Located in the heart of Torino, this historic restaurant dates back to 1757. It offers a refined dining experience, serving traditional dishes with a modern twist.
Osteria della Consolata: This cozy osteria is known for its excellent regional cuisine. Sample their agnolotti, a type of pasta filled with meat or vegetables, or their mouthwatering brasato al Barolo, a slow-cooked beef dish.
Trattoria Valenza: A family-run trattoria serving traditional Piedmontese dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Try their carne cruda, a raw meat dish, or their fritto misto, a mix of fried meats and vegetables.
Scannabue Caffè Cucina Bistrot: Located in Torino's vibrant San Salvario district, this bistro-style restaurant offers a fusion of traditional and modern Italian cuisine. Don't miss their mouthwatering gnocchi or their famous bicerin, a delicious layered drink of espresso, chocolate, and cream.

Traditional Torinese Recipes

If you want to bring a taste of Torino to your own kitchen, try these traditional recipes:

Bagna Cauda

Ingredients:

6-8 cloves of garlic, minced
10-12 anchovy fillets, drained and mashed
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Assorted vegetables for dipping (carrots, celery, bell peppers, etc.)

Instructions:

In a saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over low heat until the butter melts.
Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Add the mashed anchovy fillets and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until they dissolve into the oil.
Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and serve warm with the assorted vegetables for dipping.

Bunet