Category: FOOD & HISTORIC CAFรS
๐ 5 min. reading
โ๏ธ Turin Why Not!
title article:
The Best Bicerin in Turin: Complete Guide to Historic Cafรฉs
SUBTITLE:
There is a unique scent carrying through the centuries beneath Turin’s grand arcades: the aroma of Bicerin, the iconic traditional drink of the Savoy capital. A delicate balance of espresso coffee, warm thick chocolate, and a smooth layer of heavy cream placed on top. Created in the 18th century, this masterpiece served in a glass won over kings, writers, and travelers of all eras. If you want to discover where to taste the best Bicerin in town and learn the secrets of Turin’s ultimate ritual, here is our historic cafรฉ guide.
quick table of contents
๐In this article:
- The Drink’s Origin: From “Bavareisa” to Bicerin
- Why Locals Love It So Much
- โ Recommended Historic Cafรฉ
- Must-Visit Historic Cafรฉs to Taste Bicerin
- ๐๏ธ Must-Try Guided Tours in Turin
- ๐จ Where to Stay near Historic Cafรฉs in the City Center
. FIRST SECTION – The Drink’s Origin: From “Bavareisa” to Bicerin
The roots of Bicerin date back to the 18th century, evolving from Bavareisa, a popular drink served in large glasses. The true revolution occurred in 1763 when the historic coffee shop in Piazza della Consolata perfected the recipe, serving the three ingredients (piping hot espresso, thick chocolate, and cold fresh cream layer) stacked rather than mixed.
The name Bicerin comes from the Piedmontese language, meaning “small glass,” referring to the traditional small glass with a wrought-iron handle in which it is served to highlight its three distinct layers.
. SECOND SECTION – Why Locals Love It So Much
To locals, Bicerin is far more than a warm drink: it is a true ritual of comfort and conviviality. Loved historically by key figures like Cavour, Alexandre Dumas, and Puccini, it embodies the elegance of Savoy culture:
- Contrast of Temperatures & Textures: Hot coffee and chocolate meet cool, velvety cream.
- Golden Rule: Bicerin must never be stirred! Drink it slowly, allowing the three layers to blend directly on your palate.
- Traditional Pairing: Enjoyed with traditional local cookies (like hazelnut nocciolini, baci di dama, or torcetti), it is an essential treat during autumn and winter days.
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. THIRD SECTION – โ Recommended Historic Cafรฉ
WHERE TO EAT (HISTORIC CAFร)
(SUGGEST BY TURIN WHY NOT!)
Caffรจ San Carlo
Caffรจ San Carlo Turin is also a historic venue that was born around 200 years ago. Located under the arcades of the homonymous Piazza San Carlo, in the past, it was a meeting place for intellectuals, philosophers, and politicians. Now itโs a place with strong territorial connections that blends classic Piedmontese tradition with experimentation and originality
Caffรจ Elena
Caffรจ Elena is one of the cityโs most historic bars. Its history dates back 130 years, and it has always been a place for meetings and cultural debates. The establishment has retained its old style and is very charming. It is said that at the time of the barโs opening (in 1894), it was used by Giuseppe Carpano as a laboratory to create what is now one of the cityโs most famous alcoholic beverages; Vermouth
Bar Farmacia del Cambio
The โFarmacia del Cambioโ Bar is a very elegant and refined historic bar. In this location, you can taste the unique and distinctive square or spherical brioches. I think itโs the only place in the city where you can have this kind of experience! You can also taste the typical gianduiotto and the 1757 cake (created to honor 260 years of history!)
. FOURTH SECTION – Must-Visit Historic Cafรฉs to Taste Bicerin
Caffรจ Al Bicerin (Piazza della Consolata 5): The birthplace of the drink. An intimate shop with only eight marble tables where time stopped in 1763.
Caffรจ Torino (Piazza San Carlo 204): Elegant Art Nouveau salon overlooking one of Italy’s most gorgeous squares.
Caffรจ Mulassano (Piazza Castello 15): Historic meeting place for artists and politicians, famous for Bicerin and for inventing the Italian tramezzino sandwich.
. FIFTH SECTION – ๐๏ธ Must-Try Guided Tours in Turin
BEST GUIDED TOURS IN TURIN
(partner with somewhere TOURS & EVENTS)
UNDERGROUND TURIN – WALKING TOUR
MAGIC TURIN TOUR
. SIXTH SECTION – ๐จ Where to Stay near Historic Cafรฉs in the City Center
