You could say this Turin chocolate guide was born when I first visited the city for the 2006 Winter Olympics. I had the chance to take part in a special chocolate tasting and from that moment my chocoholic and Italophile selves were forever connected by Torino’s chocolatey goodness.
Fast forward to now where I live for part of the year in the Piedmont hills just outside of Turin. (In fact, nearness to Turin’s chocolates can be a piece of your Italian house-searching criteria!) So, I’ve spent a lot of time tasting my way through the best chocolates in Turin, from delicious Gianduiotto to the thick, velvety hot chocolate served in Turin’s historic cafes.
Spoiler Alert: All of the above and then some are melt-in-your-mouth delicious! But keep reading if you want to know my favorites plus the best places to taste them.
Andiamo!
History of Chocolate in Turin
You might be wondering why and how chocolate and Turin came together. So, let’s take a moment to know the history to appreciate the city’s special relationship with chocolate.
As with Genoa and pesto, the cacao bean made a meandering journey from South America across the Atlantic with some Spanish explorers where it then spread throughout Europe.
At this time, Italy wasn’t a unified country. We’re talking more than 450 years ago when the Royal House of Savoy ruled most of what is today the region of Piemont, as well as parts of the Valle d’Aosta, Liguria, and a small part of eastern France.
As the story goes, Duke Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy wanted to mark the occasion of the region’s capital being moved to Turin from Chambéry (in what is now present-day France).
Having been introduced to chocolate by Charles V of Spain, the Duke decided for the royal court to toast the event with a mug of hot chocolate. From that point, hot chocolate became a popular favorite at the Royal Palace of Turin, and the city’s connection to chocolate royally established!
Finally, in 1678, the House of Savoy allowed the first chocolate shop to open in the city. Locals not only swooned but were also inspired to create their own chocolate varieties which firmly established Turin’s reputation as the chocolate city and eventually (after Italy’s unification) the Chocolate Capital of Italy.
And if you take a closer look at sweets even today in Piemonte, you’ll see how this chocolate connection shaped the region’s drinks and sweets, from Bicerin (Turin’s signature layered espresso and chocolate drink), Bunet (a chocolatey pudding/flan-textured dessert), Baci di Dama (chocolate and hazelnut cookies), and the numerous chocolate varieties of Cuneo.
Turin’s Chocolate Meltdown (and not the good kind)
In the late 1790s, though, the Napoleonic Wars made it difficult for Turin’s chocolatiers to get cocoa. Despite this cocoa crisis, these chocolatiers were resourceful, using the hazelnuts abundant in the hills of Piedmont.
They started mixing hazelnut paste with cocoa to make their cocoa supplies last longer. And if you know anything about chocolate and the flavors that mix well with it, you know they struck gold!
In 1865, Turin’s iconic Caffarel chocolatier invented the first Gianduiotto, which is a blend of hazelnut paste and chocolate. Ever since, it’s been the signature chocolate of the city! It has even inspired products we love today like Nutella and Ferrero Rocher, both of which get their hazelnuts from Piedmont.
Best Chocolate from Turin to Try
So as you can see, Turin chocolates come from a rich tradition of using the best ingredients and creative techniques passed down through generations. All of this means…the chocolate, in both its solid and liquid forms, is molto delizioso!
With limited (stomach) space and time, here are the best types of chocolates to try while you’re in Turin.
1. Gianduiotto Chocolate
As mentioned, this is the hallmark of Turin’s chocolate scene. Gianduiotti (plural), sometimes also written Giandujotto, are rich, creamy chocolates made from a blend of cocoa and hazelnut paste. These iconic, oblong chocolates are smooth and so addictive!
You can choose from milk chocolate or dark chocolate Gianduiotto. Then, let the chocolate melt on your tongue to savor every last morsel of taste…
You’ll see Gianduiotti wrapped in shiny gold or silver wrappers around the city. They make perfect souvenirs, the only concern being eating them all before you actually get back home.
2. Cioccolata Caldo
Dating back to the Royal House of Savoy, hot chocolate is beloved throughout Torino. This isn’t the watered-down or milky chocolate brew you might be used to. In Turin, hot chocolate is a thick and creamy cup of hot chocolate, literally!
It’s made with cocoa powder (unsweetened), some milk, sugar, and typically, dark chocolate. Sometimes corn starch is added to make it extra thick. Either way, it’s the richness of this Torinese drink is perfect after a chilly stroll through Piazza San Carlo or along the Po River.
You can have it con panna (with cream) on top or senza panna (without cream).
3. Cremino
After Gianduiotti, Cremino chocolate creations have my heart. These cube-shaped chocolates are made with three layers: chocolate cream, gianduja, a blend of chocolate and hazelnut paste, and chocolate again.
The chocolate cream layer can also be replaced with a range of flavors like pistachio (my favorite), caramel (also my favorite), different fruits like raspberry, and of course, coffee.
Regardless of which flavor you choose, cremini are absolutely irresistible!
4. Bicerin
Turin’s signature coffee drink is a must-try whether you’re in Torino for a day or a week. Caffé Al Bicerin, one of Turin’s historic cafes, was the birthplace of the Bicerin in 1763 and is still a popular spot to enjoy one today. (Be prepared for a line if you go.) You’ll also find Bicerins served in cafes around the city.
Quite simply, a Bicerin is served in a round glass and has three layers: hot chocolate, espresso, and cream, in exactly that order. When your Bicerin arrives, it’s important not to stir! Instead, you want to drink it as is and let the flavors and textures of each layer gradually mix in your mouth.
And although there are many rules around Italy’s coffee culture, the Bicerin is so good it can be enjoyed with your Italian breakfast or in the afternoon for a coffee break.
5. Tartufo al Cioccolato
Also known as chocolate truffles, Tartufo al Cioccolato are balls of chocolate ganache that have been shaped by hand, rolled in cocoa powder, and filled with flavors like lemon, coconut, salted peanut, pistachio, and rum inside.
These chocolates are absolutely decadent! The ganache is so rich that it’s easy to taste the craftmanship of the chocolatier.
6. Tris di Nocciole
The Piedmont region is known for hazelnuts. In the hills of the Langhe and Monferrato areas, hazelnuts grow alongside the vines of grapes and near the forests where you can find white and black truffles.
So, it makes total sense to have roasted hazelnuts from these hills at the center of a chocolate to highlight one of the foods that makes the region so famous. These bite-sized chocolates have 3 hazelnuts inside and can be coated in milk, dark or white chocolates.
7. Nocciolati
As much as I love chocolate and hazelnut together, I don’t typically eat Nutella because it comes with palm oils and other industrialized ingredients. Luckily, Nocciolati is a specialty chocolate and hazelnut spread made with all-natural ingredients.
When you taste it, you’ll immediately recognize the quality difference compared to Nutella. It’s creamier and the true chocolate and hazelnut flavors come through as opposed to tasting really sugary.
Many local chocolatiers make Nocciolati, as well as family-run businesses in the region. I love to buy this spread from an artisan at the Saturday market in Alba. If you go, he sets up in the square in front of the Church of Saint John the Baptist (Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista).
But you’ll find Nocciolati at markets throughout the region, as well as in Turin at the Porta Palazzo market.
8. Cioccolatini al Liquore
These liquor-filled chocolates are delicious! They have a variety of liqueurs encased inside the chocolate shell like rum, amaretto, and Baileys. And while not enough to have a big effect, on an empty stomach, you can surely feel the alcohol!
I’ve received bags of them as gifts for hosting friends for dinner, around the holidays, and for special occasions.
Best Turin Chocolate Shops to Visit
There are a lot of chocolatiers in Turin that make delicious chocolate treats! But if I had to narrow it down to just a few, these would be my picks.
1. Caffarel
Established in 1826, Caffarel is one of Turin’s oldest and most well-known chocolate makers. They were the genius behind Giaduiotto more than 150 years ago and Caffarel continues to be a favorite among both locals and tourists. If I’m being completely honest, they’re my favorite, too!
You can shop for chocolates with their pick-and-mix option, letting you add as many flavors as you want to your bag. Also, don’t miss the chance to try their special editions and limited-run products. They have a convenient location just two minutes from the Egyptian Museum, one of the best things to do in Turin.
2. Guido Gobino
Guido Gobino is famous for its chocolate creativity. They like to experiment with their chocolate making by trying out modern techniques and a wide range of the best ingredients.
They have delicious pralines, especially the Tourinot (a small version of the classic Gianduiotto), and the Cremino al Sale, a layered chocolate with a hint of sea salt, which are among my favorites of theirs.
For a deeper dive into their chocolate-making process and the opportunity to taste a variety of their creations, don’t miss out on their tasting experiences and factory tours. You’ll also find a few locations around the city to buy chocolates.
3. Peyrano Torino dal 1915
Founded in 1915, Peyrano is known for its dedication to Turin’s chocolate tradition and artisan chocolates. They pride themselves on using only the highest-quality ingredients.
Peyrano’s range of pralines, Giandiuotti, and numerous others are exceptionally made. You can absolutely taste the difference between their chocolates that have been carefully made and chocolates that are mass-produced.
Their shop is opposite Parco del Valentino on the other side of the Po River.
4. Guido Castagna
This chocolate shop is a relative newcomer compared to the other chocolatiers on this list. But don’t let that or its position in this list fool you! This is some of the BEST chocolate in Turin.
I would suggest you compare the Gianduiotti here to others and see which you like the best. Some say they make the best ones in all of Torino. Truthfully, I can’t decide which are the best but they are definitely one of my top choices!
You can visit the shop which is also just a short walk from the Egyptian Museum.
DIY Turin Chocolate Tour
Luckily, Turin’s Centro Storico is a relatively compact area to walk. And for chocolate lovers, you can easily put together your own DIY Turin chocolate tour in a short amount of time. This doesn’t include doing any kind of factory tour but if you follow this mini-route, you’ll be able to taste many of the signature chocolates of Turin with not a lot of time.
Ideally, it would be better to space things out so you’re not on chocolate overload. For example, after your Bicerin, you could visit the Royal Palace of Turin before heading to the next chocolate stop. Likewise, you might want to visit the Egyptian Museum after your cioccolata caldo.
Start at Baratti & Milano Cafe near Piazza Castello. This is one of the most historic and beautiful cafes in Torino. Have a Bicerin and try to resist any of their sweets if you can. There’s more chocolate goodness on the way.
Next, walk towards Piazza Carignano and head to Bramardi Torino-Cioccolateria Caffeteria for one of their signature hot chocolates (cioccolata calda). If you can, sit for a moment at one of the tables outside. This is one of the prettiest squares in Torino.
Then, find Guido Gobino nearby. One by one, visit this chocolate shop followed by Caffarel and Guido Castagna in that order. Taste the different chocolates and compare to see which ones you like the best.
For perspective, if you walked this route from start to finish without stopping, it would only take 10 minutes. Each place is close to the next.
Ready to Taste Some Turin Chocolate?
Are you craving everything chocolate right now? I certainly am after writing this guide!
If you’re planning any time in Turin as you plan your trip to northern Italy, the city’s chocolate experiences must be a part of your itinerary! It’s hands down one of the world’s top chocolate capitals! You’ll get to taste delicious artisan chocolates and drinks all while experiencing a piece of the city’s history. Your taste buds will thank you!
What questions do you have about chocolate in Torino?
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