Turin, Italy, is a city that truly comes alive as the sun begins to dip below the horizon. It’s known as the capital of the aperitivo, a tradition that involves enjoying pre-dinner drinks accompanied by an impressive spread of snacks. For over two centuries, locals and visitors alike have embraced this ritual in the city’s elegant cafes. The experience offers a delightful and often economical alternative to a full restaurant meal, with drinks typically priced between €5-10 and including access to generous buffets. It’s important to note that aperitivo typically runs from 6 PM to 9 PM, and a drink during this time means paying the enhanced price, whether you partake in the buffet or not. Always check the price difference between standing at the bar and being seated at a table, as there can be variations.
Historic Aperitivo Havens
Timeless Elegance in Grand Cafes
Stepping into some of Turin’s historic cafes feels like stepping back in time. These establishments have perfected the art of the aperitivo, offering not just drinks but a complete sensory experience.
What is Turin’s aperitivo tradition?
The tradition centers around enjoying a drink, like wine or a cocktail, accompanied by a substantial buffet of small bites. It’s a social ritual, often enjoyed with friends or colleagues, that bridges the gap between work and dinner.
The variety of offerings at these buffets is astonishing, ranging from delicate canapés and fresh salads to cured meats and artisanal cheeses. It’s a fantastic way to sample local flavors without committing to a formal dinner.
Caffe San Carlo A Classic Experience
Inaugurated in 1822, Caffe San Carlo is an institution. Its discreet entrance belies the opulence within; imagine a glittering ballroom with Murano crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and gilded mirrors. It’s an unforgettable setting for aperitivo, which runs from 6 PM to 8:30 PM.
Here, wines and cocktails cost around €8 and are accompanied by a buffet that boasts dozens of different canapés, salads, salami, and cheeses. The grandeur of the surroundings perfectly complements the richness of the food and drinks.
Caffe Torino Art Nouveau Charm
Located at the other end of the arcade from Caffe San Carlo, Caffe Torino opened its doors in 1903. Its Art Nouveau decor offers a slightly more relaxed atmosphere, yet it retains a significant sense of historic elegance. The bright red neon sign advertising Martini is iconic.
The house specialty is a Negroni cocktail, a potent blend of Martini Rosso, Campari, and gin. While it once attracted celebrities, today it’s a friendly mix of business professionals and students. Drinks between 6 PM and 9 PM are between €5-7, granting you access to a vast selection of dishes laid out along the bar.
Caffe Mulassano A Discreet Buvetto
Caffe Mulassano is perhaps the most discreet of Turin’s historic bars, a tiny “buvetto” tucked away beneath the arcades surrounding the royal palaces. For 150 years, Mulassano has been serving its unique house aperitif, made in its own distillery.
The charm here is in its intimacy. Every drink, at any time of day, comes with a delicious plate of freshly prepared “tramezzini” sandwiches and toasts made on the spot by the barman. Drinking at the bar costs €5, while seating at a table is €7, a small price for such an authentic experience.
Caffe Platti Belle Epoque Splendor
If you could only visit one historic venue, make it Caffe Platti. This lustrous Belle Epoque café is a vibrant meeting place from morning until late night. You’ll see elegant ladies sipping a “biccerin” – Turin’s traditional coffee mixed with bitter chocolate and topped with thick cream – alongside lively evening crowds discussing football or politics.
Aperitivo here runs from 6 PM to 9 PM. While you can opt for a table in the opulent salon, squeezing in at the bar is more fun and more economical. The bar is lined with tempting plates of canapés, mini pizzas, and cakes from their own bakery. A glass of wine typically costs €5.
Floris House An Exotic Escape
Floris House, situated on the first floor of an 18th-century palazzo, feels like an Aladdin’s Cave. It’s filled with perfumes, flowers, home decor, furniture, and fashion. But the real insider secret is its cozy cocktail bar.
Overseen by a skilled barman who crafts excellent Margaritas and Mojitos, Floris House is a popular spot for aperitivo lovers between 5:30 PM and 9 PM. You can feast on plates of smoked salmon and pâté, with drinks ranging from €7-10. It’s a unique blend of boutique shopping and sophisticated drinking.
Modern Aperitivo Hotspots
Contemporary Flavors and Vibes
Beyond the historic elegance, Turin also boasts a vibrant scene of modern aperitivo bars. These spots often fuse creative cocktails with innovative food offerings and can transform into lively hubs later in the evening.
These contemporary venues cater to a different kind of spirit, often embracing trendier decor and music. They provide an exciting contrast to the classic locales, showing the city’s dynamic evolution.
Lobelix The Trendsetter
Lobelix is credited with starting the trend of modern aperitivo bars in Turin that later transition into dance clubs. It remains a top choice for those looking to kick off a night of partying.
The bartenders here are masters at inventing unique cocktails, reasonably priced at around €7. From 6:30 PM to 10 PM, the kitchen consistently delivers huge plates of food, including pizzas, pastas, grilled vegetables, and fresh tuna salad. It’s a place to start your evening with energy and excellent value.
Pastis Retro Chic Dining
Decorated in a colorful 1950s retro style, Pastis presents a distinctly alternative aperitivo option. Their traditional aperitivo buffet, available from 5:30 PM to 8 PM, is completely on the house.
Drink prices remain consistent, typically €3-4 for a beer or glass of wine. After the buffet hours, Pastis transforms into a restaurant serving light, creative Sicilian cuisine. It also houses a gallery promoting young artists, with weekly exhibition openings on Wednesdays at 10 PM.
Arancia di Mezzanotte A Gastronomic Feast
This cool Mediterranean-themed venue is part restaurant, part cocktail bar, and part gourmet food shop, and it arguably offers the most extravagant aperitivo feast in town. Drinks are a flat €8, but the value is exceptional.
The chef presents a gastronomic spread featuring dozens of specialties from the Piedmont region. Don’t miss regional delights like “bagna cauda,” a spicy anchovy dip with raw vegetables, and “vitello tonnato,” thinly sliced roast veal with a creamy tuna sauce. It’s a true culinary exploration.
Caffe Roberto The Apericena Pioneer
On Piazza Vittoria Veneto, Turin’s largest square and an unofficial nightlife capital, Caffe Roberto offers something truly special. Their owner invented “apericena,” which goes beyond mere nibbles to a substantial self-service meal accompanying apertivi.
From 6 PM to 9:30 PM, for €7 – the same price for a cocktail, beer, wine, or even a glass of water – guests can indulge in a vast array of dishes. Expect pastas and risotto, roast meats, salads, and irresistible tiramisu. It’s a complete meal experience in a lively setting.
Numero Otto Caffe Neighborhood Gem
Numero Otto Caffe is the kind of friendly neighborhood hangout you discover by getting lost in Turin’s backstreets, rather than finding in typical guidebooks. Overlooking the beautiful Piazza Bodoni, it’s a fusion of bright modern design and Italian pop and rap music.
The friendly owner, Jessica, expertly crafts delicious fruity non-alcoholic cocktails alongside classics like the Martini and Americano. A tasty buffet of garlicky tomato bruschetta, cold cuts, and “stuzzichini” (finger foods) is served from 8:30 PM to 9 PM, with drinks priced from €3.50-5.
Tips for Your Aperitivo Adventure
Maximizing Your Experience
To truly enjoy Turin’s aperitivo culture, a little planning goes a long way. Understanding the timing and pricing can help you make the most of these delightful pre-dinner rituals.
Remembering the general hours of 6 PM to 9 PM allows you to structure your evening effectively. It’s a perfect precursor to a relaxed dinner or a night out exploring the city’s squares and streets.
When should I plan my visit?
Aperitivo typically runs from approximately 6 PM to 9 PM each evening. This timing makes it ideal for a pre-dinner snack and drink, or as a lighter alternative to a full meal.
Arriving earlier in the window can sometimes mean the buffet is more fully stocked, though the atmosphere is generally lively throughout the designated hours.
How much should I expect to pay?
Drinks are generally priced between €5 and €10, and this price invariably includes access to the buffet. Some venues might offer slightly different pricing structures, so it’s always wise to confirm.
Be aware that if you choose a table service, you might incur a higher charge compared to standing at the bar. This is common in many historic cafes.
What if I don’t eat the buffet?
Even if you don’t plan on eating much, you will still pay the aperitivo price for your drink. It’s essentially paying for the privilege of access to the buffet spread, regardless of consumption.
The value proposition is usually in the sheer volume and variety of food available, making it a compelling offer even for lighter eaters looking to sample different Italian delicacies.
Should I sit or stand?
It’s often more affordable and sometimes more social to stand at the bar. However, for a more relaxed experience, especially if you’re with family or a group, a seated table is preferable, though it might come at a slightly higher cost.
My husband, Michael, and our kids, Lily and Ethan, really enjoyed the atmosphere at one of the grander cafes, even if we opted for a table. It felt like a special treat, and the kids were fascinated by the scale of the buffet.
What are the must-try drinks?
While classic cocktails like the Negroni are popular, don’t shy away from trying local specialties. Many bars offer their own house aperitifs, often made with regional ingredients. Turin is also famous for brands like Martini, so exploring their variations is a great idea.
For non-alcoholic options, many places now offer creative mocktails. And of course, a simple glass of local Piedmontese wine is always a superb choice.
What kind of food can I expect?
The food is a major highlight. Expect a diverse range of small bites, including mini pizzas, focaccia, savory tarts, various cheeses, cured meats, olives, roasted vegetables, and sometimes more substantial options like pasta salads or rice dishes. It’s a delightful way to taste a bit of everything.
The offerings can vary significantly from one venue to another, reflecting both the establishment’s style and the regional culinary traditions of Piedmont. It’s a true culinary adventure waiting to happen.
Exploring Turin’s aperitivo culture is an essential part of experiencing the city. It’s a tradition that perfectly blends social enjoyment, delicious food, and fine drinks in settings that span from grand historic halls to chic modern bars. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or traveling with family, finding your favorite aperitivo spot will undoubtedly be a highlight of your visit to this beautiful Italian city.