Moving to Turin in Italy was a decision I made based on love. No, I didn’t fall in love with a handsome Italian, I fell head over heels for Turin chocolate and the city’s stunning beauty.
I’m saying this because you must visit Turin if you have a slight affair with cacao goodies or a true passion for quality chocolates. And I warn you, you might want to move her, just like me.
But how and why did Turin become a chocolate hub? I will tell you all later, first a quick heads up of what you will find in this article.
This Turin Chocolate Guide will take you on a mouthwatering journey through the best chocolates in Turin and the best shops to visit. I will share my list of favorite ones, why you should try them, plus cacao experiences you must have here, from museums to tours and more. Are you ready?
But why is Turin from Chocolate is SO GOOD?
I have asked this myself, and as a good journalist and chocolate lover I went to the field to discover it. After one, two, no more than 5 chocolate bars, I learned that chocolate made in Turin is special because of its high-quality ingredients.
Apart from cacao, they focus on local ingredients, mixing artisan expertise with modern techniques.
Also, the history of consuming and producing chocolate in Turin is special and shaped how the city and its people consume it.
History of Chocolate in Turin
To taste the real cioccolato di Torino – Turin’s chocolate, you need to understand why it’s so special and unique, and the answer is in history.
The origins of chocolate in Europe date back centuries, to the time of the Aztecs and Mayans, who used chocolate as an ingredient in a drink. The Spanish, who conquered regions in South America, brought the beans back to Spain and shared them with the rest of Europe.
But how did it arrive in Turin?
History tells that in 1560 Duke Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy served hot cocoa to celebrate the transfer of the Ducal Capital from Chambéry to Turin, in the Piedmont region of Italy. Since then, hot chocolate has become a staple within the Royal Palace of Turin, and in 1678, the first-ever cocoa store was opened with royal permission.
Now it wasn’t just royalty and the elite who could enjoy this sweet treat. It became popular and soon after, experimenting with chocolate commenced. All kinds of spices and sugars were added to create new flavors. Yummy!
Turin became THE chocolate city and the cioccolata calda – hot chocolate – spread across Europe. And until now, it’s a hot seller in most cafes and bars in Turin.
But life is not sweet all the time, and the Napoleonic wars posed a challenge to the Italian chocolate makers. Cocoa wasn’t easy to import and they had to get creative.
As a result of cocoa shortages, ground hazelnut from the Piedmont region was turned into a paste to complement cocoa and thicken the mixture. And it worked like magic!
In 1865, Caffarel Chocolatier created the first Gianduiotto, a symbol of Turin chocolate, and an innovation in flavor and chocolate production.
And the chocolate inventions never ended!
In the 1700s Turin struck one more time and created Bicerin, a hot drink mixing coffee espresso, hot chocolate and milk, all poured in perfect layers inside a small transparent glass – a perfection to the eyes and soul. I will tell you where to try the original recipe later on, keep reading.
When visiting Turin and trying all the chocolates, you will notice the mixture of chocolate, hazelnut, and sugar is the base of many sweets, the most famous one being Nutella.
Nutella is from Ferreiro Group born in Alba city, Piedmont in 1946. It’s one hour away from Turin. The family shop produced its first chocolate and hazelnut spread in 1951, it was named SuperCrema, a spreadable version of the Gianduiotto chocolate.
A decade later, in 1964, Nutella was born as we know it today. One more sweet treat that results from the passion for chocolate and the quality of ingredients produced in the Piedmont region.
And the innovation with cacao and hazelnut never stopped, which I love!
Best Chocolates in Turin That You Must Try
You should try all the delicious chocolates from Turin, but life is not only about eating whatever you want, so if you have to choose, go for the best ones.
I picked 6 types of chocolate delights that represent Turin’s chocolate tradition. They might sound similar, but trust me, each simple artisanal chocolate is a world of flavor on its own.
Afterwards, I will recommend a few chocolate experiences and the best chocolate shops in Turin, where you will find the treats I mention here and much more. 😉
Giandujotto Chocolate
You might see it spelled as Giandujotto or Gianduiotto, both are the same delicious things. Caffarel is world-renowned for inventing this melt-in-your-mouth chocolate. And although the city is praised for having some of the world’s largest and best selection of confectionery chocolates, Giandujotto is particularly special.
Giandujotto chocolate is individually wrapped, in either gold or silver packaging, and shaped as ingots. Upon your first bite, you’ll taste tones of deep hazelnuts and soft chocolate. Both complement each other beautifully.
Giandujotto Turin is made with Langhe hazelnut, only found in the Piedmont region. This ingredient makes it even more unique. Some would dare to say it’s the best chocolate in Italy. Let me know your thoughts when you try it.
I prefer the dark chocolate Giandujiotto, but I would never say no to a milk chocolate one.
The flavor might remind you of a similar taste, Nutella. You know, Giandujotto inspired Nutella, however, the two simply cannot be compared.
The small chocolate factories in Turin use fresh, as natural as possible local ingredients, different from the industrialized Nutella.
Tartufo al Cioccolato
Turin wouldn’t be known as a city of chocolate without Tartufo. Tartufo al Cioccolato is traditionally hand-rolled balls of chocolate ganache coated in cocoa powder, coconut, nuts, or spices. They might have some liquor inside as well.
They’re known as chocolate truffles because they resemble the wild truffles that grow in the woodlands in Italy, especially in the Piedmont region, where Turin is the capital city. Again, local ingredients literally shaping the chocolate industry.
You will find a wide variety of flavor combinations, don’t be shy and taste as many as possible, or take them home as a souvenir.
Cremino
This is my husband’s favorite, and I bet you will love it too. Cremino is very traditional and you will find it in any chocolate shop in Turin.
It’s a layered chocolate confection made with alternating layers of chocolate and gianduja, that delicious creamy blend of chocolate and hazelnut paste used to make Giandujotto. The exact composition can vary, but typically, there are three layers: one layer of chocolate cream, one layer of gianduja, and another layer of chocolate.
Chocolate creations have no boundaries, which means you will find Cremino in different flavors or ingredients, such as coffee, pistachio, or orange. Try them all!
Cremino is known for its smooth and creamy texture, as well as its rich, nutty flavor. It works magically as a small indulgence or dessert, sometimes accompanied by a cup of espresso or a glass of wine.
Cioccolatini al Liquore
It means chocolates filled with liqueur and I’m sure it will be one of your favorites. The chocolate case is made of the finest quality cocoa and filled with different liqueurs like rum, brandy, amaretto, and fruit-based ones like cherry or orange. I know Baileys flavor is a beloved flavor.
There are no rules to eat chocolate, but these little ones are perfect after-dinner delights. They combine the rich, smooth taste of chocolate with the flavorful kick of the liqueur, creating a decadent experience for chocolate lovers.
Tris di Nocciole
Tris di Nocciole is a locally sourced roasted hazelnut coated in delectable chocolate. As simple as this sounds, Tris di Nocciole honors both hazelnuts and chocolate by allowing them to show off their incredible flavors.
You’ll find some Tris di Nocciole that wrap hazelnuts in a dark rich fondant, creamy ganache, or white chocolate. I love all of them, and it’s a great sweet treat to give to a friend as it comes in cute little bags or jars.
Nocciolati
Nocciolati is a one-of-a-kind chocolate and hazelnut spread. Unlike most commercial chocolate and nuts spreads found in supermarkets, Nocciolati is made without palm oil, hydrogenated fats, or preservatives. All the ingredients are organic and high-quality raw ingredients.
The hazelnut paste is creamy and smooth, and the first thing you’ll taste is the rich notes of the nuts. Pick up on a touch of vanilla, dark chocolate, and cocoa buttery goodness.
Think of a Nutella 100 times better, where you can taste chocolate and hazelnuts with the added sugar. It’s truly a chocolate heaven in a jar.
Many small family-owned factories produce Nocciolati in the Piedmont region, and the best way to buy this product is in local markets like Mercato Porta Palazzo. Or at the small food markets that happen in every Turin neighborhood.
But if you can have this local market experience, the easiest place to get it is in Eataly. This one-of-a-kind food shop is from Turin, did you know?
In Eataly Torino you find only Italian products and the chocolate sector is dedicated to local chocolate houses, there you will find the best chocolate and hazelnut spreads, buy with no fear.
Bicerin and the historic cafes in Turin
As promised, here is all you need to know to enjoy a glass of Bicerin in Turin. The bar that created it is still open. Since 1763 it has been serving the traditional recipe along with pastries, little chocolates, and a view of the beautiful Santuario della Madonna Consolata.
Caffè Al Bicerin address is here. Bear in mind it’s a tiny cafe where locals and tourists have to queue for a table, so be patient and don’t take too long to get your Instagram pic.
To have an idea of how important this cafe is, it’s mentioned in one of Umberto Ecco’s books, Friedrich Nietzsche was a regular here, like many celebrities from the past and present.
If queuing is not your cup of tea, you can try a glass of Bicerin in any other cafe in Turin. The recipe might be slightly different but you might like it even better. Remember it must be made of coffee, hot chocolate and milk, it can’t go wrong.
I strongly suggest you go to one of Turin’s historic cafes. More than just having a Bicerin you will experience Turin’s rich and opulent coffee and chocolate culture.
The historical cafes in Turin you must go to are:
- Caffè Fiorio from 1780,
- Statta from 1836,
- Baratti & Milano from 1858,
- Caffè Platti from 1875,
- Pepino from 1884,
- Caffè Torino from 1903,
- Caffè Mulassano from 1907.
Be prepared to travel to the past and be awed by incredible architectural and design beauty.
Cioccolata Calda and Merenda Reale
Last but not least, is Turin’s hot chocolate, the delicacy that started the city’s chocolate heritage. You can drink it at any of the historic cafes I listed above. But for a real experience, I recommend you to try the Merenda Reale.
Merende Reale is Turin’s afternoon snack, like the afternoon tea for the British. But in Turin, instead of tea, we serve hot chocolate or Bicerin paired with a tray of pastries like torcetti, lingue di gatto, canestrelli and baci di dama that can be dunken into hot chocolate, and also some sweets like cri cri, diablottini and gianduiotto.
Queen Anne of Austria was the creator of Merenda Reale in the 18th century, and since then it has been a routine at the Turin Royal Palace.
And you can still treat yourself with it in Turin. You can order your Merenda Reale at Caffè Pepino, Caffè Torrefazione Moderna, and my favorite at Caffè Reale Torino, located inside the Royal Palace. It can get more royal and special than this.
The Turin tourism department says that you can also have the Merenda Reale at Caffè Degli Argenti Della Reggia di Venaria, which is inside the incredible Reggia di Venaria, one of the 7 must-visit Royal Palaces in Turin. But, as I haven’t been there yet, I suggest you contact them before going.
Talking about unique chocolate treats and experiences, let’s jump to another mouthwatering topic: experiences and chocolate tours in Turin you can’t miss.
Chocolate Experiences in Turin
As you can see, Turin is the perfect travel destination for chocolate enthusiasts and any foodies who want to explore the city’s chocolate scene.
One of the best things to do in Turin is to embark on a 2-hour walking tour (click for more info). During this small group tour, you’ll try samples of chocolates, learn about the recipes and history of Turin chocolate, and walk around the beautiful old town.
Here are three chocolate tours in Turin worth checking out:
- Chocolate and Sweet Tour Turin – 2h30min tour with 5-star reviews. It offers free cancellation and you can book it via Viator.
- Turin Sweet and Chocolate Tour – 2h30min. You can book it here on Viator.
- Turin Guided Food Tour with Chocolate & Wine Tasting – 2h45min tasting local food, wine, and chocolates. You can book it here via GetYourGuide.
Did you know Turin has a chocolate festival?
Another way to taste authentic chocolate from Turin is by visiting the city during the CioccolaTO festival, which is exactly how you say chocolate in Italian, unforgettable right?
The Turin Chocolate Festival happens every November at the beautiful Piazza San Carlo and Via Roma. Over 100 master chocolatiers from Italy and other countries sell their products on Turin streets.
November is the best time to visit Turin for a gastronomic and chocolate experience, as the weather gets colder hot chocolate stalls pop up on many streets. You can enjoy the festival and experience the Piedmont truffle season happening from September to December.
Also, in late November, the ski resorts near Turin open so you can add a few days of snow fun to your trip. Sounds like a plan, right?
CioccolaTO is one of my best winter memories of Turin. I can’t forget the smell of chocolate in the streets, it’s delicious. Turin Chocolate Festival includes shows, workshops, chocolate tasting, and competitions among award-winning chocolatiers.
Turin Chocolate Museum
And as of 2024, Turin will have a museum dedicated to the history of chocolate making, praising the artisan chocolatiers and taking us on a sweet journey that will probably end with a feast for our taste buds and a mug of cioccolata calda.
I can’t give you much info about the museum, because by the time I’m writing this article, it’s not open yet.
I can tell you that Pfatisch, a historic chocolate shop from Turin, is creating it. The shop opened in 1915 and chocolate was made in the shop’s basement. The place that now will be turned into a museum. You can follow the Turin Chocolate Museum updates on their Instagram.
And as soon as I have news, I will update here.
The Best Chocolate Shops in Turin
Tours are amazing, and the chocolate festival is incredible,but if you want to taste the finest chocolates in Turin you must visit these top chocolate shops:
Guido Gobino
Guido Gobino is known for its experimental chocolate without ever forgetting the traditionality and authenticity involved in creating Turin’s famous chocolates.
So rather than sticking to the style of chocolate making that’s been around for centuries, this chocolaterie tries new and thoughtful ways of highlighting the bean.
Guido Gobino sources high-quality, single-source cocoa beans and skillfully combines them with new, interesting flavors. Some of the unusual flavors include cloves, lemon, and even eucalyptus.
For many Torinese, Guido Gobino is their favorite chocolatier, and I can tell it’s something out of this world.
Guido Castagna
Guido Castagna is among the Turin elite chocolatiers who have mastered the art of roasting and blending cocoa beans to bring out the best in the fruit pod. And like with a good wine, Guido Castagna allows the beans to mature before turning them into marvelous creations.
When you visit the shop, expect to find raw chocolate, with beans sourced from Madagascar and Venezuela, assorted bean bars, and truffle collections. The chocolate boxes are beautiful and tasty, it works like a perfect Italian gift, at least for me.
Caffarel
Caffarel is the creator of Giandujotto and this is already a good reason to visit it. It is a highly renowned chocolate shop that was born in Turin but now can be found all around the country.
Their Giandujotto is something special, as all their chocolates which are bean-to-bar promising a top-quality, ethically sourced product.
The brand was bought by Lindt & Sprüngli Group in 2021, but the shops are still the same and the chocolates look and taste like the old Caffarel recipes. So visit it soon, before something changes.
Peyrano Torino. Dal 1915
Peyrano Torino. Dal 1915 is a luxurious chocolate shop that sits right along a riverbank and sells chocolate like jewelry. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Cioccolataio is the name you will find on the shop facade.
The tradition of making sweets started in 1915, and in 1938 was proclaimed by Vittorio Emanuelle III, Duke de Savoy, as “Fornitore della Real Casa di Savoia”, which means the shop was officially a supplier for the Savoy Royal Family.
I think you will like it as well.
Journey into the Italian Chocolate Capital
By now you want to try one of Torino chocolates, right? And I get it, I wish I had a box of truffles with me.
Interestingly, chocolate is an easy sweet treat to buy nowadays yet there are so many different and unique chocolates that can make people like you and me travel to different destinations to try. It’s amazing, isn’t it? Or is it just our sweet tooth that is never satisfied?
Anyways. When it comes to chocolate, everyone has their favorites and preferences, whether it is dark and bitter, sweet, fruity, or caramelly. The good thing is that you can find them all here in Turin, a delicious gastronomic experience waiting for you.
Of course, the regular supermarket chocolate tastes good, and I dare to say in Turin they are even better. But the exquisite collection of chocolates that you can only find at the little artisan or local factories is unique to Turin. After all, the history of Italian chocolate began in this magical city.