TheFork on tour

TheFork on Tour: A Taste of Italian Cities

Imagine ancient walls that share the tales of merchants and smugglers, venues that witnessed encounters, debates and futurist feats amongst great artists and intellectuals, fiaschetterie (old wine shops) that have evolved into meeting points for the international jet-set, and venues adorned with frescoes by some of the grand masters of Italian art.

Welcome to TheFork on Tour, restaurants that, like precious treasure chests, preserve unusual stories, memorable events, and cultural and artistic curiosities from the Peninsula. They become the perfect accompaniment to the many dishes of traditional Italian cuisine offered on their menus.

From Turin to Palermo, from Venice to Florence: there are 24 restaurants gathered in this online guide created by TheFork with the intention to unveil them and, at the same time, inspire an unusual key for a cultural and gastronomic tour that combines the historical, artistic, and cultural wonders of the main Italian cities with their peculiar flavours and aromas.

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Bergamo and Brescia

Two cities, but a single soul. Named the Capital of Culture of 2023 (yes, not capitals) these two Lombard cities offer countless opportunities throughout 2023 to discover them in a new light, even as day trips from Milan.

Thanks to a rich program of events and appointments, there are many sightseeing ideas that go beyond the most well-known historical sites, like the elegant Bergamo Alta with its beautiful buildings and gardens, or the archaeological heritage of Roman Brescia.

Exhibitions, theatres, and festivals, featuring national and international artists, animate the indoor and outdoor spaces of both cities and their surroundings with artworks, site-specific installations, performances, concerts – perfect for exploring these cities from a unique angle.

Notable installations include British artist Rachel Whiteread’s And the Animals Were Sold, which creates a dialogue between the city and the architecture of Palazzo della Ragione, the pulsing heart of ancient Bergamo. An additional highlight includes

the iconic installations Waves in Bergamo-Brescia, these were crafted by Kaarina Kaikkonen, a contemporary Finnish artist renowned for her large urban art interventions. The art pieces are displayed in two locations: the Palazzo dell’Ex Centrale telefonica (Former Telephone Exchange Building) in Bergamo and the Chiesa di Borgo Trento in Brescia. Kaikkonen’s works invite viewers to contemplate the passage of time and life and encourage a fresh perspective on the cities in the wake of the pandemic’s tragic impact.

Finally, Light is Life - Festa delle Luci A2A (Light is Life - A2A Festival of Lights) that illuminates Monte Isola on Lake Iseo through the radiant works of international artists, especially the unprecedented Terzo Paradiso dell’Energia by Michelangelo Pistoletto. A truly exciting journey in the name of a solidary and sustainable future.

19/60 | Brescia

Situated in the heart of the hilly region of Franciacorta and just a few kilometers from Lake Garda, Brescia is known for the gastronomic excellences of its territory: caviar, casoncelli (ravioli-like pasta) and renowned sparkling wines.

It was here that in 1960 Lidia Gatti (part of the Italian Order of Merit for Labour) took over the management of the popular Rosticceria Milano, dedicating herself to discovering local culinary heritage. Over time, the business grew steadily and decisively, changing its name to La Trattoria and then, in 2016, to Ristorante 19/60, thanks to the creativity of the new chef Silvana Zanotti, Lidia Gatti’s daughter. She reinvigorated and enriched the fresh and authentic recipes, still keeping tradition at the core of her work.

Trattoria Da Gina | Brescia

The vaulted ceiling, wooden beams, and a 15th century fireplace made of Sarnico stone set the scene at Trattoria Da Gina, opened a century ago in Rovato (BS).

At the time, it was a favourite among farmers who came to sell their products and would stop by Gina’s for a good glass of wine and for typical Brescian dishes. Today, it hasn’t lost its culinary soul and offers local dishes such as manzo all’olio (oil-braised beef), grigliata (mixed grilled meat), bolliti misti (mixed boiled meats) and casonsei (ravioli-like pasta) with melted butter, accompanied by a selection of Franciacorta or national and international wines.

Osteria Tre Gobbi | Bergamo

Opened in 1855, this is the oldest osteria (traditional restaurant) in Bergamo, known for its traditional dishes and much appreciated by Gaetano Donizzetti.

Since 2020, Osteria Tre Gobbi has seen a change of pace thanks to the collaboration between Marco Carminati, a food and wine enthusiast, and Chef Filippo Cammarata. Retaining its refined 19th-century atmosphere and lovely outdoor dining area, the menu offers classics of Bergamo cuisine, such as polenta taragna (a type of cornmeal and buckwheat dish typically enriched with butter and cheese) and casoncelli, along with dishes that reflect the chef’s Sicilian roots, like calamarata (a type of pasta) with shrimp, leeks and Timut pepper.

This place is also appreciated for its conviviality, where some dishes, like the platters of cold cuts and cheeses, or polenta and cod, are designed to be shared among friends.

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Florence

Perpetually featured on the travel routes of international visitors and equally adored by Italians, Florence is among the most exquisite art cities in the Belpaese .

The historic centre is adorned with monuments, churches, and historic buildings: the iconic Duomo with its magnificent Brunelleschi’s dome – a Renaissance masterpiece – the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Uffizi Gallery – home to an exquisite collection of art – and Piazza della Signoria, overseen by a replica of the beautiful David (the original is housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia) and finally, Ponte Vecchio, hosting artisan shops that overlook the Arno River. Such places are of such extraordinary beauty that they have been known to induce Stendhal Syndrome, named after the French writer who was profoundly moved by the grandeur of the Basilica of Santa Croce.

An open-air museum that extends to the opposite bank of the Arno, an area known as the ‘diladdarno’ by the locals. Here, you can find a more authentic and picturesque Florence. Cross the Ponte Vecchio, and you’ll first encounter Palazzo Pitti, a symbol

of the Medici’s power and now home to five museums, including the Imperial and Royal Apartments. Designed by Brunelleschi, it sits at the foot of the Boboli hill, which lends its name to the beautiful Boboli Gardens. These were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 and serve as a perfect oasis for relaxing among green spaces, admiring a vast collection of sculptures and works of art. Thanks to its layout, the gardens also offer a stunning view of the city.

To capture the most breathtaking panorama of Florence, walk down the banks of the Arno to Piazzale Michelangelo. This massive panoramic terrace, established in 1869 when the city was the capital of Italy, is dedicated to the celebrated Renaissance artist. It showcases a replica of David (the third one) at the centre of the square. From the stone railing that surrounds it, the gaze sweeps across the architectural wonders of Florence embraced by its river – a truly spectacular sight, especially at sunset.

Trattoria Antico Fattore

Opening its doors in 1865, Trattoria Antico Fattore was initially a popular gathering spot for farmers, who would regularly meet in Piazza della Signoria to trade their goods. Fast-forward to 1929, this traditional eatery had transformed into a Wednesday-evening hotspot for notable figures in the arts, including De Chirico, Morandi, and Carrà (all revered artists of their time). Starting in 1930, it also became host to the esteemed Antico Fattore Award, a celebration of literary excellence that welcomed future Nobel laureates such as Montale, Quasimodo, and Toni Morrison among its winners. Through the centuries, Trattoria Antico Fattore has remained faithful to its roots, proudly serving the best dishes that Florentine and Tuscan cuisine have to offer. Expect homemade fresh pasta, pici (a type of Tuscan spaghetti), and mouthwatering meats dressed with high-quality oil, all accompanied by generous servings of delightful local wine.

La Loggia

Situated at Piazzale Michelangelo, La Loggia is the place to be if you want to enjoy traditional dishes with an unbeatable view of the city. Whether you’re dining on its beautiful terrace, in the garden, or in the indoor dining rooms - the loggia (adorned with arches and vaults, and from which the restaurant gets its name), and the Poggi room encased by expansive windows - the spectacular view remains an integral part of the experience.

This place, steeped in history, has long been a favoured haunt of Italian cultural icons like Papini, Soffici, Spadolini, and Bargellini (prominent figures in literature, arts, and politics respectively). In 1916, it was even the stage for Marinetti, the father of Futurism, shooting a scene for the elusive film ‘Vita Futurista’. More recently, it was selected by Christopher Nolan as a filming location for a scene in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’, featuring Michael Caine.

Ristorante Caffè Italiano

Located in the Santa Croce neighborhood within a building preserved by the Fine Arts Protection department, this restaurant has seen its fair share of historical events during World War II and served as a gathering point for members of the Italian Resistance. Now, it offers an inviting atmosphere and a terrace where you can enjoy typical Italian dishes. You’ll find traditional Neapolitan pizza here, cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven.

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Milan

A city of historical monuments and buildings, shopping streets, relaxing parks, and bustling nightlife venues. Milan reveals its many facets through the streets of its centre and its districts, in a continuous blend of history and modernity , tradition and innovation, creativity and discipline .

But beyond the well-known sites are unique and intriguing experiences that give the city a slightly different perspective.

For instance, did you know that Milan has its own Walk of Fame? While it might not be as famous as Hollywood’s one, Largo Corsia dei Servi showcases the “handprints” of individuals who were TV icons in Italy during the ‘80s and ‘90s. Names such as Sandra & Raimondo, Lorella Cuccarini, Sophia Loren, but even international celebrities like Sylvester Stallone, Patrick Swayze, Angela Lansbury, Sharon Stone, Sophie Marceau, and Luke Perry are immortalized here.

Architecturally speaking, the historic building at Via Serbelloni 10 deserves a visit. Known for its ear-shaped intercom (famous as Ca’ dell’Oregia, “home of the ear”), this was the first intercom installed in Italy. It’s an actual piece of bronze artwork by Adolfo Wildt, an Italian Art Nouveau protagonist, with no buttons or resident names. Don’t just stop to admire it: it is said that if you whisper a wish, it will come true.

In Citylife, among skyscrapers that have redrawn Milan’s skyline and elegant historic houses, you’ll find a unique building on Via Benedetto Brin. Resembling a small castle with a tower and decorated facades, it also faces a House of Cards called Love Art 4 All. This installation was created in 2014 by Elio Fiorucci and Ottavio Missoni and looks even more charming at night when it’s lit up.

Before heading to dinner, one must-have experience is to admire Milan from above at sunset. At Parco Sempione, you can ascend the famous Torre Branca, built in the 1930s by Giò Ponti. The elevator takes you up to a height of about 100 meters in less than a minute, where a small, covered viewpoint can host up to five people, offering a 360-degree view.

Another breathtaking sight is the walk on the rooftops of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Walking on iron walkways at a height of 47 meters, you can admire the city’s skyline: from the spires of the Duomo and old Milan to the skyscrapers of Porta Nuova and Citylife. You might think this is just a tourist thing… Try it, and you’ll discover a unique view that never gets old. Not even for the locals.

Boeucc Bistrot

Thanks to its patriotic host, Osteria del Boeucc shows a strong tie with the historical Revolution known as the Five Days of Milan. At the time, the osteria, founded in 1696, was located at the corner of Via Durini and Via Borgogna. Its long history led it to move in 1939 to the elegant Palazzo Belgioioso, designed by Piermarini, just a stone’s throw from Teatro alla Scala.

Over the centuries, it has become a culinary reference point for Milanese tradition, appreciated by finance moguls, industrialists, and famous personalities. Piovene was a regular, Giuseppe Verdi was a customer, Toscanini dined with half a bottle of Champagne, Maestro Maazel was so entranced by the flavours that he arrived late to conduct a Falstaff performance, and Eduardo de Filippo (Neapolitan actor and playwright) declared that the best spaghetti with tomato and basil, outside of Naples, was served here.

Ristorante Giannino dal 1899

Ristorante Giannino began its journey 124 years ago as a simple Tuscan fiaschetteria (wine shop) that also housed a kitchen. At that time, Milan wasn’t the metropolis it is today, and the international jet-set was still a distant dream. Over a century, Giannino’s reputation and popularity grew steadily, attracting Milan’s elite and, eventually, famous figures such as Gregory Peck, Maria Callas, Grace Kelly, and Ian Fleming. Their frequent visits helped elevate Giannino to its status as a gastronomic icon of Milan, a fact affirmed by the many portraits adorning its walls.

El Brellin

Located at the corner between the Naviglio Grande and Vicolo dei Lavandai, this restaurant encapsulates a bit of old Milan’s history. Born in a 1700s house with original fireplaces and coffered ceilings, El Brellin is the perfect spot to savour Milanese flavours.

Divided into a restaurant and café, the menu offers traditional Milanese and Lombard dishes, some with DeCA – Denomination of Ambrosian Cuisine, proving their authenticity. Originally, El Brellin’s premises were used as a grocery store, with a nearby washhouse (still present today) where laundresses used to go. This gives El Brellin its name: in Milanese dialect, a brellin is a wooden tub filled with straw on which the laundresses would kneel to wash clothes.

Naples

Captivating, surprising, full of contradictions yet always capable of amazing. Naples is a vision with its monuments, neighbourhoods, and unusual views, often lent to cinema as natural film sets.

It’s a world unto itself that instantly amazes those who explore its streets. From Piazza del Plebiscito, the city’s symbolic square located in the largest historic centre in Europe and a UNESCO heritage site, all it takes is a wander through the adjacent streets to be struck by its contrasts. A walk through this area is a journey through time - from the past, represented by its monuments, churches, and elegant buildings, to the present, evidenced by the vibrant street art scattered on the city walls (including Banksy’s artwork, the Madonna with a Pistol, in Piazza Gerolomini, which is said to be the artist’s only work in Italy).

Even the city’s underground preserves history and beauty, which has now become an alternative itinerary, 40 meters deep. A dense network of tunnels built 5000 years ago to extract tuff blocks, later exploited by

the Romans to create a complex network of aqueducts, and eventually used in the Second World War as air-raid shelters.

What also makes Naples unique is the landscape, with its beautiful gulf and the iconic profile of Vesuvius. There are countless points from which to appreciate its beauty, and each offers a fresh, surprising perspective: from the rooftop garden of Palazzo Reale with its splendid terrace overlooking the sea, climbing up to Posillipo with the funicular to Sant’Antonio’s terrace, from Pizzofalcone hill, also called Monte di Dio, a few steps from the centre where ancient Parthenope was born, or from Via Orazio and the neighbouring streets offering a postcard view that has charmed many landscape artists.

Locanda del Cerriglio

Situated between Piazzetta di Porto and Vicolo di Santa Maria la Nova, Locanda del Cerriglio has its roots dating back to the late 1300s. However, it was in the 1600s that its fame spread, becoming a rest stop for great artists and intellectuals such as Giovan Battista Della Porta, Benedetto Croce, Antonio Genovesi, and Caravaggio. During one of his stays in Naples in 1609, Caravaggio was assaulted as he left the locanda.

After long being used as a warehouse, it reopened as an inn only in 2014, following a decade of restoration. It preserves the original ancient hall, the vaulted underground cellar, and the rooms on the upper floor. Its soul also remains unchanged, continuing to be a meeting place for intellectuals and artists who always appreciate the traditional Neapolitan dishes on the menu.

La Bersagliera

Overlooking the Borgo Marinari pier, this place was born in 1919 from Donna Emilia Del Tufo, known as La Bersagliera. In her humble home, she began to prepare meals not only for her large family but also for sailors. Over time, the area became a tourist attraction, and her simple, genuine cuisine won over more and more customers, making the restaurant one of the most famous in Naples.

Today, it is listed among Italy’s Historical Venues and over the years has hosted famous people such as Ingrid Bergman during the production of Roberto Rossellini’s film ‘Journey to Italy’ in 1954, and Marcello Mastroianni who dined alongside Jack Lemmon while they were in Naples working on Ettore Scola’s ‘Macaroni’.

Pruneto 1944

In 1944, when it opened on the hill of Posillipo, it was a simple tavern with a rooftop garden graced by lush plum groves. Unfortunately, that beautiful outdoor area is no longer there today, but its typical Neapolitan cuisine, fresh and genuine, has remained unchanged and has become a staple in the area.

Linguine with sea urchin pulp, the famous lemon and shrimp risotto, fresh squidink fettuccine with a seafood sauce, not to mention the catch of the day: all expertly prepared by chef Gigi Cotugno and accompanied by excellent Campanian wines.

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Palermo

Thanks to its centuries-old history, Palermo is a city of a thousand souls , shaped by numerous dominations and cultural exchanges. Its fascinating heritage, a mix of Arab , Byzantine , Baroque , Neoclassical , and Liberty styles, is unparalleled in Italy.

Examples of this are the Camera delle Meraviglie, a small gem of Islamic-Turkish art painted in blue with gold and silver Arabic inscriptions (discovered by chance inside an ancient building), and the Chinese building in Parco della Favorita, a neoclassical structure topped with a pagoda commissioned by Ferdinand III of Bourbon.

The park itself is an excellent place to relax, a peaceful hideaway from the city’s busy traffic, just like the Botanical Garden in the Kalsa district, a peaceful oasis filled with towering trees from around the globe.

In this area, you can also visit an intriguing historical building, the Chiesa dello Spasimo

The church, which was never completed and lacks a roof or flooring, was abandoned in the mid-16th century due to threats from the Turks, which forced the city to strengthen the defensive system around the church. However, the allure of the church remains, and nowadays, this former place of worship hosts a variety of theatrical and musical performances.

Lastly, a visit to the beach is a must. The city boasts a variety of stunning beaches, from the historic coastline beaches like Romagnolo and Vergine Maria, to the famed Mondello, an escape from the city centre and known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Casa del Brodo

Known as the ‘House of Broth’, Casa del Brodo has been renowned for its excellent broth since Salvatore Catanese first opened its doors in 1890. The broth was a lifesaver during a city epidemic, and since then, the restaurant has become a staple of Palermo’s culinary scene. Today, the fourth generation continues the tradition, offering a menu that stays true to its origins while introducing a twist to enhance the flavours of the sea. Aside from their traditional broth, once used to prepare dishes such as tortellini and boiled meat with potatoes, they offer a wide array of typical dishes. These include frittella (a mix of peas, artichokes, and ricotta), macco di fave (fava bean purée, with peas, artichokes and ricotta cheese), pasta with sardines and linguine with sea urchin pulp..

La Botte

Nestled on the hills of Monreale, a popular retreat for Palermo’s aristocracy, La Botte started as a wine boutique for a noble family’s vineyards. It was later transformed into a trattoria before Francesco Paolo Cascino converted it into a restaurant in 1962. Today, his two sons perpetuate the family tradition as master chefs of Sicilian cuisine. Overlooking the Gulf of Palermo, the restaurant kept the beautiful dining room with exposed beams from the historic wine boutique, furnished with vintage pieces that evoke a nostalgic atmosphere.

This setting perfectly complements their specialties, such as goose breast ravioli in ginger sauce, wild boar in red wine, and the exclusive Ali Pascià semifreddo. La Botte has welcomed illustrious guests over the years, from Carla Fracci (an esteemed Italian ballet dancer), to renowned Italian opera singers such as Mario Del Monaco, Amedeo Nazzari, Beniamino Gigli, and Renata Tebaldi, and the former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Bartolo and Sons

by Maestro del Brodo

Situated in the heart of the historic centre, within the buzzing Vucciria market, this spot became known for its simple, authentic Sicilian cuisine. Initially recognized for traditional offerings like minestrone, meat broth, boiled beef, and tortellini, its menu has now expanded. Today, it embraces wider Palermo culinary traditions, offering pasta dishes with fish, and fresh meat or seafood courses daily. It’s a gastronomic gem hidden in the authentic heart of Palermo.co tutti i giorni. Da gustare nel cuore pulsante della Palermo più autentica.

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Rome

Rome, the Eternal City , never ceases to amaze. Marvels such as the Colosseum , the Roman Forum , the Trevi Fountain , and the Spanish Steps , along with the world-renowned Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums , contribute to its timeless appeal.

Yet, beyond these iconic landmarks, Rome invites explorers to discover lesser-known, fascinating spots in different city areas, including tranquil parks that offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling crowds and summer heat.

For instance, at the peak of Aventino Hill, a hidden gem awaits. Known as the Buco della serratura or the Keyhole, this unique viewpoint frames St. Peter’s Dome perfectly through the gate of the Priorato dei Cavalieri di Malta Villa, presenting an enchanting snapshot of Rome.

The Aventino area itself, with its lush greenery and charming lanes, also provides a serene setting for a stroll, especially recommended to the Orange Garden, abundant with citrus trees. This garden culminates in a terrace overlooking the Tiber River and the city – a breathtaking spectacle, especially at sunset.

In the stunning park of Villa Borghese, the Pincio water clock, a marvel of 1867, captivates visitors. Its cast-iron structure, resembling tree trunks, blends effortlessly with the surrounding dense vegetation. The clock, showing four faces oriented towards the cardinal directions, rests on top of a rock, overshadowing a small stream that ensures its operation to this day.

Near St. Peter’s Square – an essential destination – the Jasmine Walk offers one of the capital’s most charming and romantic experiences. This trail, fringed with fragrant white flowers, follows a disused Vatican railway, repurposed as a unique path for the Jubilee in 2000, providing an unusual viewpoint of St. Peter’s Basilica and Cupolone (grand dome).

Restaurant Pancrazio dal 1922

In the heart of Rome, Pancrazio is a historical restaurant built upon the remains of the Teatro di Pompeo (Theatre of Pompey), located in Campo de’ Fiori. Since 1922, it has been renowned for its authentic Roman cuisine, faithfully passed down from generation to generation.

From Rigatoni alla Carbonara, prepared with guanciale (pork cheek), to Tonnarelli cacio e pepe (fresh pasta with pecorino cheese and black pepper), Saltimbocca alla Romana (second course with veal meat), and the celebrated Carciofi alla Giudia (Jewish-style artichokes) – each dish can be savoured in the splendid dining rooms that have retained the ambiance of ancient Rome.

This globally unique location, bearing witness to over a century of history, has also caught the attention of the film world. A favourite haunt of celebrities like Federico Fellini, it even featured in the film ‘Eat Pray Love’ with Julia Roberts.

Il Bacaro

Tucked away in the Trastevere district, behind the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, Il Bacaro provides a serene sanctuary away from the bustling crowds near Rome’s most famous attractions. In its indoor dining rooms or outdoors beneath a vine pergola, guests can enjoy traditional Roman and Italian cuisine prepared with quality ingredients and accompanied by a broad selection of wines.

For a more intimate lunch or dinner, the ‘Bottiglieria’ room, accommodating up to six people, can be reserved. Fun fact: this little corner of Rome served as a set for some scenes in Paolo Sorrentino’s film The Great Beauty.

Trattoria Dal Cordaro

Situated at the heart of a gastronomic and historical intersection between Trastevere, Testaccio, and Porta Portese – and right under the eponymous Porta (door of the city), Trattoria Dal Cordaro has long been associated with authentic Roman cuisine.

Since its establishment in 1902 by the patriarch of the Dori Family, Arcangelo, under the name ‘Osteria Cantina Dori’, it has served traditional Roman dishes accompanied by wines from Castelli and Albano. Today, it remains the perfect place to taste the flavours of tradition, prepared with carefully selected, locally sourced ingredients from the Lazio region.

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Turin

Once known for its reserved, austere, and sometimes stern nature, Turin has transformed into an engaging city to explore. Beyond its elegant palaces, royal residences of the House of Savoy, and noteworthy museums, such as the Egyptian Museum and the Cinema Museum located within the stunning Mole Antonelliana, Turin’s transformation is evident.

This change is embodied in a contemporary art piece by artist Richi Ferrero, located at Via delle Orfane 20. Set on the facade of the ancient Convento di Sant’Agostino (Convent of Saint Augustine) in the Roman Quadrilateral, the artwork titled ‘T’oro’ depicts a bull, the city’s symbol, forcefully emerging from the wall, symbolizing Torino’s history looking towards the future.

For art enthusiasts and the curious, an entertaining tour involves seeking out the works of gardener Rodolfo Marasciuolo, adored by the locals. His poetic creations, made from recycled materials such as streetlamps, books, and bicycles, are scattered throughout the city’s parks, streets, and squares. The thrill lies in finding them, as the artist occasionally relocates his works.

For moments of relaxation or a late afternoon aperitivo, particularly during the warmer

seasons, Torino’s beautiful urban parks take centre stage. From the historic Parco del Valentino, which sits along the river at the foot of the hill, home to the 18th-century Botanical Garden, the Castle, and the Medieval Village, to the Royal Gardens situated behind the Royal Palace, where one can enjoy a pleasant stroll amidst the greenery along avenues with stunning vistas, fountains, and works of art.

A hidden gem is the lesser-known Bamboo Garden of the Vietnamese Consulate, located in a stunning Art Nouveau building in the heart of San Salvario. This vibrant corner, infused with southeast Asian flavours, hosts the Vietcaffè during the summer. Last, for a panoramic view of Torino, simply ascend the hill to the public park of Villa Genero, with its belvedere offering views of the city and the Alps.

Ristorante Scatto

Next to Caffè San Carlo and accessible from the Gallerie d’Italia, Ristorante Scatto reinterprets the spaces of Palazzo Turinetti with a contemporary twist, captured in its name: a tribute to the world of photography and to the innovative approach of brothers Christian and Manuel Costardi.

Once considered prodigies of haute cuisine, they have become a reference point for reinterpreted Piemontese cuisine deeply rooted in tradition. Their main ingredient, rice, gave rise to their iconic ‘lattina’ (‘tin’) of risotto, styled after Andy Warhol, which has become a cult favourite. Other specialties include plin ai tre arrosti (pasta stuffed with three types of roast meat), pollo alla Marengo (Marengo-style chicken), eel, and bonet (a local dessert), accompanied by an original selection of wines.

Antico Ristorante Porto di Savona

In the 19th century, stagecoaches departed for the Ligurian port of Savona, a crucial mercantile hub for Torino, from the front of this trattoria which overlooks the beautiful Piazza Vittorio. But it’s not just the name that recalls its long history. The interiors, spread over two floors, preserve original antique furnishings with Liberty elements.

It offers exquisite cuisine that draws from Piemontese traditions. Specialities include mixed appetisers, vitello tonnato (veal with tuna sauce), agnolotti (a type of stuffed pasta), tofeja (a local stew), fonduta (fondue), bolliti (boiled meats), fritto misto (mixed fried foods), and finanziera (a traditional dish using offal).

Al Garamond

Offering genuine, vibrant, and delicious Sicilian-Savoyard cuisine, Al Garamond is a short walk from Turin city centre, housed in an elegant 19th-century building. The intimate and welcoming atmosphere, with wooden floors, white tablecloths, and a touch of retro, harmoniously contrasts with the dishes on offer.

The menu shines with creatively reinterpreted local dishes, all meticulously presented. Notable menu classics include spada alla messinese (Messina-style swordfish) served with deconstructed main ingredients and caponata di melanzane (aubergine caponata) with almonds, bottarga (cured fish roe), and Modica chocolate.”

Venice

Venice is romantic, mesmerizing, and breathtaking. Venice is a one-of-a-kind city in the world, always inviting for another visit.

If you’ve already visited the most iconic sites – Piazza San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, the Correr Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Rialto Bridge – the best way to experience it is to get lost among the sestieri (districts) with their romantic bridges, small squares, fields, and campielli (courtyards), while admiring finely decorated palaces and stopping by at the typical bàcari (traditional Venetian bars).

Unusual views and curious corners will surprise you at every turn. For instance, at number 465 in Campo Rialto Novo, you’ll find the porta della botte (barrel door), an entrance with the peculiarity of having a wider, rounded bottom part. This was to allow barrels made by the boteri, brotherhood, the craftsmen who used to make barrels for wine storage, to pass through.

Right behind San Marco, you’ll find the tallest and most beautiful spiral staircase in the city: built at the end of the 15th century, it adorns one side of the Contarini del Bovo-

lo Palace and climbing up to the top floor, from its 26 meters, it offers a 360-degree view of Venice.

If a gondola ride is beyond your budget but is one of the experiences you wouldn’t want to miss, you can take advantage of the Gondolon, the gondola-ferry that connects the two sides of the Grand Canal at quite affordable prices: they make five stops and the journey lasts just a few minutes, but the thrill is guaranteed.

Ferries, on the other hand, allow you to reach the beautiful islands of Venice. Away from the crowd, you can head to the island of San Michele, wrapped in its charm and peace, it is known for its monumental cemetery that houses the graves of illustrious characters, or the Giudecca, with its elegant noble palaces and the Zitella church, a Palladian building whose name refers to its ancient function of providing shelter for poor girls until marriage.

Poste Vecie

Poste Vecie is much more than a restaurant. It successfully transports you back in time to the ancient Serenissima, with its historical walls, functioning fireplaces dating back to the 1500s, and Cherubini’s frescoes depicting the seven deadly sins. Located inside the Rialto fish market, its premises were once occupied by Venice’s first post office, where you can now admire displayed old letters, shipping notes, and ancient coins. The authentic and nostalgic atmosphere provides the perfect setting for savouring traditional Venetian dishes, including cod, cuttlefish, schie (a type of small shrimp) with polenta, pasta and beans, and an excellent selection of seasonal fish dishes.

Ostaria Antico Dolo

Located in the Rialto market area, in the beating heart of Venice, Antico Dolo is part of a 15th-century building where, in the times of the Serenissima, there was a famous brothel.

Here, in 1434, a bàcaro, an ancient Venetian term to indicate the typical taverns, was opened. Acquired by Bruno Ruffin in the 1940s, a true Venetian at heart, the ostaria continues to serve its longstanding specialty, the trippa rissa (a variety of boiled offal prepared according to an ancient recipe), accompanied by dry white wine from Dolo, a beautiful town in Riviera del Brenta. In addition, the menu features cult favourites like maltagliati (roughly cut pasta) with scallops and red radicchio from Treviso, as well as tuna and veal carpaccio marinated with herbs, served with spiced croutons.

Hostaria Castello

Just a few steps from Piazza San Marco, in the quiet sestiere (district) of Castello, it’s an excellent stop for those who want to indulge in a nostalgic atmosphere. After being a base for merchants and smugglers of products of all kinds, Hostaria Castello draws inspiration from the presence of a previous travel agency specialized in tours on board the legendary Orient Express, which reached Istanbul from Venice.

From here, the furnishings inspired by the Ottoman cafes of the past, the counter with arabesque motifs, and the ancient floors, become a perfect frame for the typical Venetian flavours interpreted in a contemporary way, such as bigoli (thick spaghetti) in Venetian style, sardines in saor (an onion and vinegar sauce), or the famous Venetian liver.

VISIT WEBPAGE

VISIT WEBPAGE