The best hot chocolates in Turin

Turin’s love affair with hot chocolate dates back to the time when, as legend has it, Duke Emanuele Filiberto served cups of chocolate to celebrate the transfer of the capital from Chambéry to Turin in 1560. By 1678, Madama Reale Maria Giovanna Battista of Savoy-Nemours authorized chocolatier Gio-Battista Ari to “sell chocolate as a beverage.” This centuries-old custom, tied to the royal court, was traditionally accompanied by "bagnati," the biscuits for dipping.

Baratti & Milano

Under the arcades of Piazza Castello and in the elegant Galleria Subalpina, this historic café is a feast of mirrors, stuccoes, wood, and gold. Baratti’s hot chocolate and bicerin (among the best in town) are classics, served with traditional Piedmontese biscuits and miniature pastries. True to tradition, the chocolate comes with a separate serving of whipped cream to add as you like. For indulgence, try the Gianduja version paired with a slice of Baratti cake.
Address: Piazza Castello, 27

Pepino

In Piazza Carignano, opposite the palace where Vittorio Emanuele II was born and the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed, Pepino is renowned for its legendary Pinguino ice cream bar (patented in 1939). It’s also a top spot for hot chocolate: served with whipped cream in a metal cup and biscuits perfect for a “royal snack.”
Address: Piazza Carignano, 8

Farmacia del Cambio

Set in a historic former pharmacy with its original furnishings intact, this venue sits under the shadow of the renowned Del Cambio restaurant, in operation since 1757. Alongside bicerin and Viennese coffee, hot chocolate remains a ritual here. For a decadent touch, pair it with cult pastries like the crubrik or the sphere.
Address: Piazza Carignano, 2

Caffè San Carlo

A historic locale dating back to 1826, Caffè San Carlo has been revitalized with a careful restoration that introduces contemporary touches, like its counter, without losing its period charm. Managed by the Costardi brothers (also behind the nearby Scatto restaurant), it’s a delightful spot at any hour. Their afternoon hot chocolate, made with Peyrano chocolate—a celebrated Turin brand—can be paired with biscuits or even the Carla croissant, shaped like the eye of Ra, created to mark the bicentenary of the Egyptian Museum.
Address: Piazza San Carlo, 156

Stratta

Located under the arcades of Piazza San Carlo since 1836, Stratta, once a supplier to the House of Savoy, has been synonymous with refined taste since the days of Cavour. Their hot chocolate, made with house chocolate and a touch of milk, is served with a separate glass of whipped cream and accompanied by biscuits, macarons, cream puffs, or iconic cakes like the Adri, available in individual portions.
Address: Piazza San Carlo, 191

Al Bicerin

Operating since 1763 opposite the Consolata Sanctuary, this is the temple of the legendary bicerin, a mix of coffee, chocolate, and milk. It’s also famed for its hot chocolate, prepared in large copper kettles (also served chilled in summer). Enjoy it with traditional Piedmontese biscuits or a slice of Bicerin cake. Notable patrons include Cavour, Dumas, Nietzsche, Italo Calvino, and Umberto Eco.
Address: Piazza della Consolata, 5

Caffè Fiorio

A Turin institution since 1780, Fiorio boasts wooden floors, velvet armchairs, and a grand marble counter from the 1920s. Luminaries like Cavour, D’Azeglio, and Nietzsche have graced its halls. Their impeccable hot chocolate, served with separate whipped cream and traditional biscuits, is a must-try.
Address: Via Po, 8

Cremeria Pasticceria Ghigo

Near the scenic Piazza Vittorio, this café-pastry shop, originally a creamery founded in 1870, is a Turin landmark. Their hot chocolate with whipped cream is considered among the city’s finest, paired perfectly with biscuits and pastries showcased in their display cases.
Address: Via Po, 52/B

Caffè Elena

Located in Piazza Vittorio since 1889, this historic venue, once the haunt of Cesare Pavese, features period interiors and a large terrace overlooking the square. In the charming vintage dining room, enjoy a hot chocolate with house-made biscuits and cakes.
Address: Piazza Vittorio Veneto, 5

Caffè Platti

Under the arcades of Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, this historic café—established in 1875—exudes charm with its mirrors, stuccoes, and gilding. Enjoy a classic hot chocolate with or without whipped cream, or opt for the Cointreau version with orange zest. Pair it with biscuits or the Plattina, a chocolate cake served in individual portions.
Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 72

Pfatish

This historic café on Via Sacchi, dating back to 1915, combines tradition with contemporary creativity. With a Chocolate Museum adjacent to the café, Pfatish is a chocolate lover’s haven. Their hot chocolate, served with separate whipped cream, pairs beautifully with traditional mini pastries, cakes, and their iconic Festivo. Pre-measured cocoa packets are also available to recreate the magic at home.
Address: Via Paolo Sacchi, 42

Guido Gobino

In a chocolate workshop housed in a historic typography studio near the Egyptian Museum, master chocolatier Guido Gobino offers hot chocolate to enjoy seated or on the go. Options include the classic Gianduja (plain or salted) and the Papua (dark chocolate with orange or cinnamon). Ready-to-make mixes are also available for home preparation.
Address: Via Lagrange, 1

Ziccat

At the central café of the Ziccat chocolate factory, enjoy thick, traditional hot chocolate made with cocoa paste, cocoa butter, and cocoa powder, optionally topped with whipped cream. Variations include Cioccolata Calda Torino with hazelnuts, Fruits of the Sun with candied citrus peels and hazelnuts, and Monte Bianco with marron glacé pieces. Pair with Piedmontese biscuits, pralines, or a shot of Vermouth. Pre-measured chocolate packets are available for home use.
Address: Via Pietro Micca, 2