The Zest Layover: 48 Hours in Torino
Save for Later
Share
The Zest Layover: 48 Hours in Torino
Livio Colapinto - Zest of Italy
Torino isn’t just a city to me—it’s where my story begins. It’s the quiet mornings spent at Al Bicerin, a spoonful of warm zabaione in hand, and the slow walks under the arcades of Via Po, where time feels suspended.
Torino reveals its soul slowly—one café, one corner, one story at a time.
In this guide, I’ve gathered the places I return to again and again. The spots I’d take you if you were here with me: hidden wine bars, family-run shops, and cafés where the past lingers and the present feels just right.
This isn’t about ticking off landmarks; it’s about feeling the pulse of a city that knows how to savor life—one moment, one bite, one glass at a time.
Updated ago
2
Share
Ristoranti
1. Del Cambio
Ristorante Del Cambio
@livio
Stepping into Ristorante Del Cambio feels like entering a gilded time capsule. Founded in 1757 in Piazza Carignano, its frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and whispers of history still linger—you can almost picture Cavour dining beside you.
Chef Matteo Baronetto reinvents Piedmontese classics with modern elegance: the vitello tonnato is subtle and masterful, the agnolotti del plin are delicate parcels of joy, and the Barolo-braised veal cheek? Melt-in-your-mouth perfection. End with the bonèt—a perfect tribute to Turin’s rich dessert tradition.
With Barolo and Barbaresco flowing like poetry and impeccable service, dinner at Del Cambio (€150–€200) isn’t just a meal—it’s a piece of Torino’s soul, refined and unforgettable.
Add to
Details
2. Unforgettable
Unforgettable
@livio
Hidden away on Via Lorenzo Valerio, Unforgettable is exactly that. Chef Christian Mandura transforms dining into an intimate performance, with just 10 seats at a sleek counter where you share the experience with the chef himself.
His "Vegetale al Centro" menu makes vegetables the stars of the show, elevated by meticulous technique. The evening flows seamlessly—an aperitivo in a cozy lounge, a culinary journey at the counter, and digestifs in a curated salon. Jacopo Restagno’s wine pairings, focused on boutique producers, complete the symphony.
At €150 per person, it’s not just dinner—it’s an exploration of taste that lingers far beyond the final course.
Add to
Details
3. Bifrò
Bifrò - La Bistecca Frollata
@livio
For meat lovers, Bifrò is pure paradise. Chef Roberto Pintadu elevates dry-aging to art, with cuts like the 70-day frollatura di Fassona Piemontese that burst with tenderness and flavor. The exposed brick and soft lighting create a warm, rustic-meets-modern charm, perfect for savoring every bite.
Pair your steak with a robust red from their carefully curated list. Prices reflect the quality (€100–€150), but if you’re after the pinnacle of steakhouse dining, Bifrò delivers.
Add to
Details
Osterie
Buy to unlock full guide
Access all the local insights and recommendations from @livio when you purchase this guide.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Livio Colapinto - Zest of Italy
Ciao,
I'm Livio, co-founder of Zest of Italy - a chef-to-chef advisory and travel company - and The Genuine Experience - original travel concepts that enlighten travelers while uplifting those who host them.
At Zest of Italy, we create bonds, travel, and opportunities for our international community of chefs and food professionals to celebrate farmers, artisans, and the diversity of food.
Born in Torino with Apulian roots to an XXL family scattered throughout the peninsula, after my engineering and economic studies, and an early career in finance, I graduated in Food Culture at the University of Gastronomic Sciences to then work with Slow Food founder Carlo Petrini.
During this time I planned and guided some renowned chefs - Michel Troisgros, Alice Waters, and Giorgio Locatelli - on R&D tours across Italy.
Since then and for over 15 years we have connected Italian food&wine artisans and chefs with food icons of international hospitality, traveling with Nancy Silverton, Michael Mina, David Nayfeld, Paul Kahan, Eli Zabar, Angela Pinkerton, Chad Colby, Craig Stoll and more.
What's included
Digital Map
Fully interactive, digital map for finding places nearby
28 places
28 hand-picked places with notes from the creator
DESTINATION(S) COVERED
Torino, TO, Italia
FOCUSES AND THEMES
50+
Couples
LGBTQ+
Female Solo
Vegetarian
Coffee
Design
Foodie
People & Culture
Photography
Romantic
Wine
Slow Travel
Boutique
BEST TIME OF YEAR
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Format
Guide
Guides typically include detailed information and how-to’s about a destination as well as suggested places to try.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What is Thatch?
Thatch is an online marketplace that provides instant access to thousands of vetted local experts and premium travel guides - making it the easiest and most affordable way to take high quality trips with less stress.
For travel creators (tastemakers, travel advisors, influencers and local experts) Thatch makes it easy to curate, publish, and sell digital travel guides, itineraries and personalized planning services.
What if I’m not satisfied with my purchase?
How do I access my purchased guides?
Can I access my guide offline?
How often are guides updated?
Can I request a personalized guide or itinerary?
Can I sell my own travel guides and itineraries?
Save for Later
Share
