The best pastry shops for breakfast in Turin
Historic cafes and pastry shops to experience Turin's charms from first thing in the morning
Turin is a true paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. Many of Italy’s finest confectionery creations were born here, making the Savoy capital a pioneer of good taste. The city’s pastry tradition is famous above all for its chocolate – starting with the emblematic gianduiotto – yet it has much more to offer, thanks to master bakers who have perfected breakfast pastries and cakes steeped in the understated elegance of Italy’s former capital.
Turin’s historic literary cafes, heirs to its past as a grand European salon, remain the premier addresses for breakfast. Locals head here for a bicerin (the historic layered drink of espresso, melted chocolate and cream) paired with buttery croissants. Sipping a warm drink framed by classic Piedmontese architecture and the distant Alps, in establishments that have served guests for centuries, is a timeless ritual. Flawless has selected the best pastry shops for breakfast in Turin, to begin your day with style in one of Europe’s most captivating cities.
Farmacia del Cambio
Piazza Carignano, 2
Adjoining the legendary Del Cambio restaurant, this pastry workshop retains the bygone charm of the historic Farmacia Bestente, complete with original period furnishings and apothecary counters. The laboratory is overseen by Master Pastry Chef Fabrizio Galla, creator of the renowned torta 1757. Conceived to celebrate Del Cambio’s 260th anniversary, the cake blends Piedmontese tradition with international notes: a hazelnut and almond sponge studded with gianduiotto chunks, lifted by Asian yuzu. Take a seat on the elegant year-round terrace, order a slice of this signature cake and soak up the atmosphere.
Pasticceria Ghigo dal 1870
Via Po, 52/B
Founded in 1870, it operated as a dairy until the ’50s, before turning to pastries that still follow heritage recipes today. While the exterior retains its historic charm, the interior is spacious and bright, finished in shades of beige and white. One of the highlights for guests is undoubtedly the fresh cream, whipped to order and served on coffee, hot chocolate or, for pure indulgence, with chopped marron glacés. Take a seat outside at one of the tables under the arcades of via Po, and order a cappuccino with a croissant or a tempting mignon for a delightful breakfast.
Pasticceria Gerla
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 86
Pasticceria Gerla has been a Turin pastry institution since 1927, when it opened under the name Eccelsa under the arcades of Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. In the ’50s, under the Gerla brothers, it took its current name and cemented its place among the city’s finest pastry shops. The interior features a contrast between dark floors and pale walls, paired with period furnishings and vintage seating that help create a charming atmosphere. This spot delights locals from morning breakfast with croissants to pastries for an afternoon treat, through to elaborate cakes created for special occasions.
Pasticceria Venier
Via Monte di Pietà, 22
Venier is one of Turin’s most traditional pastry shops, both in look and in craft. Polished dark wood and glass chandeliers set an understated, dignified tone. The counter is celebrated for its croissants, Sacher tortes, soft torrone and custard-filled cream pastries. Make sure to try the ‘umbertino‘, a house variation on the bacio di dama made with hazelnut and almond biscuits filled with smooth dark chocolate.
Ratatouille
Corso Tortona, 2
Ratatouille was the first all-vegan pastry shop in Italy, founded a good 10 years ago. The interior is neat and minimalist, with a focus on wooden features. Display fridges throughout the space are filled with treats of all kinds, tempting guests to sit on the terrace to enjoy a vegan cappuccino. Whatever sweet treat you can imagine, you will find a fully vegan version here. From festive bakes to croissants, traditional regional sweets to pastries, no one has to miss out on delicious desserts and special breakfasts.
Pasticceria Stratta
Piazza S. Carlo, 191
Founded in 1836, this landmark patisserie continues to showcase Piedmontese pastry craft at its finest. The setting is stunning, with historical wood interiors looking out directly onto magnificent Piazza San Carlo. Breakfast is an art form here, featuring brioches veneziane, plaited morning pastries and crisp custard cannoli, alongside miniature desserts in glasses (the panna cotta is unmissable) and colourful macarons.
Caffè Platti
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 72
CAFFÈ PLATTI is an institution for residents and visitors alike, thanks to its nineteenth-century pedigree and refined counter offerings from dawn until dusk. Once a haunt of Luigi Einaudi and Cesare Pavese, it retains an evocative period character. Within its ornate Baroque rooms, guests can enjoy fresh morning brioches and delicate pastries, or simply order an espresso served with the traditional spoonful of whipped cream on the side.
Caffè al Bicerin dal 1763
Piazza della Consolata, 5
The bicerin, Turin’s historic hot drink made of espresso, melted chocolate and thick cold cream, was invented right here, and the cafe still guards its original proportions. Opened in 1763 and once a favourite haunt of Count Cavour, CAFFÈ AL BICERIN DAL 1763 offers a range of baked treats to accompany the signature beverage, including torta bicerin, crisp canestrelli and artisanal dry biscuits. Marble-topped tables, vintage cups and antique apothecary jars complete the timeless setting.
Caffè Baratti & Milano
Piazza Castello, 27
Set inside the Galleria Subalpina, CAFFÈ BARATTI & MILANO needs little introduction: its sumptuous decor of gilded mirrors, carved wood and marble speaks for itself. The master confectioners here helped establish Turin’s reputation with signature cakes like the torta Reale, Torta Gianduiotto and the Barattina – layered with sponge, gianduja and white chocolate. Order a thick hot chocolate or a bicerin and take in the grandeur of one of the city’s most breathtaking settings.
