The best bars and cafés Piedmont

Located in the Borgo Dora district, Sapor di Vino has quickly won over the Piedmontese, seduced first and foremost by its summer terrace. The setting is more that of a wine bar than a restaurant, and the menu follows the changing seasons: raclette in winter, mushrooms in autumn, vitel tonné in summer... The wine list is, of course, a delight, but the traditional Piedmontese dishes are not to be outdone, succulent and hearty. An excellent trattoria to visit regularly for good times with friends!

La Drogheria cocktail bar is a must in Turin. Its setting, first of all, is both warm and elegant, designer yet accessible. Secondly, the cocktails served are truly remarkable, prepared by ultra-competent bartenders. Finally, it's possible - and recommended! - to accompany your drinks with tapas or gourmet aperitif boards, as everything you taste here is made with top-quality products.

One of the first bars to open in Sauze d'Oulx, in 1953. It's the place to be after skiing, to recharge your batteries and recover from all your efforts. Here, original aperitifs are prepared in a relaxed, lively atmosphere. DJ sets are regularly organized. The atmosphere is more akin to a British pub than an Italian-style bar, partly because it's mainly frequented by foreign tourists, and you'll mainly find burgers and chips.

This small restaurant has a simple but pleasant setting and serves good homemade Italian cuisine, based on pasta, gnocchi, fish... We don't stop there for a gastronomic break, but to regain our strength, at very low prices. Fast and friendly service, without any fuss. Interior décor consisting of yellow walls, a bar, and a slot machine. When the weather is fine, we clearly prefer outdoor tables, under the arcades, which offer a delightful environment for lunch or dinner...

Modelled on a traditional Irish pub, the Hotel Du Col bar will welcome you even if you're not a hotel guest. In the evenings, in a wooded setting more akin to a mountain setting than a Dublin street, you can drink good draught beers (with Guinness, of course!) and play billiards or watch a match on the giant screen. Concerts by local bands are regularly organized. Also ideal in the late afternoon to warm up after a ski descent, why not with an Irish coffee?

The bar offers concerts once a week.

Located opposite the school, the charming café also serves sandwiches or pastries. In addition to the small terrace, the interior is very warm and cosy. Yellow walls, tables with blue and gold tablecloths, design chairs, nice wooden bar. Ice for the small and large (famous gelati!).

Housed in the well-restored cellars of the Caffé Umberto palace, this restaurant is now the headquarters of the Enoclub, and its fresh, well-cared-for ambience is reminiscent of the cathedrals of wine. It's impossible not to be tempted by the local delicacies: tajarin with white truffle and veal cheek cooked in Barolo, for example. The white truffle is of course the center of attention, sublimated by the setting. A fine choice of wines for a refined, gourmet dinner. The desserts are equally delicious. Attentive and helpful staff.

A wonderful café to visit at any time of day, and one that takes part in two must-try activities typical of Turin. Firstly, the Merenda Reale®, the royal Turin snack in an ^18th-century version with hot chocolate or in a ^19th-century version with bicerin and all the sweets that go with it, in the afternoon every weekend, bookable in advance. And then the Extra Vermouth™ ataperitivo with three glasses of vermouth in different flavors and small savory dishes to accompany the tasting.

A place with character, steeped in tradition, just the way you like it, to spend a lovely evening with friends. This friendly birrificio (beer factory), housed in an old disused factory dating from the 1900s, retains all its character and produces its own craft beers. The beers here are "alive", fresh and fragrant, with a dozen or so available in white, blonde, red or brown. They can be enjoyed on their own or accompanied by grilled meats and burgers, indoors in a typical setting or on the porch in fine weather.

Bonus: one of the cheapest aperitivi, or rather apericene, in Turin. Between 6 and 10 p.m., you'll be served glasses of wine (over a hundred labels), pints (twelve types of beer) and cocktails (over a hundred to choose from) for €10, followed by a complimentary buffet and a plate of hot gnocchi automatically brought to you. Minus: the crowds are sometimes a little too oppressive, and the quality of the buffet isn't always top-notch. But at this price, you can't be too demanding...

Nestled in one of the Quadrilatero Romano's picturesque alleyways, Le Bicyclette will console those nostalgic for France. Here, you can breathe in the air of a bistro and enjoy sweet and savoury crêpes accompanied by a bowl of cider. But the Turinese appreciate above all its cocktails based on pastis and crème de cassis, as well as the more traditional mojito, daiquiri and bloody mary, to be sipped late into the night while contemplating the amusing décor of old bicycles suspended in the air. And the prices are really quite low...

Café, patisserie, wine bar - whatever its formula, Converso is one of those places where you can breathe in the air of the times, when the young kingdom of Italy was just being born and people gathered around a glass of vermouth to talk politics or religion. Appreciated by great Italian writers such as Beppe Fenoglio (1922-1963), we return here today for a cappuccino and brioche in the morning, or a stuffed panino at lunchtime (bread and square bread are homemade), surrounded by the woodwork and furniture of the period.

A historic café in the center of Bra, which owes its fame to its manager Enrico Boglione. At the end of the ^19th century, he inaugurated the Arena, modelled on the Parisian café-concerts. Long off-limits to women, the Arena was a kind of refuge for Bra's stronger sex, who would go there for a game of billiards or cards, or to watch a naughty cabaret show. Today, women are allowed in, but the café has retained its Belle Époque ambience, with mirrors, wood panelling and floor lamps.

The place to start the evening in Turin, FreeVolo attracts passers-by with its fine French cuisine. It's the perfect place to enjoy a real beef entrecôte or a succulent Tarte Tatin... The place even celebrates Beaujolais Nouveau! Popular with Turin's directors and actors, you're likely to bump into a few of them on the terrace at aperitif time or for an evening cocktail. The atmosphere is young and pleasant, and gets livelier as night falls...

There's an air of countryside about the Valentino park, with its feet in the river. Once a place for stowing away boats, today it's an informal place to drink a beer at any hour, stretch out on the hammocks and make new acquaintances. Students go there to work, thanks to the wifi, nibbling a croque-monsieur or its Mediterranean counterpart with fried zucchinis and smoked scarmoza. Order at the bar, sit back and enjoy! The wide opening hours are really appreciated.

In the heart of Bardonecchia's sports district, at the foot of the slopes, Harald's is a popular bar-restaurant, where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast in the early morning, a quick lunch at midday, a comforting "après-ski", a warm aperitif with friends, or a traditional alpine dish or pizza for dinner. A great atmosphere guaranteed at any time of day, on the terrace or indoors!

This is the bar that launched San Salvario, a few years ago, as one of Turin's liveliest districts. Could it be for its selection of over 270 rum labels? Indeed, its name, far from evoking the world of childhood, is an acronym of bibere, Latin for "to drink", and the Spanish word ron, "rum". Somewhere between ethnic and vintage, the setting is ideal for a good glass of rum or a cocktail, before or after dinner, often to the sound of jazz. What's more, the staff are extremely friendly!

A historic address in Biella, established since 1846; generations have passed through here, sipping a blonde Menabrea and eating a bite to eat in the red brick vaulted rooms. The varied menu includes burgers and beer dishes. Good atmosphere in this slightly outdated decor. The museum, the Casa Menabrea, allows visitors to learn about the history and production of this famous Biella beer, thanks to the ancient utensils on display. It is the oldest beer factory still in operation in Italy.

Housed in the former Fiorio tannery, it's "the place to be" for lovers of traditional beers. An essential part of the "Piazza dei Mestieri" project, Birrificio La Piazza is the heir to the former birrifici torinesi Bosio & Caratsch (the first Italian birrificio ) and Metzger. On the terrace, musical entertainment, cabarets and shows are regularly programmed. The interior hides a well-kept secret: the laboratory where the beer is made. Guided tours available. In addition to craft beers, simple but well-crafted cuisine.

This is the best place in Turin's historic center to nibble on Spanish tapas and enjoy a glass of wine or beer as an aperitif. Run by a team of Spaniards who have imported their culture to the heart of Piedmont's capital, you'll be served Iberian charcuterie, cheeses and original assortments: it's typically Spanish, in short the perfect place for a late afternoon that goes on and on... Paella by reservation only.

Located next to the reservoirs where Sorlamà di Vaie beer is produced, the Val di Susa craft beer is the star of the show! All varieties are available, both bottled and draught. You can accompany your beer tasting with quality regional specialties such as an assortment of hams and cheeses, hamburgers, gofri valsusini... Not forgetting salads, sandwiches and potatoes cooked in a variety of ways... Beautiful outdoor terrace.

Under the arcades in the center of town, an "old-fashioned" café-pâtisserie with a long tradition of regular customers. The store has been at this address since 1948, but the company is almost a hundred years old, having existed since 1922. Is it the good panettone that attracts gourmets, or the brioches and petits fours? Certainly the panettone, as it's the star of the show and the first to make its mark outside Milan. From the outset, it has always been made with the same quest for excellence.

A cosy place where Varallo's youth likes to meet for aperitifs. The decor of stone and wood, bordering on design, sets the tone. As for cocktails, they're not bad at all for a mountain bar, and are served with superb boards of cold meats, cheeses, homemade chips and mini-burgers... But you can also opt for a beer or, of course, a glass of wine. Service times can be a little long, but we're well rewarded by what arrives on our table...

Vercelli's historic café, in the heart of Piazza Cavour, still exudes the fragrance of yesteryear. The handsome wooden cornice above the shop windows still bears the same name from over a century ago: Taverna & Tarnuzzer, Methier estate. The interior is well worth a visit for the beauty of its wood panelling, now covered in pastries and bottles. Excellent home-made pastries to enjoy on the premises in the pretty tearoom, on the sunny terrace or to take away.

Four Turinese opened this wine bar in 2014. It's a really friendly, unpretentious place, frequented by both Vanchiglia students and teachers. You can taste all sorts of wines, including natural ones, a nice touch if you're allergic to sulfites, for example. You can accompany your glass with charcuterie and cheese, in an informal atmosphere typical of this cultural district. Bottles are also available to take away, and the choice of Piedmontese wines is considerable.

The lighter attached to the front door and left at the disposal of customers, the buffet offered in exchange for a simple tip and the comings and goings of artists and young people give us a good idea of the atmosphere at Funkiglia, certainly the funkiest place in the Vanchiglia district, which is nonetheless overflowing with them. In this little café with its red walls and musical instruments hanging everywhere, quality concerts are held on a regular basis. Finally, the Funkiglia team will be happy to advise you on Piedmont wines...

The ultra-modern little house in the center of Piazzale Valdo Fusi is home to a veritable craft beer paradise for enthusiasts of this beverage. Blonde, amber, pale ale, IPA... At Baladin, you'll be spoilt for choice with dozens of beers from all over Italy (and beyond), including a dozen on draught. They also prepare tasty burgers and other brasserie dishes, in a warm atmosphere with friendly staff. An Italian-style pub!

This historic patisserie, founded in 1866 probably just to sell bread, is now more popular for its aperitivo than for its cakes. It has to be said that it's very attractive! Every day, customers who choose the aperitivo formula can enjoy a plethora of varied and tasty tartines and tapas for a modest sum, with their glass of wine or cocktail. The atmosphere is friendly, with students arriving in the late afternoon. A great place for a break!

Brasserie, cocktail bar, neighborhood haven, Il Cicchetto is a must in Asti. Since 2011, it's been a great place to eat and drink, from huge platters of cheese and charcuterie to more elaborate dishes, to be enjoyed with one of the fine wines from the remarkably well-stocked cellar, or with a gin and tonic! In fact, the founder, Franco, started producing gin by cultivating all the necessary herbs on a 3,000 square metre plot of land not far from the town. This is Gin Agricolo, and you really can't miss it.

A neighborhood bar ideal for a morning coffee with a sweet treat, an afternoon drink or homemade ice cream, or an aperitivo at the end of the day. Prices are very reasonable and the atmosphere is very friendly and welcoming. You might want to avoid going at lunchtime, as it's very crowded: the local workers come here to get their sandwiches, and we can understand their enthusiasm, as everything here is very good, both sweet and savoury. Nice choice of cookies. Please note: the place is closed on Saturdays and Sundays!

This friendly vintage bistro is a real landmark in the heart of Quadrilatero Romano. Decorated in the style of the 1960s, Pastis offers a well-stocked buffet of quiches, focaccia, cold meats and cheeses, as well as fine wines and cocktails. The terrace, under the trees, is one of the most pleasant in the area, and the waiters are very friendly. If you dine here, the dishes are very well prepared and varied with Sicilian influences, for a very affordable price.

A friendly, colorful wine bar in the heart of Quadrilatero Romano. At aperitif time, in addition to wine or cocktails, you'll be served appetizers, usually tempting assortments of cold meats, cheeses and small sandwiches. In winter, the vaulted interior is very welcoming, while in summer you can enjoy the lovely terrace on Piazza Emanuele Filiberto, which can seat over a hundred people. The menu features some 200 different labels, also on sale at the counter.

Opened to coincide with the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, this trendy bar is inspired by the philosophy of the famous sports brand from which it takes its name, with large leather armchairs and giant plasma screens showing documentaries. There's even a terrace. Ideal for spending a pleasant evening after a day on the slopes, or for fortifying yourself in the morning before hitting the slopes with a hearty breakfast. Simple but nourishing dishes, and good cocktails. Very welcoming staff.

Located in the old sheds that were used to repair locomotives, it is an understatement to say that the gigantic industrial setting of this café-restaurant, which can accommodate hundreds of guests, is truly spectacular. And the hamburgers are worth the detour! Possibility, at the end of the day, to indulge in the Extra Vermouth™ formula foraperitivo, with the tasting of three different nectars accompanied by plenty of little things to nibble on, to discover the variety and richness of this Piedmontese drink par excellence.

In the heart of the palace's ancient Chinese halls, which open onto a terrace with panoramic views of the gardens and the Alps, you can take a refreshing break in this elegant and refined setting after or during your visit to the palace or gardens - as it is only open to visitors to the Reggia. The establishment offers a vast choice of products and tasty discoveries: sweets, ice creams, sandwiches, pastries, jams and produce from the Royal Kitchen Garden. Your taste buds will be delighted.

The cats come from a shelter and enjoy a second life in a calm, Zen-like environment. The welcome is charming. It serves pastries at teatime, vegetarian and vegan dishes at lunchtime, and brunches where all the colorful dishes are a real treat. The café also raises funds for animal protection projects (the Argo di Valdellatorre shelter and the Piossasco cattery). It's the ideal place to take a serene break, lulled to sleep by the purring sound of the bar. The café sells small jewels adorned with an amusing kitten's face.

A surprising place, on the ^7th and top floor of the 4-star La Palma hotel, a famous lakeside palace. Breathtaking views from the terrace, where bar chairs and sofas give the place a lounge feel. At aperitif time, ambient music sets the scene for a dreamy drink. Enjoy the sunset with a cocktail. The pool and view are truly superb, making this an undeniable luxury to indulge in!

This is undoubtedly the best that Italy has to offer... In a rather chic neighborhood with the prices that go with it, this café is the prototype of the simple, authentic place where everything is delicious and inexpensive, off the tourist circuit. Open from 6am when everyone else is still asleep, you'll be served a super-creamy cappuccino with brioche. At lunchtime, simplicity and quality continue with tasty slices of homemade pizza or dishes based on fresh produce, to enjoy alongside the Turinese working in the area. La vera Italia !