For vegetarians, for those who love to travel even just in their imagination, for those who want to be sure not to have awkward encounters and are willing to travel a few extra kilometers, for particularly romantic types, for those who interpret romance with a convivial and cheerful spirit, and for those who want to try something unusual without necessarily breaking the bank. Here's a small selection of addresses to help you choose how to spend the most romantic evening of the year.
Where to eat in Turin for Valentine's Day
Antonio Chiodi Latini – Cuoco delle Terre
Restaurant. Several years have passed since the renowned chef Antonio Chiodi Latini's turn towards integral vegetables. Today, he is a skillful master in treating elements to obtain liquid extracts and solid matter, combining them with leaves, flowers, and essences. His healthy cuisine is absolutely non-trivial, of high quality, and represents an excellent alternative even for the most convinced carnivore. There are four tasting menus, tailored to both budget and appetite, to be enjoyed in a relaxed setting with intimate and refined elegance. Pairings include well-thought-out labels or infusions. There's also the option to purchase organic delicacies under the Chiodi Latini brand.
Antonio Chiodi Latini – Cuoco delle Terre – via A. Bertola, 20/B – 011 0260053 – www.antoniochiodilatini.com
La Limonaia
Restaurant. An unusual area, among 1970s buildings and a maze of streets with only small doors of private houses facing them. A gate opens onto a courtyard, a small oasis of greenery with some large citrus pots, a lemon house, to be precise. A tastefully furnished greenhouse, a mix of pieces of antiquity and modern art, family memorabilia that make the environment unique and intimate. And the cuisine? In the capable hands of chef Cesare Grandi, it is very personal, respectful of nature and its cycles, with creativity going hand in hand with the genuineness of raw materials. A well-stocked wine list, with wines by the glass, beers, sake, cider, and beers.
La Limonaia – via M. Ponzio, 10 – 011 7041887 – www.lalimonaia.org
Piano35
Restaurant. On the thirty-fifth floor of the Intesa San Paolo skyscraper, at 167.25 meters in height and with a splendid 15,000 cubic meter bioclimatic greenhouse designed by Renzo Piano, you can enjoy an unparalleled view. Marco Sacco, an experienced chef, takes you gastronomically into the sky, assisted in the kitchen by Christian Balzo. In the evening, there are two levels of menus, with 4 and 6 courses, available in Piedmont, Giro d'Italia, and Piccolo Lago a Torino versions, referring to chef Sacco's historic restaurant. At lunch, there's a bistro formula. The wine list ranges from Italy to France. The lounge bar area is open from aperitif to after-dinner, curated by Simone Sacco, "son of the art."
Piano35 – corso Inghilterra, 3 – 011 4387800 – www.piano35.com
Razzo
Bistrot. A relatively recent opening that has carved out a prominent role in the city's dining scene. The environment is modern, with a romantic outdoor seating, in line with the contemporary and personality-driven cuisine, "signed" by the talented chef Niccolò Giugni, trained at La Credenza with Igor Macchia. The menu changes frequently, focusing on the quality and seasonality of ingredients, having fun with fermentations and presentations. Even the pairing is not usual; on the menu, you'll find kombucha and other special drinks. Before leaving, you can buy a tasty souvenir.
Razzo – via A. Doria, 17/F – 011 0201580 – www.vadoarazzo.it
Scannabue
Bistrot. If it is true that this is one of the best Turin addresses, especially when it comes to wine, thanks to an extensive, non-trivial selection that is always changing and with the possibility to buy one or more bottles, it is equally true that the gastronomic proposal is a continuous source of surprises. Tradition goes hand in hand with focused creativity inspired by the season, and the kitchen team never misses a beat. An example? The delightful sweetbread cooked in almond milk accompanied by a cream of plums and mustard. The atmosphere is convivial and relaxed, ideal for any type of clientele. Book well in advance because there are many enthusiasts.
Scannabue – largo Saluzzo, 25/H – 011 6696693 – www.scannabue.it
Scat_to
Restaurant. Behind this sign, facing what is considered Turin's living room, a new beautiful museum project by Intesa Sanpaolo, which has entrusted the restaurant to the expert Costardi brothers with Christian in the kitchen. A designer room with spaced tables, dark walls and ceiling, a counter facing the kitchen, and a small table in the private room. Three tasting paths – Portrait, Drawing, and Instant – plus a menu that lends itself to various combinations. We cannot fail to mention a risotto, a emblematic dish of the Costardi brothers, the Carnaroli with rabbit, pumpkin, and saba, a small masterpiece. Delicious maison breads. Extensive wine list.
Scat_to – piazza San Carlo, 156 – 011 0267460 – www.costardibros.it/ristorante-scatto-torino/
Smith’s British
Bistrot. A British-style dinner not only for the flavors but also for the setting and atmosphere, in a triumph of crystals, silverware, English porcelain, and flowers? It is possible, just come here, in the Cenisio area, at Smith’s British, the only British restaurant in Italy. Opened by Adam Smith, it is also the right place for the famous High Tea, the richest version of Afternoon Tea, or for Sunday brunch. But the important thing is that here you can also have dinner with dishes such as "coronation chicken" (curry chicken salad with dried fruit accompanied by pickled strawberries and savory shortbread), roast beef served with Yorkshire pudding and new potatoes, "salmon steak," and "rhubarb crumble." Reservation essential.
Smith’s British – via Virle, 19 – 346 6844598 – www.smithsbritish.it
Le Petit Restaurant Japonais
Japanese. A couple united in life and work, Naomi Sonoda, a Japanese opera singer from Miyasaki, and Simone Oberto, an Italian with experiences in the food sector, lead this refined and atmospheric venue just outside the capital. The environment invites relaxation, the lighting is well-dosed, the elegant mise en place is studied in every detail, and the culinary proposal is organized into six fixed tasting menus, ranging from €38 to €140. Dishes may vary according to the market. To drink, beer and sake, as expected, but also wines and spirits. You leave reluctantly. Reservation essential, and well in advance.
Le Petit Restaurant Japonais – Avigliana (TO) piazza Conte Rosso, 34 – 340 9624553 – www.lepetitrestaurantjaponais.com
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