Caffe Al Bicerin

Caffe Al Bicerin is a tiny, much-cherished historic cafe on Piazza della Consolata in Turin, open since 1763 and considered the home of the bicerin, the city's emblematic drink of espresso, drinking chocolate and milk cream layered in a small glass. Little more than a handful of marble-topped tables behind a period frontage, the cafe has kept its 18th-century character almost intact, with mirrored walls, wooden panelling and a sense of stepping back in time. The bicerin itself is the reason most visitors come, served warm and unstirred so the three layers can be tasted in sequence, but the cafe is also known for its zabaione and house-made chocolates, including gianduiotti reflecting Turin's deep chocolate heritage. Famous admirers over the centuries reputedly included the writer Alexandre Dumas, and the cafe sits opposite the Santuario della Consolata, making it a natural pause after visiting the sanctuary. The atmosphere is intimate and quietly genteel rather than bustling, and because the room is so small, queues form at busy times and tables turn slowly. Prices are higher than an ordinary bar coffee, reflecting the setting and the ritual, but remain modest for such a landmark. There are no reservations; it operates on a walk-in basis, so visiting outside peak mid-morning and weekend hours improves the chance of a seat. A stop here is as much about the history as the drink.