Happened to drop into this place to get some bread for breakfast and came back with warm focaccia…read moreinstead :-) I had never imagined I would love eating a focaccia for breakfast so much. A lovely lady runs this place and the focaccia was warm when I got it. Picked up two flavours and she probably had about a dozen different ones. I had a tomato, olive, anchovy and cheese one and another with just onions and herbs. The crust was so fabulous and the topping so simple yet packed full of flavour. I think I ate my piece very quickly and wanted to go back and get some more ;-))) Must remember to go one more time before leaving town ;-)) great place for a wonderful focaccia :-)) PS will try to take some photos before I leave town and post them :-))

If you find yourself near the Mercato di Piazza Madama Cristina[1] in San Salvario, do yourself a…read morefavor and stop by Panetteria Ficini. This amazing bakery has been around since 1988, but it is much more than a place to buy bread: it's a workshop of flavor, culture, passion, and care. Here, bread is taken seriously. Stone-ground flours, ancient grains, long fermentation processes--everything is done with respect for tradition and attention to quality. From the rare and delicious salt-free Tuscan bread (pane sciapo), to the intense Nero di Castelvetrano made from Sicilian durum wheat, to vegan loaves and grape juice-fermented spelt bread--each product reflects research, craftsmanship, and passion. Some of their creations are at the intersection of anthropology, archaeology, and baking. Like the Biblical Bread (Pan Biblico), which is baked only during the Christmas season and from Lent to Easter, using ingredients mentioned in the Bible: whole grain flours (spelt, barley, malted wheat, bean flour), poppy seeds, honey, flax seeds, Dead Sea salt, and more. Unleavened and unsalted Arabic bread is a favorite of mine; it's the perfect bread to go with a nice savory cheese[2]. Alongside bread, you'll find an amazing selection of grissini (breadsticks): olive, sesame, walnut, oil, or light water-based ones. And Genovese focaccia, Recco-style focaccia, rustic pizzas (some topped with fresh cheese and vegetables), crostatas, dry pastries, and seasonal delicacies like artisan panettoni and colombe. Some of the sweets I love here are pan pepito, pan del pescatore, almond amaretti (both sweet and bitter), baci di dama, pastiera, stiacciata all'anice, an amazing pear and chocolate tart, and so much more. The long counter at Ficini draws you in: it's nearly impossible to leave with just the loaf you intended to buy. But that's the beauty of it. Good bread is one of life's purest pleasures, and at Ficini, they've made it an art form. In a city renowned for its traditions and culinary depth, Panetteria Ficini stands as proof that the most extraordinary experiences often hide in the most humble forms. For anyone who believes that food should tell stories, honor traditions, and bring people together, this gem of a bakery isn't just recommended; it's essential. ---------------------------- [1] https://commercio.comune.torino.it/mercati/mercati-allaperto/mercato-madama-cristina/ [2] If you check their website they even give suggestions on how to pair a specific type of bread with food and drinks. See "Accostamenti": https://ficinipanificio.it/ficini-in-mostra/

Guido Gobino is famous for his chocolate. The cute boutique…read moreon the corner of Via Lagrange Giuseppe Luigi is near the Egyptian museum and well-known designer shops like Prada. Once inside the shop, you can peruse the lovely embossed chocolates displayed like jewels in cases. Also on the shelves are bags and boxes readily available for quick purchase. When I entered the shop, the staff kindly offered my a sample of two varieties of gianduja chocolate that they were famous for. I decided to enjoy something cold to drink in their internal cafe. This delightful room is A-i-r C-O-N-D-I-T-I-O-N-E-D !!! On the very very hot day I was window-shopping I had to have a cold chocolate drink at the Gobino cafe. The service isn't that good, as the staff remain in the front boutique area. So I have to go and ask about ordering a drink. There is a lovely booklet menu to choose your options. I got a chocolate shake and was presented with the drink as well as a small ceramic tray holding two pieces of chocolate/gianduja candy. How lovely. I slowly drank my shake and perused the chocolate and food literature that was on the shelves. This is a great place to pass the time of day. You avoid the heat here and also have many chocolate treats to choose from. Delicioso!

Our lil family of four decided to get us some chocolate for Valentine's Day. And this place was…read moreexcellent. We sat in front which was heated with heat lamp as we enjoyed our variety of lil chocolates. My 5 & 3 year olds had the hot chocolate and loved it very much. Great place. A must stop if in Turin with a sweet tooth