2 Best Restaurants in Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta, Italy

A chocolate lover's pilgrimage to Turin inevitably leads to this café where Nietzsche, Puccini, Dumas, and the political reformer Cavour have all sipped. If you order the house specialty, bicerin (a hot drink with layers of chocolate, coffee, and cream), or a flavored zabaioni (warm eggnog), and browse the collection of chocolate goodies including chocolate-flavored pasta, you'll understand why.

When you’re not in the mood for an Italian-style lunch or dinner (read: leisurely), head to the Mercato Centrale for a selection of foods—from more than 20 food stands—like fresh pasta, fish, roast meats, pizza, and fried dishes, along with more international options including ramen and Peruvian plates, along with a good choice of cocktails, wines, and beer. But don’t fill up on the mains, as you’ll also find a delightful selection of baked goods and, of course, gelato, for a sweet finish.