Growing up between Hong Kong and France’s quaint Tarn-et-Garonne region, Mimi Thorrison learned to love food at an early age. Across the two continents, she sampled everything from noodles to tripe. And during summer holidays, her aunt Francine, whose husband was Italian, taught her recipes like brasato and vitello tonnato.
In 2005, Thorisson met her husband, the photographer Oddur Thorisson, in Paris, where she was working as a TV presenter and producer for CNN. The couple started a food blog—Mimi wrote, and Oddur took pictures. Before long, they’d settled in a 19th-century house in the Médoc region, near Bordeaux, and scored two book deals, as well cooking shows like La Table de Mimi and Les Desserts de Mimi. They started their renowned workshops at home, teaching all things gastronomy, from wine tasting to grocery shopping.
Oddur, Mimi, and their eight children relocated to Turin six years ago, to research Mimi’s third book, Old World Italian, and never went back. In 2025, the author will release her next title, A Kitchen in Italy. Here, Thorisson shares her go-to restaurants, bars, and sights in her adopted city.
Caffè Mulassano
This historic café is where the tramezzino [an Italian finger sandwich] was invented in 1926. It remains one of the most charming spots in Turin. Their tramezzini are out of this world—the bread is light and fluffy, and each sandwich is served on a silver platter. My favorite is the one with mascarpone and truffle. And be sure to order the Bicerin, Turin’s most famous drink—a rich blend of espresso, hot chocolate, and cream served in layers that capture the essence of the city’s coffee culture. (caffemulassano.com)
Trattoria Al Gatto Nero
Dining at Al Gatto Nero is as much about the experience as it is about the food. Blending culinary excellence with tradition, the trattoria has been beloved by local families for generations. The owner, Andrea Vannelli, is a master storyteller, adding a personal touch to each meal. The food is always top-notch, from the perfect tajarin [the local version of tagliatelle] with tomato sauce to the warm seafood salad. They also turn the simplest vegetables into sublime dishes. Whether you’re having a casual dinner or celebrating something special, Al Gatto Nero never disappoints. (gattonero.it)
ALBERTO MARCHETTI GELATERIE
I tell everyone this, but Turin has the best ice cream in Italy. The gelato at Alberto Marchetti, made with the finest locally sourced ingredients, comes in a variety of decadent flavors. My favorite is the zabaione with a scoop of panna fresca. (albertomarchetti.it)
PORTA PALAZZO
One of the largest and most famous farmers’s markets in Europe, Porta Palazzo is a wonder. It offers an incredible range of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and local specialties. Every time I visit, I’m amazed at its vibrancy and at the incredible fruit and vegetable varieties the region has to offer. I enjoy going there early in the morning when you can meet other chefs and discuss recipes.
Galleria Gilibert
Galleria Gilibert boasts rare prints, books, and a beautiful collection of vintage posters. Located in the Galleria Subalpina, it’s a treasure trove for anyone who appreciates Italian culture and design, and the perfect spot to hunt for a unique gift. (gilibert.it)
Marco Polo Torino
I always find something special at Marco Polo—it’s the best-kept secret of all elegant Torinese ladies. After a fun shopping spree, walk over to Caffè Platti for their almond petits fours and a pomegranate juice al banco. (marcopolotorino.com)
Museo Casa Mollino
For architecture and design enthusiasts, Carlo Mollino’s apartment is a must-see. Mollino was an influential 20th-century architect, and his apartment in Turin offers a fascinating glimpse into his work and personal style. The space harmoniously blends modernist and classical elements, showcasing his genius in design and use of space. The apartment is open for tours, and if you are lucky enough to meet the curator, Fulvio Ferrari, you will get a deeper understanding of Turin’s history. (carlomollino.org)
Teatro Regio tOrino
No trip to Turin would be complete without a visit to the Teatro Regio, the city’s most famous opera house. It’s an architectural masterpiece designed by Mollino, with a stunning interior and incredible acoustics. If you’re in town during an opera or classical concert, be sure to catch a performance. I always look forward to the intermission to have a drink at the bar—it’s cinematographic. (teatroregio.torino.it)