Caffè Al Bicerin

Historical Background & The Risorgimento Salon

Founded in 1763 by Giuseppe Dentis in the historic Quadrilatero Romano, Caffè Al Bicerin originally operated as a modest acquacedrataio (lemonade and beverage shop) situated directly across the piazza from Guarino Guarini's monumental Santuario della Consolata.

By the early 19th century, it evolved into an essential meeting point for morning churchgoers breaking their fast, as well as statesmen of the Italian Risorgimento. Count Camillo Benso di Cavour, the architect of Italian unification, was a daily patron who often sat watching churchgoers from the corner table while enjoying his morning beverage.

Other documented historical visitors include composer Giacomo Puccini, philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche during his stay in Turin, Alexandre Dumas père (who praised the elixir in his travel memoirs), and Umberto Eco. Throughout its history, the café was managed exclusively by generations of pioneering women, preserving its family warmth and culinary secrets intact.

Architectural Atmosphere & Intimate Boiserie

Featuring just eight small marble tables, the interior remains virtually unchanged since 1856: dark walnut wall paneling (boiserie), antique bevelled mirrors, original cast-iron and Carrara marble tables, and red velvet banquettes lit by soft candle sconces.

The Secret Recipe of Il Bicerin

The signature drink evolved from the 18th-century bavareisa into the three-layered masterpiece that took the café's name (bicerin being Piedmontese for "small round glass"):

• Il Tradizionale Bicerin: Layered in a small stemless glass with rich melted bittersweet chocolate, freshly pulled dark espresso, and cool hand-whipped whole cream. It is served strictly unstirred.
• Biscotti Tradizionali Piemontesi: Crisp Torinesi ladyfingers (savoiardi), cornmeal paste di meliga, and hazelnut baci di dama baked for dipping.
• Gianduja Confectionery: Artisanal Piedmontese hazelnut chocolates made following traditional confectionery formulas.