Cheap Eating in Turin

If you're looking for cheap eats in Turin (or Torino) head to the area near the Lingotto, the former FIAT plant that's been turned into a huge shopping center. Walking along Via Nizza and Via Genoa a few days ago, we saw signs at several bars advertising coffee for 50 euro cents (standing at the bar). Besides cheap coffee, one had a sign advertising brioche for .50 euro, a slice of pizza for one euro, and sandwiches for 1.50 euro. (Currently one euro is about $1.35)

We ate dinner at Osteria del FIAT (Fate Infretta a Tavolo), recommended by our friend Marla of Bella Baita B and B. They serve a 10 euro fixed price meal (about $13.50) at both lunch and dinner. Our meal included a choice of two pastas and three meat courses with vegetables and mineral water or wine (also including cover and service). The food was good and the place was packed with locals, we got the last table before they started turning people away.

Across the street from our Turin Lingotto hotel, Le Meridien Art + Tech (book direct), is Eataly, the Slow Food store. Gourmet food lovers will want to head there even if it's just to have a look around. Besides being a store, there are several places to eat arranged by type of food - pasta, fish, meat, and vegetarian, all serving high quality food at a reasonable price. I had a selection of fresh cheeses and a glass of good wine at the salami and cheese restaurant for 12 euro including bread, mineral water and service.