TURIN – Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 72, Caffè Platti stands as a beacon of nineteenth-century history. Established in 1870 as the “Principe Umberto” liquor store. It was later transformed into one of Italy’s oldest and most captivating rooms by Ernesto and Pietro Platti in 1890.
The Three Rooms
The Confectionery Rooms
Redesigned at the end of the 19th century by the Valabrega company. This room showcases exquisite furnishings, including a walnut counter and furniture adorned with Louis XVI style golden medallions, festoon carvings, and garlands. The lower sections feature drawers with embossed brass handles and mirrors behind open shelving. The room’s mosaic-tiled floor. Displays a stylized Greek design, and the ceiling boasts Empire-style gilded stuccoes, complemented by gilded wooden chandeliers.
The Coffee Room and the Central Room
These bright rooms, set up between 1910 and the 1930s, feature baroque stucco designs in pastel colors. The bar’s yellow-pigmented ceiling and walls, and the tea room’s stucco frames with monochromatic pigment, medallions, and floral decorations, create a serene atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors with stucco moldings and Empire festoon motifs enhance the elegance. Original chandeliers and wall sconces provide authentic lighting. The bar counter, crafted between 1923 and 1929 by the Strola company, features a veneered wood structure, an aluminum and tin top, and a green Alpi marble plinth.
The Last Room
Post-1930, this room incorporates Deco elements with subtle rationalist touches. It retains marble tables with cast iron structures, previously used on the large summer terraces along Corso Vittorio and Corso Re Umberto, now reduced to a few tables under the portico. Later additions include round tables with red Verona marble tops and central feet, arranged along the walls.
Caffè Platti embodies the essence of three distinct eras. It is represented by pastry room, coffee room, and a third room added post-1930. Historic café has long been a cultural and social hub, frequented by intellectuals, politicians, poets, and entrepreneurs. throughout the 20th century. Among its illustrious patrons were Luigi Einaudi, the second president of the Italian Republic. Enjoyed reading on its red sofas, and Cesare Pavese, who found inspiration for his writing here while meeting with publisher Giulio Einaudi.
Platti Specialties
Caffè Platti’s pastry shop offers an array of delicacies, including cream puffs, chantilly, lady’s kisses, macarons, and miniature biscuits. The sandwich menu features over 25 varieties of the iconic triangular sandwiches, such as peppers and anchovies, veal with tuna sauce, and Bra sausage.
For an afternoon treat, patrons can indulge in Afternoon Tea, an English tea ritual with a Savoy twist. The tea selection includes 12 varieties from around the world, provided by Damman, ranging from white, green, and black teas.
Dammann Frères, established in 1692, is a prestigious French tea company renowned for its high-quality tea and infusions. They offer a wide range of black, green, white, oolong, and herbal teas, available in loose leaf and Cristal sachets, featuring aromatic blends of citrus, spices, and fruits.
