I went to Bar Cristallo for a pre-concert aperitif by PTN, so I need to make a necessary premise: it was a chaotic evening and the place is just a few steps from the stadium, so I avoid judging the organization and the service too harshly, which were courteous despite the confusion.
My friends and I ordered two Spritz and a glass of Arneis (served in a plastic cup - they explained to me that it is mandatory in the case of events of this type for safety reasons).
We were accompanied by a shared tray of appetizers: the quantity was decent, but the quality of the cured meats didn't particularly convince me.
When we asked if there was a table, we were told that perhaps we could go down to the room below, but luckily one became available upstairs and we sat there. I write “luckily” because, later, going down to use the bathroom, I noticed that the room is rather simple and a bit spartan: not air conditioned, with windows overlooking the pipes and the entrance to the kitchen next door. Definitely an environment that could be improved to make it more welcoming.
Total price: €29 for three, so about €9.50 per person. An overall fair price for a drink and accompaniment.
In short: a convenient place for a quick aperitif before an event, thanks to its strategic location. With a few more adjustments to the environment, it could offer a more refined experience.
Cristallo is exactly where you want to arrive after a long day doing tourist deeds in Torino before you proceed onto your cheaper-than-downtown accommodation — on normal days that is, because it's next to the Torino FC stadium so on match days it should be quite hellish. And there's a market in the mornings which should add to the nice atmosphere.
In F&B terms I remember having excellent sandwiches and coffee, and a remarkable antipasto to share with my brother and my friend, with good beer to water all things down. Remarkable means remarkable here ❤️
Service was very good in line with the local temperament, slightly posh but warm and approachable — but they had 'the Argentine that every bar needs' in Matti, who was very helpful taking care of our food and giving us tips to navigate this fascinating city.
Of course we'll be back.
For those looking for simplicity and authenticity, you are in the right place, I recommend you try the Peruvian dishes, they are delicious! and finally conclude with the desserts they produce, they are delicious.
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