Caffe Villa Reale In Torino

13/07/2025: A romantic dinner? Taverna Darsté in Torre Pellice (Via Arnaud 3) could be a great idea, as well as a get-together with gourmet friends who love seafood. Yes, because—oddly enough—Darsté has built its business and professional image on the freshest and most flavorful seafood, even though we're in the Pellice Valley. Our evening began with a couple of first courses from the menu (orecchiette with fresh octopus, clams, and broccoli rabe; and cavatelli with seafood ragù), cooked perfectly al dente and beautifully balanced in flavor between the various ingredients. A small misstep was the mixed fried calamari, shrimp, and anchovies—a bit too greasy, and the shrimp hadn't had their "intestinal vein" removed: I know, opinions differ, but we're in favor of a thorough cleanse...—which was promptly redeemed by a seared fresh tuna on a bed of mixed salad that earned a standing ovation for its freshness, flavor, and tenderness. The dinner was rounded out with an excellent bunet and the bubbles of a glass of Baffone (Poderi Cellario, 80% Moscato and 20% Favorita), bold, savory, and pleasantly rustic. We'll be visiting again, and soon.

01/07/2025: Recommended by friends, we had a great time