Our Posti del Cuore | Two faces of the same coin in Torino
Da Emilia to Ailimē: Two Souls, One Philosophy
Welcome to another issue of our Posti del Cuore, places “of the heart”. Trattorie, specialty shops and food labs are amongst the collection curated by the La Panza Piena team, whose aim is to celebrate the hard work the people in each place do, and have been doing for generations.
Da Emilia to Ailimē: Two Souls, One Philosophy
By Marta Doria: Urban & Territorial Designer, passionate about food and the people who make it.
In the heart of Turin, between Vanchiglia, Borgo Rossini, and Santa Giulia, there are two seemingly different venues that, in reality, share a common essence. Da Emilia and Ailimē were both created by Francesca (or Chicca), their visionary owner, whom you might easily run into for a friendly chat at either location. But there’s more: if you look closely, you’ll notice that Ailimē is simply Emilia spelled backwards—a small detail that hints at the deep connection between the two, despite their differences.
Da Emilia, located on Corso San Maurizio, is a cozy and welcoming spot where you can unwind with a glass of carefully selected natural wine. Here, food takes center stage: tigelline and maxi tigelle with a variety of fillings steal the show, while one of the standout specialties is an exceptional selection of anchovies sourced directly from Portugal. With their elegant packaging and surprising flavors—lemon, tomato, olive oil, and more—they are a treat both for the eyes and the palate.
But Da Emilia is more than just food and wine. Now and then, you might find a small stage being set up for "15 minutes by...", a unique format where artists, musicians, and performers, handpicked by Francesca, take the spotlight for exactly 15 minutes, creating an intimate and unexpected cultural experience.
Stepping into Ailimē feels like being transported to a small restaurant in Tokyo—perhaps in the backstreets of Shinjuku or the heart of Ginza. The atmosphere is deeply inspired by Japanese aesthetics, but the cuisine tells a more intricate story, blending Eastern flavours with traditional dishes from Emilia Romagna.
On the menu, you’ll find onigiri alongside agnolotti and fried tortellini. At first, it may seem like an unusual combination, but once you taste these dishes side by side, you'll realize that the fusion is far more natural than expected—especially when everything is crafted with care and high-quality ingredients.
Similarly to Emilia, Ailimē boasts a fantastic selection of natural wines, yet it also takes things a step further by offering a curated saké tasting experience. The staff is knowledgeable and will happily guide you in choosing the best saké pairings for your meal, making your dining experience even more immersive.
Despite their distinct personalities, Emilia and Ailimē are two sides of the same coin, both rooted in the idea that dining is more than just eating—it’s a journey, a fusion of cultures, traditions, and creative experimentation. Whether you're in the mood for comforting Emilian flavours or an unexpected dialogue between Italy and Japan, both spots promise an authentic, unique, and always surprising experience.
What a lovely essay! As a longtime resident of Tokyo, I would love to visit both of these restaurants to sample the beautiful food and see if I'd react similarly to the atmosphere.