Gelati Pepino is a company producing gelato since 1884, the year when Mr. Domenico Pepino, originally from Naples, opened a cold pastry workshop and store in the heart of Turin. Later on, in 1916, the company was sold to the Cavagnino family which still owns and runs the business today.
In 1939, they invented and patented the “Pinguino”, literally “Penguin”, which represents the world’s first chocolate covered gelato on a stick.
The traditional flavors were five but along the years they added a few others and the options are now nine: Gianduja, Pepino Cream, Violet, Mint, Hazelnut, Milk Cream, Coffee, Vermouth, Rose.
Even though today Pinguino sticks can be found in many shops in and around Turin, the best place to have one is the historic “Gelateria Pepino” in Piazza Carignano, opened in 1929.
After a long day at work, whenever I am sad and I want some sweet comfort food, I come to Pepino and enjoy my Pinguino in the flavor of gianduja (definitely my favorite one) sitting on one of the benches looking at the marvelous Palazzo Carignano.
Beyond Pinguino sticks, Gelateria Pepino also offers traditional gelato in cones and cups and is one of the old-style cafés of the city center offering good options for breakfast, lunch and aperitivo.