A distinctive, warmly hosted British restaurant in Turin with strong food and atmosphere, though reservations, rotating dishes and occasional service or value disappointments merit planning.
Smith's British delivers solid food quality anchored by well-executed British classics, pies, and afternoon tea that earn consistent praise from repeat visitors. Warm, attentive service led by the owner creates genuine hospitality, though the intimate two-level setting, while charming, keeps it from approaching the very top tier. Strong execution across the board prevents any significant gaps, making this a reliably excellent neighborhood destination.
Smith’s British is a small destination for a very specific pleasure: stepping off a Turin side street and into a carefully staged corner of England. Reviews repeatedly describe vintage decor, soft lighting and a welcome led by Adam and Manù; one diner essentially summed up the mood as feeling transported to London. The rooms are charming, though furniture and comfort vary between levels, and popular brunch or tea services can fill quickly. The kitchen leans into recognizable British cooking rather than culinary fireworks: roast beef, pies, fish and chips, full English breakfast, afternoon tea and rotating specials. That straightforwardness is part of the appeal, especially for British expats and curious locals, while the current menu adds a few more distinctive touches such as haggis, steak tartare with Stilton and tandoori monkfish curry. Food is generally praised as flavorful and well presented, although fish-and-chips execution, breakfast beans and the value of premium tea or steak experiences are not universally convincing. Families should find plenty of approachable choices, including pancakes, waffles, toasties, pie, roast beef, fish and chips, breakfast items and brownie. The menu also has vegetarian and vegan options, so it is more flexible than a meat-heavy British stereotype suggests. It is still worth checking the rotating menu before bringing especially picky children, since some signature dishes mentioned by reviewers are not on the current list.
Area vibe: Elegant, historic city centre known for cafés, piazzas, and baroque architecture.
Safety: Generally safe with active evening footfall, well-lit streets but quieter side streets can be calm at night.
What's nearby: Near Piazza Statuto, Corso Regina Margherita, public transport and central shops, cafés and cultural sites.
Start with the Roast Beef, Chicken & Leek Pie, or Full English Breakfast, then consider the signature Fish & Chips or Sticky Toffee Pudding
Plan ahead for brunch or tea, and keep in mind that occasional delays, extra afternoon-tea charges, and uneven value can affect the experience
Expect vintage British decor, soft lighting, and an intimate two-level setting that feels more like a destination than a casual stop