The Slow Food movement is finally starting to enter the mass market.

Eataly is a new grocery retailer that sells authentic food at affordable prices. It launched in Turin with a 110,00 sq ft (10,220 sq m) flagship and opened a second small outlet in Milan in November. A two-floor store in Manhattan is due to open in February.

Conceived by Oscar Farinetti, the tycoon who sold his UniEuro electricals chain to DSGi, Eataly is a return to his family’s artisan food roots. In partnership with three local co-operatives and with the Slow Food organisation acting as consultant, Eataly sources the best produce from small suppliers.

Eataly is serious about its mission and eating is at its heart. Each market has a food bar, where customers perch on high stools for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Education cements the concept: there’s a library at the entrance and a museum on the first floor. A seasonal food wheel is the hub, where produce of the month is displayed.

Housed in a grand conversion of the old Carpano Vermouth Factory, Eataly’s Turin store is flooded with natural light. Divided into different rooms, each with a unique charm, the whole experience feels like a journey of discovery. This is food as we would all like it to be, but as it so rarely is.

HIGHLIGHTS

Historic Vermouth factory conversion

Food museum

71 in-store chefs

Wood-fired ovens

Eight food markets with food bars

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