Mulassano Coffee

Caffè Mulassano, located at Piazza Castello 15 in Turin, is one of the city’s most iconic historic cafes, known for its rich history and the role it has played in Turin’s social and cultural life. Founded in the second half of the nineteenth century by Amilcare Mulassano, the establishment began as a liquor store on Via Nizza and was transferred to its current location in 1907. The transfer coincided with the transformation of the establishment into a café, under the guidance of engineer Antonio Vandone, who designed the elegant Liberty-style interior, characterized by precious marbles, gilded bronzes, and a coffered ceiling. In 1925, the café passed to Angela and Onorino Nebiolo, two Turin migrants who returned home after a stay in Detroit. The Nebiolos brought with them two innovations that would forever change Italian gastronomy: the toast and the tramezzino. These two simple dishes quickly became classics, helping to solidify Mulassano’s reputation as a meeting place for artists, intellectuals, and politicians. Among the illustrious customers who frequented the café were personalities such as the doctor Achille Mario Dogliotti, the painters Luigi Spazzapan and Italo Cremona, the director Mario Soldati, and many others. The history of Caffè Mulassano is marked by moments of splendor and periods of difficulty. During World War II, the establishment experienced a decline, but was restored to its former glory in the 1970s thanks to a significant conservative restoration commissioned by the new owner, Antonio Chessa. The restoration not only preserved the historical integrity of the café, but also introduced new gastronomic delights, such as the famous lobster sandwiches, which became a draw for the people of Turin. A distinctive feature of Caffè Mulassano is its façade with the external lantern, signaling the opening of the establishment, and the interior enriched with original details such as the fountain on the counter in gilded bronze, used to offer a glass of filtered water along with the coffee, following a tradition common to Turin and Naples. Another curiosity is the “crazy clock,” located behind the counter, which has only one hand and is used to determine who should pay the bill: the customer who gets the highest number pays for everyone. Caffè Mulassano is not just a place to refresh oneself, but a true cultural symbol of Turin. Throughout the twentieth century, the establishment has been chosen as a setting for films and commercials, helping to keep its image alive in the collective memory. Films shot at Mulassano include “Addio Giovinezza!” by Ferdinando Maria Poggioli and “Piccolo mondo antico” by Mario Soldati, as well as the thriller “Four Flies on Grey Velvet” by Dario Argento. Today, Caffè Mulassano continues to be a point of reference for the people of Turin and for tourists, preserving the charm of yesteryear. Part of the association Historic Places of Italy and Historic Shops and Establishments of Turin, the café represents a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, a place where one can breathe history and enjoy a coffee break in an elegant and refined environment. Its strategic location in Piazza Castello, in the heart of Turin’s historic center, makes Caffè Mulassano an ideal stop during a visit to the city. Its welcoming atmosphere, combined with the quality of its gastronomic offerings, makes it a must-visit for those who want to immerse themselves in authentic Turin culture.