Caffe Mulassano

Caffe Mulassano is a compact historic cafe at Piazza Castello 15 in Turin, in Italy's Piedmont region, on the monumental square beside the Royal Palace and a short walk from the Teatro Regio. It is listed among the Locali Storici d'Italia, the association of historic venues in the country, and is categorised here as a historic cafe in the moderate price tier. Its small size is part of the appeal, and visitors should be prepared for a very small interior with limited seating and many people standing at the bar.

The cafe's claim to culinary fame is the tramezzino. A plaque at the venue credits Angela Demichelis Nebiolo with inventing the tramezzino here in 1926, and the soft-bread triangular sandwich has since become a staple of Italian bars. The tramezzino is therefore the item to order, together with coffee. Fillings change and were not verified for this entry, so visitors should read the counter display on arrival. Coffee drinks and small pastries complete the offer, and the cafe works well as a quick stop on a walk through the royal quarter rather than as a place for a long meal.

The interior is ornate and historic, with decorative woodwork and a period atmosphere that suits its listed status. Noise is moderate to lively at peak times, and there is no dress code. Because space is limited, groups of more than a few people may find it difficult to sit together. The beverage programme is centred on coffee, with other bar drinks served in the usual Italian style, and a wine list was not verified.

Opening hours are not published on the venue site, so visitors should confirm by phone on +39 348 1701696 or by email at info@caffemulassano.com. The cafe does not take reservations in the usual sense and operates on a walk-in basis, with a short wait for a seat likely at lunch and mid-afternoon. Prices at a historic Italian bar typically differ between standing at the counter and sitting at a table, so ordering at the bar is the cheaper route. The website is caffemulassano.com.