Turin can be explored beneath arcades and through cafés where taking a pause is part of the city’s rhythm. Two central venues offer flavours that should not be confused: Caffè Al Bicerin, opposite the Santuario della Consolata, serves the coffee, chocolate and cream drink that gave the café its name; Caffè Mulassano, beneath the arcades of Piazza Castello, is associated with the tramezzino. You can visit both on a short walk, but each calls for a different order and realistic expectations about space and service.
Al Bicerin opened in 1763. Its layered glass evolved from bavareisa, an eighteenth-century drink combining coffee, chocolate, milk and syrup that was served in other forms. With today’s version, leave the spoon alone at first and notice how coffee’s bitterness, chocolate’s density and cream’s softness change from sip to sip. The room is small and queues can be unclear; ask whether to wait outside or if there is space inside. If your morning includes the Quadrilatero Romano and the sanctuary, this stop fits the route without a long detour.
From there, walk through the centre towards Piazza Castello and step into Mulassano. The business moved to this square in 1907 and, according to Turismo Torino, Angela Demichelis Nebiolo invented the tramezzino here in 1926. The display includes savoury versions, some with lobster, truffle or bagna cauda. With more than thirty fillings listed, sharing one lets you try the idea without turning the stop into an expensive lunch. The 31-square-metre interior preserves wood, bronze, brass and mirrors; if it is full, the walk beneath the arcades continues right outside.
Listings checked on 1 October 2026 showed 4.3/5 on Google for Al Bicerin, from 3,713 reviews, and 4.2/5 for Mulassano, from 2,351. Comments about both mention the atmosphere; at Al Bicerin, visitors also describe queues and uneven service, while at Mulassano some question the prices and welcome. These are ratings for two separate venues, not a direct contest. If you want a sweet drink with a local history, start at Al Bicerin; if savoury aperitivo and a compact snack appeal more, choose Mulassano.
The simplest order is to begin at Piazza della Consolata and finish at Piazza Castello, where you can continue towards the royal residences or Galleria Subalpina. Check Al Bicerin’s hours; it closes on Wednesdays except for listed exceptions. Call Mulassano to confirm opening, since the tourism listing does not provide a full schedule. These cafés do not replace a traditional Piedmontese meal; they offer a concrete way to try two urban customs. Allow time to sit, look around and choose without rushing: in Turin, some of the flavour lies in where you taste it.
Check current details and choose according to your budget, time and way of travelling.
Cafés to compare
Compare menus, hours and recent reviews before choosing a café.
Opposite the Santuario della Consolata, Caffè Al Bicerin welcomes visitors with small tables, dark wood and a ritual served in a glass. The café says it opened in 1763 and that its drink gave the establishment its name: coffee, chocolate and cream arrive in layers, following a tradition that evolved
Layered bicerin made with coffee, chocolate and cream
Caffè Mulassano occupies just 31 square metres beneath the arcades of Piazza Castello, but its small scale is part of the experience. The business moved to this square in 1907; its wood, bronze and brass panelling uses mirrors to multiply the room. The story Turin residents often repeat here has a t
Tramezzini, vermouth and coffee beneath Piazza Castello’s arcades
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website of Caffè Al Bicerin ↗
Primary source
Caffè Al Bicerin · Accessed October 1, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Caffè Al Bicerin ↗
Primary source
Caffè Al Bicerin · Accessed October 1, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Caffè Mulassano ↗
Primary source
Turismo Torino · Accessed October 1, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Caffè Mulassano ↗
Primary source
MuseoTorino · Accessed October 1, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Turismo Torino · Accessed October 1, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Caffè Al Bicerin · Accessed October 1, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Turismo Torino · Accessed October 1, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Opiniones de la sede ↗
Secondary source
Wanderlog · Accessed October 1, 2026
Google 4,3/5 y 3.713 reseñas; también muestra Tripadvisor 4,0/5 con 2.476. Consulta 1/10/2026.
-
Opiniones del café ↗
Secondary source
Wanderlog · Accessed October 1, 2026
Google 4,2/5 y 2.351 reseñas; Tripadvisor 4,0/5 y 997 en la ficha consultada el 1/10/2026.