Europe’s Oldest Café Still Open: Cafe Tomaselli

When coffee lovers ask which café has been open the longest and is still serving customers today, few realize the answer lies not in Paris or Vienna—but in Salzburg, Austria. Tucked into the city’s Old Market since 1703, Cafe Tomaselli is not just a historic site. It is Europe’s oldest café that has operated continuously under the same name and ownership lineage. For coffee historians and curious travelers alike, it offers a rare window into centuries of European coffee culture.

Cafe Tomaselli has been open since 1703—over 320 years—and remains family-run. It served Mozart, who favored an Einspanner: black coffee with cream in a tall glass. Even after a brief post-WWII disruption, it returned to Austrian hands in 1950 and continues today under the Tomaselli family.

Europe’s Longest-Running Coffeehouse

Founded in 1703 in Salzburg’s Old Market, Cafe Tomaselli holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating café in Europe. Unlike many historic cafés that changed names, ownership, or ceased operations over the centuries, Tomaselli has remained in the same location, with an unbroken presence and family stewardship. Its longevity makes it a living monument to European café culture.

Mozart’s Favorite Café

Salzburg is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Cafe Tomaselli was one of his regular haunts. Historical accounts note that Mozart often ordered an Einspanner—a simple yet iconic drink of black coffee topped with whipped cream, traditionally served in a tall glass. This drink remains on the menu today, connecting modern visitors with the café’s 18th-century clientele.

A Brief WWII Interruption

Following World War II, the café was briefly repurposed as a doughnut shop, a change that angered local residents. In 1950, control of the business returned to Austrian ownership, and the Tomaselli family resumed management. Since then, the café has meticulously restored its original character and continues to operate as a beloved Salzburg institution.

The Tomaselli Family Legacy

Over nine generations, the Tomaselli family has preserved the café’s traditions, interior, and coffee offerings. Their stewardship ensured that Tomaselli not only survived wars and political upheavals but also retained its role as a cultural touchstone. Today, it stands as a symbol of continuity in a rapidly changing world.

What Is an Einspanner?

An Einspanner is a classic Viennese-style coffee consisting of a shot of black coffee topped with whipped cream, traditionally served in a tall glass. It is typically consumed without sugar, allowing the contrast between the bitter coffee and creamy topping to shine. This is the drink Mozart reportedly favored at Tomaselli, and it remains part of the café’s enduring legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Cafe Tomaselli founded?

Cafe Tomaselli was established in 1703, making it over 320 years old. It has been in continuous operation since its founding in Salzburg’s Old Market.

Is Cafe Tomaselli the oldest café in Europe?

Cafe Tomaselli is considered the oldest continuously operating café in Europe under the same name and family ownership. While other cafés may claim great age, Tomaselli has remained in business without interruption since 1703.

Did Mozart really drink at Cafe Tomaselli?

Yes, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was born in nearby Salzburg, was a regular patron of Cafe Tomaselli. He was known to order the Einspanner, a black coffee with whipped cream served in a tall glass.

What happened to the café after World War II?

After World War II, Cafe Tomaselli was temporarily turned into a doughnut shop, which upset many local residents. In 1950, it was returned to Austrian management, and the Tomaselli family regained control, restoring the café to its former identity.

What is an Einspanner coffee?

An Einspanner is a traditional coffee drink made with black coffee and whipped cream, usually served in a tall glass. It is often enjoyed without sugar, highlighting the contrast between the bitter coffee and the rich cream.

Who currently runs Cafe Tomaselli?

Cafe Tomaselli has been owned and operated by the Tomaselli family for nine generations. The family has managed the café since its founding and continues to preserve its historic legacy.

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