Melissa

“Torta della nonna”, “Raggio di sole”, “Cavoli a merenda”, “Pulizie di primavera”, “Bella Torino”, “Moulin Rouge”. These are just some of the names of the infusions written with a round and enviable calligraphy on the large glass jars displayed in Melissa‘s living room.

Opened in 2010 only “65 steps from the Mole Antonelliana”, as they like to specify, Melissa is (much more than) an herbalist. Melissa was the name of Valeria’s mother, the smiling owner and there could be no more appropriate name, coincidentally since the lemon balm is a medicinal plant widely used in herbal medicine.

Anyone who crosses the threshold realizes immediately that talking about herbal medicine is reductive. Melissa smells of home and memories. The ideal place to come during gray days, meteorologically and “humorally” speaking, for a good dose of positivity. Literally a living room with a sofa, armchairs and a fireplace, its a corner of her house where you can get lost among the multitude of fragrant teas preserved in the large white cupboard and dark wood furniture.

The small details make Melissa much more than a well-stocked destination for the purchase of spices and soaps. Hidden among a lavender candle and candied ginger, scattered among the bricks of the wall are hidden unexpected objects, chosen to surprise and intrigue the patrons, giving an unusual motivation to return to Melissa. Books, an old box of pins, photographs in black and white, homework with the correction in blue of an incorrect apostrophe. A tradition started by Valeria and her mother that today continues thanks to the memorabilia and the imagination of customers.

Infusions, spices, biscuits, medicinal herbs, natural cosmetics, porcelain cups and cast iron teapots to give as gifts along with more soaps, wooden brushes, candles and perfumers of the environment. Still, the famous delights of the historic company Leone are the pastilles and the unusual flavors of chocolate. It all blends harmoniously between vintage cameras, globes, vintage suitcases, postcards, books of fables and botany in a continuum between the store and the memories of those who love Melissa.

An address where you can find small objects and goodies to improve your daily routine. The attention to detail permeates both the location and the products on display, all with a personalized story and unique packaging.

Make sure to add to endless list of reasons to visit this place, the courtesy and all-female availability of the Melissa team. They will not hesitate to give you suggestions and inform you about the objects that populate the herbalist’s shop.