Overview

The Cafe San Carlo has existed in Piazza San Carlo, called "the living room of Turin" because of its perfect proportions (168m by 76m), since the first half of the 19th century. It has been a true meeting place for the great thinkers which have formed Turin's cafe society for many years and has played host to writers, artists, journalists and university lecturers all trying to break away from the conservative haunts of their time. The architect Leoni refurbished the cafe very lavishly during the middle of the last century transforming it into one of the cornerstones of the Italian Risorgimento. The Cafe San Carlo was damaged during the second world war and was restored to its former glory in 1963. Since 1979, it has once again become the "living room" of Turin thanks to the careful management of Massimo Segre. Nowadays one can enjoy an evening meal here as well as Sunday brunch.