It all began in 1838 when Lazzaro Canepa arrived from Lavagna (a town near Genoa) and opened a small bar, which he named after himself. In 1855 the premises changed name and appearance, becoming “Caffè Genovese”, an elegant meeting place for artists and the city’s high society. At the beginning of the twentieth century the bar underwent further change and was given a new look, this time in Liberty style, with wall lamps and large mirrors, Thonet style chairs, small tables in cast iron and white marble and two impressive walnut counters. The outside terrace was also enclosed by beautiful railings, which were forged by the prisoners of the San Bartolomeo penal colony and still surround the enchanting terrace today. The bar owes much of its charm to the fascinating stories which make up its history. It was here that Sibilla Aleramo waited for her lover, sitting at a table near the bar, but she was not alone, Grazia Deledda, Emilio Lussu, D.H. Lawrence, Gabriele D’Annunzio, Salvatore Quasimodo, Elio Vittoriani and Beniamino Gigli are just some of the illustrious figures to have patronised and loved this haunt.

Antico Caffè miraculously survived the devastating shelling of the city during the Second World War and the difficult post war period. Later, in 1998, in the hands of the Ruggieri family, also owners of Cagliari’s prestigious 4 star Sardegna Hotel, careful restoration work restored it to its former glory and gave it a new lease of life. Today Antico Caffè is once again an elegant meeting place and the place to be in Cagliari, but it has successfully maintained its historic identity and continues to bear witness to the traditional Coffee Houses of the nineteenth century. Drinks and aromas accompany reading, convivial chats and the rituals of the city’s social life and patrons can enjoy the finest quality confectionery and a vast choice of delicious culinary specialities. Antico Caffè is a genuine institution for the people of Cagliari and represents an important part of the city’s history. In fact, the building also comes under the protection of the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.