Let's take a leap back in time to the year 1958. A pivotal year for Lyon, which welcomed its very first pizzeria: Chez Carlo. Fast forward 65 years, Carlo is still a shining star in the Presqu'île area, especially on Palais Grillet street. This amazing consistency can be attributed to several great reasons: the charming setting, authentic ingredients, and time-honored expertise. And let’s not forget, this historic spot proudly keeps its doors open 7 days a week for both lunch and dinner (so no more excuses for not finding a restaurant open on Sundays in Lyon).
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Deep inside, Chez Carlo offers a truly Italian atmosphere where old photographs complement a majestic mythological mural, all wrapped in a warm ambiance created by red benches and chairs. Outside, the restaurant boasts a huge terrace that buzzes with life at the first ray of sunshine. The perfect setting to sip on a Spritz while enjoying a pizza that's just as tempting as it is addictive. It's such a hit that Chez Carlo has opened a new location in Gerland, in addition to its historic spot in Cordeliers.
A sunny cuisine made from carefully selected products
Let’s talk about the cuisine (after all, we are in an Italian restaurant)! At Chez Carlo, everything is homemade using fresh and carefully selected ingredients. From the pizza dough to the tomato sauce, all the ingredients are crafted on-site by the expert hands of the chefs before they land on your plates. The Emmental comes from the famous Mère Richard at Halles Paul Bocuse, while the cheese is purchased in wheels and freshly grated upon request.
We are totally fans of pizza, especially their thin and crunchy crust, just the way we love it (it's no surprise that this place is part of our top picks for pizzerias in Lyon). The pizza menu pays tribute to the tradition of wood-fired pizzas, featuring a selection of 14 pizzas, like the Diavola (tomato, emmental, and spicy Italian sausage) or the delicious Truffe (cream flavored with truffle and summer truffle tuber aestivum).
A New Antipasteria Concept
Chez Carlo has taken over the space of the former Avocado Factory (which recently closed, leaving everyone a bit sad) to expand and introduce a new concept that combines takeout at lunchtime and a festive antipasteria in the evening. The idea? To offer a complete and friendly experience that will delight lovers of authentic Italian cuisine. At lunchtime, enjoy a quick and tasty formula with takeout specialties. Forget about the classic pizza; here, the Pinsa reigns supreme: a softer, airier dough, perfect for enjoying by the slice. As for sides, you can tempt your taste buds with stuffed focaccias, fresh Italian salads, eggplant lasagna, or even a truffle ham pasta bake. And to finish off on a sweet note, the house offers a tiramisu bar with 5 different recipes!sp;: coffee, limoncello, pistachio, chocolate, or red fruits… A pure delight!
In the evening, the vibe completely transforms into a warm and lively antipasteria. The concept? Gather around generous antipasti, perfect for sharing with friends, along with a spritz bar offering various twists on the famous Italian aperitif. You can also choose from a carefully selected range of organic and natural wines straight from Italy. Whether it's for an aperitif before heading to dinner at Carlo's or a casual dining experience, the antipasteria promises an unforgettable moment of togetherness. And for those who prefer to extend the experience at home, antipasti boxes are also available for takeout. A delightful treat for lovers of Italian flavors, at any time of the day.
But since life is not just about pizza, Chez Carlo also offers a menu with the sweet scent of Italy: antipasti, authentic carbonara, and lasagna, along with transalpine specialties like eggplant Parmigiana, grilled octopus like in Sicily, meatballs, and veal Milanese. On the dessert side, we melt for the floating island with pralines, spoon tiramisu, and profiteroles with Italian ice cream. In short, this is a bit like our canteen in the Presqu'île. And it could very well become yours too.
Chez Carlo Cordeliers
22 rue Palais Grillet - Lyon 2e
Tél.: 04 78 42 05 79
Open every day for lunch and dinner
Website - Facebook
Chez Carlo Gerland
241 rue Marcel Méryieux - Lyon 7e
Tél.: 04 78 72 62 48
Open every day for lunch and dinner
Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to health; please enjoy in moderation