Speak with anyone who has enjoyed a vacation in Sardinia and they are likely to tell you that the food is an unforgettable and essential part of the experience. Whether you are staying in a luxury villa in Sardinia or on a family vacation in a large property, you must savor the flavors of this island. Your luxury vacation home in Sardinia may have a full kitchen, and even an option for a chef, but don’t miss some of the best restaurants on the island either.
Before we delve into a list of seven must try eateries, we should remind you that there are a several foods that will appear often, sound unusual to some, but are must taste flavors. They include cavallo, cinghiale, pane carasau, culurgiones, mirto, gnocchi sardi, zuppa gallurese and porceddu. We won’t tell you what those words mean, but encourage you to find out for yourself in some of the restaurants below!
Eating like a local is something any visitor to Sardinia must do. Though it means heading to the markets to purchase some of the best local ingredients, the following eateries will allow you to savor flavors as they are meant to be savored.
I Frati Rossi
This restaurant is only a short distance from Porto Cervo, and the views alone are worth the trip. The charming exterior prepares visitors for an equally charming dining experience, and it is a very popular place. Reservations are essential and you can book for lunch as well as dinner. They have a great wine list, but it is their traditional Sardinian dishes that win them such a following. Try their ricotta ice cream, their aragosta alla catalana and any of their fresh fish dishes.
Su Cumbidu
Located in Cagliari, this beer cellar offers appealing outdoor dining too, and serves some of the most authentic Sardinian foods available. They offer a lunch and dinner menu, as well as prix fixe options. The emphasis is the local meat rather than seafood, and the audience for this popular spot is local and young Italians. No reservations are needed, but it can be busy until late in the evening.
Al Tuguri
Tucked among the flood of bars and restaurants in Alghero, this is a truly fine dining establishment that focuses on rustic and local ingredients. A relaxed atmosphere dominates, but you will be astonished at the precision in the food. Perfect blends of fresh herbs from the Sardinian landscape and a range of tasting menus the focus on meats, seafood or vegetarian specialties allow you to savor the very best of Sardinian cuisine.
Dal Corsaro
This is a long-established restaurant with a stellar reputation. Set in Cagliari, it is noted for its traditional and yet innovative dishes. The chefs here use a modern hand to enhance iconic Sardinian dishes. It is a formal setting and requires reservations for lunch or dinner. The tasting menus are among their hallmark options, allowing you to enjoy their twists on standard island fare.
Il Ghiotto
A casual restaurant in the Piazza Civica of Alghero, it offers a unique buffet during lunch hour and traditional restaurant service in the evening. It is a great way to get an introduction to the local cheeses, meats, and carasau bread that is such a popular part of any meal.
Al Vecchio Mulino
Another Alghero eatery, and one that sits tucked into the old town. Savor the old world atmosphere and dine on some of the freshest and most deliciously prepared seafood imaginable. Their house spaghetti is a long standing favorite using island ham, fresh tomatoes, mushrooms and cream to create an unforgettable experience. Their pizzas are also a popular option, and reservations are advised.
Da Lillicu
Tucked into Cagliari, this is a popular trattoria that offers foods that are crafted from only the freshest, seasonal ingredients. Their hallmark dishes include fish soups, spaghetti with sea urchins and sea bass. An a la carte establishment, you will want to enjoy antipasti, pasta samplers and a grilled seafood to savor it all.
The food of Sardinia is unforgettable, and these restaurants offer you some of the most authentic and delicious options.