Must-see restaurants in Sardinia

  • La Vecchia Costa

    Costa Smeralda

    An old-time local standby with hit-or-miss service, this big, open-plan restaurant keeps it affordable, with authentic fare such as lorighittas (twisted,…

  • Trattoria Ci Pensa Cannas

    Cagliari

    A trattoria from the traditional no-frills school. It's far from a looker with its bright white lighting and basic decor, but the welcome is genuine and…

  • Ristorante Colibrì

    Eastern Sardinia

    Hidden away in an incongruous residential area (follow the numerous signs), this lemon-walled restaurant is the real McCoy for meat eaters. Stars of the…

  • SognAsinara

    Northwestern Sardinia

    If you want lunch on the Isola dell'Asinara, book at this bar-restaurant near the jetty at Cala Reale. Run by a local cooperative, it's a modest set-up…

  • Spaghetteria Al Solito Posto

    Alghero

    Don't come expecting romance and refined dining, but if you're after a simple pasta fill-up, this modest eatery hits the mark. It's a workaday place with…

  • Trattoria Da Gesuino

    Sassari

    A bit of a walk out from the centre, Da Gesuino hits all the right notes with its relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere, efficient service and decent food…

  • Trattoria Maristella

    Alghero

    Visitors flock to this bustling little eatery for reliable trattoria staples such as fried squid and grilled steaks, as well as local specialties like…

  • Al Vecchio Mulino

    Alghero

    Frequented by locals and visitors, this is a classic old-school trattoria. Diners sit in its cosy, stone-vaulted interior as waiters ply them with hearty…

  • Punto di Ristoro Nuraghe Majori

    Northeastern Sardinia

    With tables spilling onto a flowery open-air patio, this makes a lovely spot for an economical lunch of grilled meat, roast potatoes and salad, or plates…

  • La Favorita

    Cala Gonone

    There's always a good buzz at this incredibly popular restaurant and pizzeria with a lovely sea-facing terrace. Snag a table to dig into excellent wood…

  • Kàlopsy

    Sulcis

    For a filling meal of humble workers fare, join the locals at this new outfit up in the town centre. There are few frills but they do an excellent…

  • Ristorante Sa Lolla

    Southwestern Sardinia

    By the side of the main road up to Arbus's hilltop centre, Ristorante Sa Lolla is a simple, unpretentious restaurant good for a filling meal of seasonal…

  • La Torre

    Oristano

    This place doesn’t look like much from the outside; in fact, it's not so amazing inside either. No matter, it serves the best pizza in town. If you're off…

  • Su Mallaccioi

    Southwestern Sardinia

    Housed in a Pompeiian-red villa in a residential street near the historic centre, Su Mallaccioi is signposted off the main road through the village…

  • Zia Leunora

    Sulcis

    Tucked away in a backstreet in Pula's historic centre, Zia (Aunty) Leunora specialises in seafood and serves a full range of classic staples, including…

  • Le Patate & Co

    Cagliari

    If you get the urge for something uncomplicated, head to this fast-food joint for a satisfying fill-up of fried snacks. Sit on the terrace at the top of…

  • La Terrazza

    Costa Smeralda

    Wood-fired pizza and cracking seafood are the hallmarks of this popular eatery. Locals come here to grab a bite to eat and chat with the pizzaiolo (pizza…

  • La Lanterna

    Olbia

    The Lanterna distinguishes itself with its cosy subterranean setting of exposed stone and beams. The menu ranges from pizza to Sardinian dishes such as…

  • Ristorante da Giancarlo e Rita

    Bosa

    Despite its less-than-enticing location – in the Hotel Mannu next to a busy petrol station – this restaurant serves fine island food. Fish and seafood…

  • Anticas Licanzias

    Olbia

    A convenient place to recharge your batteries any time of day, this cosy corner cafe in the heart of town sells everything from morning pastries and…

  • La Taverna degli Artisti

    San Teodoro

    Proximity to the waterfront is the main drawcard at this sprawling place out by La Cinta beach. The menu ranges from garlicky mussels to salt-crusted sea…

  • Hivaoa

    Porto Cervo

    Fine dining it is not, but if you're seeking a cheerful, affordable, family-friendly place with decent food, Hivaoa hits the mark every time. Go for wood…

  • Trattoria Manu

    Golfo di Orosei

    This cafe-trattoria has two things going for it: first, a perfect location on Orosei's pretty main square; second, nonstop afternoon opening hours, so you…

  • Il Portico

    Eastern Sardinia

    An excellent pizzeria/restaurant serving flavoursome pizzas and superb local vegetables and meats, such as cinghiale in umido (wild-boar stew) with olives…

  • La Cantina

    Sulcis

    La Cantina is a modest, one-room trattoria that spreads outdoors in summer, with white plastic tables on the pedestrianised street. Start off with a…

  • Man.Gia

    Cagliari

    Waving the flag for gluten-free dining, Man.Gia does a roaring trade in pizzas, as well as serving a short menu of uncomplicated pastas and main courses…

  • Acquarius

    Southeastern Sardinia

    This classic old-school pizzeria is a good bet for a simple no-frills meal. It's a casual set-up with outdoor seating and unremarkable decor but the wood…

  • La Locanda Pili Monica

    Eastern Sardinia

    It’s all about the food at this friendly, down-to-earth trattoria. Bag a table and you’re in for a treat – think fresh pastas, mains of grilled steak or…

  • Pizzeria da Giovanni

    Bosa

    For a quick bite on the hoof, head to this humble, no-frills takeaway and join the ever-present queue of locals for a taste of Giovanni's fabulous sliced…

  • Bar-Pizzeria Pisaneddu

    Eastern Sardinia

    Just north of town, the brightly lit front terrace of this roadside eatery makes a festive spot to linger over wood-fired pizzas after a long day on the…

  • Ristorante Albergo Il Cinghialetto

    Eastern Sardinia

    Down in the modern part of the village is this simple, friendly pick, dishing up meaty Sardinian fare and pizza. An open fire keeps things toasty in…

  • Mercato Civico

    Alghero

    Good for picnic supplies, Alghero's daily produce market is full of bountiful fruit and veg, all local and all seasonal.

  • Isola del Gelato

    Cagliari

    A hugely popular hang-out on Piazza Yenne. Join the young crowd to linger over a drink and gelato, semifreddo or sorbet.

  • La Campagnola

    Eastern Sardinia

    For a quick bite in Mamoiada, try this ristorante-pizzeria near the north end of town.

  • Bar Il Veliero

    Northwestern Sardinia

    Bar Il Veliero is pretty much all that's going on in Argentiera, at least outside summer. A simple bar set-up near the beach, it serves panini, snacks and…

  • Pizzeria Biancaneve

    Sulcis

    With its dodgy Snow White murals and cramped wooden interior, this modest eatery doesn't look like much but it serves decent pizza, both to eat in and…

  • Euro Spin Supermarket

    Alghero

    Self-caterers can stock up at this supermarket, usefully located by the Giardini Pubblici and open seven days a week.

  • Supermarket

    Southwestern Sardinia

    This tiny supermarket is on the central square in Torre dei Corsari.