10 Best Restaurants In Sardinia

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

As a food lover and avid traveler, I have been fortunate enough to explore the culinary delights of many places around the world. However, it was during my recent trip to Sardinia that I discovered some of the best restaurants I have ever had the pleasure of dining in. From charming seaside bistros serving up delectable seafood dishes to cozy family-run trattorias showcasing traditional Sardinian cuisine, this beautiful Italian island is a haven for food enthusiasts.

So join me as I take you on a gastronomic journey and reveal the best restaurants in Sardinia that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

1. Il Rifugio, Nuoro

I have had the pleasure of dining at Il Rifugio in Nuoro, Sardinia, and it was an unforgettable culinary experience. This restaurant offers a menu that is beyond the common fare found in Sardinia restaurants, with a focus on traditional Sardinian dishes and home cooking.

Il Rifugio is known for its Italian cuisine, seafood, and pizza. The restaurant's menu is a reflection of the culinary traditions of Sardinia, with a focus on freshness and the use of the best ingredients, such as olive oil. The dishes are prepared with care and attention to detail, resulting in a unique and flavorful taste.

The ambiance of Il Rifugio is cozy and inviting, with a friendly and attentive staff that makes you feel right at home. The restaurant's decor is simple yet elegant, with a rustic charm that adds to the overall dining experience.

I highly recommend trying the pizza, which is made with a thin and crispy crust and topped with fresh and flavorful ingredients. The fresh fish dishes are also a must-try, with the catch of the day being prepared to perfection.

Contact:

Address: Via Antonio Mereu, 28, 08100 Nuoro NU, Italy

Phone: +39 0784 232355

2. Agriturismo Il Paradiso, Iglesias

Agriturismo Il Paradiso offers guests a unique opportunity to enjoy traditional Sardinian specialties made with fresh ingredients straight from the farm.

The menu features a range of dishes, including porcetto (roast suckling pig), gnocchetti with saffron and mint, and wood-fired pizzas topped with local cheeses. All of the dishes are made with care and attention to detail, resulting in flavors that are both bold and nuanced.

One standout dish was the pizza, which was cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. The crust was crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, and the toppings were fresh and flavorful. I particularly enjoyed the pizza with local cheese, which added a unique and delicious twist to a classic dish.

Aside from the food, the atmosphere at Agriturismo Il Paradiso is warm and welcoming. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and the decor is rustic and charming. It's the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely meal with friends or family.

Contact:

Address: 09013 Barega South Sardinia, Italy

Phone: +39 339 443 6104

3. Confusion, Porto Cervo

Confusion is a fine dining restaurant located in the heart of Porto Cervo. The restaurant is known for its Michelin-starred cuisine, which combines tradition with innovation to create unique and unforgettable dishes.

The menu at Confusion offers a variety of seafood, meat, and vegetable dishes, all made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Some of the standout dishes include the spaghetti with sea urchin, the roast suckling pig, and the culurgiones, a traditional Sardinian pasta filled with potatoes and cheese.

This lovely restaurant also offers an extensive wine selection, with a focus on local Sardinian wines. The knowledgeable staff can help you choose the perfect wine to pair with your meal.

One of the highlights of the Confusion Restaurant is the stunning waterfront location on the Costa Smeralda. The restaurant overlooks the Gulf of Arzachena, providing breathtaking views while you dine. The elegant and sophisticated atmosphere makes it the perfect place for a romantic lunch or dinner, or a special occasion.

Contact:

Address: Promenade du port Via Aga Khan 1, Via Porto Vecchio, 1, 07021 Porto Cervo SS, Italy

Phone: +39 340 120 9574

4. Trattoria Sarda Armidda, Abbasanta

Trattoria Sarda Armidda is a popular restaurant situated in the Sardinian town of Abbasanta. The restaurant is known for its traditional Sardinian cuisine, which is prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu at restaurant Sarda Armidda features a variety of dishes, including seafood, pasta, and pizza.

One of the standout dishes at Sarda Armidda is the tuna carpaccio, which is made using fresh, locally caught tuna. This bistrot also serves a delicious lobster pasta, which is a must-try for seafood lovers. For meat lovers, the restaurant offers a succulent roast suckling pig, which is slow-cooked to perfection.

The trattoria is also known for its excellent wine selection. The restaurant offers a variety of local and international wines, which pair perfectly with the restaurant's dishes.

The restaurant's rustic decor and warm atmosphere make it the perfect place to enjoy a meal with family and friends. The waiting staff are very friendly and always happy to help guests choose the perfect food and wine.

Contact:

Address: Strada Provinciale n 15, km 44, 09071 Abbasanta OR, Italy

Phone: +39 379 161 9315

5. Da Marco, Porto Taverna

Last year I had the pleasure of dining at Ristorante Da Marco in Porto Taverna. This Italian-Mediterranean restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a focus on fresh, healthy ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere.

The menu at Da Marco lists a variety of dishes inspired by local Sardinian cuisine, as well as Italian and Mediterranean flavors. One standout dish is the seafood platter, which includes a selection of fresh seafood cooked to perfection. The pasta dishes are also a must-try, with homemade ravioli pasta and flavorful sauces.

The restaurant itself is cozy and inviting, with a rustic charm that adds to the overall dining experience.

In terms of pricing, at restaurant Da Marco prices are a bit on the higher end, with entrees ranging from $25 to $45. However, the quality of the food and the dining experience make it well worth the cost.

Contact:

Address: Via degli Oleandri, Spiaggia di Porto Taverna, 39, 07020 Porto Taverna SS, Italy

Phone: +39 340 868 4244

6. Ovile Bertarelli, Baunei

When it comes to a place to try the authentic Sardinian food culture, Ovile Bertarelli in Baunei is a hidden gem that should not be missed. This establishment serves up classic farm-to-table dishes made with love and care, using only the freshest local ingredients.

Located on the Altopiano del Golgo, Ovile Bertarelli boasts an impressive view of the rugged mountains surrounding Baunei, making it an ideal destination for a romantic dinner or a family outing. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, so visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery while indulging in their meals.

The menu at Ovile Bertarelli showcases the best of Sardinian cuisine, with a focus on traditional dishes from the region. From seafood to meat, the restaurant offers a wide variety of options to suit any taste. Some of the standout dishes include the suckling pig, the lobster linguine, and the classic Sardinian flatbread known as pane carasau.

In addition to the delicious food, Ovile Bertarelli also offers a great selection of local Italian wines to complement the dishes.

Contact:

Address: Localita dologaccoro, 08040 Baunei NU, Italy

Phone: +39 388 363 5356

7. Sa Mandra, Alghero

Sa Mandra is a restaurant located in Alghero, that offers quality Sardinian food. The restaurant is situated on the Azienda Agrituristica Sa Mandra, which is a farm that produces its own ingredients.

The restaurant's menu focuses on roast suckling pig, which is one of Sardinia's emblematic ingredients. The pig is cooked to perfection, and the meat is incredibly tender and flavorful. The menu is fixed, and it includes a variety of starters, pasta dishes, and desserts in addition to the main course.

The atmosphere at Sa Mandra is cozy and rustic, with a pretty garden that adds to the charm of the place.

Contact:

Address: Strada Provinciale 44, 1, 07041 Alghero SS, Italy

Phone: +39 320 968 7641

8. Abbamele Osteria, Mamoiada

Abbamele Osteria in Mamoiada is run by young chef Mauro Ladu, who trained under Alghero's Michelin-starred Cristiano Andreini. Ladu named his restaurant after Sardinia's crushed honeycomb elixir, which is a specialty of the region.

The atmosphere of Abbamele Osteria is cozy and intimate, with a rustic decor that perfectly complements the classic cuisine of Sardinia. The menu features a variety of dishes made with locally sourced high-quality ingredients, including fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and grilled meats.

One standout dish that I highly recommend is the malloreddus alla campidanese, which is a classic Sardinian pasta dish made with a tomato sauce, sausage, and pecorino cheese. The flavors were rich and complex, and the pasta was perfectly cooked.

Another highlight of the meal was the grilled lamb chops, which were tender and flavorful. The dish was served with a side of roasted potatoes and vegetables, which were cooked to perfection.

The food as well as the service at Abbamele Osteria was exceptional, with a friendly and attentive staff who were happy to answer any questions we had about the menu. The wine list was also impressive, featuring a variety of local wines to pair with your meal.

In my opinion, Abbamele Osteria is one of the best restaurants in Sardinia for anyone looking for an authentic Sardinian dining experience.

Contact:

Address: Corso V. Emanuele III', 59, 08024 Mamoiada NU, Italy

Phone: +39 0784 182 1324

9. Fradis Minoris, Nora

Fradis Minoris is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the natural park of Laguna di Nora, in the town of Pula. This restaurant is known for its modern cuisine and Sardinian dishes, and it is a must-visit place for local food lovers visiting Sardinia.

The restaurant is situated in a beautiful location, overlooking the lagoon, and it offers a unique dinner experience. The menu at Fradis Minoris changes daily, as the chefs use only the freshest and seasonal ingredients to create their dishes for lunch and dinner. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, featuring some of the best wines from the Sardinian region.

One of the standout dishes at Fradis Minoris is the Sardinian seafood platter, which features a variety of fresh seafood, including lobster, prawns, and octopus. The dish is beautifully presented and is a great way to experience the flavors of the sea.

Contact:

Address: Laguna di Nora Località, Viale Nora, 09010 Pula CA, Italy

Phone: +39 351 313 7998

10. Cucina Machrì, Pula

Cucina Machrì is a highly acclaimed restaurant situated in the town of Pula. It has been recognized by the prestigious Michelin Guide for its exceptional food creations and service. As a food enthusiast, I had to visit this restaurant to see if it lived up to its reputation.

Upon entering the restaurant, I was impressed by its minimalist style and attention to detail. The atmosphere was quiet and serene, making it the perfect place for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.

The menu at Cucina Machrì features a variety of Italian and Sardinian dishes, with a focus on the quality of food. I opted for the fish dishes, which were absolutely delicious. Each dish was expertly prepared, with flavors that were both subtle and complex. The presentation was also impressive, with each dish looking like a work of art.

In addition to the fact that the food is delicious and the service is great, the wine list at Cucina Machrì is also extensive and well-curated. The sommelier was able to recommend the perfect wine to pair with each dish, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Contact:

Address: Via Alfonso Lamarmora, 53, 09010 Pula CA, Italy

Phone: +39 070 920 9205