There are many fantastic Alghero restaurants. This is a city of a thousand colors and traditions.
This small town in northwestern Sardinia, inhabited and influenced by the Catalans since the Middle Ages, still keeps a very Catalan soul. It has so much to offer tourists and is a very popular destination among foreigners, Italians, and even Sardinians. I certainly never miss a chance to visit, and in fact, I have yet another trip to Alghero planned.
Since I visit so often, I have tried many restaurants in Alghero. So, to help you pick where to eat in Alghero, I decided to give you a selection of my favorite ones.
The restaurants in this post are very varied. There are small local businesses – run by local families, with local stuff, and that have a strong focus on local and seasonal ingredients. Of course, locals love to eat there, as well as tourists, which means that they are 100% authentic!
Good to know: Keep in mind that Alghero is a marine city. The best food to have in Alghero is seafood and fresh fish.
You should also read my post, Best Local Restaurants In Sardinia, for more ideas on where to find great food in Sardinia.
Need more help planning your trip to Sardinia? You can book a one-hour travel consultation with me and join my Facebook community.
Best Restaurants in Alghero (Local Picks)
No time to read the entire post? Don’t worry, here are my recommendations on where to eat in Alghero.
- Top seafood restaurants: Musciora, Nautilus, La Cullera.
- Traditional Sardinian food: Sa Mandra, Lo Romanì.
- Casual / old-town classics: Focacceria Milese, Prosciutteria Sant Miquel.
- Romantic / view: Enhorabona, Kings, Nautilus.
- Budget-friendly: Vecchio Mulino, Milese, Gioia Mi.
- Local dishes to try: lobster alla catalana, octopus with agliata sauce.
- Reservations: essential for dinner from June to September.
Best Seafood Restaurants In Alghero
Trattoria al Refettorio
Among my favorite Alghero restaurants, despite being slightly pricey, Trattoria al Refettorio offers some of the best seafood dishes in the city. There are plenty of different choices, which include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
When I visited, I had the grilled octopus, and it was delicious. My friend, who was with me, doesn’t eat fish or seafood, so she ordered the ravioli with lamb and ricotta. She said they were delicious.
The wine selection is fantastic, and the location is beautiful too, with tables available outside and even indoors, in a beautiful room. Service can be a bit slow on very busy nights. You may have to be a bit patient, but it’s worth the wait.
There is an adjacent pizzeria too. I haven’t tried it, but some say it’s one of the best pizzas in town.
The restaurant is located in the historic center of Alghero, in Vicolo Adami 47. It is open every day from 12:00 to 3:00 pm and from 7:30 to 10:30 pm (only open for dinner on Mondays). Make sure to book in advance.
Nautilus
This is the kind of place you want to visit for a special and possibly romantic night out. You can ask for a table on the terrace, overlooking the harbor, for an even better experience.
Facing Alghero’s tourist harbor, with views of the Capo Caccia promontory, Nautilus is a favorite of both locals and tourists. From appetizers to desserts, it’s difficult to find something to complain about.
I truly enjoyed the mixed seafood grill, but their pasta dishes are also excellent. When we visited, my sister tried the tagliolini with squid ink, mussels, and cherry tomatoes on a cream of zucchini and mint, and she said it was delicious. We then had the mixed fried fish – again, delicious.
We also had dessert – a traditional dessert from Alghero called menjar blanc. It’s a cream of milk and lemon, simply mouthwatering.
Last time I was there, a few days ago, I ate the maccarones de busa (a traditional Sardinian pasta), homemade with squid ink and served with broccoli, skate fish, and anchovies-flavored breadcrumbs.
I also had a fabulous dessert, and found out when ordering that all desserts at Nautilus are made with lactose-free milk, which is great news for anyone who, like me, is lactose-intolerant.
The prices are a bit high – expect to pay €60 and above – but it’s worth it. Service is spot on.
Nautilus is located on Alghero’s defensive walls, in Forte della Maddalenetta, 4/A. It is open daily from 12:00 to 2:30 pm and from 7:00 to 11:00 pm. Make sure to book in advance.
Da Musciora
Musciora is just a short walk from Alghero’s historic centre. It’s run by a father-and-son duo — one is the chef, and the other is the sommelier. They skillfully draw on Sardinian and Algherese culinary traditions to create more contemporary and intriguing dishes.
The restaurant offers three tasting menus: one focused on seafood, another on land-based ingredients and meats, and a mixed one that blends both. Dishes typically feature local produce and fresh catches. They are put together so elegantly that they look like a work of art.
Inside, the atmosphere is intimate and refined. The lighting is discreet, the décor simple and tasteful. It’s perfect for a relaxed dinner, and even a romantic one – I would not say this is a good place to dine if you are traveling with children.
Wine lovers can count on the sommelier for the perfect pairing experience – they have wines from some of the best Sardinian wineries.
Service is friendly and attentive.
You are better off booking Musciora in advance. The restaurant is located in Via Giuseppe Mazzini, 59. It is open from Tuesday to Friday from 8:00 to 10:00 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 2:00 pm and from 8:00 to 10:00 pm.
La Cullera
La Cullera is known to be one of the best seafood restaurants in Alghero. Located in a nice area near the harbor, it is still secluded enough to give you some privacy. They specialize in seafood-based dishes, prepared with fresh fish, but also offer some other traditional dishes.
Among their best dishes, there’s the fregola with seafood, but you could also opt for one of their fresh handmade pasta dishes, or for their grilled squid. When I visited, I had the homemade ink squid gnocchi with zucchini cream, pistachio, zucchini flowers, and squid – it was delicious. And of course, I had to have the mixed fried fish and seafood.
The atmosphere here is relaxed, friendly, and informal. You can have honest Sardinian wine with your meal, and a mirto at the end.
They have an extended wine list and an even better liquor selection. La Cullera also offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Prices at La Cullera are mid-range. You will find it in Via Sannino 7. It is open every day from 12:30 to 2:30 pm and from 7:00 to 11:00 pm.
Trattoria Caragol
Caragol is one of my most recent finds in Alghero, and a place where I can foresee going back, as I truly loved it. I enjoyed the atmosphere: the owners are really lovely people, and so is the waiting staff.
This is one of the best traditional fish restaurants in Alghero, where you can try some of the local staples (and more).
It’s a great place to try Alghero’s famous agliata, the sauce made with sundried tomatoes, garlic, cayenne pepper, and olive oil that’s used over fish or octopus. Other dishes I recommend are the tagliolini with swordfish or the fregola with seafood. Pasta is homemade, so you’ll know it’s delicious.
The fish and seafood served vary depending on the catch of the day, so it’s always fresh.
You will find Trattoria Caragol in Via Majorca 68. It is open every day except Wednesdays, from 12:30 to 2:30 pm and from 6:30 to 11:00 pm.
Ristorante Mabrouk
Ristorante Mabrouk is located in Via Santa Barbara, in the heart of the historic center of Alghero. It’s a small, seafood-focused trattoria with a strong reputation among locals and visitors alike.
Don’t go here expecting to find an à la carte menu, and don’t go here expecting to find vegetarian or vegan dishes, or anything that’s not seafood.
Like many other restaurants in Sardinia, here you get a fixed, multi-course seafood menu that’s typically built around the catch of the day. It’s a feast that includes several appetizers, a couple of fresh pasta dishes, a couple of main courses, dessert, water, and house wine.
The portions here are very generous, and the prices – given the quality – are more than reasonable. It’s an easygoing, informal place where the staff is very friendly, and the service is quick and attentive.
Keep in mind it’s only open for dinner.
Ristorante Mabrouk is located in Via Santa Barbara 4. It is open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, from 8:00 to 11:00 pm, and for lunch only on Sundays, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. It’s closed on Mondays. Advanced bookings recommended.
Trattoria da Mirko
Trattoria da Mirko is one of the busiest Alghero restaurants, and for good reasons. Located in the historic center, this small and informal trattoria serves both Sardinian classics and lots of fresh seafood.
It’s a great place to try octopus with agliata sauce (a typical dish from Alghero), fregola with seafood, homemade spaghetti with vongole and bottarga, and other dishes such as mixed fried fish. My personal favorite is the tagliolini all’Algherese – with clams, capers, olives and fresh tomatoes.
There’s a wide selection of wines (including house wine) to pair with your food. There are also options for vegans, vegetarians, and those who don’t like dish and seafood.
You will also find attentive staff and reasonable prices (though I wouldn’t classify this as a budget restaurant).
Trattoria da Mirko is located in Via Gioberti 54/56. It is open every day but Wednesday, from 12:00 to 2:30 pm and from 7:00 to 11:00 pm. Advanced bookings recommended.
Best Traditional Alghero Restaurants
Trattoria lo Romani
Another excellent restaurant, it’s the kind of place you should go to get a good dose of comfort food and local dishes. While the place looks sophisticated, the atmosphere is very easygoing, and the owners, Vittoria and Gigi, are extremely kind.
Gigi is from Tonara, a small town in the mountains of Sardinia, and knows everything about meat and the more traditional Sardinian recipes. Vittoria specializes in seafood dishes: you will have a wide selection of foods to choose from.
I love their pasta – my favorite is the maccarrones de busa (a traditional Sardinian pasta) allo scoglio (a fish and seafood sauce), but their ravioli with shrimp and bottarga are delicious too.
I once ordered their orecchiette with a ragu sauce, and the bombette, sort of super soft meatballs in a delicious tomato sauce (so good I actually asked for the recipe).
You will also find the suckling pig – I haven’t tried it, but everyone says it’s delicious, and local sweets such as the seadas.
The wine list is extensive, and there are vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Because of the variety of the menu, and of the enviroment, this is a good place to eat in Alghero for families with children.f
You can find Trattoria Lo Romanì in Via Lazzaretto 9. It is open every day but Monday from 12:45 to 2:30 pm and from 7:30 to 10:30 pm. Advanced bookings recommended.
Sa Mandra Agriturismo
Sa Mandra is one of my favorite agriturismo in Sardinia. It is not located in town – it’s an agriturismo – but in the countryside, not too far from the city.
Like all agriturismi in Sardinia, they offer a tasting menu of traditional Sardinian dishes, which includes a selection of appetizers (usually including locally produced cheese and charcuterie), pastas and meats.
The menu changes often – at the moment, you can expect to have fregola with Sardinian-style sausage, mushroom and sheep buttermilk, ravioli with a beef ragu, suckling pig and braised lamb.
Sa Mandra is also one of the nicest places to stay in Alghero, perfect for a family. They organize several activities and excursions too.
To book a table at Agriturismo Sa Mandra, visit their official website. They are locted in Strada Provinciale 44, km1, 07041 Alghero SS, and they are open daily for lunch and dinner.
Best Pizza and Casual Eats In Alghero
Prosciutteria Sant Miquel
Prosciutteria Sant Miquel is a small, lively wine bar and eatery right in the historic center of Alghero, near the Chiesa di San Michele and close to the bastions.
I happened there on a recent trip to Alghero with a friend: we just wanted a glass of wine, and we ended up staying for dinner. It’s one of my favorite spots in town for an aperitivo, light dinner or charcuterie-focused evening in a relaxed setting.
The menu is focused on Sardinian cold cuts and cheeses served on generous boards, often paired with Sardinian wines. All the products are of very high quality, and the wine selection is excellent. They also offer some of the best Sardinian craft beer.
You will find outdoor seatings, and there are just a couple of tables indoors too. Service is spot on, and on a side note, even the music selection is excellent!
Prosciutteria Sant Miquel is located in Via Misericordia, 20. It is open every day from 6:30 pm to 12:30 am. Reservations are highly recommended in the peak season.
Al Vecchio Mulino
Al Vecchio Mulino is my favorite pizzeria in Alghero. Other than pizza, here you’ll find lots of pasta and seafood dishes. It’s a very local, unpretentious place that feels cozy and rustic, with simple decor and rather lively.
Other than the excellent pizza (soft yet crispy dough and very fresh toppings), you can expect to find classic Sardinian pasta dishes: think fregola or spaghetti with clams, ravioli, seafood starters and mains such as fried calamari. Desserts are very classic – think tiramisu and seadas.
The portions are generous, and the prices very reasobable. Service is friendly. Lots of vegetarian options are available.
As it’s so busy, this doesn’t exactly feel like an intimate place. But it’s perfect for a night out with friends, or for a family.
Their address is Via Don Deroma 3. It is open every day but Tuesday from 6:30 to 11:30 pm. It’s a popular place so make sure to book in advance.
Gioia Mi
Another spot my friend and I discovered rather randomly as we were looking for a quick lunch spot as we were exploring Alghero.
Gioia Mì is a small, relaxed spot in the historic center of Alghero. It’s a perfect place for aperitivo, or for a light lunch and casual bites rather than a full formal dinner.
The menu focuses on crostoni — large, hearty bruschetta topped with fresh local ingredients — alongside charcuterie boards of Sardinian salumi and cheese. They also offer a variety of drinks, from local wines to cocktails and spritzes, making it a good stop for a sunset drink.
There are a few indoor tables, but if you are visiting in the good season you will want to sit outside. The staff is super kind and friendly, and the vibe is easygoing. While it is popular with tourists, it’s also a locals’ favorite.
You will find Gioia Mi in the heart of the walled city in Via Simon 32. It is open every day but Wednesday, from 8:00 am to 12:00 am.
Bar Focacceria Milese
Bar Focacceria Milese isn’t an actual restaurant but rather a quick lunch and aperitif spot. It is specialized in focaccia, typically (though not only) stuffed with Sardinian ingredients. The café first opened in 1971, and since then it’s been a favorite quick-lunch spot for locals and tourists.
When I visited, I got an enormous focaccia sandwich filled with tomatoes, tuna, rocket – but there are more ingredients of course. You can sit at one of the tables, or grab your focaccia to go (it’s perfect to buy lunch here before you head to one of the gorgeous Alghero beaches).
Focacceria Milese is a fun spot for a sunset drink, since it directly overlooks the harbor.
Prices are super budget-friendly – but after all, this is a very informal spot. It’s also incredibly busy, so don’t be surprised to find a line.
Bar Focacceria Milese is located in Alghero waterfront, in Via Giuseppe Garibaldi 11. It is open every day but Tuesday from 7:00 am to 11:30 pm.
Buns
Sometimes you just want a burger, and for that, Buns is the best place to eat in Alghero. This is a rather relaxed spot just outside the historic center of Alghero, famous for its creative gourmet burgers made with local and seasonal ingredients.
You will find classic burgers, chicken burgers, pulled pork sandwiches and even a fantastic octopus sandwich (my personal favorite). They also serve fresh fries and a great selection of craft beers and local wines, and have a good selection of vegan and vegetarian options.
It’s a great place to eat in Alghero if you want a break from the more sophisticated and seafood cuisine you typically find in Alghero restaurants.
Buns is located in Largo San Francesco 4. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 12:30 to 2:30 pm, and from 7:30 to 10:30 pm.
Trigu
Another pizzeria in Alghero that I really enjoy, located outside of the historic center. Trigu serves creative, high-quality pizzas with perfect, crispy and fragrant dough and a selection of exceptionally good ingredients.
They have a good variety of vegan and vegetarian pizzas. There’s a good wine selection, as well as craft beers on the menu and a few good desserts to pick from.
The atmosphere is friendly and informal, and the waiting staff is very efficient. It’s a nice place for dinner if what you want is an honest pizza in an easygoing setting.
You will find Trigu in Via Leonardo Da Vinci 53. It is open every day but Tuesday, from 7:00 to 11:00 pm. It’s best to reserve a table in advance.
Best Romantic Restaurants In Alghero
Kings
I tried this place with my sister by pure chance one time, when we decided to go to Alghero on a whim and loved it – it’s easily one of the best Alghero restaurants. It has a strong focus on fish and seafood, with lots of raw dishes to try – and only the freshest ingredients are used.
Expect to have starters like tuna carpaccio or lobster dishes and pasta that leans on coastal ingredients. There are some meat options and vegetarian choices, and some excellent dessert options too.
The location is amazing: on Alghero bastions, so depending on when you are visiting in the season, you can have your dinner while enjoying a beautiful sunset over Capo Caccia.
You should book a table in advance. The restaurant is located in Bastioni Marco Polo, 5. They are open daily from 7:00 to 11:30 pm, but only in high season.
Enhorabona
Enhorabona is another romantic restaurant in Alghero where you can eat while admiring the Mediterranean Sea, and that offers some great seafood dishes.
The menu at this restaurant leans on fresh seafood and Mediterranean classics: you’ll find generous antipasti, Sardinian-style pasta and fregola with clams and seafood, grilled fish of the day and local desserts like seadas.
They offer vegetarian-friendly options, in case you don’t eat fish and seafood.
Service at Enhorabona is friendly and attentive, and the nice staff will help you find a good wine pairing for your food. The outdoor terrace is a perfect spot to sit in the summer months.
Their address is Via Giuseppe Garibaldi 101. It is open every day (but Wednesday) for lunch and dinner (lunch only on Fridays). Book in advance as it’s always busy.
Best Fine Dining Restaurants In Alghero
La Saletta
I am a fan of checking the Michelin Guide wherever I travel, in search of the best restaurants, and I did the same during a trip to Alghero, to find the fabulous La Saletta.
This lovely small restaurant beautifully blends Sardinian tradition with contemporary creativity. The atmosphere is warm and refined, and nicely suits special occasions.
You will have the option to pick among three different tasting menus, which change on a regular basis depending on what’s in season and on what’s available at the market. Each menu explored a selection of local produce – seasonable vegetables, coastal fish, and traditional dishes cooked in a more contemporary way.
It’s one of the most expensive restaurants in Alghero, but it’s completely worth the price.
You will find La Saletta in Via Fratelli Kennedy 27 A/B. It’s open for dinner every day but Sundays. Reservations are highly recommended.
Al Tuguri
Ristorante Al Tuguri is one of the most established restaurants in Alghero, where it first opened its doors in 1973. It’s located in a historic multi-level building tucked between stone walls, and there are only 24 seats (so reservations are pretty much mandatory). It offers Sardinian and Mediterranean cuisine with a Catalan influence.
The menu changes on a regular basis – it varies with the season, and also with the daily catch. You’ll find lots of fresh seafood, local fish, handmade pastas, and meat-based dishes. The focus is on high-quality ingredients that are sourced locally or directly from the restaurant’s biodynamic garden.
You can choose from the à la carte menu, or have a tasting menu that includes five different dishes, and you can also opt for the wine pairing.
The service is attentive, and you’ll have a great selection of wines. Portions aren’t too big, but with dishes full of flavor, you’ll be sure to leave satisfied.
Al Tuguri is located in Via Majorca 113, in the historic center of Alghero. It’s open for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays, and for lunch on Sundays. Reservations are highly recommended due to the very limited seats.
Map of Best Restaurants In Alghero
While Alghero is a fairly small city, there’s an incredible choice of restaurants. To help you locate them, I have created a map of the best Alghero restaurants – so you can find one that’s near you, or near the attraction you may be visiting.
How to use this Alghero restaurants map: This map points out some of the best restaurants in Alghero. You can enlarge it by using your computer mouse on desktop or laptop, or your fingers on your smartphone. You can also save the map to your Google Maps account by clicking on the star next to the title. To view the saved map, click on “Your saved maps” in your Google Maps. For a larger version, click on “view larger map” in the top right corner of the screen.
Now, let me add some more tips for a wonderful dining experience in Alghero.
Tips For Dining In Alghero
Typical dishes you can have in Alghero are:
Lobster alla catalana – lobster served with thinly sliced onion, tomatoes, and olive oil.
Paella Algherese – Paella Alghero-style.
Copatza de peix (also known as Cassola de Peix) – seafood stew.
Octopus or fish with agliata – Agliata is a sauce prepared with sundried tomatoes, garlic, cayenne pepper, plum tomatoes, and olive oil.
Seadas – Sardinian cheese puff pastries, which are found all around the island.
Bottarga – Fishroe, found commonly on the coastal areas of Sardinia.
Porceddu – Again, common around the island, it’s a suckling pig slowly roasted over the fire, one of the most popular dishes in Sardinia, together with culurgiones and malloreddus.
Restaurants in Alghero typically observe the same opening hours as other restaurants in Sardinia and in Italy.
Lunch is typically served between 12:30 and 2:30 pm, whereas dinner is normally served from 7:30 pm. Many restaurants will close once or twice a week, so make sure to check the schedule online before going.
I always recommend making dinner reservations, especially for the most popular places and even more so during the peak summer months.
The best way to avoid touristy and overpriced restaurants in Alghero is to stay away from the most touristy and crowded streets of the historic center, or those on the bastions (though there are some excellent restaurants there, too).
My personal recommendation is to also walk away from restaurants where a host stands outside and tries to pull you in. Restaurants with pictures on the menu are also a no-no.
Yes. Pizzerias and modern bistros offer vegetarian dishes; vegan options exist, but they are limited.
My favorite budget restaurants in Alghero are Focacceria Milese, Vecchio Mulino, and Gioia Mi.
Trattoria al Refettorio, Lo Romanì, and Nautilus
Enhorabona, Kings, La Cullera (near the beach zone), and Nautilus.
FAQs on Alghero
Yes! Alghero is definitely worth visiting. The small Catalan enclave is one of the best places to stay in Sardinia for a well-rounded vacation.
From Alghero, you can visit gorgeous beaches, explore some of the best-kept archaeological sites in Sardinia (such as Nuraghe Palmavera), and learn about the history of Sardinia. Alghero is also one of the best places to shop for souvenirs in Sardinia and to discover Sardinian food.
Finally, Alghero is a great place to taste Sardinian wines, and home to one of the best (and most important) wineries in Sardinia – Sella e Mosca.
The cruise port of Alghero consists of two main quays that can fit ships up to 50 meters (164 feet). The cruise port is close to the historic center, where you can admire the bastions and historic walls, the Sulis Tower, and visit Alghero’s unique Cathedral.
Of course! Everyone speaks Italian in Alghero, though of course Catalan is a common language here (it’s one of Italy’s official minority languages, along with Sardinian, which is spoken in the rest of the island).
Yes. Alghero is one of the liveliest cities in Sardinia. The historic center of Alghero is packed with shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars, and the atmosphere is vibrant and lively.
Final Considerations
As you can see, there are some excellent restaurants in Alghero, and you won’t have trouble finding a place for a memorable dining experience, no matter what your food preferences and budget are.
If you still can’t decide where to go, I recommend heading to Trattoria al Refettorio for the best food at reasonable prices, or to Nautilus for excellent seafood with a view. For comforting food that even children will love, head to Trattoria Lo Romani.
Recommended Readings
Further Readings
These posts will help you plan your trip to Alghero:
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I had the octopus and OH MY!
Great advice! We really really enjoyed Al Refettorio!!!!! The tuna was to die for!!