Where’s the best aperitivo in Cagliari? I am a local, and it just so happens that aperitivo hour is my favorite (especially in the summer), so I know all the best aperitivo spots in Cagliari. This is my local guide to aperitivo in Cagliari, with a map and quick picks by vibe.
Cagliari is a city with a million things to offer. Much older than meets the eye, it has lots of remains and buildings from different eras, to testify to the constant flux of people that came and went.
It is incredibly colorful, enriched by the same people’s styles and traditions, which have left a trace in the modern aspect and culture; and it’s breathtakingly beautiful like you would expect from a marine city, built on a hill, that has lived throughout several millennia during which it flourished and grew more and more, resisting wars, epidemics, and other adversities.
In other words, visit Cagliari and you have a lot to explore and discover to keep busy.
But you can’t spend the whole day going back and forth, up and down the city streets, right? You deserve a good drink and some fun snacks at times.
And what’s better than a good aperitivo, maybe enjoyed while looking at the sunset, from one of the best panoramic spots in Cagliari? Or even simply sat in a fancy bar, resting after a long day?
If you are looking for the best aperitivo in Cagliari, you are in the right place. I live in Cagliari (this is where I was born and raised), and try new places on a regular basis and often revisit my favorite ones. I have my favorite spots, and will share them with you (the photos are mine too). These are places we locals truly enjoy, and in some cases completely unknown to tourists.
Before I share with you the best places for aperitivo in Cagliari, let me explain what aperitivo is – just in case you don’t know yet.
What Is Aperitivo?
Traditionally, Italians call “aperitivo” a drink that is typically served before a meal, supposed to be specially made to increase your appetite so that you enjoy your food better.
However, the drink is commonly paired with some light food, from potato chips to some peanuts and even bruschetta, to actually start the meal instead of just teasing your appetite.
There are two variations of the aperitivo: aperitivo (sometimes also called “aperitivo rinforzato”), which is the usual pre-meal drink accompanied by a modest serving of some cold or warm appetizer or snacks; and apericena, which is the basically the same as a brunch, except it replaces dinner instead of lunch.
A good aperitivo drink can be anything, really. Some people love a spritz (a cocktail made of Aperol or Campari and Prosecco wine); others prefer a Hugo (that would be my sister) or even a stronger cocktail like a Negroni.
Finally, there are other people that simply prefer a good glass of wine (and we have a lot of excellent wines here in Sardinia) or a beer (again, we have excellent craft beer in Sardinia) for their aperitivo (that’s typically my case).
How Aperitivo Works In Cagliari
Aperitivo in Cagliari usually starts around 6:30 pm and runs until about 8:30 pm. In the summer, especially July and August, locals go later — think 7:30–9:30 pm, often timed with sunset. In winter, it’s earlier and shorter, more of a quick after-work drink.
An aperitivo rinforzato (“reinforced aperitivo”) means your drink comes with a more substantial spread: a proper tagliere with cheese and cured meats, small pizzas, focaccia, olives, maybe seafood bites. It’s not a full dinner, but it can easily replace one if you’re not very hungry.
What’s normal? You order a cocktail, wine, or spritz, and you get some snacks included (think potato chips, olives, peanuts). What’s not guaranteed is an unlimited buffet. In Cagliari, quality tends to matter more than quantity.
The main rule tourists get wrong: don’t assume food is endless or free-flow. The opposite is more likely, whereby unless you order, you don’t get any food at all or at most just some potato chips.
Now that you are ready to order, here is a selection of the best spots for aperitivo in Cagliari, tried and tested by yours truly.
How I have selected the aperitivo spots in Cagliari for this post: quite simply, the places you find in this post are place that I go to on a regular basis, and which I enjoy for a variety of reasons – the selection of drinks and aperitivo food, the friendliness of the staff and the good service, the location, the fun vibe and even the convenient prices.
Top 5 Aperitivo Spots in Cagliari
Here’s a quick overview of my favorite spots for aperitivo in Cagliari, by category:
- Best sunset view – Libarium, in the Castello district
- Best wine + tagliere – Salsamanteria in the Villanova district, and Osteria Paradiso in the Marina district
- Best cocktails – Spirits Boutique in the Marina district
- Best budget aperitivo – Ex Tipografia in the Stampace district
- Best beach aperitivo (Poetto) – Le Palmette in Lungomare Poetto
Good to know: All places listed are ones I’ve personally visited and photographed. This guide is for aperitivo in Cagliari (drinks + snacks), not full dinner, but most of the spots in this post also offer full meals.
Where To Have The Best Aperitivo In Cagliari
Libarium
- Neighborhood: Castello
- Best for: Sunset views
- What to order: Moscow Mule
- Typical spend: €10-€15 and up
- Booking: walk-in only
- Address: Via Santa Croce 33/35
One of the best cocktail bars in Cagliari, and an incredible sunset location too. This is the place you should go to if you want to sip your cocktail while looking at a stunning view. Without fail, I visit whenever I have friends from out of town as I know they will enjoy the view (and the drinks).
The selection of cocktails is immense. Think classics such as Aperol Spritz, Campari Spritz or Americano, but also good gin and tonic. My favorite is the Moscow Mule. They also have a very good wine list, with a selection of wines from the best Sardinian wineries, as well as Italian and international wines. Finally, beer is also on offer.
In terms of snacks, you get the classics: potato chips, some bits of Sardinian cheese, a few slices of Sardinian sausage, bits of tramezzini and pizzette (it’s a typical snack from Cagliari) – it just varies every time.
They also have vegetarian-friendly options. It’s not cheap by local standards, but cocktails are really good and let’s say that you pay some extra euros for the spectacular view.
Libarium is located in one of the best panoramic spots in Cagliari, in Via Santa Croce 33/35 in the Castello District, and it offers both aperitivo and proper meals in case you want to eat some more. They won’t take reservations for just drinks, but you can reserve a table for meals.
Sabores
- Neighborhood: Marina
- Best for: Natural wine + local cheese
- What to order: Cannonau wine
- Typical spend: €15 and up, depending on what you order (more if you order food)
- Booking: recommended
- Address: Via Baylle 6
Sabores is one of my favorite wine bars in Cagliari. It’s a boutique and an aperitivo place (though they mainly serve wine), as well as a small restaurant, located in the heart of the Marina District. They promote local products, made by Sardinian farmers – often even handmade, like the pasta – and are incredibly proud of their shop.
All wines served are organic. It indeed adds value to the place and helps small businesses stay afloat. You can enjoy some great boards of local cheese and meats, served with fresh, rustic Sardinian bread and with excellent wine as a bonus.
They also have a fabulous selection of appetizers – there always is a tartare of sort (usually they have both a meat and a fish or seafood tartare).
Samuele, the owner, is an incredible host and he speaks fluent English. He will guide you to pick the best wine to your liking. Contrary to many other spots in Cagliari, he’s ready to open any bottle on offer to make sure you can have even just a glass.
I also love the fact that the wine list includes local wines, as well as Italian and international ones (I’ve had some great French wines here).
You will find Sabores in Via Baylle 6, in the Marina District. They take reservations for lunch, dinner and aperitivo too.
Spirits Boutique
- Neighborhood: Marina
- Best for: Cocktails
- What to order: Ask the staff to find a cocktail perfect for you
- Typical spend: €15-€20
- Booking: Recommended
- Address: Via Dettori 7
Located in La Marina district and the second wine bar of the chain – after the one in Olbia – Spirits Boutique makes the best out of its surroundings, which meddles just perfectly, and offers quality cocktails and alcohol.
My favorite thing about this cocktail bar is that they are ready to help you pick the best cocktail according to your taste, or to even create one for your from scratch. You give them a vague idea of what you like (for example, “fresh and fruity” or “bitter and strong”) and they use their magic, and you will be sure to enjoy your drink.
They have a selection of wine, and a few dishes to have with your drink too (their “polpette della nonna” – meatballs in a tomato sauce – are incredibly comforting).
Finally, you can’t miss their original liquor, Macchia Mediterranea.
You will find Spirits Boutique in Via Dettori 7 in the Marina District. It’s one of the best spots for nightlife in Cagliari.
Osteria Paradiso
- Neighborhood: Marina
- Best for: Variety of charcuterie boards
- What to order: Lambrusco cocktail
- Typical spend: €20-€30 if you have a charcuterie board
- Booking: Recommended
- Address: Via Sardegna 126
With lots of outdoor seating (in the winter, they have heaters to keep you warm even on the coldest nights) and a handful of tables in the cozy indoors area, Osteria Paradiso is a great place to have aperitivo in Cagliari.
While the focus here is definitely (natural) Italian and Sardinian wines, you will also be able to have a good cocktail. I tried their Lambrusco cocktail last time I visited, and while I initially doubted the unusual pairing, I must say I enjoyed it.
Pair your drink with one of the delicious “taglieri” (charcuterie boards): they have a wide selection, including vegetarian and vegan ones. What I particularly like is the fact that they have a selection of meats from Sardinia, Tuscany and Emilia Romagna too, so there’s an excellent variety.
They also have other dishes for a more complete meal – lasagne, polenta, fried culurgiones and other Sardinian specialties like panada, soups and salads; and can cater to gluten intolerance too.
To finish your aperitivo (or meal), you can have one of the mouthwatering desserts. The tigelle with nutella is probably my favorite, but they also have more traditional sebadas and pardule.
Service is very friendly and easygoing and prices are in range with those of other similar places in Cagliari.
You can find Osteria Paradiso in Via Sardegna 126, in the Marina District. They typically have space outside if you go early, but you can also book a table by sending them a WhatsApp message.
Ex Tipografia
- Neighborhood: Stampace
- Best for: International wine selection
- What to order: Wine + fried meatballs
- Typical spend: €10-€50 depending on what you order
- Booking: Recommended
- Address: Largo Carlo Felice 80
I go to Ex Tipografia regularly and truly appreciate their selection of local, national and international wines – I was able to have one of my favorite Stellenbosch wines there a few months ago.
The bar/restaurant was built inside an old typography (hence the name) and is unique. They have excellent cocktails (my favorite there is the Americano), a glass of wine (wines by the glass change on a regular basis) and some snacks (classics are olives, fresh fries, fried meatballs) or have a full meal in a peaceful, old setting with a nice vibe.
The lunch and dinner menu changes all the time. Last time I visited in March I ate a delicious artichoke carbonara pasta.
They also have outdoors table, perfect in the summer season (and in the winter too as they have heaters).
You can find Ex Tipografia in Largo Carlo Felice 80 in the historic Stampace District. Its prices range from €10 to €50, meaning it can fit any budget. As an added bonus, it serves one of the best breakfast in Cagliari.
Make sure to read my post, Best Budget Restaurants In Cagliari, for more budget-friendly spots in town.
Locanda Caddeo
- Neighborhood: Various locations in town
- Best for: Variety of snacks on offer
- What to order: Focaccia with any filling
- Typical spend: €20
- Booking: Recommended
- Address: Various addresses in town
Locanda Caddeo first opened in 2010 in Cagliari, and has expanded to several spots in the city, and even in other small towns and cities in Sardinia since then. It’s one of the most popular aperitivo spots in Cagliari – I don’t think I ever walked by it and found it less than packed.
At Locanda Caddeo, you will find food and drinks made with locally-farmed ingredients. You can have snacks like fresh cut potato chips, bruschetta and focaccia, charcuterie boards with all sorts of meats and cheeses, as well as culurgiones. It’s a great place to relax after a long day of walking.
You can find Locanda Caddeo at the following addresses:
- Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 1 – Cagliari
- Piazza Costituzione 17, Cagliari
- Viale Colombo, 69 – Quartu Sant’Elena (a city neighboring Cagliari)
Salsamanteria
- Neighborhood: Villanova
- Best for: Top quality charcuterie
- What to order: Wine + bruschetta
- Typical spend: €20 and up
- Booking: Recommended
- Address: Via Sonnino 154
Part grocery shop and part restaurant, Salsamenteria is another small local business where you can buy wine, fresh fruits and vegetables, charcuterie, olives and cheese, as well as typical Sardinian snacks like small panadas and casadine.
They have some fantastic pecorino cheeses from Sardinia, but also delicious cheeses from France, England and even Ireland (among others).
It’s an excellent place for aperitivo in Cagliari: it serves a lot of aperitivo-style food made with locally-farmed ingredients, for reasonable prices. Last time I was there, my friends and I ordered their toasted bread with (top quality) butter and anchovies, and a tagliere (charcuterie board) with mixed cheese and cold meats.
They have a selection of local, Italian and international wines (including champagne), as well as Sardinian craft beers and cocktails.
Service is super friendly.
You can find La Salsamanteria on the very central Via Sonnino 154, in the most modern part of Villanova and close to Piazza Garibaldi, one of the most beautiful squares in Cagliari. Book your table in advance or plan to be there around 6:00 pm to secure a table.
Babeuf
- Neighborhood: Villanova
- Best for: Cozy setting
- What to order: Wine + pasta
- Typical spend: €20 and up if you have food
- Booking: Recommended
- Address: Via Giardini, 147/A
This is a unique wine and cocktail bar in the Villanova District, where you can enjoy your aperitivo, grab a bite, and read some good books in an incredibly cozy environment. They often have musical and culinary events as well.
Their offer includes a great selection of organic wines, beer and cocktails, cheese boards and and delicious pasta and main courses, in case you are hungry. They offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
The place is private, ideal for those who prefer a more relaxing atmosphere that the buzzing streets of the busier Stampace and La Marina districts.
You can find Babeuf in Via Giardini, 147/A. If you plan on staying for a meal, it’s best to book a table in advance.
Florio
- Neighborhood: Villanova
- Best for: Local atmosphere
- What to order: Bicicletta
- Typical spend: €10 (without food)
- Booking: Walk-ins only
- Address: Piazza San Domenico
One of the locals’ favorite spots for aperitivo in Cagliari, Florio is located in the heart of the Villanova historical district. I go there all the time, during the day for a coffee or just to sit at one of the tables in the square, or at aperitivo time for a drink. It’s in one of my favorite squares in the city, and not far from where I live. Plus I love the easygoing vibe.
This is a “politically active” bar (don’t be surprised to see political manifestos and leaflets hanging around their indoor area), where you can enjoy a drink and grab a bite too.
They have a good selection of wines, beers and traditional cocktails. I once tried their “bicicletta” cocktail, which has Campari and Vermentino wine – it’s not common on the drinks menu in Cagliari, so this is the place to go if you want to try it.
Their aperitivo is simple: think a drink and snacks like peanuts and potato chips. But if you are hungry, they have a selection of charcuterie boards and more filling food too. They offer gluten-free and vegetarian options and focus on the use of locally-farmed ingredients.
Florio is located in Piazza San Domenico, behind Via Garibaldi, one of the most famous shopping streets in Cagliari.
Le Zitelle
- Neighborhood: Villanova
- Best for: Wine + vegan tagliere
- What to order: Ask the staff to try the wines before deciding
- Typical spend: €10 (without food)
- Booking: Walk-ins accepted, best to book during the weekend
- Address: Via Garibaldi 70
I first tried Le Zitelle roughly a month ago, and I was impressed. They are located in the super central Via Garibaldi, near where I live, where they took over what was a rather undescript café that had been there for ages (and where nobody really ever went).
Le Zitelle (the name means “spinsters” in Italian) is a fun wine bar managed by two friends of Polish origins, who have an incredible appreciation (and knowledge) of wines, and want to make sure they show you.
That’s why, instead of having you pick a wine from the menu, they will ask you what you wish to have (red, white, rosé or bubbles) and come to the table with three different bottles of the same style, and offer you a tasting of each so you can decide which one you prefer.
Their food selection includes lots of charcuterie boards of different sizes, and I love the fact that they also have a massive selection of vegan “meats” and cheeses.
Service is super friendly and easygoing, and the ambience is fun and cozy.
Le Zitelle is in Via Garibaldi 70. Go early to grab a table, or call in advance to reserve one.
Bacan
- Neighborhood: Marina di Sant’Elmo
- Best for: Summer sunset vibes
- What to order: Their mixed aperitivo food
- Typical spend: €15 and up, depending on what you order
- Booking: Recommended
- Address: Calata Mercedari
For a fantastic aperitivo close to the center of Cagliari, with gorgeous sunset views (especially if you are visiting Cagliari in the summer), look for Bacan. They have lots of outdoors as well as indoors table, all overlooking the marina (and sunset).
The drinks selection is long, with a great choice of wines, beers and lots of good cocktails. To accompany your drinks, they have an aperitivo food menu (as well as a few main courses and desserts), with options for vegetarians and vegans too.
Their offer includes classics such as freshly cut fries, eggplant and provola fritters, pulled pork bao and pork gyoza, and more classic charcuterie boards and fried culurgiones.
When I last visited, they had live music too, which adds to the already fun vibe.
Bacan takes aperitivo-hour bookings – you can reserve a table for one hour.
Bacan is located in Calata Mercedari, in the Marina di Sant’Elmo, a place we locals commonly refer to as Su Siccu (where, by the way, you will also find some of the most fun accommodation options in Cagliari).
La Paillote
- Neighborhood: Cala Fighera Beach
- Best for: Glamorous location
- What to order: Any cocktail
- Typical spend: €15-€20 (without food)
- Booking: Recommended
- Address: Cala Fighera
For one of the best aperitivo in Cagliari – complete with stunning sunset views – head to La Paillote. Located near Calamosca (one of Cagliari’s urban beaches), on the way to Cala Fighera beach, this rbar is the place you should go if you want to enjoy one of the best sunsets in the area while having your aperitivo.
You will find all sorts of aperitivo drinks – from wine to beer and cocktails (they make a mean mojito), and all drinks come with a small bowl of potato chips and peanuts (unless you order some of their aperitivo snacks).
If you want to stay on for dinner, you’ll be glad to know it’s one of my favorite restaurants in Cagliari, with an ever-changing menu that reflects local ingredients put together in the most creative way. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it.
You will need a car to get to La Paillote – or a taxi from the center of town. Keep in mind it’s only open between the end of April and the end of October.
Le Palmette (Poetto)
- Neighborhood: Poetto
- Best for: Fun summer vibes
- What to order: Prosecco or a beer
- Typical spend: €10 (without food)
- Booking: Recommended
- Address: Lungomare Poetto, Prima Fermata
Actually made of two parts, a restaurant and a cocktail bar, Le Palmette is a nice place on the beach (Poetto, the locals’ favorite beach) where you can either sit down and have a nice meal – their pasta and seafood dishes are particularly delicious – or just have your aperitivo while admiring the waves crashing on the shore.
It’s the ideal spot if you’ve spent the day at the beach and just want to enjoy a drink before heading back to your hotel in town (or at the beach). Oftentimes, they have live music or a DJ set, so it can get quite lively.
It’s especially popular during the spring and summer months and at sunset, so you may want to book a table before you head there.
Le Palmette is located on Lungomare Poetto, Prima Fermata (that’s what we say to refer to the first bus stop along the beach).
FAQs on Aperitivo in Cagliari
In the winter, locals have aperitivo between 6:30 and 8:30 pm. It’s later in the summer – between 7:30 and 9:30 pm.
You typically get some snacks – potato chips, olives, peanuts. Some places offer a tiny charcuterie board. You have to pay extra for anything more substantial.
Aperitivo is a pre-dinner drink served with small snacks — olives, chips, or a light tagliere. It’s meant to stimulate your appetite before eating elsewhere.
Apericena (aperitivo + cena, dinner) is more filling. Your drink comes with a generous spread — cheeses, cured meats, focaccia, salads, sometimes hot dishes — often enough to replace dinner. In Cagliari, apericena is common, but usually served at your table, not as an unlimited buffet.
I am a fan of Libarium, in the Castello district. You get an incredible sunset over the roofs of Stampace.
It’s preferable, but not all places take aperitivo reservations. Arrive early to secure a table.
In the summer, yes. There are many bars along the beach that offer aperitivo. The best one is Le Palmette.
Map of the Best Aperitivo Spots in Cagliari
To help you locate the many aperitivo spots in the city, I have created this map where you can see them, and find one near you.
How to use this Cagliari aperitivo spots map: This map points out the best aperitivo spots in the city. To enlarge it, you can use your computer mouse on desktop or laptop, or your fingers on your smartphone. You can save the map to your Google Maps account by clicking on the star next to the title. You can then view the saved map by clicking 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.
Final Considerations on Aperitivo in Cagliari
As you may have gathered, aperitivo in Cagliari is less about quantity and more about the setting. You choose based on mood: sunset in Castello, people-watching in Stampace and Villanova, something quieter in a hidden spot in Villanova, or sea breeze at Poetto.
Distances are short, so you can walk between areas, but in summer plan ahead and book for terraces with a view.
Prices are generally reasonable compared to other Italian cities, but quality varies. Ask for what’s actually included with your drink. If you want something substantial, ask whether they offer an aperitivo rinforzato.
My advice: don’t overthink it. Pick a neighborhood, go around sunset, order your favorite cocktail or wine, and take your time. Aperitivo in my hometown is meant to be a pause in the day — not a rushed checklist stop, and not always a full dinner either.
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Claudia Tavani
Claudia Tavani was born and raised in Sardinia, and after moving between the United States and the United Kingdom, she's now back living in her hometown, Cagliari. She's a travel blogger and certified travel designer who loves planning trips and publishing guides, travel tips, and packing lists so that you don't have to. Owner of Strictly Sardinia, cat mom to Minnie. Loves pizza, hiking, archeology, cities, beaches, swimming, and running. Hates peppers.