Best Restaurants In Sardinia: 21 Local Picks

Are you looking for the best restaurants in Sardinia? You are in the right place.

I was born and raised in Sardinia and still live here. Eating out is something I do regularly while exploring the island, and over the years, I have tried many restaurants in different towns and regions, and explored Sardinia’s food scene, trying everything from traditional trattorie to seafood restaurants by the coast and the occasional fine-dining experience.

Sardinia is a fantastic destination for food lovers. Traditional Sardinian cuisine is deeply rooted in local ingredients and long-standing traditions, while the island’s coastal location means that fresh fish and seafood appear on many menus.

In this guide, I share some of the best restaurants in Sardinia based on my personal experience. I have eaten at all of them, often more than once, and they are places I genuinely recommend.

Some are small restaurants mainly frequented by locals, others are better known and attract visitors from around the world. What they all have in common is that they offer memorable food and a dining experience that is worth seeking out.

Because Sardinia is a large island, the restaurants included here are spread across different regions. Use this guide to discover where to eat depending on where you are traveling and the kind of meal you are looking for.

From traditional Sardinian cuisine to seafood restaurants and fine dining, these are some of the best restaurants to try when visiting Sardinia.

Best Restaurants In Sardinia: Quick Picks

If you are short on time, these restaurants are among the best dining experiences in Sardinia, each known for something slightly different.

These restaurants represent a mix of traditional cooking, seafood, agriturismo dining, and fine dining. The guide below explains what makes each one worth visiting and what to order when you go.

How I Chose These Restaurants

All the restaurants included in this guide are places I have personally visited while traveling around Sardinia. In many cases, I have eaten there more than once.

They were selected based on several factors:

• quality and consistency of the food
• authentic Sardinian cuisine or strong local identity (for contemporary food)
• atmosphere and setting
• service and overall dining experience
• what makes the restaurant stand out compared to others on the island

The goal of this guide is not to list every good restaurant in Sardinia. Instead, it highlights places that truly stand out and that I believe are worth planning a meal around when exploring Sardinia.

Best Restaurants In Cagliari And South Sardinia

Chiaroscuro di Marina Ravarotto – Cagliari

Location: Cagliari
Best for: modern Sardinian cuisine
Cuisine: contemporary Sardinian
Price range: €€€
Reservations: recommended

Chiaroscuro is in Stampace, one of the historic districts of Cagliari, and a 10-minute walk from Piazza Jenne, one of the main squares of Cagliari. The menu changes seasonally, the dishes are mainly traditional of inner Sardinia but revisited in a modern way. There are fish and vegetarian alternatives for those who don’t eat meat.

My favorite dishes there are the pani frattau (poached egg over Sardinian pani carasau bread), Su Filindeu – one of the rarest pastas in the world (though Marina, the head chef, strives to keep the pasta and its tradition alive), and ox’s tongue.

Marina is a total sweetheart. She will welcome you at her restaurant and will help you find the right dish for you, and the sommelier will find the best wine to pair. There is a wide selection of Sardinian wines, and some wines from other regions too, including Trentino, where Marina’s ancestors are from.

Don’t leave this restaurant without having dessert: they are absolutely delicious. It’s one of the best places in Cagliari to try Sardinian seadas, our traditional fried cheese pastries, which Marina serves with different kinds of honey.

I recommend trying this place because, even if it is sophisticated, the atmosphere is cosy and friendly. Prices at Chiaroscuro are in line with Cagliari’s average.

Chiaroscuro is located in Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 380. Reservations are recommended and can be done via the app The Fork.

Chiaroscuro is one of The Best Restaurants In Cagliari, which you should visit when in southern Sardinia.

Duanima – Cagliari

Location: Cagliari
Best for: refined dining and tasting menus
Cuisine: contemporary Italian / Sardinian
Price range: €€€
Reservations: recommended

I can’t write a post about the best restaurants in Sardinia and not mention Duanima.

This small restaurant is located in the historic district of Villanova, in the center of Cagliari, in a convenient location, but in a lesser touristy area – so for the time being (and until people start reading this post!) it’s only frequented by locals.

Chef Luca Floris at Duanima masters the use of local, seasonal ingredients to create incredible dishes. He even makes his own bread from scratch. I seriously believe he’s a bit of a genius when it comes to cooking.

He admitted to never following recipes, but always using his guts and instinct, and the results are outstanding, so much so that picky eater number one (my dad), upon trying one of his dishes, said, “This is exceptionally delicious”.

The menu is small, like in all gourmet restaurants in Sardinia. You can opt for a tasting menu (four or seven courses) with or without wine pairing (they have great wines from Sardinia, but also international wines), or just take your pick of what you’d like to have. Either way, you are bound to have a fabulous meal.

The menu has a strong focus on meat, fish, and seafood, but vegetarian and even vegan options are available too.

Service is excellent: there is a sommelier who will help you pick the perfect wine to pair with your meal. However, don’t expect this to be a formal place. The atmosphere is friendly, easygoing.

Duanima is located in Via Satta 28. Make sure to book a table in advance – you can do that via the app The Fork. Prices are in line with the local average.

Fradis Minoris – Nora

Location: Nora (near Pula)
Best for: fine dining and tasting menus
Cuisine: contemporary Sardinian / seafood
Price range: €€€€
Reservations: essential

I have heard a lot about this restaurant and its breathtaking view, yet, on my first time here, I was astonished at the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Located on a slice of land between the sea and the lagoon, it feels like a small island. Words can’t describe the feeling of peace and harmony with nature you’ll experience there.

Fradis Minoris got a Michelin star for the quality and creativity of the food and, in addition, a green star for its environmental sustainability: starting with the raw material that comes from the sea nearby and the vegetable garden in South Sardinia, all the way to the eco-friendly furnishings constructed from recycled materials.

You will be fascinated by the organization and the skills of the chef, Francesco Stara, and his team: indeed, if on one side you get views of the sea, on the other side, there is an open kitchen. My head was spinning as I tried to take in as much as possible when I visited.

The dishes look like paintings thanks to the perfect balance of colors, shapes, and creativity. The seven-course tasting menu has some outstanding dishes that I still dream of.

Spaghetti with bottarga was the best of my life: the bottarga is farmed directly by the staff from the lagoon the restaurant is on. The oyster with asparagus and inula, and the octopus are both delicious too. And dessert is simply heavenly!

So you see, this really is one of the best restaurants in Sardinia.

You can choose from the a la carte menu or different tasting menus (from €110 to €130) with or without wine pairing (from €50 for 4 glasses).

Fradis Minoris is located on Nora lagoon, next to the ancient Punic-Roman town of Nora, near Pula. It is better to book a table in advance through its website. You can easily reach it with a public bus from Pula. Keep in mind it is not open during the winter months.

Check out my post, A Quick Guide To The Ancient City Of Nora, Sardinia, if you intend to visit the area.

Cucina Machrì – Pula

Location: Pula
Best for: seafood and creative cuisine
Cuisine: contemporary seafood
Price range: €€€
Reservations: recommended

If you are spending your holidays in Pula, a lovely small town by the sea, or even if you are just passing through upon driving back to Cagliari, from the stunning beaches of Chia, you should plan to stop at Cucina Machrì.

The menu is predominantly focused on seafood. My advice is to go for the tasting menu, which includes at least three starters, one pasta course, one main course, and dessert for €60. It is well worth the money. For an extra €30, you can also have the wine pairing: a selection of wines that perfectly match the dishes.

The starters are little bites of heaven that show the chef’s creativity and his respect for excellent raw material. The black rice with raw red prawns is delicious. If you prefer to go for a bottle of wine, you can choose from a wide wine selection, too.

Cucina Machrì is located in Via Lamarmora, 53 (Pula) and it opens from April to December. Make sure to book a table in advance.

Head over to my post, A Useful Guide To Pula, Sardinia, if you are exploring southern Sardinia.

Da Stefano – Teulada

Location: Teulada
Best for: seafood and traditional dishes
Cuisine: Sardinian seafood
Price range: €€€
Reservations: recommended in summer

In the old town of Teulada, on the south-west coast of Sardinia, I dined in the beautiful courtyard of this restaurant for the first time by total chance, and have been often since then.

We were coming back from the gorgeous Cala Zafferano (one of the most beautiful beaches in South Sardinia), we decided to dine in the area, and this was the only place that would accommodate us despite not having booked in advance. We soon realized it was meant to be, and to all of us, this became one of the best restaurants in Sardinia!

The atmosphere here is relaxed and welcoming, and service is excellent.

Chef Stefano Mei revives ancient traditional recipes in a new and creative key.

You can choose from the a la carte menu or between different tasting menus to share with your friends or family. The first menu puts together all the chef’s specialties, and the tasting menu may consist of up to seven courses, according to the catch of the day.

I cannot forget the octopus tentacles in bread crust on carrot cream with crispy vegetables, the fish escalope with roasted eggplant puree, mussels, and sea asparagus.

While fish and seafood are certainly the main ingredients on the menu, you can find superb meat and vegetarian alternatives with gluten-free options too.

Da Stefano is open daily, but only in the summer months. You will find it in Teulada in Via Regina Elena, 2. Reservations are always a good idea, though the lovely staff will do their best to accommodate you if you don’t have one.

Best Restaurants on The Smaller Islands

Da Achille – Sant’Antioco

Location: Sant’Antioco
Best for: seafood and tuna specialties
Cuisine: Sardinian seafood
Price range: €€€
Reservations: recommended

On one of the islands of southwestern Sardinia, Sant’Antioco, there is a hidden gem: Da Achille. The restaurant takes its name from that of the main chef, Achille Pinna, who followed his father’s path, hanging around the family restaurant since he was a child.

Traditional Sardinian cuisine is revisited in a modern key with Thai and Japanese influences: all the dishes you will have here are superbly cooked, extremely tasty, and beautifully presented. You will be able to taste the freshness and the quality of the ingredients.

Make sure to try the tuna, renowned in this part of Sardinia: in fact, I started my meal with a spectacular tuna tartare scented with ginger. Then try their pasta with fresh red tuna, a lovely sauce made with candied tomatoes, lemon, and basil that is at the same time tasty and fresh.

If you are not a fan of fish, you can try the roasted duck breast with pomegranate sauce. You will also definitely enjoy their pistachio ice cream with crushed pistachios and cookies.

The wine selection has mainly local wines at more than reasonable prices. Service is excellent, and at the end of the dinner, the chef normally comes from the kitchen and talks to the guests. The restaurant itself is beautiful: its architecture resembles the hull of a huge ship. With so much going on, it’s no wonder this is one of the best restaurants in Sardinia!

Da Achille is located in Sant’Antioco, in via Nazionale, 82, and opens from June to September and on special occasions, such as Easter. Make sure to book in advance as it’s often packed!

Don’t forget to read my post, The Ultimate Guide To Sant’Antioco, Sardinia, to discover more about this precious place.

Da Andrea – Carloforte

Location: Carloforte
Best for: tuna dishes and island cuisine
Cuisine: Carloforte / Ligurian-influenced seafood
Price range: €€€
Reservations: recommended

There are many excellent restaurants in Carloforte, but Da Andrea is definitely my favorite. There are two locations: one is a trattoria, and the other is a slightly more formal place – though the atmosphere is very easy going!

I tried the restaurant with a friend when I visited Carloforte for the first time (and went again on my second visit), and we both loved it, so of course I had to mention it among the best restaurants in Sardinia.

Much like in the rest of San Pietro Island, the menu at Da Andrea has a strong focus on tuna, which is locally sourced. However, contrary to many other places here, tuna is only served when in season – which means you will only have a top quality ingredient, fresh from the fishing nets!

Don’t worry, though, when tuna is not in season, you can still count on many other delicious dishes, and the dessert here is heavenly. When I visited, I had a fabulous octopus appetizer and seafood pasta as a main course. The restaurant has an extensive wine list, too. Service is spot on.

Da Andrea is located in Corso Dei Battellieri 25, just opposite the harbor where the ferries dock. It might be busy during the weekend, especially if you are visiting Sardinia in August, so it is always better to book in advance.

You may find my post, A Complete Guide To Carloforte And Isola Di San Pietro, Sardinia, very useful when visiting this gorgeous island.

Coxinendi – Sanluri

Location: Sanluri
Best for: modern take on Sardinian cuisine
Cuisine: contemporary Sardinian
Price range: €€€
Reservations: recommended

Located in Sanluri, a half-hour drive away from Cagliari, this restaurant features cozy interiors thanks to its stone walls and brick arch. When I visited, I was warmly welcomed from the first step.

Coxinendi means cooking in the Sardinian language, and the talented chef Davide Atzeni knows how to cook. I immediately noticed the research and work behind each dish, the freshness and quality of the raw materials, and Davide’s love for his job.

We decided to opt for the tasting menu: a selection of starters, one pasta dish, one main course, and a dessert for €65 (that’s not including drinks): a very good value for money, given the quality of the food and the impeccable service.

Contrary to many of the best restaurants in Sardinia mentioned in this post, Coxinendi does not have much of a focus on fish and seafood. When I visited, I had super tasty stuffed pasta with blue cheese and purple cabbage, a contemporary version of Malloreddus alla Campidanese, an amazing pork fillet with chard and mustard, and almond shortbread on fruit sauce with dark chocolate powder.

You will find the restaurant in Via Sant’Antioco 1 in Sanluri, near Sanluri Castle (one of the best-kept castles in Sardinia). It is easy to book via the app The Fork.

Good to know: Cantine Su Entu in Sanluri is one of my favorite wineries in Sardinia. You may want to visit them before going for lunch (or dinner).

Best Restaurants In Central Sardinia

Craf da Banana – Oristano

Location: Oristano
Best for: traditional Sardinian cooking, meat
Cuisine: Sardinian
Price range: €€
Reservations: recommended

I dined in this restaurant when I went to Oristano for the Sartiglia, and loved it. The restaurant itself is small and cozy, the perfect place to warm up if you are visiting Sardinia in the winter.

The house specialty is beef – you can have anything from steaks to tagliata and fillet mignon too; but there are excellent fish and seafood dishes too, as well as pasta dishes and a few vegetarian options. In the winter months, mushrooms and artichokes make an appearance on the menu.

You will also find a great selection of Sardinian wines – by the bottle and by the glass, including Turriga, the prime wine by Argiolas Winery of Serdiana, a small town close to Cagliari.

It’s not cheap – but given the quality, prices are reasonable, I think. Service is good though, and the waiting staff are very friendly. You can ask the owner the reason why the restaurant is nicknamed “da Banana” – I did, and was given two different versions of the legend.

Craf Da Banana is located in Via De Castro 34 (Oristano). It’s one of the most popular restaurants in town, so reservations are recommended.

Make sure to also read my post, The Ultimate Guide To Oristano, Sardinia, for other restaurant options and activities in Oristano.

Abbamele – Mamoiada

Location: Mamoiada
Best for: contemporary Sardinian cuisine
Cuisine: Sardinian
Price range: €€€
Reservations: recommended

In Barbagia, the rural and mountainous heart of Sardinia, lies Abbamele, one of the best restaurants in Sardinia. Chef Mauro Ladu takes the Sardinian recipes of poor and ancient dishes, mainly based on meat and dairy products, and reinvents them in a modern way and contemporary shapes. It is a perfect fusion of ancient and new.

Abbamele takes its name from one of the ancient products of Sardinian gastronomic tradition: Sapa di Miele (honey).

The menu changes weekly according to the freshest products the season can offer. There are two tasting menus: a four-course menu and a six-course menu, both with wine pairing.

When we visited, we opted for the four-course menu and had an amazing goat tartare, a revisited version of pane frattau, called ‘Ovu vrattau’ by the chef; pork cooked at low temperature with wine sauce, yoghurt and sun-dried tomato cream.

We concluded our meal with a wonderful new interpretation of Sardinian typical dessert seada.

The atmosphere at Abbamele is rustic, cozy and familiar. Chef’s wife, Sara, welcomes all customers with a smile and will take care of you by explaining the dishes, recommending a wine from their selection.

Since the restaurant is in the small village of Mamoiada, not far from Nuoro, it is frequented mostly by locals.

If, on your itinerary, you plan to visit one of the many splendid museums in Sardinia located in Nuoro (Museo Grazia Deledda, MAN, Museo dei Costumi) or Mamoiada (Museum of Mediterranean Masks) you should definitely plan to have lunch or dinner here. But the restaurant itself is worth a trip to Mamoiada.

Abbamele is located in Corso Vittorio Emanuele 59 in Mamoiada. As there are only few tables, you must book in advance. If given advance notice, the chef can also cater for intolerances and allergies such as gluten and celiacs, lactose-intolerance and vegetarian customers.

My post, A Guide To Mamoiada, Sardinia: 8 Best Things To See And Do, will be useful when planning your visit.

Su Gologone – Oliena

Location: Oliena
Best for: traditional Sardinian cuisine
Cuisine: Sardinian / agriturismo
Price range: €€€
Reservations: recommended

If you want to try traditional Sardinian food, Su Gologone is one of the best restaurants in Sardinia.

Located in the countryside near Oliena, this is one of the best-known places in the island to experience traditional inland cuisine. The restaurant is part of the Su Gologone Experience Hotel, set in the Supramonte area, not far from the famous karst spring that gives the property its name.

In the summer time, you can sit on a terrace overlooking vineyards and olive groves or in the rustic dining room decorated with local handicrafts and traditional objects. My favorite part about visiting in the shoulder season is the large fireplace where meats are roasted in front of diners.

The menu focuses on classic Barbagia dishes. Highlights typically include charcuterie boards with local cheeses and cured meats, handmade pasta, and dishes such as pani frattau and the famous porceddu, Sardinia’s traditional spit-roasted suckling pig.

In recent years, it’s been added to the list of Big Gourmand restaurants in Sardinia for its exceptional value for money.

Su Gologone is located in Località Su Gologone, just outside the lovely Oliena, a small town in the Barbagia region of Sardinia, and not far from Nuoro. It’s part of Su Gologone Boutique Hotel, one of the best boutique hotels in Sardinia. Keep in mind that they are only open from spring all the way to October, and remain closed in the winter months. It is easy to book through WhatsApp.

Best Restaurants In West Sardinia

Da Giancarlo e Rita (Hotel Mannu) – Bosa

Location: Bosa
Best for: seafood and traditional cuisine
Cuisine: Sardinian seafood
Price range: €€
Reservations: recommended

Bosa is considered one of the most beautiful small towns in Italy, and one of the prettiest places to visit in Sardinia. It’s easy to visit on day trips from Alghero, so if you are in the area, consider going. The best restaurant there is Da Giancarlo e Rita. This is definitely one of the best restaurants in Sardinia, at least to me!

Here you will find great local products perfectly used to create both traditional and creative dishes. My favorites are scallops au gratin, cuttlefish strips with toasted almonds, bottarga petals and fried courgette, lobster pasta, tortelli filled with langoustines, and grilled cuttlefish on creamed purple potatoes and brunoise of cherry tomatoes.

Yes, I have been here many times and tried a lot of dishes!

All the desserts look beautiful: I had a mille-feuille with custard and fresh strawberries once, and it was mouthwatering.

Service is excellent, and the staff is very helpful if you have allergies and intolerances, and they will suggest a good wine. Prices are mid-range but worth the quality of the food. Just don’t be put off by the look of the hotel, which is not the prettiest!

This restaurant is part of Hotel Mannu (in Viale Alghero, Bosa) so it is open all year long. Loved mainly by locals and available for all kinds of events, from conferences to weddings, it can get fully booked easily. Better to book in advance.

If you are visiting Bosa, don’t forget to read my post, What To See And Do In Bosa, Sardinia, for inspiration on activities.

Nautilus – Alghero

Location: Alghero
Best for: seafood and lobster dishes
Cuisine: seafood
Price range: €€€
Reservations: recommended

I dined at this restaurant on New Year’s, and it couldn’t have been a better choice for the occasion.

Nautilus is located inside the historic walls of Alghero. It is a refined seafood restaurant overlooking the city’s harbor. The setting is one of its strongest draws: two sea-facing terraces offer open views of the marina and are especially popular at sunset.

The menu focuses on fresh fish and Mediterranean flavors, prepared with seasonal ingredients and local produce – this means it changes on a regular basis. I never ate the same thing twice, there.

Typical dishes at Nautilus include raw seafood selections, tuna or shrimp tartare, spaghetti with clams and bottarga, and fregola with fish. Lobster prepared Catalan-style is another of the best dishes you could have there.

Last time I visited, I ordered Maccarones de Busa (a traditional Sardinian pasta) with broccoli and fish. It was a contemporary version of the dish, and I loved it. I also had the baccala mantecato, and shared a delicious (lactose-free) dessert with my friend.

The atmosphere at this restaurant is sophisticated but relaxed, with attentive service and an extensive wine list, which includes lots of Sardinian wines, as well as Italian and international (we ordered champagne the last time I was there).

Prices are on the higher side compared to casual trattorie in Alghero, but the combination of location, seafood quality, and presentation makes Nautilus a popular choice for a special dinner overlooking the sea.

Nautilus is located in Via Maddalena 4 in Alghero. It’s one of the most popular restaurants in the city, among locals and tourists, and it gets easily booked up, so you need to reserve a table in advance by calling them. Ask for a table with a view of the harbor, or a table on the terrace during the summer.

Sa Mandra – Alghero

Location: Alghero countryside
Best for: traditional Sardinian cuisine
Cuisine: Sardinian / agriturismo
Price range: €€€
Reservations: essential in summer

If you want to have a full immersion in real Sardinian traditions, be enchanted by a beautiful location, and taste amazing dishes, this is the right place for you. I visited with a group of friends, and we all agreed that this restaurant is unique.

To complete the experience, you can even attend a Sardinian cooking lesson with wine pairings and tastings.

This restaurant is actually an agriturismo proper, run by a family that established themselves here from Fonni, a lovely small village in the mountainous heart of Sardinia. They are so welcoming that they will make you feel as if you are a family guest and not a regular customer.

There is a tasting menu that changes frequently according to the seasons. When I visited, I had different kinds of cheeses (my favorites are ricotta cheese with honey, ricotta mustia with jams, and pecorino cream), cold cuts of ham, pork loin and coppa, ravioli filled with cheese and herbs, malloreddus pasta, and culurgiones.

This is a great place to try Sardinian specialties like suckling pig. You will also find a selection of traditional Sardinian desserts. Just make sure you keep enough room to taste a little of all the dishes! Water, wine, coffee, and liquors are included, all for just €50.

Sa Mandra is located near Alghero, on Strada Provinciale 44, at km 1. You’d better put it on your GPS to get there, as it can be quite confusing – but a GPS will guide you. Please remember to say if you are a vegetarian or have coeliac disease or other allergies or intolerances, so that they can cater for you. It is easy to book through its website.

Al Refettorio – Alghero

Location: Alghero
Best for: refined seafood dining
Cuisine: contemporary seafood
Price range: €€€
Reservations: recommended

In the old town of Alghero, in a narrow alley just under a beautiful arch where it is possible to dine, you can find one of the best restaurants in Alghero.

My sister and I agree that this is one of the best restaurants in Sardinia. When I visited, I had perfectly cooked grilled octopus – crunchy outside and soft on the inside as it should be, on potato cream. I also had pumpkin flan with truffle on a Pecorino fondue: textures and contrasting flavors made this dish simply delicious.

These starters were followed by fregola with mussels, raw shrimp, sea urchins, and courgette: this fregola is actually very different from the one you can have in Cagliari at Bistrot 100, so you should definitely try it.

You will find it is actually more similar to paella (in the Middle Ages, Alghero was inhabited by Catalans and has retained some typical recipes from that area) or risotto and has a rather creamy texture (though there’s absolutely no cream here!), while the one at Bistrot 100 is cooked in broth.

Main courses include salmon fillet in courgette and almond crust with fennel and citrus salad, which I wholeheartedly recommend if available.

The wine selection is good as the service, though expect some hiccups during the busiest nights.

You will find Al Refettorio in Vicolo Adami 37 (Alghero). It is better to book in advance as it gets easily busy – you can use the app The Fork to make your reservations. Prices go from average to high, depending on what you have.

Best Restaurants In North Sardinia

Giamaranto – Sassari

Location: Sassari
Best for: creative Sardinian cuisine, seafood
Cuisine: contemporary Sardinian
Price range: €€€
Reservations: recommended

When I’m in Sassari and I want to be spoiled, I usually go to Giamaranto. Gianni and Amedeo are super kind and caring from the very first moment you arrive at the restaurant. The service remains perfect throughout the meal, until the moment they greet you at the door.

On top of that, the food is delicious: chef Antonello Casula uses only seasonal ingredients and the menu changes regularly to reflect the freshest and most tasteful products.

If you visit in the winter months, you will love his artichoke soufflé, the pasta in red shrimp sauce and wild asparagus, and the fried calamari are delicious. But as the menu changes frequently you won’t necessarily find these dishes on the menu when you visit.

As a dessert, I highly recommend the pistachio cake with a melting heart of pistachio cream and served with English custard.

Giamaranto is in Via Alghero 69, a 15-minute walk from Piazza d’Italia. Make sure to book a table in advance.

If you are visiting Sassari, my post, What To See And Do In Sassari, Sardinia, is an essential read.

Il Cormorano – Castelsardo

Location: Castelsardo
Best for: seafood
Cuisine: Sardinian seafood
Price range: €€€
Reservations: recommended

I visited Il Cormorano by pure chance the first time – I actually wanted to try another restaurant, but they were closed for an event. I loved it, and have been back a few more times on different visits.

The restaurant is nice and cozy. In the summer months, you will dine in an open terrace, but there also are some indoor tables.

The menu has a strong focus on locally sourced fish and seafood, but if you are not a fan you will still find some excellent meat and even vegetarian dishes. Their calamari are mouthwatering, and all the pasta dishes are made with homemade pasta.

The staff will assist you in selecting the perfect wine to pair with your meal, too. Dessert is delicious – make sure to try their millefoglie.

Prices are reasonable, considering the quality of the food and service: expect to pay around €75 for a full meal with wine.

Il Cormorano is in Via Cristoforo Colombo 7 in Castelsardo, one of the prettiest beach towns in Sardinia. In the summer months it opens everyday for lunch and dinner. If you are visiting in the off season, double check opening hours on the restaurant’s website, through which you can directly book a table.

You may find my guide, The Best Guide To Castelsardo, Sardinia very insightful when visiting this lovely small town.

Best Restaurants In Gallura And The Emerald Coast

Il Fuoco Sacro – San Pantaleo

Location: San Pantaleo (Gallura)
Best for: fine dining and special occasions
Cuisine: contemporary Italian
Price range: €€€€
Reservations: essential

I became aware of this restaurant by following the world’s most starred Italian chef, Enrico Bartolini, who works together with the restaurant’s main chef Luigi Bergeretto in creating the menu.

I spent an unforgettable evening at Fuoco Sacro: the whole experience was magic and I felt like I was in a dream. After our dinner, I didn’t want to leave! Which is why I already have reservations to go again.

The restaurant, which has a Michelin star, is in a rural area just outside the lovely village of San Pantaleo (not far from Olbia), in the famous Emerald Coast. As you walk in, a breathtaking view of the entire coastline and the archipelago of La Maddalena opens in front of your eyes.

The contrast among the green of the grass, the blue of the sea and the yellow and pink hues of the sun as it goes down into the sea is perfect.

All the dishes on the menu have a unique touch and look like painting. There is no need to mention the quality of the raw materials. The menu changes regularly. When I visited I had lobster with fresh fruit and vegetables, linguine in black lemon sauce, raw shrimp and bottarga and a tartlet with cream and strawberries as a dessert.

There is a list of more than 500 wines from around the world, but if you feel overwhelmed by the selection, the sommelier will help you pair your meal with a fabulous glass of wine.

The restaurant is perfect for special occasions too. When I visited, at the end of the dinner, a waiter showed up with an extra little dessert and a candle because they took note, when I booked the table, I was there to celebrate my birthday. The service had already been impeccable but with this gesture it went far beyond my expectations!

Il Fuoco Sacro is located in the Petra Segreta Resort, in Via Buddeu, San Pantaleo. Use your GPS and you’ll have no problem finding it. The restaurant is only open during the spring and summer months. Reservations are recommended and can be done via the app The Fork or on their website.

Plan to be there in time for sunset as it’s a wonderful location for that. There is a casual chic dress code (shirt, long trousers and closed shoes for men).

Check out my post A Guide To San Pantaleo, Sardinia: 6 Best Things To Know.

Somu – Baja Sardinia

Location: Baja Sardinia
Best for: fine dining and tasting menus
Cuisine: contemporary Italian / Sardinian
Price range: €€€€
Reservations: recommended

Sardinia offers a wide variety of beautiful sceneries. Somu restaurant gets one of the best: an outstanding direct view of the bay it is set on, in the region of Gallura in northern Sardinia. The atmosphere here is romantic, relaxing and sophisticated.

This is one of the best restaurants in Sardinia, and a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide. Chef Salvatore Camedda gives his modern interpretation of traditional Sardinian cuisine adding flavors he discovered around the world, and using the best ingredients available.

Here you have the option of choosing from a la carte menu or between different tasting menu: Signature dishes, with the most popular classics, Vegetarian, and Identity with a journey that recalls the professional growth and personality of the chef.

When we visited we opted for the first tasting menu: 6 spectacular dishes. I loved the suckling pig with roasted plums, spinach and champagne: it was so tender that it literally melted in my mouth. The dessert will surprise you too. I had peach, pecan nuts, tonka beans and popcorn.

Service is excellent, too. I know Somu looks expensive but you will agree that the prices are reasonable given the beautiful location, food and service.

Somu is in Piazza Due Vele (Baia Sardinia) and opens from April to November. It is easy to book via the app The Fork or its website.

Essenza Bistrot – Olbia

Location: Olbia
Best for: refined Sardinian cuisine
Cuisine: contemporary Sardinian / Italian
Price range: €€€
Reservations: recommended

Located in the historic center of Olbia, Essenza’s cuisine is a fusion between Sardinian traditional flavors and creativity. Massimiliano Villani, chef and patron of the restaurant, is an innovator who masterfully uses local ingredients in order to promote and let people know about the excellence of our products.

This modern bistro offers a la carte menu written on a blackboard and two five-course tasting menus: one based on seafood and the other on meat. I know I can be predictable, but I opted for the seafood menu.

The raw red shrimps with asparagus and a mandarin jelly I tried was superb as the seared snapper steak with radishes on lemon sauce was just as delicious. However, the menu changes regularly so you may not find these dishes – but others, which are just as good.

Dessert here is mouthwatering too. I had a white chocolate mousse with an apple jelly: I would have asked for seconds if I hadn’t been full!

There is an extensive wine list and the sommelier will help you pair your meal with a fabulous wine. The service is attentive and friendly at same time – in fact the staff and chef want you to feel at home.

Essenza Bistrot is located in Via delle Terme 8A, Olbia. You can easily book via the app The Fork or its website.

You should also read my post, The Most Complete Guide To Olbia, Sardinia, for things to do and places to visit in this city.

Best Restaurants In East Sardinia

La Bitta – Arbatax

Location: Arbatax
Best for: seafood by the sea
Cuisine: Sardinian seafood
Price range: €€€
Reservations: recommended

I saw the beautiful terrace of this restaurant while walking on the shore of Porto Frailis Beach, so I decided to book a table, and the first time I went was followed by many more. I try to go at least once a year.

The location of this restaurant is the first reason (first but not the only one) that made me decide to list it among the best restaurants in Sardinia, and one of the reasons I fell in love with this place. From the main dining hall, you have an amazing view on a beautiful small beach, the moon reflecting in the sea, the sound of the undertow and the scent of the sea.

You should definitely make reservations as soon as you decide to come to Sardinia and ask for a table by the big windows, usually opened in summertime. Warm and excellent service and the quality of the food are also ingredients to this perfect formula.

My favorite dish here is the linguine with braised scorpion fish, cherry tomato, pistachios pesto and burrata. The flavors are well balanced, you can taste all the ingredients, and the pistachio gives the dish a note of crunchiness.

The portions are actually quite hearthy too. Raw seafood is another delicacy to taste. During my visits, I tried all the desserts and they are all sublime.

There is a good wine list – most wines here are Sardinian, and the sommelier will help you pairing the wine to the dishes you ordered.

La Bitta is in Località Baia di Porto Frailis (Arbatax). It’s at easy driving distance from Tortolì or Santa Maria Navarrese (a popular hub in the Baunei Coast). It is open from April to October. Make sure to book a table. The restaurant is part of a hotel. Prices are medium but worth the whole experience.

Best Restaurants In Sardinia By Experience

The best restaurant for you in Sardinia often depends on the type of dining experience you are looking for. Sardinia’s food scene ranges from traditional trattorie serving time-honored recipes to refined restaurants and excellent seafood spots along the coast.

If you are unsure where to start, these are some of the best restaurants in Sardinia depending on the kind of meal you want.

Best traditional Sardinian restaurants

If you want to try classic Sardinian dishes such as culurgiones, malloreddus, and porceddu (Sardinian suckling pig), restaurants that focus on local traditions are the best choice.

Sa Mandra near Alghero and Su Gologone near Oliena are well known for their generous, traditional menus rooted in Sardinian culinary heritage. Coxinendi in Sanluri and Chiaroscuro in Cagliari, on the other hand, offer a more modern interpretation of Sardinian cuisine while remaining firmly connected to local ingredients and flavors.

Best seafood restaurants in Sardinia

Seafood naturally plays a central role in restaurants in Sardinia’s coastal areas. Places such as Nautilus in Alghero, Macrì in Pula, Da Andrea in Carloforte, and Comorano in Castelsardo are excellent choices if you want to enjoy the Sardinia’s maritime cuisine.

Their menus typically feature freshly caught fish, seafood pasta, grilled seafood, and, in some cases, local specialties such as lobster or tuna. The cooking style is usually simple, allowing the quality of the ingredients to take center stage.

Best fine-dining restaurants in Sardinia (for a special occasion)

If you are looking for a memorable dinner in a refined setting, Sardinia also offers an excellent fine-dining scene.

Fuoco Sacro, a Michelin-starred restaurant located within the adults-only Petra Segreta Resort & Spa in the hills near San Pantaleo (in the Emerald Coast), combines creative cuisine with elegant surroundings and attentive service, with beautiful views over the Gallura landscape adding to the experience.

Another standout is Fradis Minoris near Pula, also Michelin-starred and known for its refined tasting menus that reinterpret Sardinian ingredients with a modern approach. The cuisine places strong emphasis on seasonal products from the island and the nearby sea.

Both restaurants are excellent choices for a celebratory dinner, a romantic evening, or any occasion when you want a truly memorable meal.

FAQs on Sardinian Restaurants

Final Thoughts: How To Choose A Restaurant In Sardinia

When choosing where to eat in Sardinia, consider where you are staying and the kind of meal you want to experience.

Along the coast, many restaurants focus on seafood, with menus built around freshly caught fish, lobster, and seafood pasta. Inland towns and villages, on the other hand, are usually the best places to try traditional Sardinian cuisine, including dishes such as culurgiones, malloreddus, and porceddu.

Consider seeking out an agriturismo if you want a more traditional dining experience. These restaurants often serve generous multi-course meals based on seasonal ingredients and long-standing family recipes.

Wherever you decide to eat, keep in mind that Sardinia is a popular summer destination. Many of the best restaurants in Sardinia fill up quickly, especially in July and August, so booking a table in advance is always a good idea.

Finally, if you come across a fantastic restaurant during your trip around Sardinia, please let me know in the comments, so I will be sure to try that myself.

Further Readings

Here are some more food guides to tickle your appetite:

• Best Sardinian Food
• Sardinian Bread
• Sardinian Cheese
• Cooking Classes And Food Tours In Sardinia
• Vegan Restaurants In Cagliari
• Budget Restaurants In Cagliari
• Best Gelato In Cagliari
• Best Pizza In Cagliari
• Best Aperitivo In Cagliari
• Best Restaurants In La Maddalena

I also have some traditional food recipes:

• Culurgiones
• Malloreddus Alla Campidanese
• Fregola Con Arselle
• Spaghetti Con Le Vongole
• Burrida Alla Cagliaritana
• Agnello Coi Carciofi
• Spigola Alla Vernaccia
• Sardinian Panada
• Pani Frattau
• Pardule – Sardinian Saffron And Ricotta Tarts
• Seadas – Sardinian Cheese And Honey Pastries
• Su Mazzamurru – Sardinian Bread And Tomato Lasagne
• Su Mustazzeddu
• Zeppole – Sardinian Carnival Sweets