The island of Sardinia is known for beautiful beaches, a luxurious lifestyle and amazing foods, with lovers of excellent cooking and exceptional wines able to fully indulge in the wide range of Sardinian culinary delights. Sardinian cuisine is a blend of various Mediterranean cultures whilst preserving its very own identity, based on the traditional meals for shepherds and fishermen: breads, cheeses, vegetables, sheep and lamb meats, as well as seafood, are all staples at the table.

Starters and Appetisers to try on Sardinia

Pane Carasau: the thin, crunchy bread is a basic on almost every lunch and dinner table. Historically, it was the perfect food for shepherds to bring on their long journeys across the island, because the dried bread keeps fresh for months.

Bottarga: this very aromatic and spicy appetiser is a kind of caviar made of tuna and mullet eggs – a true delicacy, dating back to Roman times.

Cheeses: produced from indigenous sheep, Sardinia is famous for its wide range of semi-cooked, hard cheeses – Pecorino Sardo. From mild and delicate to intense and piquant-flavoured versions that have been aged for months, Pecorino Sardo is a true delight for cheese lovers.

• Where to find it: La Casa del Pecorino; Corso Umberto, 54, 08048 Tortolì, Sardinia, Italien

First courses and specialties to try on Sardinia

Pasta: typical first courses on the island are Malloreddus (Gnocchi sardi), a durum wheat semolina pasta typically seasoned with melted cheese and saffron, or a sausage sauce and Culurgiones Ragu. Culurgiones are best described as wheat dumplings that are filled with ricotta cheese or a mix of potato, pecorino, garlic, onions, and mint, and are traditionally served in a tomato sauce with grated pecorino cheese.

Meat: the most famous delicacy on Sardinia is probably Porceddu arrosto (suckling pig), cooked very slowly on the spit for a rich savoury flavour and garnished with rosemary or myrtle. Porceddu is an absolute speciality on the island, typically served on festive occasions and at family events.

Seafood: naturally, seafood is a staple of the Sardinian cuisine, with a wide selection of fresh sea fish to prawns, lobsters and, of course, sardines. A real delicacy is called Spigola alla Vernaccia: seabass dredged in flour and stuffed with parsley, dried tomato and garlic, and then cooked with Vernaccia di Oristano, a sherry-like Sardinian wine, giving the dish an amazing mixture of Mediterranean flavours.

Desserts: a delicious pastry and trademark of Sardinia is Seadas, with a light crust and filled with pecorino, and then fried and served with a honey drizzle – irresistible. Maybe an unusual idea for European tastes but worth a try is Ricotta di capra e miele, an ice cream made of goat ricotta cheese and honey, or Mirto ice cream (made from the berries of Sardinian myrtle bushes).

• Where to find it: Mastro Gelataio; Via Plammas 1, 08040 Santa Maria Navarrese, Sardinia, Italy.

Sardinian Drinks and Wines: rarities with a long tradition

Sardinia is blessed with unique indigenous grape varieties, which can only be found on this island. The export of wine is quite low because most products are consumed locally, with the opportunity for travellers to try real rarities on the island. In the northern part of Sardinia, vines grow on bare soils for a fine acidity – wine that is expressive and aromatic – with the fine Vermentino a fresh and fruity white wine. The climate in the south is a bit warmer and dry: ideal conditions for a vibrant red, Cannonau, and dessert wines.

What to try:

• Serra Lori (rosé, 2021; Argiolas): made of one of the oldest grape varieties of Sardinia – vivid and fruity.
• Vermentino di Sardegna (white, 2021; Sella & Mosca): traditional winery with over a hundred years of history – fruity, refreshing, citrus notes, perfect for summer.
• Mirto Liqueur: Vecchio Amaro del Capo. Mirto is a herbal liqueur made from berries of local myrtle bushes – a typical Sardinian digestive and souvenir to bring home from the holiday.

Ready to get a taste of Sardinia for yourself?

Here are our favourite places for authentic and fine dining on Sardinia:

Sa Cadrea (St. Maria Navarese)

A highly-recommended restaurant and cocktail bar in the area (for us, the very best of Sardinia), with spectacular panoramic views over Santa Maria Navarrese, the harbour and sparkling sea below. Stylish decor and high-quality cooking, including Sardic specialities, pizza and fish. Extremely attentive, friendly, and multilingual service.

Treat yourself to a local delicacy: ‘Malloreddos Viola Ragù di Pecora e Carote Viola’ (Sardinian purple gnocchi with sheep ragout (stew) and purple carrots) and a glass of a local wine, such as Pariglia Vermentino Sardinia – fruity and floral notes dominate this white wine, perfect for summer.

• Sa Cadrea: Via Pedralonga 24, 08040 Santa Maria Navarese; Tel: +39 327 111 2226

Calypso Bar (Badesi)

Stylish, modern beach bar, perfect for enjoying a sundowner, traditional delicacies, and watching the last rays of sunlight fading into the ocean. Live music in summer, reservations recommended, closed off-season.

• Calypso Bar; Baia delle Mimose, Pirottu li frati, 07030 Badesi; Tel: +39 3475569792

Gusto by Sadler (San Teodoro)

Michelin-starred restaurant, offering regionally inspired Mediterranean gourmet cuisine and innovative contemporary dishes which may be described as edible pieces of art. Great selection of specialities such as Lorighitta pasta with Sardinian lamb ragù and pecorino. One Michelin star.

• Gusto by Sadler; Via Tavolara, Lu Fraili di Sotto, 08020 San Teodoro; Tel: +39 0784 190 8000

Restaurant Dal Corsaro (Cagliari)

Located amidst the historical centre of Cagliari, Dal Corsaro is a gastronomic highlight for connoisseurs. Michelin starred-chef Stefano Deidda creates modern and innovative gourmet delights inspired by local dishes. One Michelin star: high quality cuisine.

• Dal Corsaro; Viale Regina Margherita 28, 09124 Cagliari, Tel:+39 070 664318

Ristorante Tipico Golgo (Baunei, Golgo)

Typical Sardinian and southern Italian cuisine, simple and no frills – traditional shepherds’ and farmers’ dishes are prepared here. Recommended: traditional Sardinian starter with delicacies of ham, sausage, cheese and pickled vegetables, and don‘t miss the goat and pecorino cream cheese ravioli. Be aware of the opening times (usually closed between 3pm and 6.30pm, reservations strongly recommended, pre-order traditional delicacies).

• Tipico Golgo; Loc. Golgo, 08040 Baunei; Tel: + 39 337 811828

Baga Baga (Castelsardo)

Gorgeous restaurant, presenting a panoramic view of the unspoilt Mediterranean landscape and local food, including traditional delicacies such as Porceddu (roasted piglet).

•   Baga Gaga; Località Terra Bianca, 07031 Castelsardo; Tel: +39 079 470075