Many of us are drawn to Sardinia for the same reasons we are drawn to Italy as a whole; the culture, the views, and, of course, the food. A trip to the Mediterranean island would not be complete without indulging in the best food Sardinia has to offer, which is undoubtedly one of the island’s top attractions.
In this article, I will highlight the dishes you absolutely have to try when in Sardinia that are guaranteed to make your trip a tasty one.
Keep reading and check out the must-try dishes in Sardinia!
Best Food in Sardinia
Traditional Sardinia Bread
Bread is one of the great universal foods. And, in the case of Sardinia, they have Pane Carasau, a specialty of the island’s mountainous area. This regional bread is known to be very light and crispy and is famously made without any yeast. Pane Guttiau is another version of it with sea salt and olive oil. You can enjoy them as a snack or with meats and cheeses.
Tagliere
No trip to Sardinia would be complete without indulging in Tagliere, a board filled with meat and cheese snacks, which are staples of Italian cuisine.
Sardinia is renowned for its pecorino cheese production, with a wide range of semi-fresh to hard pecorino cheese that is exported globally. Other delicious cheeses in Sardinia include Fiore Sardo, a hard cheese made from whole sheep’s milk that is aged for six months. And, Primo sale, a crunchy-textured Italian cheese also made from sheep’s milk.
Whether as a precursor to a larger meal, enjoyed as a traditional Italian aperitivo, or an evening treat, Tagliere lets you sample some of the best food that Italy has to offer.
Fregola/Fregula
Pasta is the quintessential Italian dish, and Sardinia has one of its own in the form of Fregola. This pasta is made from semolina and is rolled into very tiny balls and then toasted. Many describe this dish as having a similar texture to couscous. It is usually served with a tomato sauce and seafood.
Suckling Pig or ‘Porcheddu’
Porcheddu is a flame-roasted pig that is under 40 days old. This pig is spiced and then either slow or spit-roasted. Perhaps one of the more decadent dishes you can order, Porcheddu is considered one of the best foods in Sardinia.
Culurgiones
Often compared to ravioli, this Sardinia dish consists of stuffed pasta made of potatoes, cheese, mint, and various spices depending on which part of the island you visit. Culurgiones are typically served with tomato sauce and some sort of meat accompaniment.
Burrida
Especially popular in the Sardinia capital of Cagliari. This dish consists of catfish marinated in a vinegar base and garnished with nuts. Its popularity as an appetizer has endured over the years and is a great start to a delicious meal.
Sebadas
Sebadas is a deep-fried pastry that combines cheese and honey. The pastry itself is made from semolina, stuffed with cheese, deep-fried, and then dipped in honey to create a treat for the senses. A true must-have for visitors to Sardinia! This dish was one of my personal favorites, I ate it every opportunity I had!
One of my favorite restaurants in Cagliari, Sardinia to enjoy this delicious dessert was Libarium Nostrum. They also offer many other exquisite dishes, I came back a couple of times and tried as many as I could fit in my belly! If you want to enjoy some of the best dishes Sardinia has to offer while enjoying a gorgeous panoramic view of the city, this is the place to visit.
Sospiri di Ozieri
Named after the city of Ozieri where it originates from. Sospiri di Ozieri, is a dessert made with almonds, sugar, honey, lemon zest, and then finished with a sugary glaze. It has been eaten in the region for hundreds of years and is a must-have for foodies!
Mirco
Even thought Mirco is not a dish, it is worth a mention for its uniqueness and deliciousness. A product of the Myrtle trees that grows in the Sardinia area, Mirco liqueur comes in both black and white varieties and is a perfect way to wind down a meal. Not only is it a great culinary experience while in Sardinia, but it is also the perfect souvenir to take with you.
So there you have it, the top dishes you must-try to make your trip to Sardinia all the more awesome!
