Italy is known for its exquisite cuisine, and Sardinia offers a fantastic opportunity for foodies to explore flavors from the Mediterranean.
With its diverse range of ingredients, vibrant colors, and tantalizing aromas, Sardinian food is like a taste of heaven on earth.
From freshly caught seafood to homemade pastries and locally produced cheeses, this guide will provide an overview of what to eat in Sardinia.
From traditional dishes such as fregola and bread to modern innovative plates created by the island’s passionate chefs, prepare your tastebuds for a culinary adventure!
Discover some of the unique experiences that await you in one of Italy’s most beautiful regions.
Does Food In Sardinia Live Up To The Standard?
Sardinia is a beautiful Italian region that is known for its stunning beaches and unique culture. And their food is no exception to this standard.
In this Sardinia Food Guide, we have compiled a list of recommended dishes that you are likely to find on a restaurant menu. There is something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for an authentic Italian meal or just want to try something new, there’s something for everyone in Sardinia!
The Best Cheeses In Sardinia
Cheese is an integral part of Sardinian cuisine, and it is a must-try when visiting the island. The cheese produced in Sardinia is made from sheep’s milk or goat’s milk, usually.
There are a handful of varieties that you should try when visiting Cagliari and the rest of the island.
These include Pecorino Sardo, which is a hard cheese made from sheep’s milk; Casu Marzu, which is a soft cheese with live maggots; and Ricotta Salata, which is a semi-hard cheese made from sheep’s milk.
So if you’re looking for something truly unique to experience while in Sardinia – make sure to sample some of their delicious cheeses!
Pecorino Cheese
Pecorino cheese is a type of cheese that is most commonly associated with Sardinia, Italy. It is made from sheep’s milk and has been produced in the region for centuries.
The Italian government certifies Pecorino, which ensures that it meets certain standards of quality and taste.
This cheese can be found in two different forms: younger, which is soft and mild; and aged, which is harder.
Fiore Sardo is another style of pecorino that originates from Sardinia. It has a much more pungent flavor than the younger variety, with notes of nuttiness and saltiness, as well as a hint of sweetness.
This type of pecorino is not as widely available outside of Sardinia, making it a unique find for those who are looking to try something new.
Casu Marzu
Casu Marzu cheese is a unique and famous food to eat in Italy, but it’s not for the faint of heart. This cheese is left to age with insect eggs inside, which eventually hatch after a few months.
When it is “done” there are hundreds of little maggots inside the wheel of cheese. It’s definitely an acquired taste and not something that everyone would be willing to try.
This unusual dish can be quite off-putting for some people. However, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to experience something truly unique, then Casu Marzu might be worth a try!
Must Try Dishes In Sardinia
Sardinia is home to hundreds of varieties of bread, but the most typical and popular is pane carasau.
This thin, crisp flatbread is served with a variety of meats and cheeses, and sometimes even topped with tomato like a bruschetta.
Its lightness makes it almost addictive; you can eat more than you would with traditional bread. Pane carasau is so common in Sardinia that it won’t be hard to find.
Pane Carasau
The preparation of pane carasau is quite simple. The dough is made from durum wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast, then rolled out into thin sheets before being baked twice in an oven.
The result is a crispy flatbread that can be stored for long periods of time without going stale.
Pane carasau has become an iconic part of Sardinian cuisine and can be found in restaurants all over the island, as well as in supermarkets throughout Italy.
Tagliere
Tagliere is an Italian snack that is popular in Sardinia, as well as in other regions such as Bologna. It consists of a platter of meats and cheeses, which can be served either cold or hot.
In Sardinia, it is particularly popular and can be found on almost every restaurant menu.
Tagliere is usually eaten around 7 pm each night, making it the perfect snack for those who want to enjoy a light meal before dinner.
The variety of meats and cheeses used in tagliere makes it a great option for anyone looking for something different. The combination of flavors creates a unique taste that cannot be found anywhere else.
Sardinian Fregola
Fregola is a type of pasta that originates from the island of Sardinia. It is shaped into small balls or pearls and has a soft consistency that is slightly moister than traditional flour-based pasta.
Fregola can be used in a variety of dishes, but it is most commonly mixed with a light red sauce and pecorino cheese, as well as seafood such as clams or mussels.
This combination creates an incredibly flavorful dish that is sure to please any palate.
Fregola can also be used in salads, soups, and even desserts. Its mild flavor makes it versatile enough to pair with almost any ingredient.
Lorighittas
Lorighittas is a unique type of pasta that originates from the north coast of Sardinia. It is a braided pasta, shaped like an earring.
The pasta itself is made with durum wheat semolina and water and can be served with a variety of sauces such as pesto or tomato sauce.
The shape of the lorighittas makes it ideal for scooping up sauces, making it a popular choice for those looking for something different from traditional spaghetti or penne.
It also pairs well with seafood dishes, adding an interesting texture to the meal.
Goat And Lamb Stew
The traditional cuisine of Sardinia is known for its slow-cooked dishes, where tough cuts of meat are transformed into tender and flavorful meals.
One such dish is stewed goat or lamb, which is cooked in a tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, and other seasonings.
This dish is often served with peas to add an extra layer of flavor.
The slow cooking process helps break down the tougher cuts of meat, resulting in a tender and succulent meal that can be enjoyed by all.
Meatballs
Meatballs are a classic dish that has been around for centuries.
Most Americans associate meatballs with the Italian-American invention of spaghetti and meatballs, but in reality, pasta and meatballs would be served separately.
In Sardinia and Naples, meatballs are served on their own as either a starter or a meat course after the pasta.
They can be made with beef, but more often than not they are made with a mixture of lamb and pork.
The recipe for making meatballs varies from region to region, but the basics remain the same.
Ground beef or pork is mixed with herbs and spices such as garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, and sometimes even Parmesan cheese.
The mixture is then formed into balls, which are then fried or baked until golden brown.
Meatballs can be served alone as an appetizer or side dish, or they can be added to sauces to make dishes like spaghetti and meatballs. No matter how you serve them up, they’re sure to please!
Sebadas
Sardinia is known for its delicious cuisine, and one of the most popular desserts is the sebadas. This cheese fritter is made with pecorino cheese and deep-fried until golden brown.
It is then drizzled with honey and lemon peel for a sweet and tart flavor. Sebadas are often served as a snack or late breakfast, as they are not too filling.
The texture of the sebadas is light and fluffy, while the inside has a creamy cheese center that melts in your mouth. The combination of honey and lemon peel adds an extra layer of sweetness to this already delicious treat.
Whether you’re looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth or just want to try something new, sebadas are definitely worth trying!
Final Thoughts
Sardinia is a beautiful island with a rich culinary history. From meatballs to lumache and sebadas, there are plenty of delicious dishes to try.
Whether you’re looking for something savory or sweet, there’s something for everyone in Sardinia.
So next time you’re in the area, make sure to take advantage of the amazing food that this region has to offer!
