text by Antonella Brianda
Restaurants open in spring in Porto Cervo and surroundings
Where to taste typical Sardinian cuisine surrounded by breathtaking views
Immersed in the wildest and most uncontaminated nature of Gallura, just a few kilometres from the north-eastern coast of the island and from renowned beaches and destinations, such as those in the Gulf of Porto Cervo, these rural holiday farms have preserved a clearly visible trace of the most remote culinary traditions in this corner of Sardinia, which is so close to the glamour of renowned and famous destinations. These apparently simple locations conceal painstaking refinement, not only in terms of food and raw materials brought to the table, but also for the furnishings that make up the restaurant. Hence, especially in spring, when Porto Cervo and its establishments are preparing to open in May, it is easy to lose oneself in a gastronomic tour of the site, savouring the traditional cuisine of Gallura a few kilometres inland, in the municipality of Arzachena.
Restaurants where you can experience all the delights of local Gallura cuisineIn some cases, it only takes a few minutes by car to reach restaurants such as La Colti, in Cannigione. Stepping through the heavy wooden door, which opens onto an inner courtyard, ‘colti’ in Gallura dialect, will immerse you in the typical atmosphere of an old Gallura farmhouse. Owned by the Filigheddu Serra family, ‘La Colti’ is a holiday farm, a way of life, a genuine experience. With its samplings of dishes made with farm produce or zero-kilometre products, the holiday farm will introduce you to the flavours of an agro-pastoral past handed down to date, a few steps from the coast.
Agriturismo La Colti (ph. Dario Garofalo)Near Arzachena, in Candela, you will find the holiday farm Candela named after the site. Here, Rita Azara and her husband Gianmario Orecchioni run the family farmhouse. With a long-standing history in the restaurant business, they promise guests an unforgettable culinary experience.
Amidst centuries-old olive and juniper trees, surrounded by vegetation and scents of the Mediterranean maquis, stands the Lu Stazzu restaurant. A warm welcome awaits you with the large family that runs it, headed by Franco and Giuliana, father and mother, who have been in the restaurant business for the past 30 years. They have now been joined by their sons and daughters-in-law. An excellent landmark for those who seek Sardinian meat with certified traceability. Fish caught on the coast is also served here, with a selection of raw seafood encompassing all the flavours of these crystal clear waters. You have only to leave the coastline behind for a few hours to fully experience the feelings the Gallura region offers with its food.
Ristorante Lu StazzuIn the heart of the town, Ristorante Cervo serves classic Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist, as well as international specialities. Located in the namesake hotel, over the years the restaurant has become a landmark for those who want to enjoy an authentic gastronomic experience on the Emerald Coast. With retro charm and never excessive glamour, the dishes served also reflect this mood. Both simple and refined, they draw heavily on many traditional Sardinian recipes, from which they depart only to modernise the presentation.
Ristorante CervoLocated in Hotel Luci di la Muntagna in Porto Cervo, the Lucina restaurant is the ideal venue for those who want to enjoy a unique and evocative view during a meal. On its terrace, you can admire a unique sunset with a view sweeping over the port of Porto Cervo and the island of Spargi, La Maddalena and even the mountains of Corsica. The magic is enhanced during lunch or an aperitif with dinner, featuring dishes conceived by the encounter of traditional Sardinian and authentic Italian cuisine.
Luci di la Muntagna - Porto CervoFinally, since 1994, the restaurant I Frati Rossi has overlooked the Gulf of Pevero, with a view of the island of Tavolara. The location nestled between the granite rocks and Mediterranean maquis of Pantogia. It is the atmosphere of home and the warm family-like welcome. It is the dishes, which are sophisticated and yet authentically simple and unique. All these aspects converging with the unmistakable touch of Gabriele and Graziella, the owners, make the restaurant on the Pantogia hill in Porto Cervo magical and evocative.