Sardinia’s Culinary Identity
Davide Bonu’s Favorite Food Spots
Must-Try Sardinian Dishes
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Sardinia on a Plate: Chef Davide Bonu’s Guide to Authentic Flavors
If you think Italian food is just pasta and pizza, you clearly haven’t been to Sardinia yet. Here, food is history, tradition and a way of life.
And who better to guide us through the island’s rich food culture than Chef Davide Bonu? A Sardinian through and through, Davide has spent years perfecting the balance between tradition and innovation in his own kitchen. As the culinary visionary behind Impasto, Vicinato Alimentare, Marina Pasta e Pane and founder of CUCINA.eat, a pioneering food and wine concept, Davide Bonu is redefining how people experience the island’s cuisine while preserving its authentic soul. A few weeks ago, we sat down with Davide in Cagliari, as he passionately shared his insights into Sardinian cuisine, his favorite dishes and the best spots every food lover must experience in Sardinia.
Davide’s Personal Connection to the Sardinian Cuisine
For Davide, there is deep connection to preserving and sharing Sardinian cuisine — it’s memory, tradition and the fabric of family life. One of his earliest memories takes him back to his childhood, standing in the kitchen as his mother stirred a rich tomato sauce, holding him in one arm while cooking for the family. "I remember my mother expecting my younger brother, with me in her arms, she was stirring the tomato sauce. That’s a memory deeply tied to home, to the essence of Sardinian cooking," he recalls.
This moment reflects the essence of Sardinian cuisine — where food is a family affair, a ritual that brings generations together. Every dish tells a story, shaped by the land, the seasons and the people who lovingly prepare it. For Davide, the smell of slowly simmering tomatoes isn’t just a culinary experience; it’s the aroma of home, of heritage, of a culture where cooking is an act of love.
What makes Sardinian Cuisine so special?
Sardinian cuisine is shaped by its land and sea, its isolation from the mainland and its deep-rooted traditions. Unlike other regions of Italy that constantly evolve their gastronomy, Sardinia has preserved its flavors, techniques and rituals for centuries. Every dish tells a story of shepherds, fishermen and farmers, of people who relied on their surroundings to craft meals that are both simple and profound.
“Food is an essential part of Sardinian culture because through food, we tell the story of our land and our people.” Davide explains. “I truly believe that food is at the core of understanding a place and its culture."
In the mountains and rural villages, you’ll find rich dishes made from Porceddu sardo (Suckling Pig), slow-cooked Lamb and Casizolu cheese, while the coastal towns offer delicate seafood dishes, fresh Bottarga di Muggine and Fregula with mussels, a traditional Sardinian pasta handmade from durum wheat semolina and water, shaped into small, rough-textured pearls and toasted in the oven. This duality is what makes Sardinian cuisine endlessly fascinating.
Must-Try Sardinian Dishes by Davide
If you come to Sardinia and don’t try these, you’ve done it wrong. Here are the absolute must-eat dishes, straight from Davide’s recommendations:
Pane Frattau
Davide’s personal favorite: “The dish of my heart.”
This dish is pure Sardinian simplicity:
- Pane Carasau (crispy flatbread)
- Tomato sauce made from Sardinian tomatoes
- Pecorino cheese
- Poached egg on top
Simple ingredients, when done right, create something magical.
Fregula con Arselle (Fregula with Clams)
Think of fregula as Sardinian couscous — tiny, toasted pasta pearls that soak up flavor beautifully. This dish is a seafood lover’s dream, with fresh clams, garlic, and white wine.
Malloreddus alla Campidanese
Often called “Sardinian gnocchi,” these small, ridged pasta pieces are flavored with saffron and served in a rich sauce made from Sardinian sausage and tomatoes.
Culurgiones
More than just pasta — Culurgiones are tiny works of art. These potato and pecorino-filled dumplings are shaped like a wheat stalk and sealed by hand. Soft, creamy, and utterly delicious.
Seadas
A dessert that shouldn’t make sense, but totally does. Deep-fried pastry filled with fresh cheese, drizzled with honey. The perfect balance of sweet and savory.
The Best Food Spots in and Around Cagliari
Where to eat in Cagliari and beyond? We collected a list of Davide’s personal recommendations for you.
One of the first things Davide recommends to any food-loving visitor: visit the local markets. “The advice I can give is the same one I follow when traveling abroad: visit the markets. They tell a lot about a region’s traditions“, he said. It’s where you see the freshest ingredients, where you meet the people behind the food, where you experience Sardinia’s culinary soul.
Mercato di San Benedetto
The Mercato di San Benedetto in Cagliari is a must-visit. As one of the largest covered markets in Europe, it’s a paradise for food lovers — fresh seafood, sun-ripened vegetables, artisanal cheeses and locally cured meats fill every corner. Grab some Pecorino Sardo, Pane Coccoi and fresh Spigola (Sea Bass) to taste Sardinia’s essence in its purest form.
Fradis Minoris
Located on the coast near Pula, this restaurant offers a fine-dining experience rooted in sustainability. Expect seasonal, local ingredients prepared with modern techniques, all served with breathtaking seaside views. If you love seafood, their catch-of-the-day dishes and delicate crudo preparations are an absolute must.
Josto
This stylish, contemporary restaurant in Cagliari is where traditional Sardinian flavors meet modern creativity. The chef experiments with textures and unexpected combinations while staying true to Sardinia’s rich gastronomic heritage. It’s a great place for an elevated, creative dining experience with expertly paired wines.
I Sarti del Gusto
The name means "The Tailors of Taste," and that’s exactly what this refined spot delivers. Focused on high-quality local ingredients, impeccable presentation, and a deep respect for Sardinian culinary traditions, I Sarti del Gusto is a must-visit for food lovers seeking something elegant yet authentically Sardinian.
Sa Mandara
If you’re looking for a true Sardinian home-cooked meal, Sa Mandara is the place to go. This family-run trattoria serves dishes just like nonna would make, featuring rich, hearty flavors and time-honored recipes. Their handmade Malloreddus alla Campidanese (Sardinian gnocchi with sausage ragu) is a must-try.
Su Niu e S’Achili
This hidden gem is a traditional agriturismo, meaning much of what you eat here is grown or raised on-site. Expect rustic dishes with deep, bold flavors, from slow-roasted meats to homemade pasta. Dining here feels like stepping back in time — to an era where food was crafted with patience and care.
Sa Cardiga e Su Schironi
One of Sardinia’s most famous seafood institutions, this restaurant is a must-visit for seafood lovers. Known for its impeccable freshness and simple yet divine preparation methods, it’s the place to try grilled fish, seafood risotto, and local shellfish specialties.
Sabores
This cozy spot in Cagliari offers an impressive selection of Sardinian wines, cheeses and cured meats, making it the perfect place for an aperitivo or a relaxed meal. The owners are passionate about locally sourced ingredients, and their menu changes frequently to highlight the best of the season.
Babeuf
A charming literary café and eatery, Babeuf is a haven for book lovers and foodies alike. The ambiance is cozy, and the menu features carefully crafted dishes inspired by both Sardinian and international influences. Whether you come for a morning espresso or a late-night meal, Babeuf delivers a warm and welcoming experience.
Why Food is the Gateway to Sardinia’s Soul
Through our conversation with Davide, one thing became crystal clear: food is the heart of Sardinian identity. Every dish, every market stall and every restaurant tells a story of resilience, tradition and adaptation. From the shepherds who perfected pecorino cheese to the fishermen who preserved bottarga, Sardinians have always known how to make the most of what their land and sea offer. If you want to truly understand Sardinia, don’t just visit its beaches — sit down at a family-run trattoria, let the staff recommend their specials and savor every bite.
This island reveals itself slowly, in layers of flavors and centuries-old techniques, all brought to life by passionate chefs like Davide Bonu. So go ahead and eat like a local, embrace the flavors and let Sardinia tell you its story.
