2 Best Restaurants in Nuoro, Sardinia

Brotherly love (and ownership) and quality seafood are among the things that make this old-town restaurant so exceptional. Modern artwork, stone pillars, and arched ceilings help to provide a fitting setting for the predominantly traditional cuisine livened up with modern elements. Appetizers created by the Ladu brothers might include steamed octopus with fresh tomato, and smoked salmon with misticanza (mixed green salad). The seasonal menu always features local fish and might include homemade pastas such as lados con ragù di galletto ruspante e casizzolu (disc-shaped pasta with a sauce of free-range rooster and local cheese). Desserts such as girella al cioccolato bianco (white chocolate roll with raspberry coulis) and pineapple with zabaglione ice cream are not to be missed. Service is attentive and welcoming. Booking is recommended.

At this family-run local spot, the rustic dining area—with terra-cotta floors, brick pillars, and a wood-burning stove—is packed nearly every night. The service, presentation, and wine list are as exceptional as the food: only the freshest local meats and cheeses are served, and all the dishes are made from scratch, including the pizza (available evenings only), the pasta, and the semifreddo ice cream drizzled with honey. Orchestrated by chef Francesco Nanu, the menu might feature such starters as culurgiones (ravioli) stuffed with toasted almonds, orange zest and guanciale (cured pig cheek) followed by courses of grilled seafood, lamb with fresh broad beans, or porcetto sardo (roasted pork).  The daily tasting menu is a very good deal.