Page 183 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sardinia

WHERE T O EA T AND DRINK  181

The Menu
Restaurants do not always
provide a written menu. Instead,
a waiter will give a list of the
day’s dishes at the table and
help guests choose. Diners may
begin with an antipasto (starter)
such as sliced sausage, salumi or
cured meats, grilled vegetables,
artichoke hearts or olives.
Coastal places offer seafood
appetizers such as clams,
calamari, cuttlefish, sea
anemones and assorted
molluscs. This is followed by the
primo (first course), which may
consist of soup, pasta or,
occasionally, a rice dish. The Bright interiors at Colibrì in Dorgali (see p187)
secondo (second course) will be
meat or fish, and may include Wheelchair Access Recommended
Restaurants
the famous porceddu. Some first Only a few restaurants in
courses, such as pane frattau Sardinia are equipped with The restaurants listed on pages
(carasau bread in broth) or ramps and adapted toilet 186–9 have been selected for
fregula pasta with clams, make facilities for the disabled. Some their good value, interesting
substantial meals. The meal ends places have steps, but access is cuisine, excellent location
with cheese, fruit or dessert, not normally a problem. It is a and atmosphere. A range of
with coffee and perhaps a good idea to call the restaurant establishments have been
Sardinian liqueur (see p185). beforehand to ensure an easily included – from pizzerias and
accessible table and assistance traditional places serving classic
when you arrive. Sardinian cuisine to restaurants
Reservations specializing in seafood and fine-
Restaurants are often crowded, Food Festivals dining spots. Be aware that
particularly in the evening many restaurants close for a
and during the summer. It is The best way to get a taste of month or more in the off season.
advisable to book ahead the real Sardinia is at one of the Entries highlighted as DK
even in the less expensive frequent sagre (food festivals). Choice have been selected in
establishments, or else arrive These pleasant occasions recognition of a special feature
fairly early to avoid a long wait. are usually dedicated to one – this could be an outstanding
particular dish or product, such level of gourmet cuisine, a
as wine, cheese or fish. One panoramic view, excellent value
Wine and Drinks of the most interesting is the or a combination of these. Most
Most restaurants, even those in picturesque tuna festival held of these places are popular with
the medium-price range, will around the end of May in locals and visitors so be sure to
stock a good selection of Carloforte on the Island of San book ahead well in advance.
regional wines and liqueurs. Pietro, where you can try tuna
Some may offer non-Sardinian cooked in a multitude of ways.
wines. Almost all restaurants Fish in general is the theme in
also provide a house wine. September at Cagliari’s Sagra
del Pesce and also in August
when Oristano hosts the Festa
Children del Mare. Another popular
Children are welcome in festival, Sagra della Castagne
restaurants, especially family- e delle Nocciole, dedicated to
run ones, where staff are more the harvest of chestnuts and
inclined to prepare half-portions hazelnuts, is held in Aritzo in
or even special dishes for them. October, while the following
month sees the Sagra delle
Olive in Gonnosfanadiga, near
Smoking Cagliari. Various religious and
Smoking is banned in all public folk festivals held throughout
establishments in Italy. Some the year usually have a
places may have terraces or gastronomic element, often
outside tables where smoking including spit-roast porceddu – Ravioli with onions at the Al Tuguri restaurant
is permitted. suckling pig. in historic centre of Alghero (see p188)

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