Sardinia Restaurant, Ristorante Barbagia

Via Galvani,94 Olbia Tel 0789 51640

This Sardinia restaurant is my favorite in Olbia; it is really traditional and rather good. If you’re looking for a culinary experience that truly captures the essence of Sardinia, Barbagia is the place to go.

From the moment you step through the doors you are greeted with a friendly smile and a sense of genuine hospitality. The interior is cozy and inviting, with rustic decor that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Sardinia. Wooden beams, traditional artwork, and soft lighting create a homely ambiance that makes you feel right at ease.

Surprisingly, although it is on the coast, this is one of the best places to try the cuisine of the Sardinian hinterland. 

I know the temptation is to eat seafood when you are on a seaside holiday, but though seafood is on the menu, avoid it. Pig out on pig or wild boar, the two traditional meats of the interior. Sardinian cooking from the inland regions of Sardinia is very different from any other Italian region, yet it is superb.

Giuseppe Loddo and his wife Gianfranca have been running this place since time immemorial, and like them, the recipes are from long ago. Just the way I like things, decent-sized portions too. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, you’re treated like family

What to Eat?

Antipasti: Well, as I mentioned earlier try going with the pork or the wild boar. The Salciccia di Maiale (Pork Sausage) and the Salciccia di Cinghiale (Wild Boar Sausage) are two good choices.

If you want to miss out on the pork this round then try the Tamata chi sa Frughe which is a very unique Sardinian cheese and tomato dish.

Another good choice is the Prosciutto di Barbagia, a cured ham from the mountainous region of Barbagia, it is a must-try, thinly sliced, it simply melts in your mouth. Pair it with the Pecorino Sardo, a traditional Sardinian cheese, and you have a match made in heaven.

Starters are a mixture of local pastas. Try the Maccarones de Busa with wild boar (cinghiale) sauce. The Malloreddus alla Campidanese is another standout dish. These small, gnocchi-like pasta are served in a rich tomato sauce with sausage and saffron

The main course is easy. If it is in season, then don’t miss out on the best dish in Sardinia, the roast piglet.

Traditionally, in Sardinia, they cook a whole lot of little piglets on a spit. Sounds gruesome, and is a bit, but tastes great.

The first time we saw them on a spit at a wedding  Maria and I felt a little sorry for the little piggies. Despite a lot of debating and doubt about eating them, we finally succumbed to local pressure and ate the dish. It is truly outstanding and. if you can get part your squeamishness, I think you will enjoy it..

Desserts are nothing special – the usual Italian fare like tiramisu, etc.—and their tiramisu is nowhere near as good as my tiramisu recipe. However, the lemon gelato I ordered was exceptional. 

Wine Selection: Ristorante Barbagia boasts an impressive wine list, featuring a variety of Sardinian wines that perfectly complement the menu. From the robust Cannonau to the crisp Vermentino, there is a wine to suit every palate. The knowledgeable staff are always on hand to recommend the perfect pairing for your meal.

To conclude, this Sardinia restaurant is very good. Not up to the level of some of those restaurants I have selected in Piedmont but still excellent and well worth visiting.