Being an island in the Mediterranean Sea has its advantages. Sardegna might have astounding food specialties from its rugged landscape, including cheese and meat, but its seafood is on another level.
Let’s start with the most impressive seafood specialty in Sardinia, the sea urchin. This delicacy is a rare find, and it can be pricey, but no other place on earth has urchin so fresh, colorful and flavorful. Known as Ricci di mare, the creamy sea-scented delicacy can be enjoyed on its own, freshly plucked from the sea, but it can also play a part in pasta dishes, soups and stews. It’s a local favorite!
If you like Italian pasta, you must try Sardinia’s fregola, especially when prepared with seafood or frutti di mare. Mussels, squid, shrimp and fish come together in a garlicky dish that just tastes like the Mediterranean Sea. This is a bowl of pasta you don’t want to miss!
For a fancy night out, try Sardinia’s Aragosta alla Catalana — lobster cooked Catalan style. This hearty seafood dish is the perfect example of Spanish influence on the island; think of it as a warm lobster salad. Tomatoes, garlic, onion, freshly squeezed lemon, tomatoes, capers and lobster meat are sautéed in olive oil for a fantastic dry stew that celebrates the king of seafood. The European lobster in all its splendor.
Finally, we have the Burrida alla Cagliariana — a salty and briny seafood appetizer made by preserving white fish in an ‘escabeche’ or vinegar and wine brine flavored with herbs and spices. Cooks then mince the fish finely to create a silky fish paste you just can’t stop snacking on, especially with a slice of local bread. This is amongst the most exciting seafood dishes in Italy, and you won’t find anything like it anywhere else.
