If you’ve never heard about the aperitivo before, get ready to be excited. The aperitivo could be defined as a few nice snacks and a drink to enjoy before dinner, but it’s much more than that. The aperitivo is an Italian tradition that’s enjoyed in Sardinia as well, and it’s much more than food and drinks — it’s a lifestyle, a social event, and the finest way of spending your afternoon.
An aperitivo can vary widely depending on where you enjoy it. Almost every cafe and local restaurant offers something special for this equivalent of the ‘happy hour,’ but the Aperitivo Sardo always has a few things in common. As Sardinian people say, aperitivo is all about ‘Pani e casu e binu a rasu!’, meaning bread, cheese and full wine glasses!
Wine is, of course, of the highest quality. Local Vermentino and robust Cannonau are the order of the day, and as for food, there’s always much more than bread and cheese. Expect small seafood plates, from crudo to crostini. Cured meats play a role as well, and a side of briny olives is not uncommon.
The thing with the aperitivo is that it’s not properly a meal, but finger food, appetizers, cheese, bread and a nice glass of wine — it’s just the famed Italian laid-back lifestyle at its most significant expression.
If you’re ever in Sardinia, or any part of Italy, for that matter, make sure you don’t miss out on the aperitivo. It’s revitalizing, especially after a long day of touring around. It comes without saying this is the perfect opportunity to mingle with the locals and other tourists. Conversation flows easily when everyone is having a good time, and how not to with superb wine and the finest snacks Sardinia has to offer?
Sardinian Aperitivo
