Dining out in Porto Rafael

 (and managing your personal chef's stress)

Dining out in Porto Rafael is a pleasant alternative to staying at home, from where it's really hard to move. Some addresses, however, are good for giving your private chef a day off, as long as he doesn't take it personally. Private chefs in Porto Rafael end up becoming family members, as well as a pragmatic solution that frees you from household chores. The private dimension is so intimate that private chefs anticipate your tastes and desires. They mix ingredients taken by traditional cuisine with typical flavors, adding a personal touch which is their special signature.

There are those stealing spices from overseas cuisine for a spicy shrimp curry with turmeric pilaf rice; those proposing malloreddus alla Campidanese with sliced of bread alongside for cleaning the pot ; chefs specialized in fish recipes, with cherry tomatoes, olives and bay leaves; some others inspired by nature, adding at dishes an olive branch, a stone, a flower, only for the pleasure of your eyes.

In the village we point out Yacht Club, a suggestive niche of sea with boats around sweetly moved by the wind, where Ottavio and his daughters serve appetizers and the freshest fish. Note also  Boutique Hotel Solaz, where once was Rafael's historic casita, still with its famous motto outside, which has become Porto Rafael's inspiration. Delicious appetizers in front of the bay, and dinners.

Few steps after you meet Solaz, a wine bar with a sophisticated list, a lively meeting point for those who like to drink well and spend good time observing comings and goings around in the square.
Going up at Santa Rita church, stop at historic Harry's Bar, atmosphere between past and future recreated by owners Aldo and Diego. Furnishing and colors inspired by vintage pictures , to feel Porto Rafael original style. Excellent raw materials, from breakfast until after dinner.

Gastronomic dream continues in Palau, where La Gritta restaurant offers the best of traditional cuisine, simple and refined. In a location of extreme charm, Simona and Roberto, afford also to serve garlic and oil linguine, or timeless tomato sauce spaghetti, a provocation that alone deserves a booking.
Aglio e Olio and C’era una volta restaurants are a good solution for tasting genuine flavors and hospitality. At the port, a happy example of innovative cooking: O ’Belau, a name that in Indonesian means island, which seems also the exotic declination of Palau. It is still the only mediterranean restaurant and sushi bar in town, traditional cuisine with oriental influences, first choice products.
For eating pieds dans l'eau in a simple and unpretentious way, move to Porto Pollo, at Ristorantino, while one of the best pizzas near is at Maestrale, where dining in front of sunset. Stop for tasting local wines and appetizers at Cantina Surrau, in Chilvagghja area.

The traditional roast suckling pig at La Ciminea, Lu Ciaccaru area, and even at Agriturismo La Colti, Canniggione area, where guests are welcomed by a battery of crispy and hot suckling pigs on a spit with small side dishes.