"Il Rifugio"

Il Rifugio is a family-run gem that captures the heart of Sardinian cuisine. We were lucky to have a reservation as the restaurant was turning away walk-ins the night we visited and from the first course to the last, it was clear why. To start, we had a simple yet elegant plate of shaved bottarga over celery and mozzarella, the kind of dish that shows restraint and confidence. For my main, I ordered filindeu in lamb broth with pecorino. Filindeu is known as the world’s rarest pasta—fewer than ten women in Sardinia still know how to make it. The semolina dough is hand-stretched into 256 delicate threads, layered in a crisscross pattern, and dried in the sun. Served in the rich lamb broth, it was unlike any pasta I’ve ever had. My wife ordered culurgiones, Sardinian ravioli stuffed with potato, enriched with guanciale, toasted almonds, and orange peel. It was extraordinary, full of flavor and texture, and perfectly paired with a glass of Cannonau. The atmosphere was warm and unpretentious, the service attentive without being formal, and the food carried a sense of tradition elevated by precision and care. Dining here felt both authentic and special, the kind of meal that lingers in your memory long after. Il Rifugio is not to be missed if you find yourself in Nuoro, make a reservation, and prepare to experience Sardinia on a plate.

We took a trip from Dorgali to Nuoro because of this place and its charming story…and so glad we did! If Rifugio is the best restaurant we visited in Sardinia. Food quality is at its finest, all cooked with perfection. We tried beef fillet and grilled calamari (the best we’ve ever had including greeks) - both amazingly tender, juicy and tasty. Wine and desserts also 10/10. The atmosphere is authentic and cozy, there were nonstop coming locals and tourists even though it was monday evening. Lots of people were waiting outside. Reserve a table for sure! In addition, Nuoro is quite charming by itself, we observed a spectacular sunset over the hills. So, if you exploring the area, Nuoro and Il Rifugio are exellent experience together.

Be sure to try the pasta in the soup - it’s delicious and quite rare to find restaurants that still serve this kind of pasta. The tiramisu was excellent as well.

Without doubt the best meal I had on my three week trip around Sardinia. Mouthwatering pasta full to the brim with flavour and love. Kind staff and a great wine selection. Thank you.

Excellent food, I highly recommend it. This was one of our favorite meals in Sardinia. (It was a little too brightly lit for me, but I think that’s because it’s more of a family restaurant than a romantic spot.)

This place is fantastic. The food is incredible and the wine amazing. Service is friendly and fast. The ancient pasta is served in the classic broth and the bottarga buratta appetizer is very special. Make sure to make a reservation. They fill up quickly. They also make incredible pizza.

Just incredibly delicious! Wow!!! We had such a great moment enjoying our lunch in this place. They are very lovely, and the food super tasty! A must go.

We did not make a reservation and they fitted us in their busy schedule. We had a lovely meal at Il Refugio. Fresh seafood salad à la Mediterraneo, Tonno Rosso and Raviolini di formaggio with lamb ragu. Would visit again definitely!

I have eaten here several times over the years when visiting family in the city. The pizza is some of the best in town with good selection of pizzas, great dough, sauce and good quality toppings. The restaurant menu includes several typical dishes and seasonal ingredients and dishes that change up things a little. The service is friendly and efficient, although at times a little too short with customers who are not regulars or locals. Main owner and wife watch clients from one of the corners and do not look happy and is the only thing that does provide a positive vibe.

The best food in Sardinia. The filendue is of course a tremendous dish. So subtle with its flavors and the unique pasta. The grilled squid was the best I've had. The sheep meatballs with garlic sauce. The grilled meats. The tuna. Everything was fantastic. The staff was very kind and attentive. It is worth the drive to eat this food. We stayed in puerto cervo and had good food but this place is the best.

One of the best meals we have had in sardinia. Menu is beyond the common fare here. Preparation is more sophisticated than what we have found in sardinia. Staff is courteous and alert, so more American style. Excellent and highly recommended!!

Please go at lunchtime, in the evening it becomes a loud pizzeria. One of the best in Sardegna.