Gallura - Costa smeralda

It is a region dominated by spectacular granite mountains and clear sea water.
Gallura is well-known because it hosts the exclusive Costa Smeralda, a summer destination of the international jet set. But it is not only a place of beautiful beaches and exclusive clubs. It is also the region of the “stazzi”, typical farms that keep alive the most authentic tradition of the local cuisine.

A dish you should not miss is the “suppa cuata” (hidden soup) in which the soup is concealed under a layer of fine smelling cheese. This specialty has humble origins, it is made with stale bread and soft cheese, but it has become a well respected dish of the traditional menu. The ravioli and the home made gnocchi are also delicious. Another typical dish of the inland is the “mazzafrissa” (fried semolina wheat).

Roasted pig or “porcetto”, plays an important role in the local cuisine of the Gallura region but you now can find it everywhere in Sardinia. You must also try soft fresh cheeses like “lu casgiu mùstiu” or “furriatu”, which can be eaten as appetizers or desserts.
The fish menu represents a more recent tradition: the fish soup, "lu ziminu”, mussels and sea urchin. But the undisputed star of the fish menu is lobster. A good recipe is lobster cooked in Vernaccia wine.

There is a variety of desserts and most are based on honey, little pastries filled with marzipan and honey,“li cucciuleddhi e meli” and “li frisjoli longhi”, long fried donuts covered with honey. And least but not last the famous “seadas”, crêpes filled with fresh cheese and covered with honey, they are originally from Gallura but are now common everywhere is Sardinia. All specialties from Gallura must be accompanied with the best local white wine, Vermentino. However there are a couple of reds worth mentioning like Rosso di Tempio or Monica di Berchidda.