La Fontanella

We visited out of season. I'd read lots of very bad, one-star reviews and wondered which restaurant those people had been to. Maybe the owner has changed or the place has improved a lot since then, or perhaps those reviewers were unhappy wherever they went. I'd put more trust in the five-star reviews. It seemed like a family-run place, though I didn't ask and can't be sure. I guessed the important-looking man talking with local diners was the boss, and he didn't seem to be working. There was also a woman I took to be his mother and a younger woman who might have been her daughter. I want to apologize sincerely for taking a photo of the younger woman without asking. I couldn't resist at the time, but I won't post it here or anywhere else, and if she asks, I'll delete it from all my devices. Che bella ragazza! She was lovely in appearance and gentle and friendly, spoke perfect English, far better than my Italian, and most of all served me the best coffee I've ever had, including anywhere else in Italy. If she'd get the well-tuned Cimbali and a few bags of that coffee, that would be a reason to marry her. For this review, she's la sesta stella! I bet they roast their own coffee, or at least have very specific requirements for their supplier. I guessed the cook might be the son or the younger woman's husband, and the pizzaiolo looked like a cousin. The cook's dishes looked like little works of art, as did he, covered in tattoos. This was the only time in Sardinia I didn't order something Italian. The burger was a godsend: five stories high, with a basement and a roof, and I still don't know what lived on the second floor. It tasted divine, like everything else. Back to that coffee: the foam was almost deep black and looked like a crust. I bet a spoon would have stuck in it like a hammered-in peg. The taste was beyond words, with no bitterness at all, or perhaps an infinite amount below zero, and a slight, smooth sweetness. I never add sugar to coffee. It had a full-bodied flavor, a godsend to the second. Coffee seems like a science project here: while I sipped mine, the possible mother and daughter carefully examined two cups of their own, watching, stirring, and tasting like they were in a lab. Gorgeous! If you're nearby, pop in and enjoy, even if it's only for a coffee. Highly recommended by me, myself, and I.

The meal was a full 10/10, and the portions left both me and my girlfriend more than satisfied. Service was warm and helpful, and they spoke English well enough to guide us toward what to order. The place has a lovely atmosphere and setting, and the bill came in much lower than we expected. We’ll definitely be back.

We were surprised by how affordable everything was given the quality of the food. It was beautifully presented and tasted really, really good. The setting was lovely, with lots of plants and fairy lights, and the toilets were modern and very clean. Service was courteous, and the staff spoke good English for tourists.

We hadn't booked when we went during the week, but the waitress made us feel comfortable and was very polite. Our host had suggested the place, and the caprese, pizzas, and desserts were all simply great. We’ll visit again!