Gente di Mare is a seafood restaurant at the start of the Via Marina, the seafront promenade of Golfo Aranci, in Gallura on Sardinia's north-east coast. It stands a few steps from the small fishermen's harbour and the marina, right on the water in the centre of town. The author's notes describe a place that works for both the food and the setting, with seafood at the centre of the menu and a terrace facing the gulf.
Where to find Gente di Mare
The restaurant's address is Piazza dei Pescatori, 1, 07020 Golfo Aranci, and the author places it on Via Marina, near the fishermen's harbour. That makes it easy to combine with a walk along the waterfront, whether you arrive from the marina or from the town centre.
The terrace and the view
A terrace at the entrance greets you as you arrive, and a large patio extends to the water's edge. Diners sit with the gulf in front of them and the boats of the marina moving gently beside them. The author notes a fresh sea breeze that keeps summer evenings pleasant, even in August.
Sunset at the table
As the sun goes down behind the hills, the sky over Golfo Aranci turns pink and orange, and the harbour lights come on one by one. The author calls it one of the most beautiful views in town. If you want to see it from the table, plan your booking around sunset (see the practical notes below).
What to eat
Gente di Mare is a large restaurant with a full menu of seafood and meat dishes, built on fresh, authentic local ingredients. Seafood takes the lead.
Red prawns, oysters and langoustines served on ice
Whole fish served with potatoes and cherry tomatoes
Pasta generously topped with shellfish
For more on oysters from the nearby gulf, see our tasting guide to ORTIJONE oysters. If you would like to cook a Sardinian shellfish pasta yourself, our fregola sarda recipe is a good starting point.
The lobster
The author's highlight is the lobster. The waiters often bring the live lobster to the table before it is cooked, and it comes back as a pasta dish that is rich, fragrant and carefully presented. It is a dish to share, and the author describes it as a moment guests remember.
Hospitality
The author singles out the people as the thing that makes the restaurant special. The owners and staff are described as friendly and welcoming, happy to suggest a dish or a wine. The notes say it suits a romantic dinner for two as well as a long evening with friends.
Banquets and private celebrations
Because of its size and its terrace by the sea, the restaurant is also open for banquets, private parties and group celebrations. The notes give no details on capacity or menus, so contact the restaurant directly if you are planning an event. For wider ideas on organising a gathering in the area, see our guide to private parties and stag dos in Sardinia.
Practical notes
Booking: recommended, especially for a table by the water at sunset.
Location: Via Marina, Golfo Aranci, near the fishermen's harbour.
Opening times and prices: not given in the notes, so check with the restaurant before you go.
Making an evening of it
Golfo Aranci's waterfront is compact, so a meal here fits naturally into a wider stay. You can compare other tables in town, such as Trattoria del Porto or the beachfront La Spigola, or plan the rest of your visit around the town's beaches and walks. If you are organising a longer trip, our Rental12 ecosystem is a useful place to start for planning your stay in north-east Sardinia.
