Gente di Mare at a glance
Gente di Mare is a large seafood restaurant at the start of the Via Marina, the seafront promenade of Golfo Aranci in north-east Sardinia. It stands a few steps from the small fishermen’s harbour and the marina, right on the water in the centre of town. The menu leans towards the sea, though meat dishes are served too, and the setting is as much a reason to book as the food.
The setting: a terrace on the water
A terrace at the entrance greets you as you arrive, and a large patio stretches out to the water’s edge. Diners look across the gulf, with boats moving gently in the marina. The author notes a fresh sea breeze that keeps summer evenings pleasant even in August.
Sunset over the harbour
As the sun sets behind the hills, the sky above Golfo Aranci turns pink and orange, and the harbour lights come on one by one. The author counts it among the most beautiful views in town. If you want a table by the water at that hour, read the booking advice below.
What to eat
The menu is full and built on fresh, local ingredients, with both seafood and meat. Seafood is the focus.
Red prawns, oysters and langoustines, served on ice
Whole fish, served with potatoes and cherry tomatoes
Pasta generously topped with shellfish
The lobster pasta
The dish that stands out is the lobster. The waiters often bring the live lobster to the table before it is cooked. It then returns as a plate of pasta that the author describes as rich, fragrant and beautifully presented. It is made for sharing and is the moment guests tend to remember.
If oysters tempt you, our guide to ORTIJONE oysters from Golfo di Olbia explains more about the local producer. For cooking Sardinian seafood pasta at home, see our fregola sarda recipe.
Hospitality
The author singles out the people as what sets the restaurant apart. The owners and staff are friendly and welcoming, and happy to suggest a dish or a wine. Whether you come for a romantic dinner for two or a long evening with friends, the notes say you will be looked after.
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. For wider ideas on organising an event on the island, see our piece on private parties and stag dos in Sardinia.
Practical information
Address: Via Marina, Golfo Aranci, near the fishermen’s harbour
Booking: recommended, especially for a table by the water at sunset
Location: at the start of the seafront promenade, in the centre of town
The notes do not give opening hours, prices or a phone number, so check these with the restaurant before you go.
Making an evening of it
The restaurant’s position on the Via Marina makes it an easy stop within the town. Other Golfo Aranci tables covered on the site include Trattoria del Porto and La Spigola, which suit different moods and budgets. For help planning a stay in the area, the Rental12 ecosystem is a useful place to start.
