La Spigola at a glance
La Spigola is a family-run beach restaurant on the white sand of Golfo Aranci, in the Gallura region of north-east Sardinia. Guests can take their shoes off, feel the sand underfoot and look across the turquoise water of the gulf while dinner is served. As the sun goes down over the bay and the yachts light up at anchor, the setting is hard to improve on.
The restaurant is listed in the MICHELIN Guide Italia 2026 and is also recognised by Gambero Rosso and by JRE, the association of young chefs. The address is Via C. Colombo 19, Golfo Aranci.
A family story with a chef at its heart
La Spigola is a family affair. Chef Roberto Pisano carries on the work of his parents, Marco and Simonetta. His wife Johannda looks after the dining room and a wine list of more than 200 labels.
Roberto came to cooking by an unusual route: he served as a naval officer before training in kitchens across Sardinia and northern Italy. That connection to the sea, the author notes, shapes everything on the plate.
Cooking that respects the sea
The kitchen is built around fish from local fishermen and vegetables from the restaurant’s own garden. The chef works with lesser-known Mediterranean species, uses every part of the fish and keeps waste to a minimum. The result is fresh, light, modern seafood cooking that is also kind to the sea it comes from.
The restaurant takes its name from the spigola, the Italian word for sea bass, so it is a good place to start if you want to see how a Sardinian kitchen treats local fish. For a more casual harbour-side alternative in the same town, see our Trattoria del Porto seafood guide.
Two ways to dine
There are two distinct experiences, and the right one depends on the occasion.
Bistrot di Mare
The Bistrot di Mare is the relaxed option, serving lunch and dinner. It suits a meal after a day on the beach, with sand and sea close by.
Ristorante Gastronomico
In the evening, the Ristorante Gastronomico offers tasting menus for a more special occasion. This is the format to choose if you want the full showing of the chef’s approach to fish and garden vegetables.
Romance and celebrations
La Spigola is known for its romantic evenings. The Candlelight Table is a private table for two set just steps from the waves, with candles, flowers, rose petals and a dedicated menu. The restaurant suggests it for an anniversary or a proposal.
The restaurant also hosts events, private dinners and weddings on the beach.
Practical information
Address: Via C. Colombo 19, Golfo Aranci
Telephone: +39 0789 46286
Email: info@ristorantelaspigola.it
Website: ristorantelaspigola.it
Seasons and booking
La Spigola is seasonal, so check the opening dates before you travel. Booking is recommended, especially for sunset tables and the Candlelight Table. The notes do not give prices or menu details, so ask the restaurant directly when you reserve.
Planning a stay around the meal
Golfo Aranci is a small seaside town, and a dinner here fits easily into a few days on the coast. If you are shaping a wider itinerary, our guide to Terza Spiaggia covers another of the town’s beaches, and you can find accommodation and rental options through Rental12.
