Old Friend

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Old Friend Cagliari: Anarchia Gastronomica – Bib Gourmand Seasonal Dining

Old Friend Bar & Bistrò: Anarchia Gastronomica in Cagliari

In the heart of Cagliari, on Via Giuseppe Abba, Old Friend Bar & Bistrò brings a spirit of creative freedom to the table. The restaurant calls its approach “Anarchia Gastronomica” — a fitting motto for a place born from a shared love of punk rock, travel, and conviviality.

Founded in 2016 by friends Dario Torabi and Luigi Serra, the name itself is a nod to a song by the band Rancid. The intention is clear: to make every guest feel as though they are at the home of an old friend. The kitchen is led by chef Dario Torabi, a Cagliari native whose global perspective shapes the menu.

The cuisine is dynamic, contemporary, and sustainable — deeply rooted in Sardinian territory yet open to techniques and traditions from around the world. This is seasonal cooking that respects its ingredients while constantly evolving. The Michelin Bib Gourmand award, earned for 2026, recognizes the restaurant's commitment to good quality, good value cooking.

Diners can choose from a concise à la carte or one of two tasting journeys. The “Stand By Me” menu offers a curated sequence of dishes such as tomato, garlic and coconut; risotto with curd, sumac and pollen; and lamb with clams. The “Furia Cieca” (Blind Fury) option is a surprise selection of six to nine courses chosen by the chef, served in the dark.

À la carte highlights include raw prawns with artichokes and vanilla, barbecued oysters with bitter herbs and Sichuan pepper, and a tartare of bruna cow with bottarga and Fiore Sardo cheese. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with outdoor seating available and air conditioning for warmer months. Old Friend is open for lunch on weekends and for dinner Wednesday through Sunday.