Il Rifugio is a Nuoro institution--one of the few places serving Filindeu (threads of God), a rare…read moretype of pasta still made by only a handful of individuals who laboriously knead and fold semolina dough into needle-thin strands. The soft pasta was served in a salty sheep broth with pecorino cheese--such a unique dish that's at risk of dying out! The restaurant also offers an ever-changing daily menu of other Sardinian specialties, and we started with Polpettine di Pecora, salty fried sheep meatballs served with garlic mayonnaise; Prosciutto di Pecora, cured sheep prosciutto served with mini toasts topped with ricotta and honey; and Insalata di Mare del Mediterraneo, a marinated salad of squid, mussels, shrimp, and octopus. For our mains, the Grigliata di Carne Mista came with grilled suckling pig, beef, veal, sausage, and sheep; and Calamari e Seppie, grilled calamari and cuttlefish. My favorite single item was the fried sheep meatballs, but everything we had was decent (though on the salty side). The prices were rather high for the portion sizes, but nothing unusual for a local slow food restaurant in Italy.

I have eaten here several times over the years when visiting family in the city. The pizza is some…read moreof the best in town with good selection of pizzas, great dough, sauce and good quality toppings. The restaurant menu includes several typical dishes and seasonal ingredients and dishes that change up things a little. The service is friendly and efficient, although at times a little too short with customers who are not regulars or locals. Main owner and wife watch clients from one of the corners and do not look happy and is the only thing that does provide a positive vibe.