28/05/2025: Shortly after arriving in Sardinia, a kind stranger (kinder than I first realised) advised me to eat at this restaurant only, and none other. As a Scot of Highland origin, I have a strong streak of cynicism when confronted with this sort of advice from strangers; my travels over fifty years have generally confirmed that a commission may be involved, payable to the provider of the advice. In this case, some of the reviews seemed to confirm my reluctance to take the advice at face value. I have eaten at some truly terrible establishments – not least, I am sorry to say, in Scotland – with better reviews than those here.
In fact, the advice to eat at Ristorante da Silvio turned out to be entirely altruistic. After eating at a couple of other restaurants in San Teodoro, notable for their sea views, questionable service and high-priced tourist menus, we parked outside da Silvio on a whim, to take a simple lunch, and entered a new world of pleasure. We have eaten there since, and we will return only to San Teodoro, and only because Silvio is there. If ever he closes up shop, we shall have to find another town without the plethora of tourist traps that now plague what was clearly once a beautiful, quiet Mediterranean town.
Silvio is, like the majority of true Sardinians, a relatively taciturn, understated gentleman who takes a profound pride in his offering. He goes to market early to find the best fish and produce. He understands pasta, a mystery to those from the North. He offers only one red wine by the glass – I have no idea what it is called – but it is local and it is some of the best wine I have ever tasted by the glass. When Silvio suggests a dish, we have learned to accept the recommendation without demur, and so we have discovered ravioli without equal, fish cooked to perfection, charming desserts; in short, reasonably priced food that has left us feeling well and contented and pleased to be in good company, just pleased really.
I am no friend to hyperbole, so I will just add, as an aside, that we wondered why Silvio does not have a Michelin star. It is simple: he is determined to continue providing pizza in the evenings for the local population who, rightly, eat his pizza out of preference. Michelin does not like this; poor Michelin – are you really so shallow? (By the way, Silvio refuses to serve pizza for lunch because he considers it too heavy for anyone wishing to survive the afternoon heat.)
I have noticed that a lot of the negative reviews focus on the service. I state clearly here: we have found the service to be nothing less than expert and courteous, and it becomes positively charming on the second visit. Perhaps those who complain might consider whether they too are courteous – I have found that courtesy works best on a two-way street.
27/04/2025: They are clearly proud of this restaurant, and so they should be. Exquisite food and wine, excellent service from ALL. The best tiramisu I’ve had on my Sardinian trip, and I’ve eaten a lot!!
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