La Balena In Cagliari

A typical 1970s trattoria. They use fresh ingredients, so the selection is limited. Simple dishes, but very well cooked according to local tradition. The burrida is truly top-notch, with generous portions and a reasonable price.

There are places that change, evolve, renew themselves, bend to trends like reeds in the wind, and then there's La Balena, a trattoria in the heart of one of Cagliari's historic, working-class neighborhoods where every alley has a nickname, every doorway an ancient quarrel, and every stone a grandmother who tripped over it. If there's an antidote to Instagram-worthy gastronomy, to tasting menus served by waiters in livery with the dead eyes of those condemned to death, it's here. In this stubbornly self-contained lair, where you still eat as if the '90s had never ended—and let's be clear: that's a compliment. Gigi, who isn't a waiter but an institution, is at the helm, a mix between the guide of fritto misto and the noisy, affectionate humanity that starred restaurants have eliminated with air conditioning. Always cheerful, the kind of person who makes you feel welcome even if you arrive late, with a crooked tie, and someone else's mother-in-law in tow. With him, you don't order: you negotiate, you discuss, you laugh. And you eat, oh, you eat. In the kitchen is Cristiana, who probably made a pact with the devil because she's managed to maintain the same level of quality since I had skinned knees and a Walkman in my backpack. She doesn't need to reinvent Sardinian cuisine, because she does it better than anyone without the need for hashtags. Simple, honest dishes, fragrant with good olive oil and true passion. Honorable mention for the fried food, which they also make gluten-free if time and schedule allow: crispy, golden, and without that "food compromise" face they give you in certain restaurants where the only inclusive thing is the bill. The atmosphere is the same as it was forty years ago, thank goodness. The place has seen more toasts than a gypsy wedding, and it's always had the unmistakable feeling of being in the right place. No performance anxiety, no neon lights to ruin your digestion. Just good food, loud voices, laughter, and bottles that empty without you even noticing. I've always been going there, and always will, because La Balena isn't just a restaurant: it's a refuge for those who understand that love for cooking isn't measured in Michelin stars, but in loyalty, humanity, and burrida. Well done Gigi, well done Cristiana. Never change. Even though I already know you won't. And thank goodness for that.

Top experience if you seek something traditional from cagliari. You cannot find anything better here.

I must say that upon entering I found a very rustic place, not at all formal, here you don't eat first courses but you move from the appetizer to the second course, which can be a mixed fried fish or a mixed roast strictly based on fish, I must say that everything I tasted was excellent, so I personally recommend it to you. They also have homemade desserts and not only, really excellent.. so if you happen to be in the area, stop by, I also recommend you call to find out if there are places available. and enjoy your meal 😊

I admit I'm a fan of vintage restaurants, and this one is perfect. You're right back in the '90s, both in terms of the atmosphere and the prices! Excellent food, reasonable prices, and service that's perfectly in keeping with the ambiance. I'll definitely be returning to this magnificent restaurant.

But who cares about the atmosphere? I go here to eat well at a fair price, not to admire the view! Rating? 9/10, and I go back whenever I can!

A classic Cagliari restaurant, old-fashioned, even vintage. You take what you get without much discussion. A friendly, family atmosphere, simple, authentic cuisine. Reasonable prices. Newly renovated bathroom, clean and modern.

I hadn't been there for at least twenty years since the old management of the famous Balena...an excellent surprise. Food, fregola, fish, family management at reasonable prices, go there

Sono stato in questa trattoria dopo che da tempo cercavo occasione giusta, sono stato benissimo! Trattoria tipica è rimasta incontaminata dagli anni 70 secondo me. Ho mangiato antipasti molto buoni in particolare polpo e patate era da 10 per la qualità del prodotto. Ottima poi la fregola è il fritto misto , i calamari in particolare tra i migliori mai mangiati. Vino della casa nello fresco e acqua S.Lucia che a me fa impazzire. Per finire dolce home made all’arancia molto fresco e gustoso. Servizio impeccabile ! La sala era piena e, penso per qualche disguido, a servire in sala c’era solo una persona, penso il titolare, ha gestito tutti i tavoli in modo fenomenale, un vero professionista del settore, non ho lesinato i meritati complimenti per tutto cibo e servizio. Prezzo corretto in due abbiamo speso €65,00. Che dire …..super consigliato. Ci tornerò con piacere.

Meraviglioso ristorante di pesce molto alla mano nella zona di S.Avendrace a Cagliari che presenta il pescato del giorno. Antipasti freschi E saporitissimi, ben conditi. Piatti abbondanti e curati. Unica pecca la presenza di un solo primo, ma vengo ugualmente accontentato. Personale molto alla mano e location simpatica. Prezzi assolutamente adeguati a ciò che si mangia. Consigliatissimo