Profumi di Sicilia In Cagliari

In temporary location but still amazing

Accustomed to the historic market, I was slightly disappointed to see the temporary one. The selection seemed more limited and the offerings more limited. Ah, the habit!

Fish, Fruit, Vegetables, Bread All of the best quality

The established San Benedetto wholesale market is closed for modernization, but an alternative market has been built about 300 meters away, where all the stalls can be found. There, you will still receive excellent advice and can shop very well and at a lower price than in a supermarket.

Absolutely, absolutely, absolutely go! Delicious food, immersion, and real life are only possible at markets like these.

I was in Cagliari for the Sardinian Gastronomic Days, organized by chef Giovanni Fois, and they recommended me to visit the San Benedetto Market. I showed up at the entrance before 8:00 to enjoy the last moments of unloading goods and setting up the sales shops, in a "coordinated confusion" of noise from mechanical vehicles, shouting of operators, chasing each other of the most disparate food goods, setting up of sales stalls, calculations on the pricing of goods, expert composition with an engaging interweaving of colors to capture customers, expert activity of the traders, all very busy characterizing their sales stall: a fantastic show. The two floors of the market kept me entertained for almost 2 hours, between photo shoots, requests for explanations on the origins of the goods and the sales prices, with tastings always kindly offered to me: a flowing and engaging chat with traders and customers looking for quality foods ... and business! :-) The full dedicated to food intertwines fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses, pre-packaged specialties with a huge variety, enveloping customers in irresistible colors and scents. Surprising, varied, pressing, exciting and unmissable the path through the wide and crowded corridors of the fish floor. At every step you are attracted by fresh fish, crustaceans and molluscs, interspersed with stalls of specialties such as bottarga, eel skewers and alluring dishes expertly captivating for shapes, colors and scents, wonderfully assorted. Discoveries and confirmations, enthusiasm and emotions, human and cultural enrichment, acquired and experienced with/among a "humanity at the local market" rich in pathos and experiences to offer and seek. Cheers

The original San Benedetto Market building was closed on March 1, 2025, primarily because it had become structurally outdated and no longer met modern safety and hygiene standards. Specifically, it required a complete overhaul, including updates to plumbing, electrical systems, ventilation, accessibility, and overall market layout. Plans include upgrading the internal infrastructure to better support vendors and improve shopper experience. To allow the renovation, about 180 vendors were relocated to a new modular, covered market structure in Piazza Amedeo Nazzari (near Teatro Lirico). This opened on March 18, 2025, and will remain operational until the renovation is complete (likely 2027). The structure occupies a 4,000 m² metal modular pavilion, with about 2,700 m² dedicated to roughly 170 stalls including fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, bakery items, and cheeses. There are also several public restrooms, a bar and even veterinary services — all of which are under roof and fully accessible, including for people with disabilities. 🛍️ Market Hours • Weekdays: 07:00 – 14:00 • Saturday: 07:00 – 15:00 • Sunday: Closed

Currently (June 2025) it is moved to Piazza Nazzari due to renovation. A food market only, with a huge selection of fresh regional products - from seafood to vegetables, cheeses, bread etc. Worth visiting out of curiosity, and if you are eating alone - a must! 🙂

I visited the market in Cagliari (Sardinia) - I really liked it! The freshest seafood, meat, fruits, vegetables, dairy, bread - everything is aromatic and delicious. I especially remember the oysters: the seller opened them in front of us, sprinkled them with lemon - ooo.. Buonissimo!!! There is also a small cafe - they served us macchiato without coffee, only milk. We did not complain, and in general it seemed that they are not very friendly to tourists here. One seller even scolded me when I smelled a tomato. But despite this - the market is worth visiting 😉

It's open in Piazza Nazzari, just a few blocks from the original location! Unmissable! For Sardinian food and also for lunch.