Profumi di Sicilia In Cagliari

Ideal place to buy good Sardinian cheeses among others. The stalls are a feast for the eyes. Too bad it's so difficult to find a place to park.

Very nice, clear market with lots of nice little stalls and food options

Good evening. It's been a while since I've been there, (10 years at least) I was a regular customer. Sad to say I haven't seen any improvements. The market has shrunk. A decade marked by crises that certainly affected possible improvements. However, it remains an appreciable reference, for some stalls at the fish market, fresh products, and prices within the reach of the middle class. The cleanliness is appreciated. Regarding the meat counters, the small, clean environment is well organised. Good quality. Greetings

Large fresh produce market inside a huge building

THE SAN BENEDETTO MARKET It is a sort of two-storey warehouse, all concrete and exposed bricks. Ugly, very ugly but now typical. It is one of the largest municipal markets in Europe. Inaugurated in '57, it is not exactly "ancient" (as written on a plaque at the entrance), but it is certainly "old" and full of pain. If it had been ancient it would have also been beautiful. But no. It has had various repairs and additions, such as the escalator (inactive for years), new bathrooms (imagine the old ones!), compliant systems (or: "more compliant"). The Administration plans to rebuild it: relocate temporarily, tear down everything and rebuild by adding a floor. Finally revive it with "new proposals" in addition to "what will remain" of the old. In how many years? The financing has already been approved, and I'm scared. Fear of losing him. I would obviously recommend "renovating it while alive", preserving the iconic facade. What keeps it standing, as always, is the vitality of the customers and the courage of the numerous desperate operators. An incredible strength. Now, after Covid and at the end of its life, it is also invaded by droves of tourists, because it has suddenly entered the travel guide circuit. Inside you will find very fresh fish products, fruit and vegetables that couldn't be better, meats of all kinds and local dairy products, fresh pasta and sweets, several bakeries, at least two wine shops, two bars, an organic point, a knife grinder and a shoemaker. The quality/price ratio is always the best possible: the worst vegetable will always be preferable to the best on the market. Why have I been going there almost every day for many years? I live nearby and have no intention of moving to another neighborhood. I hate taking the car, I hate shopping malls, where you can pay and leave without saying a word. There everything is packaged and plasticky, neon lights and very strong air conditioning, a persuasive soundtrack and terrible commercials. I only go there for the essentials. Here you always have to negotiate, and you can choose between different products and suppliers. I talk to everyone, and everyone responds politely, without ever being intrusive. Discreet luxury surrounds you. Dialogues in Italian, with the necessary Cagliari accent: On the ground floor: "They're small!". Mussels. "They are full and tasty: Sardinian breed. Do you want to try it?" The saucer with the lemon cut into quarters, and the napkins, invite you to action. Upstairs: “Are there still yesterday's courgettes?”. I'm hoping for a discount. "Give me those big (cherries), and I'll throw myself at that pineapple too, if it's ready. Today I want to go overboard." I have the usual guests for dinner. "Don't worry: it's ultra." That's why it's so expensive! "Less than half, make it a third. That's fine, thanks." Sanluri bread. Maybe the ATM doesn't always work properly, and sometimes I've left the cash at home, but try having the same conversation at the supermarket.

Great market for locals but not worth as a tourist

Well stocked with a lot of variety of fish, meat and vegetables at reasonable prices.

Great selection of local fresh products.

Always at the top, for quality and variety

The happiest hours of the morning if you go shopping and if you go on an empty stomach!