Il Pavone

Half a century on piazza Sulis

Il Pavone is on piazza Sulis, the square at the southern end of the old town, next to the Sulis tower and the Marco Polo bastion. It has a veranda looking over the sea, and has cooked seasonal fish and seafood since 1979. It is run by its owner, Domenico Caria, with his team. It is one of Alghero's long-standing restaurants, cited by the Michelin guide and by several travel guides for its fish and its terrace.

What to order

The menu is from the sea, with local, seasonal produce. To start, the Alessandrina fritto and the octopus salad. For a first course, the fresh pasta with bottarga, the cured grey mullet roe of Sardinia, with artichoke and pecorino. They also make paella, a nod to the city's Catalan heritage, and have vegetarian dishes. If there is any, try the goat's cheese made by the owner himself: they warn it is strong. For dessert, their ice creams, with unusual flavours such as wild fennel or spicy coffee.

What it costs

They work with menus: three courses (starter, first or main course, and dessert) for €50 and four courses (starter, first course, main course and dessert) for €65, without drinks. It is a price for a special dinner rather than a quick lunch, but in the centre, with the sea in front and the fish of the day.

Hours and getting there

At lunchtime it is open from 12:30 to 14:00 and in the evening from 19:30 to 22:15. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday at lunchtime. It is open on Sunday at lunchtime, useful in a city where many places close that day. Book by phone, especially if you want a table on the veranda.

Piazza Sulis is at the edge of the old town, beside the seafront promenade: park on the lungomare and walk. Combine it with the walk along the walls, which passes the door.