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Al Tuguri
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| Alghero, on the northeastern coast of the major Italian island of Sardinia, has been heavily influenced by the culture of the autonomous region of Catalonia in Spain. This can be seen in its architecture, in the local language, and in its cuisine. At the Al Tuguri restaurant, master chef, Enrico Carbonella translates the customs of his native land into each of his dishes. This very smart looking restaurant is famous among connoisseurs for its strictly traditional dishes, recipes that are at the same time very inventive. |
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Although its name refers to the word "tugurio" (hovel) in the local dialect, this restaurant is the most romantic and characteristic in the city. The restaurant is located in an historic old palazzo amongst the narrow, winding cobblestone streets of old Alghero, in a setting that is very evocative of Spain. It offers seating for 24 guests, arranged over three different levels.
On the ground floor a lounge occupying the entire floor leads into a room carved into raw sandstone, the actual restaurant with an open kitchen. From here, a wooden stairway leads to the upper floor, the coziest and most private part of the establishment.
Once finished in the kitchen, the chef and co-owner of the restaurant, Benito Carbonella, personally handles the dining room. He recommends the daily specials, explains the various taste combinations and their relevance in terms of Alghero's culinary tradition, always paying special attention to recommend the most appropriate wines. |
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The kitchen at the Al Tuguri has become a sort of experimental laboratory, celebrated by gourmets as a meeting place and sort of research center for Mediterranean gastronomy. There are not many dishes on the menu, but all of them are of excellent quality. Dishes that reinterpret the Mediterranean tradition and specialties, utilizing local products that are delivered fresh every day. The menu is dominated by seafood; things like angler-fish cutlets, the traditional local lobster dish prepared Catalan-style with onions and fresh tomatoes, or Alghero-style with a sweet-and-sour sauce made from the eggs of the shellfish itself.
The antipasti are very delicate, featuring shrimp and mushrooms, fine slices of swordfish and sweet pepper. The flavorful first-course dishes feature: Pappardelle made with eggs, beans and marinated swordfish; Torchietti alla mediterranea with smoked ricotta, tomato and rucola; and Spaghetti alla Chitarra with local Alghero lobster. The wine list features exclusively traditional regional labels. |
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 Al Tuguri
Via Maiorca, 113
07041 Alghero
Tel and fax: +39 079 976772
Internet site: www.altuguri.it
Closed: Sunday
Seating: 24
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