Matrice
Usually, Cagliari’s café scene tends to stick to tradition. That’s the opposite of what pastry chef Gabriele Giambastiani set out to do with Matrice, a contemporary pasticceria agricola in Piazza Yenne. With its open, glass-walled lab, the space invites passersby into a literal sweet-watching: croissants, cinnamon rolls, and delicate mignons are crafted in full view. Rooted in a farm-to-pastry ethos and set within warm sandstone and olive wood interiors, breakfast and aperitivo are served daily – best paired with the signature Caffè Matrice, where a melting praline turns espresso into dessert.
where to next?
From the minds behind nearby Corso Dodici, Ex Tipografia swaps the classic espresso-and-cornetto breakfast for a decidedly more indulgent international brunch: think maple syrup-drizzled pancakes, generous bagels and a very Italian plate of pan bauletto tostato, sausage, bacon, fried eggs, roasted mushrooms and Dolcesardo cheese. Set in a former printworks overlooking buzzy, locals-filled Piazza Yenne, it’s just as good come dinnertime. If asparagus or artichoke carbonara makes an appearance, order it without hesitation.
