Cagliari
in Southern Sardinia

Overlooking Piazza Yenne, the elegant Caffè Svizzero has been a city institution since 1901. Recently renovated, it remains a go-to meeting spot for locals, who gather beneath the wide outdoor parasols or inside at marble tables over espresso or spritz (often with a copy of L'Unione Sarda in hand). Open from breakfast through dinner, it serves custard-filled cornetti and pizzette sfoglia (flaky puff pastries topped with tomato, capers and anchovies) alongside Danish pastries and an extra-sweet Vietnamese iced coffee.

An institution since 1914, Il Lido has evolved since then far beyond a classic beach club. Set within its sleek white structure, it gathers some of the liveliest spots on the shoreline – from a café, two seafood restaurants and a pizzeria to rotating fashion boutiques, an ice cream store and an evening club. From morning espresso to late-night dancing, it remains a favourite meeting point for Cagliaritani by the sea.

At the recently reimagined Marinella, large glass windows open onto the sea, while the terrace has views of the Gulf of Angels and the distant Sella del Diavolo. Inside, the café pairs classic pastries with ginseng or pistachio cappuccinos, while upstairs the terrace restaurant and pizzeria serve seaside plates. Our tip? Try the spaghetti with red lobster or the pizza finished with mullet bottarga.