Located in the heart of Porto Cervo, Hivaoa Ristorante Pizzeria offers a reasonably priced dining experience for the area. Upon entering, the somewhat elegant yet casual ambiance sets the tone for a pleasant meal.
Food: The menu showcases the rich culinary traditions of the region. We sampled the linguine spaghetti vongole e Bottarga, which were decent but not exceptional. The pizzas appeared to be a favorite among other diners. Two standout dishes are the filetto di tonno con pistacchio and the macaroni con cinghiale. The tuna fillet, crusted with crunchy pistachios, provides a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The macaroni with wild boar ragu is hearty and savory, a must-try for pasta enthusiasts.
Service: Our experiences varied between visits. The first visit was positive, but the second was less so. Initially, we were seated near the street, almost on the street itself. After complaining, we were moved to a different table. The staff are generally professional and attentive, making guests feel welcome. However, during our second visit, we waited 45 minutes for our food, which arrived cold. The manager greets guests in English, which might reflect the restaurant’s tourist-friendly nature, though it would be nice if he spoke Italian as well.
Atmosphere: Situated near the marina, the restaurant offers a picturesque setting, ideal for both casual and special occasions. The lively atmosphere adds to the charm of dining here.
Overall: Hivaoa Ristorante Pizzeria is a good choice for a reasonably priced meal in Porto Cervo. While my experiences were mixed, the restaurant has potential. You might have a great experience, so it’s...
Read moreWe really wanted to like this place and the people were super friendly but we truly had one of the worst dinners of our stay. If you’re visiting the area, enjoy a nice dinner in the Porto Cervo marina instead. It is truly more worth the splurge than going to this place. It was almost like they tried to recreate marina restaurants on a budget and tourist trapped everybody with their signs everywhere and their “homemade” and “friendly service” story. The waiter did not recommend anything, we were fighting with the bees and flies all night and he couldn’t even light a candle or put a plate of something next to us like I’ve seen them do countless times at other places in summer. They didn’t ask how anything was, probably because they know how bad it is. It was almost embarrassing and we couldn’t wait to get out of there. Not to mention the entire meal they put us inside when the restaurant was empty and started loudly screaming table arrangements for the night. I know they get busy but it was also right when they opened and we told them we aren’t staying long. It was all just unpleasant from every aspect. All the fish had a strange smell/taste and even now we are feeling sick after remembering the meal. The boar in the pasta was terribly dry and the pasta itself did not work with it. The burrata was good, besides the fact that they brought it out with rotten arugula rather than basil as it says on the menu. How can you...
Read moreWhat a great place. I have been fortunate enough to eat here many times over the years while racing in Porto Cervo. Anything from a quiet table for 2 to a big noisy party of sailors up to 20 people and they just get it right. The food is excellent, amazing choice which makes you suspicious it it will not be great but every time no matter how many of there we are we get great food in good time and brilliant service. The people who run the show are always there watching, listening to what is going on making sure everyone gets attention and they do it in a calm and friendly way. No shouting at staff no fuss. This year we ate there several times it is our restaurant of choice. We had eaten at what was one of our favourite restaurants, which will remain nameless, in a pretty old fishing village with super views etc. They have lost the plot, and our custom. Massively over priced and dull menu. Form over function and terrible value for money. The prices, the food quality and service at Hivaoa are very hard to beat. We might as well book there every night. We asked the manager /owner to recommend good local wines that he would drink at home for a big crew party of 20, we would need a lot of it. He came back with two excellent wines €30-32 each. The red was great. At the “other” restaurant we couldn’t buy a bottle at less than €130 and it was Pap. Well done Team Hivaoa you will see (a lot of) us next...
Read more