Matsuhisa at Cala di Volpe — Restaurant in Alzachèna/Arzachena

If I had been told this was a creative fusion of Mexican and Japanese cuisine, perhaps I would have been a little less disappointed—though even the Mexican elements were minimal. The dishes relied heavily on cilantro and jalapeños, yet strangely lacked wasabi. The finely chopped fish was presented in a Hawaiian-style with fried taco, rather than honoring the delicate flavors typically emphasized in Japanese or even Italian cuisine.

The classic nigiri sushi was also a letdown. The fish was pre-marinated instead of served fresh, soaked in an overpowering soy-based sauce and other seasonings that stripped the fish of its natural color and firm texture. The rice beneath was oddly firm—more like al dente pasta than properly seasoned sushi rice. It was a completely incoherent combination.

The hand roll was equally perplexing. It was folded into a long, narrow shape, making the thick, chewy seaweed almost impossible to bite through. I couldn’t tell if it was poor technique or a deliberate choice, but either way, it resulted in a frustrating dining experience.

The main fish dish I had most anticipated was overly torched, leaving it half-raw, difficult to cut, and unpleasant in both texture and appearance. The jalapeño juice seemed intended to overwhelm the palate rather than complement the dish.

At times I wondered if the chef might be an inexperienced Japanese apprentice hired abroad before completing proper training. If not for the excellent service and enjoyable ambiance, this would have been a one-star review.

I understand that taste is subjective, and I truly wish the experience had been different. But the overuse of the label “Japanese cuisine” to describe these dishes was deeply disappointing and left a lasting,...

Having dined at Morrimoto, Nobu, and Matsuhisa across the globe - this experience is just ehhhh. Food quality - high but have had better at other Matsuhisa restaurants (Colorado, Beverly Hills, Mykonos, Paris, etc.). Service. Excellent. Location - gorgeous. Amazing view. Value - worth it? No.… Zero. €25 miso Soup! €80 Black Cod appetizer? The same meal at another location is half the price. Even millionaires hate being ripped off and taken advantage of.

It was just a ‘stuffy’ and uptight dining experience. Almost like they were trying too hard. Had something to prove. Extremely strict dress code. No shorts allowed despite the restaurant being on a beach and the weather being 90+ degrees. Dress code is casual sheik… However - IF you do show up in shorts - they will kindly lend you a pair of white Zegna Trousers. Really nice and...

Food is comparable to other Nobu’s, but prices are out of whack even amongst the best restaurants in Costa Smeralda. They have a nonsensical mark-up 4x London Nobu prices (one single piece of nigiri/sashimi is €18-20). Service was quite slow and disorganized despite restaurant not being full (our hot food came before all the starters), and they tried to overcharge us on the bill with extra coperto that had to be corrected. Restaurant is by the water, which was nice but not much of an ambiance or vibe when we were there.

Essentially an overpriced and below average Nobu for undiscerning customers, and the food + experience didn’t correspond with their blatantly distorted pricing. There are expensive restaurants that are worth every penny but this unfortunately wasn’t...