What is Travellersā Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellersā Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
5.0
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
$65.00 ā $81.00
CUISINES
Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean, Healthy, Sardinian, Southern-Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
meals, features
Does this restaurant allow dogs or considered pet friendly?
Details
About
Il ristorante "Essenza" al Borgo Sant'Ignazio con nuova gestione dal 20 aprile 2023 si trova all'interno del Borgo medioevale di Bosa, nel centro storico e colorato di Sa Costa. Lo chef propone una cucina creativa mediterranea, accompagnata dal suo accogliente servizio. Il ristorante non accetta prenotazioni.
PRICE RANGE
$65.00 ā $81.00
CUISINES
Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean, Healthy, Sardinian, Southern-Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Dog Friendly
Top 3 reasons to eat here
Sponsored by: Essenza Al Borgo Sant'ignazio
1. Creative Mediterranean cuisine
"dinner here was by far the best meal we had. "
GrandTour741930
2. Quality of raw materials
" Food beautifully presented, looks too good to eat. A real treat."
davidhE9973WW
3. Atmosphere and reception
" It is situated on the hillside and has a charming and interesting atmosphere"
MicheleA8888
Contribute
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisorās approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
128 reviews
Excellent
113
Very good
11
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
2
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, express or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and noninfringement.
MPL1
172 contributions
Sept 2023 ā¢ couples
We arrived at opening time (12.30) and managed to get a table. Within 5 mins it was full and people kept arriving to ask for a tableā¦was clearly in demand. Orders were taken in strict order of arrival despite some people being insistent in trying to get their order in sooner. The service was good and the food arrived relatively promptly (we were one of the first to arrive). The fregola in crab cream was unctuous and the lamb chops perfectly cooked. Typical food very well done! Would definitely recommend.
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GrandTour741930
Napa12 contributions
Favourite Review
May 2023 ā¢ couples
Essenza is a fantastic ristorante. We traveled in Italy and Sardegna for one month this May, and dinner here was by far the best meal we had. The restaurant is under new management just for the past month, so do not be swayed by some mediocre reviews that remain on various sitesāthese do not represent what the new young couple are doing at essenza. The atmosphere is simple, understated, but elegant and relaxing. The front room is run by Nanni Solinas with warmth and professionalism. Service is efficient, but yet one feels welcome to linger over each course and fully enjoy the efforts of the kitchen. Expert recommendations can and will be given regarding menu items and wines,
The wine list is excellent and sourced to complement the menu. Nanni knows each wine very well and gives a concise description of any wines one might be considering. The menu is just the right sizeāenough choice to provide sufficient range to satisfy all, yet no so large as to bewilder. The menu also has the character I most love in a great restaurantāevery menu item sounds delicious, and I would like to try one of each. On tonightās visit, we enjoyed a perfectly balanced ceviche of orata with lime, fennel, and ginger. It was the best cerviche we have ever had. This was followed by a āminestrone ā of mixed seafood in a flavorful, yet delicate broth- delightful! My wife had a wonderful calamari dish-prepared perfectly, tender, beautiful, and resting in a bed of lightly steamed, ideally seasoned fresh vegetables that complemented the seafood perfectly. The chef is immensely talented, having learned how to maximize flavor by picking the freshest ingredients, cooking them perfectly, properly and delicately seasoning and eschewing reliance on high levels of added fat to create satisfaction that should be created through the flavor inherent in fresh ingredients. Breads are traditional Sardinian types, fresh and ābest in class.ā Desserts were light and delicious.All in all, a world class experience. My only regret is that Essenza is not in my hometown! I highly recommend this restaurant. You will leave very happy! Bravissimo!
Written 23 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michele A
Sydney58 contributions
June 2023 ā¢ family
We chanced upon this lovely little restaurant in Bosa. It is situated on the hillside and has a charming and interesting atmosphere. The lady in charge ( new management) spoke perfect English and she was very helpful in sorting my GF and garlic free dietary requirement. To my great surprise after 4 weeks in Sardinia, finally, a basket full of GF crackers, rolls and Sardinian bread arrived on the table. My tuna ceviche and delicious salad provided a nice reprieve from the usual lettuce, lettuce and drop of tomato experienced in many places. My husband thoroughly enjoyed the traditional Sardinian ravioli and our experienced Italian guide was thrilled with his food expressing that it was very authentic. We finished our meal with a special dessert wine of that region. I can highly recommend this restaurant.
Written 7 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Smithlasmith
Canterbury201 contributions
Aug 2023 ā¢ couples
We noticed this restaurant whilst exploring the old town. There were lots of tables reserved and the rest were full with diners.
By chance, we went back the following evening. The servers were helpful and accommodated us after a short wait.
We ordered 2 courses each plus dessert and nothing disappointed. The food was well prepared and well presented as well as being very tasty.
There was a variety of local wine on offer and the servers knew the wine well.
The atmosphere and setting were very pleasant.
Possibly one of the best places in Bosa to eat.
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andrea s
7 contributions
Apr 2024 ā¢ couples
We went for lunch where we opted for fregula with crab cream and octopus ragout with a superlative flavor (we have rarely tasted something so refined) as a second course with squid with lime and honey: an explosion of taste! We finished with dessert, a very delicate decomposed millefeuille. In addition to the goodness of the dishes, the owner and the staff were extremely attentive to our needs and created a beautiful, even playful atmosphere which made the experience even more beautiful. Congratulations to all the staff.
Silvia and Andrea
Written 21 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela en Jonas
18 contributions
Aug 2024 ā¢ couples
We came to the restaurant without a reservation. Where in the usual Sardinian restaurant it is quite difficult to then get a spot, we were given a nice cold glass of Vermentino and kindly asked to wait a few minutes. While enjoying the (non billed) wine time went fast and we could quickly take our table.
The menu isnāt the standard menu, offers quite some local specialities and fish courses which are great! Check out the pictures for the gazpacho and the poached egg starter. Besides the interesting menu the waiter provided us good advice on the wine. We enjoyed the body of the Entemari white (mix of Vermentino, Chardonnay, Malvasia).
The food was really good, flavors everywhere and visuals incredible. Then we took a digestivo, those were marvelous, one limoncello and one licor de licorice, both homemade!
We enjoyed this evening to the best, service very good, food very good, location very good, price right, nothing more needed!
Thanks Essenze!
Written 17 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zany
Turin27 contributions
Aug 2024 ā¢ couples
The place is located in one of the quaint alleys of Bosa in a little visible location, so Trip reviews helped me find out.
In fact I write one too because they really deserve the 5 stars.
The service was courteous and with the right timing, the fish dishes proved tasty with a pleasant touch of originality.
A special mention to fried octopus on pumpkin cream,: incredibly soft and not at all greasy.
Brave!! (The staff is almost exclusively female)
Ps. The only suggestion concerns the name of the restaurant, a bit too long to be memorized quickly. But Iām a bit obsessed with marketingš
Automatically translated
Written 13 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Calzettina
Toronto240 contributions
Sept 2024 ā¢ couples
How is this restaurant not rated on the Michelin scale! This is not just a meal. This is an experience. Systematically, the evening is created with the best meal we have ever had. First off, the food quality and creativity are second to none! Hats off to the chef for the freshest ingredients and creative dishes. The atmosphere is incredible! Sitting outside in a little town off the coast of Italy on cobblestone streets eating the best meal. The staff has a system..the owner presents the menu, takes your order, and the waiting staff executes the most attentive service ever seen! We have never had this experience! Travel to Sardinia, and you must make the trip up to Bosa for this little magic spot!
Written 22 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alain P
Basel48 contributions
July 2023 ā¢ couples
For years we have been eating in Bosa where the chef Nanni Solinas lets his creativity run wild. Now, with the Essenza al Borgo Sant'Ignazio restaurant in the beautiful old town, he has found a place that couldn't be more authentic. His menu shows that tradition and creativity go very well together and he stands out from all other restaurants that believe that locals and tourists (and we are both) only want to eat the same local specialties, always prepared the same way. The service provided by Antonietta Congiu and her team is also exceptional, and the wine list shows great know-how. In short: this restaurant is a must!
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annemarie C
2 contributions
May 2024 ā¢ couples
Owners, husband and wife were just beautiful people, young boys opening wine and bringing plates over, which brought a lightheartedness to this fantastic restaraunt. Fried baccalau appetizer, pasta with cacio di pepe and sea bass, lamb with artichokes and potatoes, baby pork with perfectly cooked vegetables. Vino della casa bianco and rosso were both perfect accompaniment. Finished with seadas made with only pecorino. Each dish was impressionable and impeccablly delicious. This is why we travel to Italy! You can taste their love for the area and their talent.
Written 30 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pour s'Ć©panouir
Hyeres44 contributions
Sept 2023 ā¢ couples
As a starter, the octopus was cooked to perfection and its accompaniment was very harmonious. The squid with peeled oranges was a little less to my liking. Its quality and freshness were exceptional. The main courses were generously served: very fresh tuna and its excellent sweet soy sauce; Lamb chops accompanied by delicious potatoes. Very good coffee. We recommend booking as there are few tables on the terrace.
Written 22 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea M
2 contributions
May 2024 ā¢ couples
Booked by chance without checking reviews or anything else, I, my wife and my son entered this restaurant and were immediately satisfied by the care and at the same time by the simplicity of the restaurant. We choose to have a fish-based lunch. Let me start by saying I'm a fishmonger. I can already understand from the menu that this is not an improvised restaurant, but rather people who know what they are doing. We book two appetizers, fried octopus and cod, and two second courses, roasted calamari. The quality can be felt even just by sight, a true gourmet cuisine dish. An experience worth trying. Smiling and attentive staff. Price more than fair. We were offered two house bitters (excellent). Congratulations to the young restaurateur
Written 1 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Giorgio 971
Orvieto32 contributions
June 2024 ā¢ family
Yet another trip for the grandfather with his now 17 year old grandson.
A journey that has culture and gastronomy as its objective.
In Bosa both objectives were achieved and the Essenza restaurant contributed to this.
Sardinian seriousness has been amply demonstrated: trouble-free service, quality products cooked with skill, ranging from sea to land. And it is precisely on the land side that my greatest compliments go for a sublime piglet after the disappointments suffered in Ogliastra. Interesting seafood dishes that were not divided into halves because everyone preferred to eat only their own, not giving even a forkful to the other diners. And finally a respectable cellar for everyone's budget. Compliments
Written 17 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eleonora R
Rome2 contributions
Aug 2024 ā¢ couples
It is a shame to have discovered this restaurant only in our last days in Bosa.
Among the most delicious dinners of my life and certainly the best of this holiday: dishes with delicate combinations but so original and exquisite. So much care in the presentation of each dish.
Kindness, politeness and responsiveness of the staff noteworthy - a breath of fresh air if you are used to the premises of Bosa Marina where the customer is most often left to himself.
Happy to have bypassed the fish appetizer, for the first time, and chosen the poached egg... I would have eaten three more, spectacular!
For us Romans: the shoe is mandatory š
Automatically translated
Written 28 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara.piccinno
Milan31 contributions
Aug 2023 ā¢ friends
We went for dinner with friends including a celiac who was given due attention, new management with dishes of the highest cuisine, the octopus was probably the best, but the suckling pig was also very goodā¦. Vermentino wine with Malvasia produced in Bosa (Phoneix) top
Highly recommended
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ā¦
Showing results 1-15 of 116
Best moderately priced restaurants
See all
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all 
Best nearby restaurants
See all 
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing