4 Restaurants by Alessandro Borghese in Barbagia: The Challenge for the Best Restaurant
The new episode of 4 Restaurants in Sardinia has shone a spotlight on Barbagia, a fascinating land nestled between the peaks of Gennargentu and the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. This time Alessandro Borghese sought out the best restaurant along the shepherds' paths of Barbagia, exploring a land rich in cultural and gastronomic traditions that deserve to be told. If you love traditional dishes, authentic stories, and passionate challenges among chefs and restaurateurs, this article is for you: I will guide you behind the scenes of one of the most compelling episodes, where flavors meet the Mediterranean scrub, the mountains, and the sea of the magical eastern coast of Sardinia.
What Makes the Episode of 4 Restaurants in Barbagia Unique?
The format of “4 Restaurants”, led by the charismatic chef Alessandro Borghese, has become a cult of Italian television. This time, however, the challenge took on a special flavor, because Barbagia is not just a geographical location but a symbol of Sardinian identity, a place immersed among woods and vineyards that encapsulates centuries of history, culture, and authenticity. Here, the competing restaurateurs had the opportunity to showcase how ancient traditions can be transformed into modern and creative dishes. The episode of Alessandro Borghese 4 Restaurants has brought to light a territory that combines simple and genuine cuisine with breathtaking landscapes, from the woods and vineyards of a private park to the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Who Are the Four Competing Restaurateurs?
In this competition, the true protagonists were the four competing restaurateurs, each eager to elevate their identity. The restaurants in competition are “Sa Cadrea di Emanuela”, the restaurant along the shepherds' paths, restaurant Abba ‘e Murta, and restaurant Sant’Elene in Dorgali. The challenge was played out between those offering a simple and genuine cuisine, those showcasing Mediterranean cuisine featuring fish-based dishes, and those choosing to stay true to the tradition of the shepherds.
Each participant sought to convince chef Alessandro Borghese and the other competitors that they deserved the title of best restaurant on the Ogliastra coast. The competition was intense and exciting, and the verdict was based on a score from 0 to 10 awarded for location, service, menu, and final bill, plus votes from Alessandro Borghese.

Sa Cadrea: The Story of Emanuela and Gianluca
Among the most beloved protagonists was Sa Cadrea di Emanuela, an agriturismo that captured the audience with its authenticity. Emanuela has been the owner and manager of the venue for two years along with her husband Gianluca, transforming this place into a small gem of Barbagia. The philosophy is clear: simple and genuine cuisine, attention to traditional dishes, and enhancement of the local ingredients.
The restaurant Sa Cadrea is surrounded by rustic countryside, with an ambiance that offers a strong connection to nature and the Mediterranean scrub. Here every detail speaks of love for the territory, from local meats to the Carpe Diem wine, chosen to accompany the menu.
Restaurant of the Shepherds' Paths: A Journey Between Tradition and Innovation
The restaurant of the shepherds' paths embodies the very essence of Barbagia. Located along the shepherds' paths of Barbagia, this venue has managed to express the tradition of the shepherds with simplicity, authenticity, and deep roots. The menu here features both meat and fish according to tradition, aiming to revive an ancient yet still vibrant world.
The owner and manager has chosen to invest in his business while maintaining a strong link to the territory, without giving up that creative touch that captivates modern palates. A true example of how cultural and gastronomic traditions can continue to thrive.
Abba ‘e Murta: Between Sea and Tradition
The restaurant Abba ‘e Murta is a true balcony overlooking the sea, located just a few steps from the bay of Porto Frailis, near the port of Arbatax and the bay of Porto Frailis. This venue boasts a charming terrace by the sea that makes it a reference point for those seeking not only excellent cuisine but also a spectacular view.
The cuisine offers both meat and fish, with a focus on fish-based specialties that tell the story of the connection between the peaks of Gennargentu and the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Here the extensive menu allows for choosing different dishes, accompanied by the scent of the sea and the warmth of Sardinia.
Sant’Elene in Dorgali: Mediterranean Cuisine and Tradition
The restaurant Sant’Elene in Dorgali serves Mediterranean cuisine interpreted in a contemporary way. Located in an area that combines the strength of Gennargentu with the charm of the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, this venue manages to offer traditional dishes elegantly reinterpreted.
Its strength lies in the balance between innovation and authenticity, with a menu that spans meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes. The philosophy of the owner Carla, who has been managing the venue for two years, is to stay true to the roots of Barbagia while offering a high-level culinary experience.
How Does the Scoring of 4 Restaurants Work?
The mechanism is now well known: each competitor assigns a score from 0 to 10 for location, service, menu, and bill. Then comes the most eagerly awaited moment: the votes from Alessandro Borghese, which often shake up the rankings. This system keeps the competition unpredictable and full of twists.
In this episode, the four restaurateurs demonstrated how determined they are to obtain the title of best restaurant along the paths of Barbagia. And it is precisely this tension that makes the program so beloved: it is not only about food but also about stories, passions, and the desire to affirm one’s identity.
Where to Watch the Episode of 4 Restaurants in Sardinia?
The episode set in Barbagia is available for streaming on NOW, watchable on Sky Go and streamed only on NOW, as well as on Sky. It is a Sky Original production made by Banijay, which has once again brought to TV the perfect mix of food, traditions, and enchanting places. If you want to delve deeper, you can also read on Sky TG24 the article 4 Restaurants, which details this unique challenge.
FAQ
Who won the episode of 4 Restaurants in Barbagia?
The winner was determined by the votes of Alessandro Borghese and the competitors, earning the title of best restaurant of the paths.
Where is the restaurant Sa Cadrea located?
The restaurant Sa Cadrea di Emanuela is situated in Barbagia, surrounded by beautiful rustic countryside.
What is special about the restaurant Abba ‘e Murta?
The restaurant Abba ‘e Murta boasts a charming terrace by the sea and is just steps from the bay of Porto Frailis, offering a menu that includes meat and fish.
What type of cuisine does the restaurant Sant’Elene in Dorgali offer?
The restaurant Sant’Elene in Dorgali offers Mediterranean cuisine that combines traditional dishes and modern creativity.
What is the philosophy of the restaurant of the shepherds' paths?
The restaurant of the shepherds' paths celebrates the tradition of the shepherds of Barbagia, with authentic dishes and a strong connection to the territory.
Who is Emanuela of Sa Cadrea?
Emanuela has been the owner and manager of the venue for two years along with her husband Gianluca, passionately continuing a genuine cuisine.
What is the connection between Barbagia and the episode of 4 Restaurants?
The Barbagia has been the protagonist as a symbolic territory of Sardinia, uniting unique cultural and gastronomic traditions.
Where can you watch the episode of Alessandro Borghese 4 Restaurants?
The episode is available for streaming only on NOW, in addition to being on Sky and watchable on Sky Go.
What is the evaluation criterion in 4 Restaurants?
The competitors and the chef assign a score from 0 to 10 to location, service, menu, and bill, determining the final ranking.
Why is the episode in Barbagia special?
Because it combines the challenge of 4 competing restaurants with the beauty of the magical eastern coast of Sardinia, between the Gennargentu and the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.