For me, Italian food is synonymous with comfort, and uncovering new Italian spots feels like a treasure hunt. Locanda Bonaria opened in 2024 and sits quietly amongst the buzzing shops and cafés outside Leinestrasse station. It’s oftentimes challenging to find authentic Italian cuisine with a Sardinian twist, but Locanda is one of those places you walk into and feel as though you’re no longer in Berlin. Locanda Bonaria offers refined, well-balanced flavors, delicious wines, mixed drinks, and non-alcoholic options. A personal shout-out to the non-alcoholic Negroni, which had all the traditional flavors without the hangover. Every aspect has been thought out by owners Ermano and Sarah. The space is intimate and follows my favourite theme of a cozy setting and soul-replenishing dishes. The intimacy doesn’t stop at the physicality of it all. Locanda is named after Ermano’s mother, an inspiration behind this quaint restaurant. From the name to the flavors and the space, step into Locanda and be greeted warmly and treated as though you’re a guest in Ermano’s home. Ermano, owner and chef, cooked us the Pasta Di mare, casu furriau, and the Culurgiones. A perfect sharing amount for two with fresh flavours of the sea, rich balances between sweet and salty, and hearty filling portions. The menu also offers grazing boards, vegan dishes, and extensive wine. Safe to say, with all its winning elements, I will be going back for the vibes and to work my way through the rest of the menu.
Text & Photos: Ruby Watt
Locanda Bonaria, Hermannstr. 178, 12051 Berlin–Neukölln; map
@locanda.bonaria
