A highly praised, locally rooted pizzeria with excellent regular and gluten-free pizza, attractive square seating, and a meaningful risk of slow service or tense owner responses during busy periods.
Pizzeria il Trenino earns its standing on strong food quality, particularly its pizza execution with praised dough and ingredients, supported by reliable service and a charming piazza setting that enhances the casual dining experience. Modest inconsistencies in preparation and service attentiveness, along with occasional speed delays, keep it from reaching the very top tier, though repeat visitors consistently return.
Pizzeria il Trenino is a cozy, independent spot on Tempio Pausania's Piazza Gallura, where the square, granite surroundings, and warm welcome do much of the scene-setting. Guests commonly describe a charming local place with friendly staff and memorable pizza; one recurring impression is that it feels like the sort of restaurant visitors discover by chance and then return to repeatedly. The cooking is classic pizzeria fare rather than experimental: a wide selection of red and white pizzas built around thin, crisp or well-leavened dough. The standout story is the gluten-free offering, which several diners regard as among the best they have encountered in Italy, complemented by gluten-free desserts and beer. Service is generally kind and attentive, but busy nights—especially when events fill the square—can bring long waits, order mix-ups, and a less welcoming response to complaints. Families should find the familiar pizza format and relaxed setting easy to manage, and the broad choice should suit different tastes. Reviews do not mention a children's menu, but pizza, salads, desserts, and simple drink options provide practical choices for younger diners. Reserve ahead when possible, particularly during concerts or peak evening periods, and confirm dietary procedures if cross-contamination is a critical concern.
Area vibe: Quiet, historic small town with a relaxed, local Mediterranean atmosphere.
Safety: Generally safe and low-crime with calm streets and comfortable evening walking in the main square.
What's nearby: Town centre piazza near churches, local shops, cafes, and regional food stalls; access by regional roads and limited public transport.
The safest bets are the thin-crust pizzas, burrata pizza, or the richly filled Il Pendolino calzone, with unusually good gluten-free choices too.
It is an easygoing piazza dinner when calm, but busy event nights can mean long waits, and drink prices deserve a quick check.
Expect a charming rustic setting centered on Piazza Gallura, with a noticeably livelier feel when events fill the square.