Eating out in Sardinia and wondering whether you can get free tap water instead of buying a bottle? You can certainly ask for acqua del rubinetto (tap water), but there is an important catch: Italian restaurants are not generally required by law to serve tap water, either free or for payment. Whether a restaurant offers it is up to the establishment, so it is best to ask politely before ordering.

What should you ask for?

Try: “Possiamo avere dell’acqua del rubinetto, per favore?” That means “Could we have some tap water, please?” If you want to know whether it is free, ask: “È gratuita?” (“Is it free?”). The restaurant may agree, offer treated or filtered drinking water at a charge, or say that it serves only bottled water.

Is tap water always free in Sardinia?

No. There is no island-wide rule requiring restaurants to provide free tap water. In May 2026, reporting on a Court of Cassation ruling confirmed that Italian restaurants and hotels are not generally obliged to serve tap water to customers. The decision leaves the choice to the individual establishment, unless a specific agreement or advertised offer says otherwise.

Some restaurants may provide a carafe as a courtesy; others may offer filtered water for a charge or only sealed bottles of mineral water. Prices vary, so do not assume that a bottle will cost a fixed amount such as €2. Check the menu or ask the staff before ordering.

Can you drink tap water in Sardinia?

Public mains water is treated and monitored for drinking-water safety, but local conditions and temporary notices can differ. If you are drinking water at a private property, rural accommodation or a remote location, ask the host if you are unsure about the source. Follow any local boil-water or non-potability notice, and do not assume that water from a spring, well or outdoor tap is safe to drink.

How to avoid a surprise on the bill

  • Ask before the water arrives: say “acqua del rubinetto” and confirm whether the restaurant can provide it.
  • Check the menu: bottled and filtered-water prices may be listed there.
  • Clarify the type: “acqua naturale” usually means still bottled water in a restaurant context; “acqua del rubinetto” specifically means tap water.
  • Check the bottle: if you order mineral water, it should be served in its original sealed bottle.
  • Accept that a restaurant may say no: if tap water is unavailable, decide whether you want bottled water or prefer to dine elsewhere.

Useful Italian phrases

“Acqua del rubinetto, per favore.” — Tap water, please.

“È gratuita o si paga?” — Is it free or do we pay for it?

“Quanto costa l’acqua in bottiglia?” — How much does bottled water cost?

The short answer

In Sardinia, you can ask for tap water at a restaurant, but it is not guaranteed to be available or free. Ask before ordering, check the menu and follow local drinking-water advice. A simple question in Italian can help you avoid confusion—and an unexpected charge—while enjoying your meal.

Further reading: ANSA — Italy’s ruling on tap water in restaurants; ISSalute, the Italian National Institute of Health’s public health information portal.