When it comes to enjoying fine Italian cuisine, few places deliver with the charm and flavor of Sagra Restaurant. This exceptional dining spot has gained attention worldwide, from rooftop views in Venice to cozy kitchens in Sydney and La Crosse. Whether you’re in search of fresh pasta, wood-fired dishes, or regional Italian specialties, Sagra always delivers an experience worth savoring. For those who also love exploring menus like the Eight Slices Italian Kitchen Menu, Sagra will feel like a familiar yet elevated journey into the heart of Italian food culture.
What is Sagra Restaurant?
Sagra is a culinary destination that celebrates authentic Italian cuisine through fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Inspired by Italy’s local food festivals known as “sagre,” the restaurant offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy handmade pasta, regional specialties, and thoughtfully curated wines. Whether located on a rooftop in Venice, in a cozy Sydney kitchen, or as a pop-up in La Crosse, each Sagra stays true to its Italian roots while adding its own local twist to the dining experience.
Owners Info
The ownership of Sagra varies by location. In Sydney, Australia, chef Nigel Ward and his team founded Sagra, driven by their passion for seasonal ingredients and Italian tradition. The Venice rooftop Sagra is part of the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, managed by Marriott International. In La Crosse, Wisconsin, local chefs run SAGRA Food & Wine, focusing on small-scale, high-quality pop-up dining rooted in Italian flavors. Each owner brings a unique touch while honoring the soul of Italian cuisine.
Location
Sagra has multiple locations across the globe, each offering a unique Italian dining experience. The most iconic is the Sagra Rooftop Restaurant in Venice, Italy, set atop the JW Marriott with stunning lagoon views. In Sydney, Australia, diners know Sagra as a cozy neighborhood spot in Darlinghurst with rustic charm. There’s also SAGRA Food & Wine in La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA, operating as a seasonal pop-up with a focus on Roman-inspired dishes and wine pairings.
What Makes Sagra So Special?
The name “Sagra” comes from the Italian word for a local food festival. These festivals celebrate regional flavors, fresh produce, and community meals. Sagra embraces this same spirit, delivering seasonal menus, warm ambiance, and a love for Italian heritage.
In Venice, the Sagra Rooftop Restaurant offers more than food—it provides panoramic views of the Venetian Lagoon, enhancing your dining with scenic beauty. In Sydney, Australia, the rustic kitchen brings guests closer to Italy through house-made pasta and wood-fired vegetables. Each version of Sagra brings its own charm while staying true to Italian traditions.
Dining Styles at Sagra
Several restaurants around the world carry the Sagra name. Let’s explore the three most popular ones.
| Location | Highlights | Dining Style |
|---|---|---|
| Venice, Italy | Rooftop dining, Venetian views, seafood | Elegant, upscale Italian cuisine |
| Sydney, Australia | Homemade pasta, local produce | Rustic, casual fine dining |
| La Crosse, Wisconsin | Seasonal pop-ups, wine pairings | Trattoria-style, intimate |
Each location celebrates regional Italian food in its own way. Fresh ingredients, authenticity, and warm hospitality tie them together.
The Menu at Sagra Restaurant
The menu at Sagra reflects the rich culinary history of Italy. It includes both classic dishes and modern interpretations. Guests often enjoy:
- Antipasti with locally sourced ingredients
- Handmade pasta such as tagliatelle, ravioli, and gnocchi
- Wood-fired meats and vegetables
- House-made desserts like panna cotta and tiramisu
In Venice, chefs commonly feature seafood like octopus, clams, and shrimp. The Sydney branch focuses more on hearty dishes and locally raised meats. La Crosse’s Sagra offers a rotating menu based on availability and seasonality.
Cicchetti Platter
A traditional Venetian appetizer plate filled with small bites that highlight bold, local flavors.
| Dish | Cicchetti Platter |
|---|---|
| Description | Small Venetian bites full of bold flavors |
| Price | $18 / €16 |
Squid Ink Tagliolini
Chefs make this dark, rich pasta with squid ink and toss it with shrimp and cherry tomatoes for a sea-scented delight.
| Dish | Squid Ink Tagliolini |
|---|---|
| Description | Black pasta with shrimp and cherry tomatoes |
| Price | $24 / €22 |
Grilled Branzino
A Mediterranean sea bass grilled to perfection and served with lemon herb potatoes for a fresh, citrusy finish.
| Dish | Grilled Branzino |
|---|---|
| Description | Mediterranean sea bass with lemon herb potatoes |
| Price | $32 / €30 |
Pappardelle al Ragu
Chefs pair wide ribbons of pappardelle pasta with slow-cooked meat sauce to deliver deep, comforting flavor.
| Dish | Pappardelle al Ragu |
|---|---|
| Description | Wide pasta with slow-cooked meat sauce |
| Price | $22 / €20 |
Burrata with Roasted Peppers
Creamy burrata sits on a bed of sweet roasted peppers, drizzled with olive oil and aged balsamic.
| Dish | Burrata with Roasted Peppers |
|---|---|
| Description | Creamy cheese with sweet peppers and balsamic |
| Price | $19 / €17 |
House-Made Gnocchi
Chefs serve soft, pillowy gnocchi in a seasonal sauce, often with sage butter or creamy tomato blends.
| Dish | House-Made Gnocchi |
|---|---|
| Description | Soft dumplings in seasonal sauces |
| Price | $21 / €19 |
Wood-Fired Lamb Chops
Tender lamb is char-grilled in a wood oven and seasoned with rosemary and garlic for a rustic taste.
| Dish | Wood-Fired Lamb Chops |
|---|---|
| Description | Grilled lamb with rosemary and garlic |
| Price | $34 / €32 |
Panna Cotta
This silky Italian dessert is topped with fresh berries or caramel, ending your meal with a light, sweet touch.
| Dish | Panna Cotta |
|---|---|
| Description | Silky dessert topped with berries or caramel |
| Price | $10 / €9 |
Venetian Tiramisu
Layers of mascarpone and espresso-soaked ladyfingers make this classic dessert a customer favorite.
| Dish | Venetian Tiramisu |
|---|---|
| Description | Classic creamy dessert with espresso |
| Price | $12 / €11 |
Sagra menus are carefully designed to highlight both quality and simplicity. Each plate is made to celebrate the ingredients, not hide them.
The Secret to Sagra’s Taste
The chefs at Sagra follow a clear rule: “Seasonal, simple, and soulful.” That means they choose ingredients that are fresh, local, and ethically sourced. The pasta is often made daily. Sauces are slow-cooked with love. Even the bread is usually baked in-house. These details show the care and tradition that go into every dish.
At the Sydney location, diners appreciate the nose-to-tail butchery approach. Whole animals are brought in and prepared in full, ensuring less waste and deeper flavor. The La Crosse version focuses on curated wine pairings that match the rustic Roman-inspired dishes perfectly.
A Mid-Meal Thought: Top Tea Menu Vibes
If you’re a fan of thoughtfully curated dining experiences like those on the Top Tea Menu, then Sagra will feel familiar in its attention to detail. From wine lists featuring both modern and Italian varietals to herbal tea blends that conclude your meal with calm, every element is designed with purpose.
Opening Hours and Reservations
Due to the popularity of Sagra, especially in Venice and Sydney, advance reservations are highly recommended. Here’s a breakdown of general operating hours:
| Location | Lunch Hours | Dinner Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venice, Italy | 12 PM – 3 PM | 6 PM – 11 PM | Rooftop opens in spring/summer |
| Sydney, Australia | 12 PM – 2:30 PM | 6 PM – 10 PM | Closed Sundays |
| La Crosse, USA | Varies (pop-up only) | Varies (pop-up only) | Check website or social media updates |
It’s best to check each location’s website for the latest hours and booking details.
Delivery Timings
There is currently no available information indicating that any of the Sagra Restaurant locations offer delivery services. If you’re seeking delivery, it’s best to check directly with the restaurant or their official website.
Customer Reviews
Here are some customer reviews from Google for various Sagra locations:
- Emily R. – “The view from Sagra in Venice is breathtaking, and the seafood pasta was the best I’ve ever had!”
- Luca M. – “Authentic Italian flavors and friendly service. Loved the cicchetti platter on the rooftop!”
- Priya S. – “Sagra Sydney is my go-to for fresh pasta. The gnocchi melts in your mouth. Cozy and charming atmosphere.”
- Tom H. – “We attended a Sagra pop-up in La Crosse—intimate, flavorful, and a perfect wine pairing. Truly memorable.”
- Anna K. – “Such a romantic vibe in Venice. The grilled branzino was perfectly cooked, and the sunset made it magical.”
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re sipping wine under the Venetian sky or enjoying handmade ravioli in Sydney, Sagra Restaurant provides an Italian dining experience that feels both timeless and personal. The name may be the same across continents, but the feeling of sitting down to a lovingly prepared meal remains universal.
If you’ve ever browsed the Eight Slices Italian Kitchen Menu and imagined the taste of Italy, then it’s time to upgrade that craving and visit a Sagra near you.
