Located in a two story old farmhouse and out of the center of Padova is this exceptional trattoria. The atmosphere is warm and feels not the typical crowded feeling as the table area is on three levels. The chef has perfected dishes that are way above the average fare in Padova, yet still within an affordable price range. We visit on special occasions and the last one proved to be outstanding.
The waiters make sure you are well taken care of, the wine list is extensive, and the trattoria makes sure you get a good start with complimentary prosecco and a starter dish. Featured this last time was a special meatball with sauce, that made me wish they served this as a first course.
Please note that this is not a pizza restaurant, you are getting exceptional food in a trattoria that remains a hidden place used by the local citizens as a special treat.
This is where I would bring any house guests, chosen over many other restaurants in the area, including some in the hills that are hard to beat.
Dress is only a bit above casual. Closed Mondays.
Favorite Dish: Hard to believe food makes it difficult to decide which is a favorite. They also adjust the menu according to season, actually finding buffalo during the year, for instance.
The photos don't do the food justice, but this is my top place for dining in the whole veneto area. Don't expect spaghetti and meatballs, this kind of thing is NOT on the menu.
See photos of past visits featured below.
We order the house wine which is very good. The red comes from the cellar so you let it sit for a short time to warm up, something you have to do in many Italian restaurants. No problem, order prosecco!
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: via Sabbioni 38, Montegrotto Terme (Padova)
Phone: 0039 049 794369
Traditionally this was a Pizzeria but now it is also a very good restaurant. Everything here is over the average, pizza, meat and also fish. They also have one of the hugest wine list I have ever seen, a book actually!!!
During the summer you can eat outdoor under a big gazebo right in the Piazza, but even if you will be inside, the ambience is really nice and comfortable, the wall are deccorated with frescos and the weiters are nice and very professional.
Favorite Dish: I have been here many times and really have found everything very good. I had pizza many times and also fish. Fish pasta is served in huge portions so you will not need much more to fill your stomach :-)
Their home made desserts are also excellent.
Updated Feb 20, 2011
Address: Piazza Cavour, 15
Phone: +39 049 8759483
Website: http://www.pepen.it
When I am in the center for shopping or business and I need to slow down and rest I always go to this bar. It is really nothing special, it have the same bakery rools, cappuccinos, spritzs and wine of about every other but when the weather is warm they have a seating area outside, covered with big umbrella in this cozy little square in the middle of Padova old Ghetto. Even when the center is busy and noisy for all the scooters and the people chatting around while shopping, this Piazza is always quite, shady and calm.
Favorite Dish: In the morning try their delicious coffe and cappuccino, with a bakery roll, brioches.
Before lunch or dinner, sit back and order a spritz, our local aperitif made of part prosecco wine, part water, part Campari or Aperol. They always come with some munchies, potatoes chips or similar and cost around 2,50.
What is important is not what you order but the feeling that this little square will give you.
Updated Feb 11, 2011
Address: Via Santi Martino e Solferino, 49
Phone: (+39) 049 657057
This is a small traditional restaurant in the very hearth of Padova, the old ghetto. I like to take my friends here when they come to visit because it is right in the pedestrian area, it is nicely decorated and the food is good and not too expensive
Their menu is well assorted and change according to the season and the fresh products they can find.
Updated Feb 3, 2011
Address: Via dei Fabbri 13 Padova
Website: http://www.osteriadeifabbri.it/
This is one of the oldest bakery in Padova center and sure my favourite! You can found it under a porch in Piazza della Frutta, they have some tables outdoor when the weather is nice, and a indoor part. When you walk in you will not see it but they also have a indoor hall downstair where a old cantina was. They restored the nice vaulted ceiling and used some table and chair very appropriate for the look of the place. Make you feel like you are having your snack in some nobile's house in the renassance. You can also have your cappuccino by the counter as many Italians do. Pprices at the table are a little bit higher.
The pastry are excellent and here you can have one of the best cappuccino in Padova.
Favorite Dish: Cappuccino and brioches. I am not a coffee lover, but their brand of coffee is my favourite, not bitter at all and their cappuccino is wonderful!!! Thy the raisin rolls or the apple rolls. those are my favourite.
Updated Feb 3, 2011
Address: http://www.graziati.com/
Website: http://www.graziati.com/
This huge pizzeria always amazes my friends and I. How can they do it? Serving so many people, there must be over a hundred tables, and in the summer even more as they serve outdoors to take advantage of the warm summer nights. The pizza is always consistently awesome!
The menu of choices is huge, seating is not crowded, the atmosphere is warm and friendly. The large amount of customers does not effect the waiters and attendants and because the seating is in several different rooms and levels the noise is not what you would expect.
This place begins to fill up around 7:30, but I have driven by at midnight and seen the crowds eating away, there is a good parking area with spaces having generous room.
There are also choices on the menu for items other than pizza. Although I have never tried them as this "IS" the pizza place, the taste of the crust is light and thin with a good taste of sauce not over done. They also are generous with items on top, but in the Italian fashion,not American--huge piles of things. Price below is with drinks.
Favorite Dish: I covered the pizza above, now let me mention the beer. Ancora serves on tap a Belgian beer that is served with a slice of orange. The beer is not overly bitter and on a hot evening is just the right thing for a pizza.
They also serve other beers if you like strong fermentation.
My favorite pizza is the capriciossa as I like artichokes hearts on pizza. I would guess, however, that they have way over a hundred choices of pizza combinations and you can make up your own.
Don't plan to share a pizza unless you are not very hungry. These Italian pizzas are much lighter in toppings and a whole lot lighter in crust.
Their crust has a taste that one wishes all pizzerias could copy. We are planning on kidnapping our local pizza maker and take him to Ancora for a few lessons. He always manages to burn the crust or the crust is not cooked enough.
When you are paying the bill at the desk, ask if they are offering limoncello--it will be free.
Updated Jan 18, 2011
Address: 35142 Mandria (PD) 137, V. Romana Aponense
Phone: tel: 049 693659
The place is located at the bottom of the hills called Colli Euganei, a green area surrounded by vinyards. My family has been personal friends of the owner for years and their sons have won numerous awards for their cooking. The wall is covered with this awards and also awards presented to Alfonso to his wine production. They also make their own salami and each salame is a bit different because they are made by hand.
The food is do die for and everything there is home made, and when I say everything I mean it!
Not only do they make their own wine but they press their olives to make a fine oil. They grow their own free range chickens and rabbits and pigs to make their sausage.
Their cheese is brought from the Dolomiti Mountains.
Fattoria Danieletto is the true slow food experience.
Favorite Dish: Everything is awesome.
Taste cheese with different honies and jams and their home made desserts...
and don't forget the wine! :-)
Updated Jul 30, 2010
Address: Via Costigliola 3 Villa di Teolo (PD)
Phone: 00390499901215
Website: www.fattoriadanieletto.it
The location is very nice, close to our hills Colli Euganei. The building is all made by stones and there is a nice garden where you can sit and eat during the summer and feel the breeze coming off the hills.
This is great people food, they cook meat, fish and pizza so everyone can find their favourite dish. I came here very frequently since years and never been disappointed. I had pizza several times, their wood fire grilled meat, their pasta with seafood, their appetizer (the mixed fish appetizer is so big that often i decide I am eating just THAT) and their home made cake (try their tiramisu!!!)
It is quite far from Padova center so make sure you have a good map of the area or use a satellite navigator to get there.
Favorite Dish: Mixed fish appetizer, pizza and home made Tiramisu to die for!!
Updated Jun 23, 2010
Address: Montegrotto Terme Via Risorgimento 4
Phone: +39049794896
This restaurant has been opened by a Mexican family now living in Padova. They are making great efforts to make sure the food represent mexican cooking. They brought original decorations and tried to create the typical atmosphere of Mexico.
The menu has a good selection of food, some spicy and some less. They will be glad to assist you to make a good decision if you are afraid to get a dish that is too spicy. You must ask for a glass of their very special house margaritas which is typical of Mexico. If the food is too hot you can always take a glass of milk.
June 2010 - Unfortunally this restaurant is not owned by the same people anymore. I know it is supposed to be still mexican but I havent had the change to try it out after the change. Will report soon about it
Favorite Dish: Tacos el pastor and margaritas
Updated Jun 23, 2010
Address: Via Altichiero 27 Padova
Phone: 049 619305
Website: http://www.elagave.it/
The ristorante Oktoberfest lies near the center of Padova, just off St. Antonio's Church. These streets are medieval and you can walk right by it, so look carefully. It has two large dining areas, clean restrooms, and an efficient wait staff. The food is prepared almost too fast, compared to Italian restaurants and the speed of which they deliver dishes to your table.
I asked for a small salad to be delivered before my pizza, but it came about two minutes difference.
I would recommend this restaurant if you are touring St. Antonio's and you want to get a bit away from the tourist places.
Favorite Dish: I have only eaten pizza here, and I go here only at lunch where you can find pizza being made. (There are not many pizza restaurants making pizza for lunch in Padova.)
The pizza is on the wet side, but has lots of toppings, many choices, and thanks to the name of the restaurant great beer.
If you come during the winter and come late for lunch expect that they will turn the heat off around 2:30.
Updated Feb 11, 2010
Address: via del santo 80
Phone: 0498751236
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