Are you in Venice, Italy this year and planning to visit the neighboring cities? Well Padua, or locally known as Padova, should be on your radar. The city is quite small and full of surprises. Normally, it is shadowed by Venice and Verona, yet visiting it would delight all of your senses in terms of art, culture and food.
The city has numerous Michelin-Starred restaurants as well as small street food stalls. You will be exhausted with endless options of where to eat and drink in Padua. Hence, to make it easier for you, we have curated the best places in the city for your ultimate dining experience.
Breakfast Options in Padua
The city is full of endless places offering seated options for coffees and pastries. Normally these localities have the Italian naming of “Pasticceria”, signifying the expertise with pastries. While sometimes you may find the label of “Panetteria”, the latter is specialized in selling bread and related baked items. Whereas when you see “Panificio” it might mean the same thing for breadmaking but historically it is the internal part of the shop where the bread is made and not the selling display area visible from the glass tall window.
Now that we got all terminology out of the way, these are the best options for breakfast and coffee in Padua.
Pasticceria Racca
This place is in the center of Padua in one of its beautiful alleyways. If you like rustic places that are glittered with a hint of luxurious touch, then this Pasticceria is for you. Pasticceria Racca offers delighting options of Italian sweets and beverages.
Location: Via Pietro Fortunato Calvi, 8, 35122 Padova PD
Further Information/Booking: info@pasticceriaracca.com | 0498759855
Pasticceria Wiennese
Longing for a trip to Vienna? This Austrian style pastry shop has got you covered. One of the marvelous pasticcerias in Padua. Pasticceria Wiennese serves both traditional Austrian and Veneto style sweets but with a genuine creative touch. One of their signature products is the zuccotti cioccolato e zabaione, which is an Italian traditional sweet with a smart twist.
Location: Piazza Petrarca, 16, 35137 Padova PD
Further Information/Booking: info@pasticceriawiennese.it | +39 049 8761122
Antico Forno Pasticceria
With several locations across Padua, it will be difficult to miss Antico Forno Pasticceria while exploring the various sections of the city. Perhaps the most centralized shop of the chain is the one in Piazza della Frutta, which is one of the main squares in Padua.
Location: Corte S. Clemente, 16, 35139 Padova PD
Further Information/Booking: info@anticofornopadova.it | +39 049 868.68.50
Lunch Options in Padua
The city is vibrant with its outdoor locations in all seasons. Many delightful dishes inspired from the region’s traditions are on offer year-round. Here are some of the best places for your memorable lunch:
La Lanterna
This restaurant is in the heart of the Padua in Piazza dei Signori. The latter is a square in the middle of the city that allows you to capture the quintessential Paduan experience while enjoying the aromas of the pastas, pizzas and the various array of plates prepared by this restaurant.
Location: Piazza dei Signori, 39, 35139 Padova PD
Further Information/Booking: 049660770
Ten Restaurant
This beloved place has more than one location but the most famous one is in the historical center of the city. It offers mouthwatering steaks and other meat-based dishes as their specialty.
Location: Piazza dei Signori, 21, 35139 Padova PD
Further Information/Booking: 049655680
Gelato Options in Padua
Real artisanal gelato has found its home in Padua. If you are a gelato lover, then you are at the right city.
Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato, Padova
The shop is easy to spot as it has very beautiful decorations of colorful glittering ice cream cones hanging around the entrance. It is strategically positioned at the beginning of a popular street in Padua, very vibrant in shopping and cafés. The street is Via Roma and is dotted with endless options of spending an enjoyable afternoon stroll or as the Italians call it “passeggiata”.
Location: Via Roma, 1, 35122 Padova PD
Further Information/Booking: 049663700
Dining Options in Padua - Michelin Star Restaurants
Belle Parti
Serving seafood and meat dishes that are very fresh and pertaining to dedicated seasons. The ambiance has the vibes of “belle époque” that gives visitors the experience of the glamorous European atmosphere.
Location: Via Belle Parti, 11, 35139 Padova PD
Further Information/Booking: 0498751822
Ristorante Le Calandre
Chef Massimiliano Alajmo of Le Calandre believes in the binding power that cuisine creates for people. All of these connections are bolted through the depth of flavours, colours and creations at Le Calandre.
Location: Via Liguria 1, 35030 Rubano (PD) Italy
Further Information/Booking: +39 049 630303
These are some of the iconic places you can savour with your experience of the foods and drinks in Padua. The city has a wide range of activities and it is totally walkable.
