Recommendations near center
Posted by
Boston
1782 posts
Antica Osteria Dal Capo. Don't consider any others. http://www.osteriadalcapo.it/
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1538 posts
We were in Padua for 9 days about two weeks ago and we also really liked Osteria dal Capo.
It is fun to eat at the very busy Bigoi Padova for the thick, extruded pasta called bigoli --- that's all they sell, with whatever sauce you want on it and you eat it standing up or sitting on steps or on a curb outside.
We had excellent hamburgers at Soul Kitchen and watched Italians eat hamburgers on buns with a fork and knife.
A Banda Del Buso is another good place.
We had Osteria Ai Scarponi on our list but never made it there.
Our favorite gelato was at Gelateria Gnam Gnam in the Piazza dei Signori --- there are about five gelato places on this piazza. The caffe was especially good, with tiny bits of coffee beans in it.
I feel like there was one more place to eat that we really liked, but can't remember it!
Posted by
245 posts
Thanks! I'll be in Padua for 5 days next month, and one restaurant recommendation wasn't going to do it.
Posted by
Boston
1782 posts
OK, you can consider more places. For something lighter and informal but diverse and entertaining - especially with a friend or three, go to All'Ombra delle Piazza at Via Pietro D'Abano, 16 - a side street off Piazza della Frutta. They are a cicchetteria / bar serving a huge variety of - what else - cicchetti that one orders at a counter and then enjoys at table or counter with a drink. These are small creative appetizers which can easily add up to a meal and elsewhere may be called stuzzichini. The atmosphere here is unforgettable and the staff will make sure you you have a good time. Look at the photos on the Trip Advisor review: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187867-d4242063-Reviews-or10-All_Ombra_della_Piazza-Padua_Province_of_Padua_Veneto.html
Posted by
San Carlos, CA, USA
392 posts
We ate well here. It was recommended by my husband's cousin who lives in Padua. It is near St. Anthony's Basilica. I fondly remember the Pasta e Fagioli. They don't have much of a website so here is a link to TripAdvisor.
Posted by
1022 posts
Amphora was excellent, but busy with locals. Reservations would be smart.