Tips and ideas for dining or enjoying *cicchetti*

Traditional trattorias

Here is a list of typical Pubs and Taverns in Padua where you can taste local specialties.

Tips where to feast

Typical taverns and pubs
 

OSTERIA ALL'ANFORA      (https://facebook.com/pages/Osteria-lAnfora/161292750563482)

Definitely recommended for those who don't care much about elaborate presentations and want to enjoy good pub dishes in Padua, with great portions, perhaps accompanied by a good wine and friends. It's also recommended for those visiting  Padua as tourists, to enjoy a lunch or dinner immersed in the atmosphere of the old Paduan pub . 

OSTERIA DEL CAPO         (http://www.osteriadalcapo.it/) 

This elegant restaurant offers a wide range of meat and fish dishes on the menu, such as Whipped salt cod, a dish beloved not only by Paduans but by all Venetians. Other recommended dishes are the old-fashioned tripe, or the famous Venetian-style liver including all dishes that were a Sunday classic in Venetian grandmothers' homes. They also prepare Paduan chicken salad, a very tasty dish that's hard to find elsewhere. 

A BANDA DEL BUSO E OSTERIA DEL PESCE            (http://www.abandadelbuso.it/) 

A Banda del Buso's menu features many simple, traditional dishes prepared with care, such as pan-seared fresh salami with sweet and sour tardivo radicchio (sautéed radicchio) and polenta, or mix boiled meats with  horseradish and salsa verde (a house specialty), practically my parents' favorite dishes. Even the desserts are house specialties. If you've never tried them, I recommend trying zaeti, typical Venetian biscuits made with cornmeal and raisins. The best thing is to dip them in wine, a bit like Tuscan cantucci with vinsanto (sweet wine). 

OSTERIA BACARO PADOVANO         (http://www.bacaropadovano.com/) 

The menu features many dishes that are often served as cicchetto/finger food, such as sardines in saor, Whipped salt cod, or cuttlefish in tòcio with polenta. One of the first courses that is never missing is bigoli in salsa: a long, thick pasta shape that, for those who don't know them, resembles Tuscan pici, with anchovy and onion sauce, a tasty and very flavorful meal. 

OSTERIA NANE DELLA GIULIA          

The oldest restaurant in the history of  Padua , Osteria Nane della Giulia, has been in business since around 1870. Known by all Paduans, it is perhaps also the best known by tourists thanks to its primacy. Wooden furnishings, paper placemats, and low lighting make the atmosphere very evocative. Here you can find "musso e poenta" or Donkey stew with polenta , bigoli with various sauces, and many other traditional dishes.

OSTERIA AI SCARPONI       (http://www.aiscarponi.it/)

Recommended for those who want to try  traditional dishes revisited with a modern twist. The menu changes frequently and there are no dishes that remain for too long, especially to follow the seasonality of the products. One thing I really appreciated are the various vegetarian options included on the menu, never boring and always surprising.

TRATTORIA OFFICINA AL BERSAGLIERE        (http://www.officinaristorante.it/

The restaurant has maintained some traditional dishes, but the new management wanted to give a modern touch to the menu, therefore also offering more modern and revisited dishes. Their specialty is spaghetti with fresh sea urchins, but there are also classics such as  bigoli with ragù di corte, a Paduan specialty prepared with meats usually found in family courtyards: chicken, duck, guinea fowl, and sometimes even rabbit. On nice days, you can also enjoy the outdoor terrace, which is very quiet even it's a pedestrian area.

RISTORANTE VECCHIO FALCONIERE           (http://vecchiofalconiere.it/)

Their specialties are sliced ​​meats and gnocchi alla cadorina. The meat trolley and risottos served from the wheel of parmesan cheese or carved pumpkins. The meat is sliced ​​in front of the customer and placed on a hot ceramic plate (about 250 degrees), thus cooking directly on the plate. A must-try experience, especially for meat lovers!

TRATTORIA SAN PIETRO         

The atmosphere is intimate and cozy. A welcoming dining room, warm lighting, and well-appointed but understated tables. The menu changes with the seasons, but remains true to its Venetian roots.