What to Eat and Drink in Padua?

Visiting Padua isn’t just about admiring its art, history, and architecture – it’s also about sitting down to experience a rich and authentic food and wine culture deeply rooted in the territory. From rustic country dishes to refined specialties, from the wines of the Euganean Hills to artisan liqueurs, Padua’s cuisine is a journey through the true flavors of Italy. Each season offers different products and recipes rooted in local culture, offering a constantly changing culinary experience. Discover what to eat and drink in Padua with our guide.

Typical Padua Dishes You Must Try

Padua’s cuisine is known for its bold flavors and hearty dishes, often linked to rural traditions and seasonal ingredients. Here are some specialties not to miss:

• Bigoli in salsa
  Thick whole wheat spaghetti served with onions and anchovies. Especially popular during Lent, they are a symbol of Veneto’s tasty simplicity.
• Risotto with “rovinassi”
  Made with chicken offal, onion, and broth. A humble and ancient dish with intense flavor, loved by those seeking authenticity.
• Fried freshwater fish
  River fish like eels, tench, and bleak, deep-fried and served with grilled polenta. A tribute to the area’s fluvial tradition.
• Oca in onto (goose preserved in fat)
  Slow-cooked and stored in its own fat. Traditionally served with rustic sides and homemade bread, typical of country feasts.
• Pasta and beans (Pasta e fasoi)
  A Venetian comfort food: handmade pasta with local beans, lard, and rosemary. Hearty and full of flavor.
• Paduan hen
  An indigenous crested breed, protected by Slow Food. Served in broth (perfect in winter) or roasted to enhance its delicate meat.

Traditional Desserts from Padua

No Padua meal is complete without something sweet. These desserts are steeped in history and often linked to religious tradition:

• Fugassa veneta
  Similar to panettone or colomba, made for Easter. Soft, with citrus peel and a crunchy sugar-almond topping.
• “Dolce del Santo”
  A symbolic cake of the city, dedicated to Saint Anthony. Made with dried fruit, honey, and spices – perfect with a glass of passito or recioto.

What to Drink in Padua: Wines and More

Alongside its cuisine, Padua also offers excellent wines and spirits worth tasting. The Euganean Hills are home to a variety of high-quality labels:

• Serprino from the Euganean Hills
  A sparkling white wine, fresh and aromatic – ideal for aperitivo.
• Fior d’Arancio DOCG
  Sweet, fragrant, and intense – made from Yellow Muscat grapes. A natural pairing for traditional desserts.
• Raboso del Piave
  A full-bodied, tannic red wine with bold flavor – perfect with roasts and aged cheese.
• Spritz with Select
  The Padua version of the classic Venetian aperitivo, made with Select instead of Aperol. More bitter, more authentic.
• Artisan bitters and grappas
  Padua boasts a long tradition in distillation, with small distilleries crafting liqueurs from alpine herbs and local roots.

Where to Taste Authentic Padua Cuisine

Want to taste these local delights like a true insider? Here are a few places that combine authenticity, atmosphere, and quality:

• Trattoria al Fungo
  A family-style setting serving homemade dishes true to Veneto tradition.
• Osteria dei Fabbri
  Right in the city center, offering local specialties and a fine selection of regional wines.
• Enoteca da Severino
  Perfect for wine tasting paired with local cold cuts and cheeses.
• Pasticceria Racca
  A landmark for Padua desserts, breakfasts, and afternoon breaks in the heart of town.

Hotel Giotto: Your Base for Discovering Padua’s Flavors

• Rooms with Wi-Fi and air conditioning
• Private parking available
• Walking distance to top culinary destinations

Discover the most authentic side of Padua – starting from the table! Let your palate lead the way through genuine, local flavors.

👉 Book your stay at Hotel Giotto Padua and enjoy the true taste of the city.