€€Classic Cuisine, Seafood
In a charming arcaded alley in the pedestrian centre, on the first floor of the historic Palazzo Prosdocimi, the warm and welcoming romance of the room will convince you that you are in the right place. Paintings, mirrors, and woodwork rival the beautiful ceiling of exposed beams, while the à la carte proposal is in tune with the seasons, offering a review of tasty and classic mostly seafood dishes (but some customisation is there, as in the case of Belle Parti's spaghetti alla chitarra, a cacio e pepe embellished with scampi), mostly regionally sourced, with good meat alternatives. Reception
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews
Located in a historic building in central Padua, Belle Parti offers an elegant and refined atmosphere suitable for romantic dinners. Reviews frequently praise the classic seafood cuisine and attentive service, highlighting dishes like monograin spaghetti. However, opinions on value are mixed; some guests found the bill high relative to portion sizes or perceived quality, while others noted inconsistencies in food temperature and seasoning. Service is generally described as impeccable, though isolated reports mention delays or unavailability of items. While the ambiance and core offerings are well-regarded, potential visitors should be aware that the dining experience varies, with some finding the cost unjustified compared to the actual food quality received.
Suitable for diners seeking an elegant setting and classic seafood who are less concerned with price.
€€Contemporary
Situated under the picturesque arcades on Via Cesare Battisti, this restaurant is home to a young chef whose cuisine is inspired by traditional and well-known recipes which he reinterprets with his own personal touch to create highly interesting dishes. Simpler and more reasonably priced options are also available at lunchtime.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Ai Porteghi Bistrot in Padua offers refined contemporary cuisine. Reviews highlight fresh ingredients, sophisticated dishes, and excellent pairings, particularly praising oysters and first courses. Service is generally professional, attentive, and friendly, set within an intimate and welcoming atmosphere suitable for business lunches or romantic dinners. However, some guests criticize the value for money, noting high prices relative to portion sizes and occasional inconsistencies in meal pacing or specific dish execution. While the ambiance and overall quality are highly rated, diners sensitive to budget may find the experience less cost-effective.
Ideal for business diners and couples seeking refined service and ambiance, though budget-conscious guests should consider portion sizes.
€€italian
The entrance to this restaurant through a wine-bar can be misleading, as you are eventually led to simpler – yet still attractive – dining rooms. In this wine-themed setting, enjoy delicious fish and seafood dishes with the occasional creative twist, accompanied by a particularly extensive selection of wines by the glass. A highly recommended address for fish lovers, situated right in the historic centre of Padova.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews
Enotavola Pino, located in Padua's city center, is noted for its Italian cuisine and high-quality ingredients. Reviews frequently praise the creative presentation of dishes like tuna tartare and cuttlefish tagliatella, alongside welcoming and attentive service. The atmosphere is described as cozy and home-like. However, some guests report slow pacing during busy weekends, excessive noise, and occasional issues with overly salty fish or stale bread. While most experiences are positive, isolated complaints mention poor service attitude, cleanliness concerns, and billing errors. Overall, the restaurant maintains a strong reputation for culinary skill and hospitality, despite minor operational inconsistencies.
Ideal for diners seeking creative Italian cuisine in a cozy setting; visit during off-peak hours.
🕐 Mo-Su 10:00-00:00
€€€Creative, Italian Contemporary
Situated in the historic centre of Padova, this restaurant is home to owner-chef Stefano Mocellin, whose colourful, creative and personalised cuisine is influenced by his past culinary experience in cities such as Milan and Venice. From Milan, for example, he has taken the legendary “cassoeula”, to which he gives a lighter touch thanks to his use of more than one type of meat (pork and duck), while his “saor” and the sardines that he uses to stuff his plin pasta are inspired by Venice. Underlying all of this is his passion for cooking over the barbecue grill, the main focus of almost all the d
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.8/5 · 80 reviews
Stefano Mocellin al Padovanino offers creative contemporary Italian cuisine with exceptional ratings. The food is praised for bold, balanced flavors, featuring signature tasting menus like 'Fuoco e Fiamme' and smoked grill techniques. Service is highly regarded for its attentiveness and flexibility with dietary needs, often enhanced by the chef's personal engagement. The intimate, tastefully curated atmosphere is welcoming, though the small space may limit capacity. While most diners find the experience valuable, isolated reviews cite issues with meal pacing, perceived high costs for beverages, or recent management changes affecting consistency. Overall, it remains a top-tier destination for innovative gastronomy.
Ideal for diners seeking innovative Italian cuisine and attentive service, with advance menu confirmation recommended.
€€€italian
This elegant, minimalist-style restaurant serves two tasting menus (Classici and Contemporanei – the names tell you all you need to know!) from which dishes can also be chosen à la carte style. When we ate there in late autumn, we particularly enjoyed the rabbit with saffron and porcini mushrooms prepared in the open-air kitchen. There are just a few beautifully laid tables, plus a wine list that includes a selection of labels from Italy and France.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Tola Rasa in Padua receives high marks overall. Food quality is frequently praised for fresh ingredients and balanced, creative flavors, with dishes like fried shrimp, clam ravioli, and venison highlighted. However, some guests noted unbalanced combinations or underwhelming desserts. Service is generally professional and attentive, with chefs sometimes engaging directly, though issues like canceled reservations and limited wine availability were reported. The ambiance features an open kitchen and refined details, but noise levels can be high, and the location is somewhat remote. Value perceptions vary; while many find it excellent, others feel the fixed-price menus offer poor variety or balance relative to expectations.
Suitable for diners seeking refined Italian cuisine and unique experiences; confirm reservations and wine availability in advance.
🕐 We-Su
€€€Contemporary, Italian
Occupying old stables in the square where the town’s livestock market was once held, this restaurant boasts charming views of the Prato della Valle gardens. Also home to a bistro serving aperitif snacks and a cocktail bar for post-dinner drinks, the main restaurant is very much the focal point here, with its dark-coloured, contemporary decor and colourful, modern cuisine. In summer, don’t miss the summer terrace with its fine views.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews
Exforo is a contemporary Italian restaurant in central Padua, best known for its breathtaking view of Prato della Valle. The cuisine features imaginative flavors and refined presentation, with highlights including roasted duck and seafood dishes. Service is generally professional and friendly, though some guests noted issues with meal pacing and the need to use buzzers for ordering. The modern, well-maintained atmosphere offers a romantic setting suitable for dinners or aperitifs. While many reviewers appreciate the high quality of ingredients and reasonable value, others criticized inconsistent service details and underwhelming aperitif portions. Overall, it provides a visually stunning dining experience with mixed feedback on operational consistency.
Ideal for diners seeking stunning views and refined contemporary Italian cuisine, with advance booking recommended.
€€italian
Situated on the outskirts of Padova, this classically elegant restaurant is very popular with locals – and for good reason! The menu includes skilfully prepared dishes influenced by the traditions of the Veneto (from bigoli pasta to dried cod and liver Venetian-style) as well as a selection of grilled options.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews
Boccadoro in Noventa Padovana specializes in traditional Italian cuisine, praised for fresh ingredients and skilled preparation. Dishes like braised chicken with tagliatelle and seafood options receive acclaim. Service is generally professional and attentive, though some guests report inconsistent pacing and perceived favoritism toward regulars. The ambiance is refined and vintage, suitable for formal occasions, despite an unassuming exterior. Value perceptions vary; while many find the quality justifies the cost, others criticize portion sizes and dessert pricing. Overall, it offers a solid dining experience rooted in tradition, but consistency in service and value remains a point of contention among reviewers.
Ideal for diners seeking traditional Italian cuisine in a refined setting, with attention to service consistency advised.
🕐 Mo-Su 12:30-14:30,19:30-22:30; Tu 12:30-14:30; We off
€€€Contemporary, Meats and Grills
A modern restaurant in the province of Padova which, over the past ten years, has grown and evolved from a gastro pub to the top-quality eatery that it is today. The cuisine is fairly eclectic, featuring meat and fish dishes alike, with the option of a lighter menu at lunchtime. The best dishes are showcased on the à la carte and are often made using luxury ingredients such as foie gras, scampi and Wagyu beef. The impressive wine list demonstrates a passion for international sparkling wines, while the excellent selection of wines by the glass is further enhanced by a choice of cocktails (also
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews
Opificio, located on the outskirts of Padua, specializes in contemporary meats and grills. Reviews highlight high-quality, fresh ingredients and precise cooking, with dishes like warm spaghetti and foie gras au torchon receiving praise. The atmosphere is described as intimate and lively, supported by generally knowledgeable and courteous staff. However, opinions diverge on value; while lunch visits are often seen as good value, dinner experiences are frequently criticized for high prices relative to portion sizes. Some guests also noted minor service issues, such as seating order. Overall, it offers excellent cuisine and ambiance, though value perception varies significantly between meal times.
Ideal for diners seeking high-quality contemporary meat cuisine in a warm setting; lunch visits offer better value.
🕐 Mo-Fr 12:30-14:30,19:00-23:00; Sa 19:00-23:00; Su off
€€€Contemporary, Italian
Situated next to the three-Michelin-starred Le Calandre (and run by the same family), Il Calandrino is an elegant and eclectic restaurant which includes a bar-cum-pasticceria that is well worth visiting at any time of day. The cuisine here ranges from creative dishes such as scallops with toasted leek cream, sea urchins and cima di rapa, to classic house favourites such as Erminio’s legendary beef tartare with toasted bread and salad greens, and Rita’s pazientina (chocolate layer cake) served with zabaglione.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.7/5 · 80 reviews
Il Calandrino offers refined contemporary Italian cuisine, featuring dishes like onion soup, risotto, and seafood pasta with careful ingredient pairings. The ambiance is elegant yet informal, though some guests note the space feels cluttered due to its dual function as a bar and shop. Service receives mixed feedback; while praised for professionalism and warmth, it is frequently criticized for slow pacing, understaffing during breakfast, and minor lapses in etiquette. Value perceptions vary, with some finding prices high relative to the experience, particularly when service delays occur.
Suitable for diners seeking refined cuisine who can tolerate potential service delays.