Villa Zen 2

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Il Baretto on the outskirts of Padova is a must for anyone who loves classic, traditional fish and seafood, thanks to its menu which includes a number of typical Venetian dishes. The top-quality fish is skilfully prepared to bring out its full flavour and distinctive characteristics, providing a real treat for the tastebuds in this inland temple to the sea.