We were looking for something casual, and I was in a search for the classic Bigoli in salsa dish, and we came upon Bacaro Padovana while staying in Padua.
We called ahead for a Monday reservation and got an 8pm spot for 2. It's actually a pretty large restaurant, but definitely every table was full when we arrived.
Wines by the glass are €4-5, and the pours are generous.
Food: classic Venetian but NOT touristy
- Gamberi en saor: a classic regional dish - shrimp with a pickled onion and raisin topping. It sounds weird but works really well
- Folpetti: octopus with yellow polenta
- Seppie al nero: cuttlefish with squid ink and white polenta - classic dish for the region
- Bigoli in salsa di acciuga con cipolla: I looked for this in Venice and couldn't find it anywhere. The pasta texture was great - thick and with a good bite. The fish is a bit salty, but it's got tons of flavor
- Tagliatelle con funghi finferli, porcini, sbrise: the perfect season for mushroom pasta!
- Verdure: a side of vegetables to balance the carbs
Service was friendly despite how busy they were, and they had helpful wine recs. Padua is a university town but isn't overrun with tourists, and my experience with food was much better here than in Venice!
This place is a bit away from the busier parts of Padua center, but it's worth the trek. Call ahead for a table! read more