What Food To Try in Padova and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Padova for 2025.
National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Padova cafes and restaurants
$16.4
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $10.95
$65.7
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $43.81
$9
Combo Meal
Starting from $8.76
What to Try in Padova
Must-try Dishes
Colazione con Uova - Breakfast with Eggs - Fluffy scrambled eggs served with a sprinkle of local herbs, often accompanied by thick slices of homemade bread. Locals enjoy this hearty breakfast, especially on weekends with fresh local produce.Panino con Porchetta - Porchetta Sandwich - Juicy, roasted pork with crispy skin stuffed in freshly baked bread, drizzled with herbs and spices. This popular street food is a go-to for a quick lunch while walking around the markets.
Bigoli in Salsa - Bigoli with Sauce - Thick spaghetti-like pasta served with a rich sauce made from anchovies, onions, and herbs. Traditionally served at family gatherings during the colder months, this comfort dish is a staple in local homes.
Risotto al Nero di Seppia - Risotto with Cuttlefish Ink - Creamy risotto colored and flavored with cuttlefish ink, providing a unique briny taste. Consumed especially during the seafood season, it’s commonly found at local trattorias by the canals.
Carciofi alla Giudia - Jewish-Style Artichokes - Deep-fried artichokes that are crispy on the outside and tender inside, typically seasoned with a hint of salt and lemon. Locals savor these as a summer treat during open-air markets, making for a surprisingly delightful dish.
Frittelle di Mele - Apple Fritters - Lightly battered apple slices fried until golden, often sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. Best enjoyed as a seasonal delight in fall, they’re frequently found at local fairs celebrating harvest time.
Polenta e Salsiccia - Polenta and Sausages - Creamy polenta served with savory sausages and a robust tomato sauce. A cozy dish frequently shared at family dinners, it warms you up during the chilly winter evenings.
Pasta e Ceci - Pasta with Chickpeas - A hearty dish made with small pasta and chickpeas simmered in a savory broth, this is a simple yet filling meal enjoyed during the colder months. A favorite for lunch, it's common to see families making it at home on Sundays.
Desserts & Drinks
Caffè con panna - Caffè con panna (coffee with cream) - A rich espresso topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Locals enjoy it as a treat during afternoon breaks, often paired with a pastry for a light snack.Spritz - Spritz (aperitif cocktail) - This refreshing drink combines Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water, typically served over ice with an orange slice. You'll find it buzzing on outdoor terraces, especially during happy hours in warm months; it's just the thing to sip while watching the world go by.
Sfogliatine - Sfogliatine (flaky pastry) - Made from layers of thin pastry with a hint of cream or jam filling, these delightful treats are light and crunchy. They are a common accompaniment to coffee during morning rituals, but don't be surprised to see locals snagging them throughout the day.
Granita - Granita (frozen flavored ice) - A semi-frozen dessert made from water, sugar, and various flavorings, like lemon or coffee, providing an icy refreshment on hot days. Perfect for indulging during summer, it’s common to spot people enjoying granita at local gelaterias while strolling the streets.
Pandoro - Pandoro (sweet bread) - This rich, fluffy bread is often enjoyed during the Christmas season and dusted with powdered sugar. It’s customary to share it among family and friends, and you'll often hear locals debating whether to slice or pull apart the pieces; a delightful debate during festive gatherings.
Food and Groceries in Padova
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.95 |
| Bananas | $2.06 |
| Oranges | $2.29 |
| Potatoes | $1.72 |
| Apples | $2.27 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.37 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.42 |
| Imported Beer | $1.57 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $6.57 |
| Milk 1L | $1.33 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $16.12 |
| Chicken | $11.5 |
| Cigarettes | $6.57 |
| Rice | $2.11 |
| Local Cheese | $13.01 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
The charming streets of Padova come alive around noon, when the aroma of freshly prepared pasta wafts through piazzas and alleys. Locals often gather for lunch between 12:30 and 2:00 PM, a mealtime scene marked by the clinking of plates in bustling trattorias and cafés. It’s common to see groups of friends sharing a table, savoring dishes like risotto or cicchetti, the latter being small bites perfect for sharing, and a true local favorite.
Dining in Padova often takes place at a slower pace compared to other bustling cities. Many places allow for a lingering experience over meals, especially during lunch. For instance, at one of the eateries around the historic center, a generous plate of handmade gnocchi might set you back about €12, while a simple pizza can range from €8 to €15, depending on the toppings. Meanwhile, the same pizza in the more tourist-heavy areas could rise to around €18.
When it comes to dinner, expect locals to arrive around 7:30 to 9:00 PM. It’s quite the sight, especially on weekends, when families and friends fill up the restaurants after a long day. You'll also find that certain neighborhoods, like the vibrant quarter near Prato della Valle, come alive with food stalls and outdoor dining as evening sets in.
For payments, cash is widely accepted, with many places preferring it, particularly smaller trattorias. Credit cards are also common, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash on hand for local markets or smaller vendors (I’ve found that it's also easier for tipping, which, speaking of, is usually more about rounding up rather than giving a set percentage).
One dining habit unique to Padova is the concept of "aperitivo," which often kicks off the evening at around 6:00 PM. This pre-dinner ritual involves sipping a spritz or glass of wine accompanied by small snacks, and it has become a social staple, allowing friends to unwind after work. However, a common mistake for tourists is treating it like dinner—while it can be filling, it's meant to whet your appetite before a proper meal.
As for reservations, they’re generally a good idea for dinner, especially in smaller restaurants that fill up quickly. Most places accept bookings, but calling ahead is always wise during peak hours.
Looking ahead, a noticeable trend is the rising popularity of plant-based options, reflecting the growing awareness of healthy eating habits among younger locals. More restaurants are beginning to integrate vegan and vegetarian offerings while still celebrating traditional Italian flavors. It's a flavorful shift that definitely piques curiosity as Padova continues to evolve its rich food culture.
Dining in Padova often takes place at a slower pace compared to other bustling cities. Many places allow for a lingering experience over meals, especially during lunch. For instance, at one of the eateries around the historic center, a generous plate of handmade gnocchi might set you back about €12, while a simple pizza can range from €8 to €15, depending on the toppings. Meanwhile, the same pizza in the more tourist-heavy areas could rise to around €18.
When it comes to dinner, expect locals to arrive around 7:30 to 9:00 PM. It’s quite the sight, especially on weekends, when families and friends fill up the restaurants after a long day. You'll also find that certain neighborhoods, like the vibrant quarter near Prato della Valle, come alive with food stalls and outdoor dining as evening sets in.
For payments, cash is widely accepted, with many places preferring it, particularly smaller trattorias. Credit cards are also common, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash on hand for local markets or smaller vendors (I’ve found that it's also easier for tipping, which, speaking of, is usually more about rounding up rather than giving a set percentage).
One dining habit unique to Padova is the concept of "aperitivo," which often kicks off the evening at around 6:00 PM. This pre-dinner ritual involves sipping a spritz or glass of wine accompanied by small snacks, and it has become a social staple, allowing friends to unwind after work. However, a common mistake for tourists is treating it like dinner—while it can be filling, it's meant to whet your appetite before a proper meal.
As for reservations, they’re generally a good idea for dinner, especially in smaller restaurants that fill up quickly. Most places accept bookings, but calling ahead is always wise during peak hours.
Looking ahead, a noticeable trend is the rising popularity of plant-based options, reflecting the growing awareness of healthy eating habits among younger locals. More restaurants are beginning to integrate vegan and vegetarian offerings while still celebrating traditional Italian flavors. It's a flavorful shift that definitely piques curiosity as Padova continues to evolve its rich food culture.