If you were to think of Veneto, we are sure that ‘Venice’ would be the first to come to mind. And yes, Venice is the regional capital and a major tourist destination – but there are so many other lesser-known places to be discovered. Take Padua, for instance: a historic university town where the world’s first woman graduated in 1678. With only a thirty-minute train ride from Venice, Padua is the ideal place to enjoy a Spritz— because here, this cocktail will cost you less than a soda!And did you know that Aperol actually comes from Padua? This vibrant city offers a peaceful change of pace from Venice’s bustling streets, so here’s a selection of the best aperitivo spots in Padua – handpicked by a student insider.
1
ENOTECA SEVERINO
With great care and attention, Enoteca Severino has been selecting artisanal wines since the early 20th century, earning its distinction as the oldest enoteca in Padua. This intimate 30-square-metre room surrounded by wine racks, attracts a mixed crowd, including young students, professionals, local gents, and foreigners all mingling within this cosy space. Let’s say the philosophy is very much about artisanal wines as shared experiences — where someone opening a bottle might find themselves sharing it with a stranger. The true essence of Severino lies in these spontaneous, natural encounters. Our suggestion? Ask for a glass of organic wine from the Euganean Hills and enjoy with a delicious selection of regional cheeses and ham.
2
ALL’OMBRA DELLA PIAZZA
This lively bar nestled along a typical cobblestoned alley, lies in the shadow of Piazza della Frutta, a detail that inspired its name. This popular spot gets quite crowded around aperitivo time, and there’s no wonder. Here you will find a varied selection of cicchetti, with at their core the softness of the Veronese tartine and the crispness of the Venetian cicchetto. Pair this with a Spritz—Campari, Aperol, or opt for a drink more native to the region and order a ‘misto,’ a blend of both. The result is a multi-layerd cocktail with just the right balance of slight sweetness upfront and a subtler, more bitter edge to finish.
3
BAR / OSTERIA “DA ROMEO”
You can’t leave Padua without admiring the covered market hall, ‘Mercato Sotto il Salone’ which invites you to a vibrant atmosphere with gastronomic delights. The market is home to no fewer than 56 local stands, one of which is Bar Da Romeo, setting a relaxed, Burgundian ‘drink in hand, standing bar’ vibe, yet with high-quality cocktails and wines. Be sure to try their specialty: Cotto e Cren – crostini with sliced ham topped with grated radish.
4
LA RISORTA OSTERIA DEL RE FOSCO
If you’re lucky enough to be in Padua on a Monday, don’t miss La Risorta Osteria del Re Fosco. This unique gem simply had to make our list, and here’s why, from an insider’s perspective. The cosy atmosphere invites guests to socialise over delicious wine, but be sure to linger a little longer after aperitivo hour. Around 8 p.m., the upstairs area transforms into a dining experience with live jazz. Picture locals jamming while enjoying a romantic, candlelit dinner. We recommend reserving a table for dinner, though you are also welcome to enjoy an after-dinner drink, accompanied by some great music.
5
CAFFÈ DELLA PIAZZETTA
When wandering through the Ghetto of Padua, you will encounter numerous art galleries, vintage boutiques, museums, and pretty cafés. During summer, the streets in this area feel quaint – the houses swing open their dark green shutters, and balconies bloom with flowers. In the midst of this, you’ll stumble upon a small, rounded square where you can find Caffè Della Piazzetta. We love this place not only for their finest aperitivi but also for the staff, who serve you kindly with a smile no matter the rush of the day. On warm summer afternoons, this is the perfect spot to hide in the shade and enjoy a refreshing Aperol Spritz while watching locals go about their daily lives.