Zairo

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Zairo in Padova, and I can confidently say it was an extraordinary experience. The alioscoglio pasta I had was hands down the best I’ve ever tasted—perfectly prepared, full of flavor, and a true testament to Italian culinary tradition. What truly set Zairo apart, though, was their collection of the oldest, most authentic Italian desserts. Each bite felt like a journey through Italy’s rich history of sweet indulgence. The service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. If you’re in Padova, Zairo is a must-visit for anyone who loves authentic Italian cuisine and desserts. I can’t wait to return!

Fantastic place, as soon as I entered got completely immersed in this modern neoclassical room, that beautifully paintings in the wall and a set of statues setting the environment. About the food, had the house entrance, and it was this perfect carpaccio that made me question about what I knew about carpaccio. Me and my date had two different steaks from the grill, the flavour was perfect, and the sides as well, just wish it was a bit softer... The house wine is a very good deal, and it's price is hard to beat, even more taking in account the place you are. Overall, excellent place, with decent price quality ratio.

Beautiful restaurant right near Prato. Unfortunately, the food is lacking immensely. My gnocchi was inedible and I had to send it back. Thankfully they didn’t make me pay. Spaghetti di vongole was average. Would not recommend this restaurant

We were the first guests arriving on a Friday evening, the decor and the surroundings in the restaurant are quite much and feel a bit old-faishoned. We ordered antipasti and a primi piatti. The antipasti was a burrata with a fried and stuffed zuchini flower with a burrata and a parmiggiana. Unfortunately the Burrata was a bit sour, which I only noticed after eating it. This is normally not a good sign for the quality of the produce. The parmiggiana was okay. The primi piatti were a carbonara and the home-made gnocchi with pumpkin sauce and truffles. Unfortunately the Carbonara was not good, I am pretty convinced there was cream in it and the meat was also rather conventional bacon then guanciale. The gnocchi were okay, too soft for my liking the sauce was tasteless and the truffles didn't have a good flavour either. The house wine was really not good, it had a sour taste and was bubbling a bit, we drank it however as we do not like to return drinks that we ordered. The service was okay, however the staff acted a bit weird. We were not asked wether we liked our food, wine and water were not served but just put on the table. I am pretty sure there are many better options in the old town of Padua for Pasta and authentic food and vine. Unfortunately I would not recommend this restaurant.

A place to come back. Besides the excellent location, in Prato della Valle, the inside deco is like an antique museum. Food is great, from pasta to pizza. Prices are medium. Attention is kind but slow. I recommend to book before. Bathroom is big and clean.

Food was barely edible with the exception of the gnocchi. The pasta is surely from these boxes you by in any supermarket. Steak was expensive for the size and tasteless. Atmosphere is old and AC doesn’t work.

I like the all the dishes including the pasta and the risotto! Definitely an recommendation. The restaurant is situated in an really old building with wall paintings.

Very nice restaurant with an elegant internal design. It is 5-6 minutes walk to the botanical garden. At first feels like a touristic place but locals were eating there in winter. Recommended.

5 stars for the location and service alone. Sat outside overlooking a beautiful square that the Romans built dating back BC. Food was amazing, I couldn't read the menu or understand a thing, but mine was phenomenal - mini meatballs and some sort of local pasta that looked like little thumb sized saucers. My Co-worker's carbonara was unbelievably flavorful. He couldn't finish it, so I crushed it and would get it if I ever return. And the calzones are as big as your head!!!

Overrated. Overpriced. Mediocre dishes. More image than substance. But only place in the area to eat decently.

This was a great spot for our first meal in Padua. We sat in the terrace outside overlooking the Prato della Valle. Our meals were delicious & we thought that the prices were very reasonable €32 for pizza, pasta, 2 sides & half a litre of Cabernet. And that also included a €5 cover charge.

Great food and decor right bear the Prato della Valle. The pear gnocci was perfect

This place is a gem - don't waste your time looking for that perfect Italian restaurant - this place has it all

Excellent find, there are few options in the area, but this is one option you can count on. Excellent service and more importantly food. Excellent restaurant for a family. When passing through we will stop in again.

We visited Zairo for a quick lunch as we had thirty minutes before our tour bus was scheduled to leave This was a shame as Zairo is a very attractively elegant restaurant where you would enjoy an extended stay. Service is trained the same - no rush here - enjoy your food - enjoy life.. We explained the situation to our waiter who adjusted accordingly. He remarkably explained which menu selections are prepared quickly and was right on. A fresh pasta and peas dish - four minutes. Margarita and Marinara Pizza - eight. minutes. Right on with all three selections. All three choices were fine and priced beyond reasonable. We left wishing we had more time here to enjoy a nice glass of wine as well as the scenery. With restaurants in this area few and far between Zairo appears to be the go to dining spot..

We just stopped by and had pizza, it was great. Service good and all the other meals around us look awesome. Definitely recommend if you are in Padova...

Very unfriendly staff. Stood there waiting for 5 minutes. Just looked at us as if we were not welcome. Took business elsewhere and had a wonderful meal elsewhere. Been to Rome and Florence and this is by far the only bad experience.

We kept the good wine until last and revisited this great restaurant in Padua -ZAIRO. Presidents-Prime Ministers-Diplomats --Opera stars --people who truly appreciate great food dine here. Our group are professional people and know when we have great food/ wine. In Zairo i had TORTINO DI PORCINI CON RICOTTA DI BUFALA to start followed by Fettuccine porcini e fiori di zucca--both delightful. My main was Costicine di Agnello complimented by SOLAIA ANTINORI. Later we enjoyed Coppa di Merighe con Gelato e Frutti di Bosco with some great GRAVINESE. Everyone in their life should visit here as last year the Australian Rugby team did. The service here is truly professional and expensive-but there is a price and food for everyone as all great restaurants offer.