Where to eat at Easter in the Euganean Hills. The 12 best addresses chosen by Gambero Rosso

Ideal for unwinding and relaxing, especially thanks to the various thermal centers like Abano and Montegrotto, just to name a couple, the Euganean Hills are also perfect for avid sports enthusiasts, thanks to opportunities for trekking, cycling, golfing, and horseback riding. There are many beauties to discover, both historical and artistic, starting from the splendid Abbey of Praglia or Arquà Petrarca, which is part of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Lastly, but not least, it's an area with rich gastronomy, ranging from excellent wines from native vines to the many excellent local products, which take center stage on the table even on Easter.

Where to eat at Easter in the Euganean Hills

Restaurants in Abano Terme (PD)

L’Ombra che Conta

Restaurant. Needless to say, since we're in Veneto, L’Ombra che Conta is that of wine, and here it counts a lot, considering that the cellar consists of about 450 references, with a focus on the wineries of the Euganean Hills. Wine also takes the spotlight during the aperitivo hour, L’Ora dell’Ombra, from 6 pm to 8 pm, marked by selected glasses, cocktails, and appropriate appetizers. For lunch, a simplified proposal compared to dinner, which lends itself to a more relaxed stop. The menu changes often, according to seasonality, and for Easter, there isn't a dedicated tasting, but you can choose from the menu, which always reserves pleasant surprises, or from the "theme" dishes of the day. An example for all is the revisited pastiera, with cooked wheat cream and orange, buttered rice crumble, and zabaglione ice cream. Stylish atmosphere with outdoor seating.

L’Ombra che Conta – piazza San Martino, 2 – 393 4282434 – www.lombracheconta.it

Restaurants in Arquà Petrarca (PD)

La Montanella

Restaurant. A lush park, a carefully curated location down to the smallest detail, a cuisine based on vegetables and aromatic herbs from its own garden, house-made cold cuts, and extra virgin olive oil "from the house." In summary, this is La Montanella, a happy reality that has been run by the same family for over 60 years, without ever faltering. For Easter, a nice menu at 78 euros per person. The festivities begin at 12:30 with a glass of bubbles and a welcome, then continue with Montagnana Dop ham, phyllo pastry with artichokes, herb risotto with burrata heart, truffle tortellini, oven-baked kid with walnut sauce, pork fillet with asparagus, rosemary potatoes, braised herbs, fiordilatte ice cream, and to finish in style, artisanal colomba and zabaglione, plus many other desserts. Well-stocked cellar.

La Montanella – via dei Carraresi, 9 – 0429 718200 – www.montanella.it

Restaurants in Baone (PD)

Tre Camini

Trattoria. A reliable family-run establishment in a small village surrounded by greenery, highly favored by loyal customers but also by occasional visitors. The culinary proposal draws heavily from tradition, offering substantial and flavorful dishes prepared with genuine seasonal ingredients and expert hands. Additionally, pasta, bread, desserts, and liqueurs are homemade. The Easter menu is priced at 60 euros per person, including wines, water, and coffee. The courses include pea flan on a salad of raw artichokes and fennel, bruscandoli risotto with robiola and toasted hazelnuts, dandelion and Morlacco cheese tortelloni with butter and sage, rolled veal, roasted rabbit with chicory heart, passion fruit sorbet, artisanal colomba, and mascarpone cream. The small wine list features local wineries prominently.

Tre Camini – frazione Calaone via Capitello, 9 – 345 5845677 – www.facebook.com/p/Trattoria-Tre-Camini/

Restaurants in Battaglia Terme (PD)

Il Ristorantino

Restaurant. The covers are few and always in high demand at this cozy family-run spot that is about to celebrate its tenth year of activity. The well-curated interiors are complemented by a lovely outdoor space, making you feel immediately at home in both cases. The kitchen moves between sea and land with well-made and quality dishes that convince every palate. For Easter, there is a menu at 60 euros (wines included): puff pastry with green asparagus, fried poached egg, mountain fondue, and black truffle; tagliolini with rabbit ragout and spring peas; herbed risotto; roasted kid; lamb loin; seared veal medallions; rosemary potatoes; Moretti artichokes; strawberry semifreddo. The wine list is in line with the offerings.

Il Ristorantino – viale Roma, 75 – 348 8581703 – www.facebook.com/ilristorantinodipiero

Restaurants in Cervarese San Croce (PD)

La Buona Terra

Agriturismo. A happy reality that includes an organic farm with cultivated land and livestock, various accommodation options (including tent or camper stop areas and comfortable rooms), and dining (usually open only on weekends and by reservation). For Easter lunch, the menu – at 57 euros per person, excluding drinks and wines – includes appetizers, various starters, asparagus crepes, herb risotto, meat roll, strawberry mille-feuille, salted caramel panna cotta, and pistachio. There's also a vegan alternative at the same price. For Easter Monday, a tempting proposal at 35 euros, always excluding drinks and wines. Bread, fresh pasta, preserves, and desserts are homemade. You can purchase their products at the attached shop: eggs, vegetables, cold cuts, jarred delicacies, etc.

La Buona Terra – via Repoise, 73 – 328 0770977 – www.buonaterrabio.it

Restaurants in Cinto Euganeo (PD)

Podere Villa Alessi

Agriturismo. In the heart of the Faedo valley, an estate where good wines and extra virgin olive oil are produced, where you can stay in 4 comfortable and quiet rooms, enjoy tastings and snacks, visit the farm and the small museum of the territory housed in the barrel room. The refreshment offers simple and traditional cuisine, with seasonal and genuine products. Here's their proposal for Easter, at 45 euros per person (to be booked): herb and sprout risotto; asparagus and ricotta crepe; stuffed guinea fowl and garlic roast loin with oven-baked potatoes and herbs; mixed desserts with a glass of Fior d’Arancio. For Easter Monday, two possibilities: an enticing menu at 35 euros or a fun picnic bag at 20 euros, to be consumed outdoors, seated on the grass (weather permitting, of course).

Podere Villa Alessi – frazione Faedo via San Pietro, 6 – 0429 634101 – www.poderealessi.it

Restaurants in Este (PD)

Incàlmo Restaurant at Hotel Beatrice

Restaurant. Michele Carretta and Riccardo Scacchetti, along with chefs Leonardo Zanon and Francesco Massenz, have created a venue with an original proposal, aiming to restore splendor to the historic Hotel Beatrice founded in 1966 by Michele's great-grandfather. The dining room is characterized by a modern design attentive to detail, while in the kitchen, the chefs express their creativity by playing with flavors, textures, colors, and contrasts. Their Easter proposal, priced at £85 per person excluding beverages and wines, includes wood-fired bread, hand-stretched grissini with whipped salted butter; appetizer snacks; Easter donut (ricotta and herb flan with quail eggs); herb and flower risotto with horse bon bon; "agnellington" (Wellington-style lamb loin); rose cake with zibibbo zabaglione; final treats. Well-suited wine list.

Incàlmo Ristorante dell’Hotel Beatrice – viale Rimembranze, 1 – 0429 1761472 – www.incalmoristorante.com

Restaurants in Monselice (PD)

Ottava Osteria Terra e Mare

Restaurant. In the heart of the town, a sign born about a year ago that has quickly gained many admirers. Modern and elegantly sober ambiance, a fitting setting for a contemporary cuisine that still remembers the local traditions. The menu crafted by young chef Marco Danelli for Easter lunch is very interesting, priced at £68 excluding beverages: welcome aperitif (mini onion burger, stracciatella and ossocollo, buffalo mozzarella with tomato and Cantabrian anchovies, saffron arancino and peas), followed by asparagus, eggs, and béarnaise sauce; whole wheat tagliatelle with peas and roasted pancetta; goat cheese risotto, five peppers, and red berries; lamb rump, herbed sandy potatoes, and turnip tops; apricot and caramel colomba; petit fours. Noteworthy wine list, focusing on variety.

Ottava Osteria Terra e Mare – piazza G. Mazzini, 21 – 0429 537620-380 5839881 – www.ottavamonselice.it

Restaurants in Rovolon (PD)

Al Pozzetto

Restaurant. Italo and Vittorina Lunardi have been running their establishment for over half a century, originally a simple refreshment spot that has become a landmark for those who want to savor honest traditional cuisine made from seasonal ingredients and long experience. The ambiance, curated but without excessive formalities, and the spacious areas, including outdoor seating, make the place suitable for any convivial situation. For Easter, there's a valid menu priced at £60, including water and house wine: puff pastry pouch with field greens, asparagus lasagna and Mezzano d’Asiago cheese, mini macaroni with veal ragout and artichoke hearts, lamb cutlets with thyme, guinea fowl breast with herbs, veal medallions with asparagus, lemon and raspberry sorbet, dessert, and coffee.

Al Pozzetto – frazione Bastia via Pozzetto, 64 – 049 9915395 – www.alpozzetto.it

Restaurants in Teolo (PD)

Ca’ Noale

Agriturismo. It's a beautiful stone farmhouse surrounded by greenery with an attached agricultural estate producing wines from native grape varieties, raising animals, and preparing preserves and other delicacies (available on-site). The dining experience is highly meticulous, primarily based on company ingredients. For Easter Sunday, there's a tasting menu priced at £50 per person (including water, wine, and liqueurs), which includes a basket of vegetables and asparagus and pancetta rolls as appetizers, followed by a dish with bruscandoli and carletti (wild hop sprouts and silene), short pasta with veal ragout, herb-crusted beef tagliata, stuffed guinea fowl roasted, sorbet, dessert, and coffee. If you want to extend your stay, there are three comfortable, quiet, and panoramic rooms available. Reservations required.

Ca’ Noale – frazione Castelnuovo via Cicogna Pirio, 21 – 049 5212473-342 7428121 – www.canoale.it  

Restaurants in Torreglia (PD)

Ballotta

Restaurant. An establishment with an ancient history, the oldest in the area, maintaining a truly commendable level of quality. Here, the local territory is celebrated at the table, with its many products according to the season, but the menu also offers many fish-based proposals that are very popular with the loyal clientele. Among the many specialties, cod stands out, a must-try if you're visiting for the first time. For Easter, to be booked, there's a menu priced at £80 with wine pairing: braised artichoke with mint, light Grana Padano fondue, salted zabaglione; lamb shoulder with Vezzena fondue; white asparagus risotto, red shrimp tartare, bisque, and blacklime powder; roasted kid, green asparagus, and potato millefeuille; Ballotta house meringue, ricotta, honey, and citrus; colomba. Well-structured wine cellar.

Ballotta – via Romana, 57 – 049 5212970 – www.ballotta.it

Restaurants in Vò (PD)

Dal Contadino

Restaurant. A beautifully restored farmhouse, with comfortable interiors and outdoor seating, under the careful management of the Ambrosi family for almost 40 years, is a reliable address for satisfying seasonal cuisine. The Easter lunch proposal, priced at £80 including wine pairing, includes: fried egg yolk, asparagus cream, and black truffle; calf belly with pecorino cheese; asparagus cream risotto, quail, and its reduction; herb tortelli, smoked burrata sauce, salted hazelnuts; roasted suckling pig, potatoes, and baked artichoke; dessert and coffee. There's also a menu for Easter Monday lunch priced at £65. All supported by a comprehensive and unexpected wine list, with a wide selection by the glass, local, national, and international options.

Dal Contadino – via Monte Venda, 3135 – 049 9925363 – www.ristorantedalcontadino.com