Where to eat in Arquà Petrarca: the 5 best Restaurants chosen by Gambero Rosso

The town, where the Arezzo poet Francesco Petrarca settled and lived until his death, is part of the "Most Beautiful Villages of Italy" association and has been awarded the Orange Flag by Touring for the quality of services and life in general. It’s a pleasure to get lost in the streets of its historic center, admiring ancient buildings, churches, and charming views. If you have more time and are passionate about cycling or motorcycling, take the opportunity to discover the many beauties the area offers.

The best restaurants in Arquà Petrarca

Il Canzoniere

Restaurant. A beautiful residence surrounded by greenery, with spacious outdoor areas and several rooms suitable for various social occasions. You can start with creamed cod and sardines in saor, followed by radicchio and provola lasagna, or veal cheek with dry Moscato. There are also well-prepared fish dishes. The wine list is well-structured, with a focus on the territory and non-trivial labels, especially from Triveneto, with forays into Tuscany and Marche. You can stay at the adjacent hotel, Villa del Poeta, with quiet and comfortable rooms.

Il Canzoniere – s.da prov.le del Poeta via Zane, 5 – 0429 777918 – www.ristoranteilcanzoniere.it

L’Enoteca di Arquà

Wine Bar. A few meters from Petrarch’s House, it is the right address for a snack, an aperitif, or a longer stop. There is a wide selection of spirits, beers, and wines, with particular attention to local companies, to be tasted by the glass or bottle, or purchased along with regional specialties displayed on the shelves. Try the Euganean Spritz, a house invention, completed with a jujube in grappa. Pair it with cold cuts, cheeses, pickled vegetables, bruschetta, and tasty bites. There are also desserts to pair with appropriate glasses.

L’Enoteca di Arquà – via Castello, 9 – 0429 777364 – www.lenotecadiarqua.it

Al Guerriero

Trattoria. This place in the medieval heart of Arquà is welcoming. The atmosphere contributes to this, with its rustic and warm style, featuring a fireplace, terracotta floors, vaulted ceilings, brick walls, and wooden furnishings. Since its inception, the cuisine has focused on enhancing Venetian tradition, using genuine and seasonal products. Examples include creamed cod, lasagna with Pernumia asparagus, paccheri with Euganean almond pesto, cuttlefish and peas, and traditional chicken with Rotzo potatoes. The wine list is well-crafted, mostly regional labels evident of expertise and research.

Al Guerriero – via Jacopo da Arquà, 2 – 0429 718376 – www.osteriaguerriero.com

Osteria Lapilli

Trattoria. In the very center, this address has quickly gained approval not only from locals. Enthusiastically and passionately run by Elia and Emanuela (in the kitchen), it’s a place where you can stop even just for an aperitif, marked by the right glasses and cicchetti, but the recommendation is to take your time and have a complete meal. The menu doesn’t have many items, but always respects the market and the season: creamed cod, lamb stew ravioli, and chicken in tecia with potatoes. The spectacular open cellar hosts many interesting bottles, available for takeout if desired.

Osteria Lapilli – via Roma, 15 – 0429 1761873 – www.osterialapilli.it

La Montanella

A lush park, a location curated down to the smallest details, a cuisine based on vegetables and aromatic herbs from its garden, homemade cold cuts, house extra virgin olive oil, and selected raw materials. In summary, this is La Montanella, a happy reality led by the Borin family for over 60 years, without ever faltering. The menu follows the seasons: rabbit liver with caramelized apples, handmade nettle tagliatelle with white rosemary ragù, lamb chops with thyme, carrots, and mint sauce, almond and hazelnut cake with ice cream. The wine cellar is well-stocked.

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