In the heart of the medieval town of Cittadella, Taverna degli Artisti perfectly reflects the meaning of its romantic name (in English “the Artists’ Tavern”) welcoming guests with the warmth of old-fashioned trattorias and the bohemian atmosphere of an artist atelier, full of objects, stories, and dreams.

Founded in 2000 in the premises of what for many years was a frame workshop much loved by local artists, the Taverna embodies the dream of Elisabetta, the hostess, and Roger, the chef, to create a place where sharing their passion for good food and visual arts, especially painting. The rooms are, in fact, decorated with many paintings*, collected by the owners or the result of temporary collaborations with local artists, as well as objects assembled over the years, such as the collection of funny hens of every shape and color.

An artistic concept that is also reflected in the cuisine as the dishes are conceived as “canvases” that allow the chef to play with the ingredients, their shape, and consistency. Roger is inspired by a traditional cuisine, yet reinterpreted with a modern touch, that pays great attention to the quality of the raw materials coming from the local agricultural production.

The wine list includes mainly territorial labels, in particular, historic and native vines, as well as a wide selection of artisanal liqueurs. Paying tribute to the Venetian tradition that encourages to drink a digestive drink at the end of each meal, Roger has created Latte di Gallina (hen’s milk), a liqueur made of orange and coffee beans flavored milk cream, and Latte di Gallina Nero, with the addition of licorice, both delicious served with homemade biscuits. In the small restaurant’s store, you can also buy many other quality ingredients used in the kitchen like pasta, rice, oil, jams, mustards, pickles, and many others.

A break at the Taverna degli Artisti is the ideal opportunity to visit one of the most amazing treasures of Veneto: the medieval walls of Cittadella dating back to the thirteenth century, one of the very few examples of a perfectly preserved ancient defensive system. You can, in fact, climb the walls, at a height of 15 meters, and walk in a circle along what was the ancient walkway of the guards and stop to visit the suggestive towers where the related museum is located. From here, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Euganean Hills, the Berici Mountains, the towns of Marostica and Asolo and Monte Grappa. Do not miss the night tours of the walls by candlelight and torches, usually organized on the first Saturday of the summer months.

The Secret

Many of the artworks on the walls were painted by Roger himself, including the one painted on recycled pallets which was also exhibited at a fashion event during Pitti in Florence.

Useful Info

Taverna degli Artisti
Via Mura Rotta 9
35013 Cittadella, Padova
Tel. +39 049 9402317

First courses: 8 — 14 euro
Second courses: 14 — 18 euro