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Where to Stay in Vicenza

Where to Stay in Vicenza

Vicenza The Veneto, Italy Travel Guide

Ingredients & Flavors

Ingredients

  • Rice, Corn & Codfish

    The region's staples for comforting dishes like risottos and polenta, and the revered baccalà.

  • Local Cheeses & Cured Meats

    Asiago and Grana Padano cheeses, along with Sopressa Vicentina, a local cured salami.

  • Berici Hills Olive Oil & Truffles

    High-quality olive oil from the surrounding hills and seasonal truffles make dishes special.

  • Rich & Comforting Flavors

    Dishes are generally rich and comforting, a reflection of the agricultural heritage.

Regional Focus & Customs

  • Cucina Povera

    The cuisine builds on "peasant cooking," elevated to refined dishes.

  • Meal Times

    Lunch (pranzo) is typically 12:30 PM-2:30 PM. Dinner (cena) is 7:30 PM-10:00 PM.

  • Aperitivo

    Take a pre-dinner drink with snacks, usually 6:00 PM-8:00 PM.

  • Bread & Water

    Bread is usually generally served. Request "acqua naturale" (still) or "acqua frizzante" (sparkling).

Must-Try Dishes

Experience Vicenza through its signature dishes.

Baccalà alla Vicentina

What It Is
  • A velvety, slow-cooked stockfish dish.
  • Made with onions, anchovies, milk, and Parmesan.
  • Traditionally served with polenta.
Where to Find It
  • Discover this signature dish.
  • Available in most traditional Vicentine trattorias.
  • A true taste of the region.

Bigoli all'Anatra

About the Dish
  • Thick, whole wheat pasta (bigoli).
  • Accompanied by a rich duck ragù.
  • A regional pasta specialty.
Flavor Profile
  • A hearty pasta dish.
  • Mirrors the area's land-based culinary tradition.
  • Rich and savory.

Sopressa Vicentina

The Cured Meat
  • A large, soft, cured salami.
  • Often eaten with fresh bread.
  • A local delicacy.
Designation Status
  • Holds Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.
  • Signifies its regional authenticity.
  • A must-try for meat lovers.

Local Beverages & Sweets

Local Wines

Excellent wines from Colli Berici (Tai Rosso, Garganega) and Breganze. Prosecco is from the wider Veneto region.

Grappa & Sweets

Grappa is a powerful digestivo. Try Zaeti (cornmeal biscuits), Tiramisu, and Fritole (fried doughnuts).

Dining Options

Vicenza features various dining experiences.

Fine Dining

  • Vicenza has high-end restaurants.
  • Some hold Michelin recommendations.
  • They present modern or elevated traditional dishes.
  • Reservations are highly recommended.

Mid-Range & Budget Options

  • Abundant trattorias, osterias, and contemporary restaurants.
  • For budget eats, seek out pizzerias, paninoteche, or local markets.
  • Traditional family-run establishments are common.
  • Dining choices match various budgets.

Markets & Food Halls

Piazza delle Erbe
  • A daily market.
  • Features fruit and vegetables.
  • Some prepared foods also available.
  • Local cheese can be found.
Mercato di Campo Marzo
  • A larger weekly market.
  • Happens on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
  • Includes diverse food stalls.
  • Clothing and household goods too.

Dietary Considerations

Vegetarian & Vegan

Most restaurants pasta dishes. Vegan options are becoming more available. State "Sono vegetariano/a" or "Sono vegano/a."

Halal & Kosher

Availability is limited. Travelers plan to self-cater or utilize widely available vegetarian/fish options.

Gluten-Free & Allergens

Awareness is increasing. Many pizzerias make gluten-free crusts. Look for AIC certification. Inform server about allergies.

Culinary Experiences

Engage with Vicenza's food culture.

Cooking Classes

Hands-on Learning

Learn traditional Vicentine or Italian cooking through practical lessons.

  • Pasta making sessions.
  • Tiramisu preparation.
  • Preparing baccalà.
  • Hands-on regional cuisine.
Local Schools

Some local cooking schools or private chefs present classes for visitors.

  • Focus on regional specialties.
  • Immerse in local cuisine.
  • Book sessions in advance.
  • Experience Italian gastronomy.

Farm Visits & Producers

Berici Hills Opportunities

Visits are possible in the surrounding Berici Hills.

  • Olive oil mills.
  • Vineyard visits.
  • Dairy farms that make cheese.
  • Agri-food tours.
Agriturismi Dining

Many agriturismi present farm-to-table dining experiences.

  • Experience fresh local products.
  • Taste regional specialties.
  • A rural culinary exploration.
  • Dine with produce sourced locally.

Food Festivals & Events

  • Seasonal Events

    Throughout the year, towns in the area host various festivals.

  • Local Produce Celebration

    They celebrate local produce like asparagus, truffles, or cherries.

  • Check Calendars

    Verify dates with local tourism resources for your visit.

  • Culinary Celebrations

    A fine way to immerse in local food culture and traditions.

Unique Dining Concepts

  • Traditional Osterie

    Seek authentic, rustic local dishes in these traditional eateries.

  • Aperitivo Culture

    Join the aperitivo scene, especially in Piazza dei Signori.

  • Piazza dei Signori

    This square forms the main hub for evening drinks and social gatherings.

  • Local Dining Exploration

    Discover distinct dining aspects that make Vicenza special.

Dining Tips

Authentic Experience

Look for trattorias with handwritten menus. These often reflect a focus on local, seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking.

  • A sign of genuine cuisine.
  • Indicates fresh ingredients.
  • Traditional methods.
  • Local favorites.
Evening Stroll Passeggiata

Join the evening "passeggiata" on Corso Palladio. This is a local social custom and a chance to observe daily life.

  • Experience local social life.
  • A relaxed evening entertainment.
  • Observe daily habits.
  • Soak in the atmosphere.

Finding Accommodation

Hotels & Resorts

Explore various hotel options from luxury to budget-friendly stays within Vicenza and the vicinity. Find rooms that suit your preferences for comfort and location.

Hostels & Budget Stays

For budget-conscious travelers or those seeking a social atmosphere, hostels make a great solution in Vicenza and nearby cities.

Vacation Rentals & House Sitting

Consider a more local experience with self-catering or even house sitting for extended stays in Vicenza's charming settings.