Ristorante Al Cancelletto — Restaurant in Padua

My family and I recently visited this restaurant after a long journey to Padua. We were weary from our travels and decided to ask our hotel's reception for a recommendation. They pointed us to this establishment, and we ventured in with hopes of a pleasant meal.

Upon entering, we requested a physical menu, only to be told that the menu was exclusively available online. We proceeded to sit outside, choosing one of the tables, and began perusing the online menu on our devices. To our surprise, merely three minutes later, an employee with a visibly irritated expression approached us. She curtly informed us that we couldn't sit at a table unless we were ordering. Politely, we explained that we were in the process of making our selections from the online menu, intending to order shortly. Despite our explanation, her demeanor left us feeling unwelcome.

What puzzled us even more was the fact that all the tables outside were entirely vacant; there was no one else around. We weren't blocking any potential guests, and the decision to sit was made to ensure a thoughtful selection from their online menu.

Regrettably, we decided to leave the restaurant as her attitude spoke volumes. It was clear she didn't want us there, and her lack of professionalism was distressing. This incident was unlike anything I've encountered in my travels around the world. Having to explain the situation to my bewildered children was a challenge in itself.

We were left questioning why we were treated so poorly, especially when we were genuinely interested in dining there. The experience left me feeling humiliated and disheartened. It's disconcerting to encounter such behavior, particularly in a place that should be synonymous with hospitality.

In conclusion, our visit to this restaurant was marred by a distressing encounter that overshadowed any anticipation we had for a good meal. It's my hope that establishments like these recognize the impact their employees' behavior can have on their customers'...

What a great find! We were staying in the area and found this little gem via Google Maps. The dishes were fantastic - they were delicious and well priced. It was great to taste a few dishes from the region, as well as a few other "well known" menu items.

We opted to share a few antipasti (truffle mortadella with cheese, and a bacalao and polenta plate), and had a selection of pastas (spaghetti with mussels/clams, and bigoli with aubergine and sea bass), tuna steak, swordfish and a couple of side dishes. Honestly, the food was great - we all had very happy bellies after our visit.

My only suggestion to the restaurant is to share your menu online with the prices (I had trouble finding this information, as it's useful when deciding on where to go). If you're in the area, I highly recommend visiting; you won't be disappointed with the delicious...

RAPIDAMENTE: cibo discreto, difficile parcheggio, no bagno invalidi. Prezzi mediamente alti, ottimo servizio in fine locale poco curato.

DETTAGLIO: Sono andato a pranzo di venerdì, poca gente. Il posto è carino a primo impatto poi guardando un poco nel dettaglio da molto l'idea di un posto si in vecchio stile ma anche molta incuranza, vetrate rotte, segni di usura un poco ovunque.. come se andasse a mangiare dai nonni coi mobili vecchi da anni. Locale però pulito, personale cordiale e premuroso (eravamo anche in pochi). Tempo di attesa nella norma, qualità del cibo nella media, anche se (per gusto personale, non ho certezza di quel che sto per affermare) no mi sembrava una frittura fresca, ma di quelle surgelate o quasi... peccato!!! Prezzi medio alti, fritto, cocacola e coperto 21 €, il fatto e che specie a pranzo si trova molto di meglio, specie lato quantità.. insomma sul caro. I servizi per uomini hanno ancora la turca, mentre non è presente quello per disabili con gli opportuni accessori. Fasciatoio presente. Parcheggio inesistente, ma un piccolo scoperto carino. Ottimo per cene di lavoro se ci si và a piedi o (già in bici è difficile parcheggiarla!!) ammetto il mio rammarico, mi aspettavo di meglio, me ne avevano parlato molto bene. P.s. per il locale se chiedo una coca cola e del fritto con limone.. non mi si deve portare il lime.. che ci devo...