Torreglia is a town nestled at the foot of the Euganean hills, not far from Padua and Venice. Once called Corte di Torregia, it has always boasted its fertile countryside. As early as the 16th century Augustinian friars owned an agricultural warehouse; later in 1605, an inn was built and later transformed into a tavern that has remained open until today. And it owes its name to the owner who ran the tavern in the mid-19th century, Toni Carta, called "Ballotta" because of his size.
Besides fantastic food, it was the illustrious characters, who sometimes wrote about it, that made this land and this restaurant famous. Among those who dined at Antica Trattoria were Ballotta Galileo Galilei, Ugo Foscolo, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and Gabriele D'Annunzio. It is believed that the latter spent the night here before the famous Flight over Vienna. This is also where Orio Vergani, founder of the Italian Academy of Cuisine once dined. He later named this place a real temple of Euganean food and wine.
This restaurant earned its place among the historic venues of Italy thanks to its ancient history recorded throughout the ages. Today, the original 1605 walls are still clearly visible in the bar area, while guests can sit in the internal Venetian-style room and the adjacent veranda or enjoy the summer terrace adorned with a bicentennial wisteria.
Under the management of the Legnaro family, the delicious cuisine and the warm welcome have remained unchanged. The menu prioritizes “0 miles” products (born in this area) serving only seasonal fresh products, while the guests in the dining room will feel themselves at home.
At Antica Trattoria Ballotta you will rediscover the ancient traditional flavors, which awaken reminiscences of the past, if you grew up here. If you come from afar then let them tempt you and you will be easily conquered just as it used to happen in the old days.
Game and farmyard poultry are their specialty: fresh pasta with stewed duck sauce, among the second courses we recommend the oven-cooked farmyard torresano pigeon. Tray their traditional pasta with beans, onion pie, and Paduan risotto with chicken giblets, the old day cooking wisely reworked. There is plenty of seafood options as well thanks to the fresh fish supply from nearby Venice.
The Wine List focuses on local labels, such as Merlot and Cabernet from the Euganean Hills, as well as other Italian and international vine-growing regions. The restaurant chose to serve Millennium Water - Antica Fonte della Salute for its quality and reliability.
To honor a centuries-long history you need to have love and passion for your land, the two key ingredients Antica Trattoria Ballotta uses to make every dish authentic and delicious.
Antica Trattoria Ballotta, Torreglia (PD)
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