Dining in Vicenza - they have everything

We went to three restaurants where I was told this, though I only know the names of two.

I kind of wonder of this is a newer thing, to have a restaurant that serves pizza and pasta and meat. I think it may speak to a recognized need to have casual dining that is not a bar or a pizzeria only. Making the pizza toppings available on a regular crust or on bruschetta also seems new, but was pretty common.

I still only have pictures of family there.

Fantasy - Spaghetterria, Bruschetteria, Pizzeria 
Via Torino, 8, 36077 Altavilla Vicentina VI, Italy
+39 0444 370480

 This is my favorite, and I know it because we went there twice.

We went there twice because it is the most conveniently located -- we can walk from one aunt's apartment to there. Because of its proximity and variety of choices, three sets of cousins are there together almost every weekend.

The pictures here do show a little, in that you have a outside dining area that is still covered, and with a large window looking in. This was helpful for the restaurant staff, keeping them able to see us, and allowed one cousin and the owner to gesture at each other. (Some familiarity has developed there.)

I have in my notes that they had free peanuts, but now I mainly remember the bread sticks. I think it was that we ate inside the first night and outside the second time, and the peanuts were inside. You could take them outside, but you have to remember to do so, so look out for peanuts.

They have many good options, but I am going to recommend the gnocchi al quattro formaggio. My mother had it both times.  (And I had it once, but I had a bruschetta delicata the first time.)

I really enjoyed Fantasy. In the States we would not use that name for that kind of restaurant -- it gets used more with "adult" video stores -- but it was good food, prices seemed reasonable, and even some of the closer restaurants still require going up into the hills, making Fantasy's location one of its draw.

https://www.tripadvisor.it/ShowUserReviews-g194669-d3754763-r241400360-Fantasy-Altavilla_Vicentina_Province_of_Vicenza_Veneto.html


Bulldog's Holland Pub
Via Tovo 21, Altavilla Vicentina, 36077 Altavilla Vicentina, Italy
+39 330 485 214

 

Speaking of location, both Fantasy and Bulldog's are in Altavilla, but Bulldog's feels farther, and higher up. I will say that I have not spent enough time to have a feeling for where the different neighborhoods are in relation to each other.

When you enter, there is initially a traditional pub layout, but you can go out and down to a patio with lots of tables, covered by an awning, and with a view over the city on the other side.

I think the selection of beer is wider here, which is not unreasonable for a pub. I am not sure why it is Holland, but they do have more sandwiches than most places, some like subs and I think even hamburgers.

There were two things that were interesting about it. One is that the menu (which is huge) has code numbers for everything, and it is preferable to give the wait staff the number instead of the name. This can be a convenience for guests who don't speak a lot of Italian.

In addition, the food (possibly not every dish, but a lot of them) came with little flags in them. I think the flags were supposed to indicate country of origin, though I question the accuracy. The pizza with the zucchini and the quesadilla both had British flags. My salami and pepperoni pizza had an American flag. I do not remember my mother's tagliatelle Bolognese having a flag, so maybe only the "foreign" food gets flags, but I am not sure I understand the system. Also, the pizzas are square.

We had a great time there, and there are ways in which dining at Bulldog's is more of an experience than Fantasy, though there is nothing wrong with just dining.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g194669-d2691389-Reviews-Bulldog_s_Holland_Pub-Altavilla_Vicentina_Province_of_Vicenza_Veneto.html