Are you looking for Lucca restaurants? Look no further – we’ve got you covered.
Lucca is a medieval and traditional Italian city located in the heart of Tuscany, about an hour’s train ride from Florence and a 3-hour train ride from Rome. There used to be a Roman amphitheater, but today it’s known for its medieval wall surrounded historic old city that truly feels like an Italian daydream, and there are so many things to do in Lucca Italy.
Whether you prefer a casual dining experience or a more fine dining one, you’ll find many restaurants with breathtaking views of Lucca. If you’re looking for a relaxing evening with your family or a fun night out with friends, be sure to check out the good restaurants in Lucca Italy. There are also some amazing Lucca wineries that you have to experience while in town!
If you are thinking about a day trip, or longer, please check out the Best hotels in Lucca Italy.
Tips for Eating in Lucca Restaurants
With its location in the heart of Tuscany, the food (and drink) options are truly endless and wherever you choose to eat in Lucca, you’re sure to be wowed by both the food and the atmosphere.
Some of the most popular dishes in Lucca Restaurants include Florentine Beefsteak, Rabbit Ragout, and Stuffed Chicken. Be aware that not all places will accept credit cards and it is always a good idea to have cash or ask before you dine.
Also, remember that it is traditional for Lucca restaurants to close between lunch and dinner, so if you are hungry for a late afternoon snack, you will likely have to stop in a grocery store, bakery, or a small shop to find a snack.
Vin-Santo is the sweet local wine, that you should be able to find for a good value in any of the wine shops. Or while visiting any of the Lucca Wineries.
Lucca Restaurants
Buca Di Sant’antonio
First up for the best restaurants in Lucca Tuscany is Buca Di Sant’antonio. This restaurant will blow you away with its offerings of handmade pasta and dishes local to the Tuscan region. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is almost as good as the food: there are gorgeous copper pots hanging displays and the overall feel is cozy and authentic.
We’d recommend you try the macaroni with rabbit ragout, farro soup, pork tenderloin, or chestnut gelato. If you are gluten-free, there are a variety of dishes available for you to enjoy. Make sure to make a reservation ahead of time, as its location in the heart of the city center makes it a perfect place for both dinner and lunch in Lucca Italy.
It is open every day but Monday from 12:30-3 pm, and again from 7:30 to 10 pm. Be aware that on Sundays it is only open during lunch hours.
Location of Buca Di Sant’Antonio: Vía della Cervia, 3, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy.
Da Umberto
The decor at Da Umberto is simple but very welcoming. You will find a really great wine selection and menu. The way the chef makes the chicken is flavorful and tender as they used a balsamic glaze and fresh herbs for seasonings.
They also have amazing pizza you can enjoy on the outside tables when the weather is warm. Be sure to save room for dessert because the tiramisu is a must. This is one of the best Lucca restaurants and the chef and staff know what true Italian dining is!
Address to Da Umberto a locals favorite restaurant in Lucca!
Trattoria da Giulio
veal stew, sage potatoes and roasted vegetables.
Ravioli with meat sauce, veal escalope with white wine sauce, roast potatoes, red wine, tiramisu, and espresso macchiato.
family style restaurant very well priced
Amazing location. Lots of room inside, but the outside seating is where everyone wants to go
Address to Trattoria da Giulio
FAQ About Lucca Restaurants
- What food is Lucca Italy known for?
- Does Lucca have good food?
- What is the name of the famous restaurant in Italy?
- What is the signature dish of Lucca?
Ristorante Cantine Bernardini
If you’re looking for the best lunch in Lucca, look no further than the Ristorante Cantine Bernardini. This rustic restaurant offers specialties of stuffed chicken and the ever-popular Florentine beefsteak. If you’d prefer to try more than a few dishes, they also offer a tasting family platter to sample what you like.
On a hot or cold day, you can enjoy their traditional Tuscan-style dining room, but they also offer an outdoor table facing the heart of the old city. As it is a very popular restaurant, we recommend you make reservations well ahead of time, and be aware that it is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday all day. Every other day it is open from 12:15 – 2:30 pm, and again from 7:15 to 10 pm.
If you’re looking for an authentic experience with Tuscan cuisine, it is one of the best places to eat in Lucca Italy.
Location of Ristorante Cantine Bernardini Lucca: Vía del Suffragio, 7, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
Antica Locanda di Sesto
Antica Locanda di Sesto offers a Michelin-star fine dining experience for those who want to enjoy a restaurant out of the main historical center. Located a few kilometers north of the historic part of Lucca, you can enjoy stunning views of the nearby Tuscan countryside. The staff in the restaurant speak great English and are incredibly helpful with recommendations and all-around service.
You simply must try the mixed antipasti with meats, toast, and delicious cheeses or the hunter’s rabbit. Don’t forget to taste a local red wine to finish off your meal. Reservations are recommended – and you can make them by phone or online.
The restaurant is open every day but Saturday from 12:30 to 2:30 pm, and again from 8-10 pm. The overall dining experience and service experience make this one of the best places to eat in Lucca Italy.
Location of Antica Locanda di Sesto: Vía Ludovica, 1660, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
Ristorante Trattoria L’angolo Tondo
Looking for a more casual dining experience while still enjoying one of the best restaurants in Lucca? Look no further than the Ristorante Trattoria L’angolo Tondo. Its location on the Plaza del Anfiteatro gives it a buzzing atmosphere where you can soak up all that Lucca has to offer.
Many restaurants facing major squares get a bad reputation for having low-quality food, but that myth does not hold here: the food is elegant and delicious. Make sure to try the risotto and the red snapper. The chef makes each dish with local ingredients and offers a wide variety of traditional Italian fare.
Reservations are recommended, and the restaurant is open every day but Wednesday for lunch from 12 – 2 pm and dinner from 7-10 pm.
Location of Ristorante Trattoria L’Angolo Tondo: Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, 51, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
Peperosa Ristorante
Just across the square from the Trattoria L’Angolo Tondo is the Peperosa Ristorante, another of the best places to eat in Lucca. This restaurant is recommended by the Michelin Guide and offers a variety of delicious house-made pasta and venison.
Like the previous listing, it also faces the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, and the food is simply delicious. Indulge in one of their glasses of wine and absorb the historic buildings from their outdoor patio. If you are looking for one of the best Lucca restaurants, you do not want to miss this popular spot. Reservations are recommended. It is open every day for dinner from 7-10 pm, as well as for lunch from Friday to Monday from 12 – 2:30 pm.
Location of Peperosa Ristorante: Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, 4, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
L’imbuto
If you’re looking for a romantic date night spot, we recommend L’imbuto as one of the best restaurants in Lucca old town. This restaurant serves dishes that are a combination of elegance and modernity in a space surrounded by a beautiful garden.
One of the few restaurants in Lucca with two Michelin stars, the food is incredibly flavorful and each dish showcases the chef’s approach to Italian cooking. They offer a tasting menu, a wide selection of wines, and beautiful plating for each and every dish. With the tasting menu, you can have up to eight full courses of food which will leave you feeling more than satisfied.
Reservations can be made by phone or online. L’imbuto is open every day but Monday and Tuesday for lunch from 12:30 – 2 pm and dinner from 7:30 to 9 pm.
Find one of the top places to eat in Lucca Location of L’imbuto: Piazza del Collegio, 7, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
Ristorante La Cecca
For a more unique dining experience that gets you out of the center of Lucca, check out Ristorante La Cecca. Surrounded by a covered and luscious garden, you can escape the heat of the summer and enjoy some delicious food in a peaceful setting. Ristorante La Cecca is known for its traditional cuisine, especially the Florentine Bistek, and you simply cannot miss the pappardelle with asparagus.
Save room for dessert after your meal, the tiramisu is beyond divine. You can be certain to feel like an Italian king or queen after eating the best food Lucca has to offer. Reservations are recommended and can be made by phone. The restaurant is open every day but Monday for lunch from 12 – 2:30 pm and dinner excluding Wednesdays from 7:30 – 10:30 pm.
Location of La Cecca: 55 Vía di Coselli, Loc. Coselli, 55012 Capannori LU, Italy
Ristorante Giglio
Another of the most elegant restaurants in Lucca Italy is Ristorante Giglio. With a refined tasting menu filled with authentic Tuscan cuisine and an extensive wine list, you can sit in their dining room or outside on their terrace while soaking up all the history that Lucca has to offer.
Make sure to try the rabbit offal ragout, the sweetbreads with carrots and ginger, and the smoked eel with beetroot and sour cream. Unsurprisingly, it boasts a Michelin star that will leave you with a dining experience to remember forever. Reservations are recommended, but not required. They are open for lunch and dinner from Thursday to Monday from 12:30 – 2:30 pm, and from 7:30 – 10 pm.
Location of Ristorante Giglio: Piazza del Giglio, 2, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
Trattoria Canuleia
If you are growing tired of traditional regional cuisine but still want Italian influence, check out Trattoria Canuleia, one of the best places to eat Lucca. They offer modern Italian offerings in an environment filled with brick arches and straw chairs.
The exterior includes a shaded garden which is sure to delight and help you cool off from one of the hot summer days and enjoy outdoor dining. It’s one of the Lucca restaurants located near the Piazza dell’Anfieatro, an amazing location, but still secluded enough to give you a break from the flow of other people.
You simply must try the local specialties tomato, saffron, and octopus risotto and the ravioli with ragu and spaghetti – both will leave your taste buds wanting more. Reservations are recommended, but not required. They are open every day but Monday for lunch and dinner from 12:30 – 2 pm, and 7:30 – 10 pm.
Location of Trattoria Canuleia: Vía Canuleia, 14, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
Trattoria da Leo
The best lunch in Lucca Italy can be found at Trattoria da Leo. Located in the heart of the old city, this trattoria offers absolutely delicious and affordable food in a truly Tuscan atmosphere. We recommend enjoying a menu del giorno (or menu of the day in English), a lunch-only offering where you can get a great deal on a starter, main, and dessert.
On their menu are only the most traditional items that are at the heart of Tuscan food. If you enjoy beef, you must try the bistecca allá Fiorentina – an incredibly flavorful meat with just simple seasonings.
Everything on their menu is simple, delicious and will leave you with a true Tuscan meal to remember. Reservations are not needed. They are open every day for lunch from 12-3 pm and every day but Sunday for dinner from 7:30 – 10 pm.
Location of Trattoria da Leo: Vía Tegrimi, 1, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
In Pasta – Cibo e Convivio
If pasta is your passion, one of the best restaurants Lucca Tuscany has to offer is In Pasta – Cibo e Convivio. They offer a select menu of homemade pasta that includes locally sourced ingredients. Everything from wines to desserts from the Tuscan region is available, and every serving will be a great size and reasonably priced.
What’s more, the inside of the restaurant is quirky and authentic, the staff speaks great English, and you will feel incredibly at home and welcomed throughout your meal. Make sure to try the truffle and cream pasta and the bruschetta. Reservations are recommended but not required.
They are open daily for lunch and dinner from 12:30 – 3 pm and 7 – 10 pm.
Location of In Pasta – Cibo e Convivio: Corso Garibaldi, 50, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
Alice Lucca
Every person who visits Italy is likely to want to try some of the famous Italian pizza and Alice Lucca offers some of the best pizza in Lucca. This unassuming shop in the heart of the old city offers both pizzas by the slice and full pies at reasonable prices – but it is the flavors that will blow you away.
You can try unique combinations like ham and potatoes or more traditional flavors like Margherita, but you are sure to enjoy the best pizza in Lucca. It is a great way to fill up for lunch at a bargain – you can easily spend less than 5 euros here. Be aware that it is cash only and you pay by the weight that you choose. They are open every day from 11:30 am – 9 pm.
Location of Alice Lucca: Vía S. Paolino, 22, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
Funiculi
If a sit-down pizza restaurant is more than what you are looking for, check out Funiculi, a restaurant that serves the best pizza in Lucca Italy. It is located just outside the city walls of the historic center, and reachable in just a few minutes on foot. They offer 39 different pizzas but are best known for their Neapolitan pizza or their Bufala pizza.
The restaurant itself is a cozy place with tons of indoor tables or heated outdoor tables with a big screen for watching sports. The staff is very attentive and kind, willing to help you will anything you might need. More than just a pizza place, Funiculi is one of the best restaurants in Lucca Italy overall. Reservations are not needed. They are open every day from 7 – 11 pm.
Location of Funiculi: Viale S. Concordio, 483, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
Pasticceria Buralli
You may have heard that Italians do not typically eat a heavy breakfast the same way that Americans do, and that is true. In fact, most Italians actually just grab a coffee and a pastry from their local coffee shop. Be aware that they are often referred to as bars, but they are more known for their breakfast items and coffees than their cocktails.
That’s why, if you’re looking for the best breakfast in Lucca you should check out Pasticceria Buralli. They offer a huge selection of pastries and coffees, and you should definitely try one of their many types of croissants. No reservation is required, and they are open every day from 7:30 am – 8 pm.
Location of Pasticceria Buralli: Vía S Girolamo, 32, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
Il Grammofono
Il Grammofono is a unique type of restaurant that combines Italian food with the slightest asiatic touch and French influence. It is located in the inner city of Lucca but not on one of the many touristic streets so can easily be overlooked.
You must try the crostone as a starter, the black spaghetti as a first course, and the tuna tataki as a second. Il Grammofono is truly stellar in terms of quality, originality, and quantity, and the staff will happily explain the menu and its components to you.
The presentation of the food itself is a work of art, and the prices make it a good value. For some of the best food in Lucca, don’t miss Il Grammofono. Reservations are not required. They are open for dinner every day but Monday from 7 – 10 pm.
Location of Il Grammofono: Vía della Fratta, 7, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
What food is Lucca Italy known for?
The most known food in Lucca is Tordelli Lucchese, Farro, Buccellato, Garmugia, and Baccala. It is the perfect place to try something new.
- Tordelli Lucchese: This is a distinctive local pasta dish, similar to ravioli, stuffed with meat and cheese and served with a hearty meat sauce.
- Farro: A type of ancient wheat grain, farro is used in many Lucca soups, salads, and meat dishes.
- Buccellato: A sweet bread that originated in Lucca, Buccellato is made with aniseed and raisins and is often eaten for breakfast or as a snack.
- Garmugia: A hearty vegetable soup made with fresh vegetables like peas and artichokes, often served with farro.
- Baccalà: Dried and salted cod, which is popular in many coastal regions of Italy, is also enjoyed in Lucca in various dishes, such as baccalà alla Lucchese, which is a stew made with tomatoes, onions, and olive oil.
Does Lucca have good food?
Yes! Lucca is known for good food. It’s delicious cuisine blends traditional Tuscan flavors with unique local ingredients. Lucca restaurants range from trattorias, and osterias that serve both classic and innovative dishes using fresh and high-quality ingredients.
Lucca’s cuisine is characterized by a focus on simplicity, using local produce like olive oil, fresh vegetables, and herbs to create dishes that celebrate the region’s flavors. Some of the most popular dishes include tordelli Lucchese, farro-based soups and salads, baccalà alla Lucchese, and buccellato.
Mark Bittman, from the NY Times, recently said that Lucca is one of the best places to eat in Tuscany!
What is the name of the famous restaurant in Italy?
The name of the famous restaurant in Lucca Italy is Ristorante Buca di Sant’Antonio. It has been serving traditional Tuscan dishes since 1782. Located in the heart of Lucca’s historic center, the restaurant has an elegant and welcoming atmosphere, with friendly staff and a menu that features classic Tuscan recipes made with fresh and high-quality ingredients.
Other popular Lucca restaurants include Pasticceria Buralli, Trattoria L’Angolo Tondo, Ristorante Giglio, and Il Grammofono. Each of these restaurants offers its own unique take on traditional Luccan and Tuscan cuisine and is well worth a visit in this famous warm town.
What is the signature dish of Lucca?
The signature dish of Lucca is the tordelli Lucchese, which is a type of ravioli filled with meat, cheese, and vegetables. It is usually served with a meat-based sauce and is considered a hearty locals favorite.
Another popular dish in Lucca is buccellato, a traditional sweet bread made with aniseed and raisins. It is often eaten as a breakfast pastry or as a sweet snack throughout the day. There is no wrong time to enjoy these two signature dishes of Lucca!
