Tuscany, in central Italy, is justifiably renowned for being one of Europe’s most beautiful locations, and a Tuscany Villa is a fantastic way to take it all in.
Lucca: City Of Gastronomy
Like other Italian cities, Lucca has proud culinary traditions. Within the confines of the Renaissance city wall, you will find a variety of outstanding restaurants that will serve the best Lucchese food. The beautiful architecture that you will find at every corner is the perfect backdrop for the delicious food you will discover.
The people of Lucca are fiercely protective of their sophisticated yet simple cuisine. That’s why there aren’t so many non-local restaurants in the city. This has ensured that the rich and delicious culinary heritage of this area has been preserved. The food is just as tasty today as it always was, giving visitors the chance to taste the real Lucca.
And because of that, the food of Lucca tells the story of the Lucchese people. Like in many areas, food and history are intrinsically linked and give an insight into how the people once lived. Many of the traditional dishes are reminiscent of the peasant past and present of the region and Lucca in particular. Through its food, Lucca opens up its customs and traditions to visitors.
Typical Dishes And Tuscan Delicacies You Find In Lucca’s Restaurants
There are many dishes you should try when visiting Lucca, among the most traditional and popular is Tortelli Lucchese. Similar to ravioli, the pasta is filled with a tasty mix of pork, beef, cheese and herbs and topped with a meat sauce. Tortelli Lucchese gets its distinct taste from nutmeg, the traditional spice used for this dish.
A real survivor from mediaeval times is Zuppa di Farro alla Lucchese. This hearty soup is made from an ancient grain called farro, which is similar to barley or spelt. Beans and vegetables are also added to make this soup the perfect meal for a cold winter’s day. All the best restaurants in Lucca will have this soup on their menu.
Another great dish for colder weather is Matuffi. This is the perfect meal after a long day sightseeing and shopping in Lucca. This typical Lucchese dish is made from creamy polenta, topped with a rich meaty sauce that will also contain vegetables. The rich flavours make it a must for any food lover.
All of these traditional dishes can be sampled in most restaurants Lucca’s walls surround.
Best Restaurants In Lucca
The people of Lucca love their food and this is shown in the large number of restaurants in this city. But here are some of the best restaurants Lucca has to offer, where you can tuck in the most delicious food of the region.
The Ristorante Giglio is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a modern take on traditional Italian cuisine. The restaurant is located in the heart of Lucca’s historic centre and has a wine list with over 1,000 bottles from around the world.
The restaurant offers a tasting menu and à la carte options. Ristorante Giglio is known for its creative dishes and impeccable service.
Da Umberto is a family-run pizzeria that has been serving up delicious pizzas for over 50 years. The restaurant uses fresh, local ingredients and a traditional wood-fired oven to cook their pizzas. The restaurant has a wide variety of pizzas to choose from, including classic toppings like Margherita and Capricciosa, as well as more unique options like the pizza with porcini mushrooms and truffles. The restaurant also offers a small selection of other Italian dishes, such as pasta and salads. The restaurant has a casual and relaxed atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends and family.
Buca di Sant’Antonio is a historic restaurant that has been serving traditional Lucchese cuisine since 1782. The restaurant is located in a former wine cellar, giving it a unique and atmospheric setting. Buca di Sant’Antonio is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes, such as Zuppa di Farro (a soup made with farro, beans, and vegetables) and Tordelli Lucchesi (a type of pasta filled with meat and ricotta cheese). The restaurant also has a good selection of local wines. Buca di Sant’Antonio is popular with both locals and tourists, and it is advisable to book a table in advance.
Cantine Bernardin
Cantine Bernardini is a romantic restaurant located in the cellars of a historic palazzo. The restaurant has several dining rooms, each with its own unique style. Cantine Bernardini offers a tasting menu that features traditional Lucchese dishes with a modern twist. The restaurant has a wine list with over 500 bottles from around the world. Cantine Bernardini is known for its elegant atmosphere and impeccable service.
Da Ciacco is a unique restaurant that focuses on salumi (cured meats). The restaurant offers a wide variety of salumi sandwiches and salads, as well as a few other Italian dishes. The restaurant uses high-quality ingredients and the salumi is prepared in-house. The restaurant has a casual and relaxed atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy a quick meal or snack. The restaurant is also popular for takeout and delivery.
Eat In The Best Restaurants In Lucca
Now that you know the best restaurants in Lucca, why not start planning your trip. The traditional dishes are full of flavour and will give you this happy feeling you get after eating delicious food. This makes Lucca truly a city of gastronomy, that can rival many other places in the world.
And with the history, culture and architecture that Lucca also has to offer, this city is the destination that has it all. Soak up the atmosphere, learn about the history and then enjoy all the culinary delights in one of Lucca’s Italian restaurants. It will be a time you will never forget.
