🍽 Buon appetito in Lucca
Where to Eat in Lucca
Our favourite restaurants and pizzerias — all within walking distance of Villa Catelli.
📍 All venues listed are in Lucca's historic centre, just minutes on foot from the B&B. We strongly recommend booking in advance, especially at weekends and in high season.
Our Favourites
A curated selection of restaurants, trattorias and pizzerias for every occasion and budget.
La Buca di Sant'Antonio
One of Lucca's oldest and most beloved restaurants, with documented origins dating to 1782. Copper pots hang from the ceiling, the atmosphere is warm and romantic, and the menu showcases traditional Lucchese cuisine — handmade pasta, slow-cooked meats, Frantoiana bean soup, and the famous tordelli. Listed in the Michelin Guide.
All'Olivo
Open since 1988 in one of the old town's most charming squares, All'Olivo is a Lucca institution for Tuscan land and sea cuisine. The dining rooms are decorated with original drawings by Lucca Comics artists. Tordelli, fresh fish, excellent wine list. Listed in the Michelin Guide. Delightful outdoor service in summer.
Osteria Miranda
A characterful osteria near the City Walls, decorated with vintage crockery and antique signs. Chef Giulio Gurgugli weaves tradition and creativity into each dish — from hearty classics to refined tasting menus. Great wine list, intimate atmosphere. Perfect for a special dinner.
Pizzeria SUD
Authentic Neapolitan pizza in the heart of Lucca. Antonio Ilardi from Campania brings 48-hour slow-risen dough, wood-fired oven and carefully sourced toppings to Via della Cavallerizza. Fried starters, panuozzo, and a great selection of Southern Italian and Tuscan wines. Awarded by 50 Top Pizza. Near the Basilica of San Frediano.
Bonny Pizza
Born in 2023 from the collaboration between pizzaiolo Filippo Bonamici and the team behind the starred Giglio restaurant. Contemporary pizza with 4–5 day slow-risen dough, quality toppings and a fine selection of natural wines. Lively Piazza San Francesco location with indoor and outdoor seating. Awarded by 50 Top Pizza.
Il Mecenate
A beloved osteria along the Fossato (moat) since 1996. Soledad and Stefano De Ranieri celebrate local Tuscan flavours using zero-km ingredients: home-baked bread, artisanal cured meats, seasonal vegetables and handmade pasta. A chalkboard lists every local supplier. Tordelli lucchesi, tripe, and ancient dessert recipes. Michelin-listed.
Ristorante Celide
An elegant seafood restaurant steps from the City Walls, celebrated for the freshness of its produce and polished presentation. Mixed seafood antipasto, paranza fried fish, spaghetti alle vongole, tuna tartare. Refined and intimate — ideal for a business lunch or romantic dinner. Extensive wine list. Closed Sundays.
Gigliola
The relaxed sibling of the starred Giglio restaurant. Famous for its extraordinary sourdough bread, sharing plates inspired by Lucchese tradition with global influences, and a carefully curated list of natural wines. Open all day from breakfast to dinner. Often fully booked — reserve ahead.
Ristorante Giglio
Formerly Michelin-starred, Giglio occupies a stunning 18th-century palazzo overlooking the square and the city theatre. Italian land and sea cuisine with a refined modern touch — seasonal tasting menus and thoughtful à la carte. Outdoor terrace in summer. One of Lucca's most sophisticated addresses.
Nida
A corner of Japan just outside Lucca's City Walls. Chef Masaki Kuroda offers an emotional culinary journey rooted in Japanese tradition: pristine sashimi, impeccable nigiri, gyoza and deeply flavoured ramen. Awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand (exceptional value). Intimate space with counter seating and soft cushion tables. Booking essential.
SottoSotto
A charming little restaurant overlooking Lucca's most beautiful square, Piazza dell'Anfiteatro. A handful of tables, a short menu of fresh and local dishes, relaxed but warm service. Gnocchi, sea bass, Tuscan bread soup, testaroli pasta. Limited seating — book ahead, especially for outdoor tables.
Osteria del Nenì
Wine house and trattoria since 1943 — one of Lucca's most beloved historic addresses, near the old fish market. Genuine Tuscan home cooking: tordelli lucchesi, ribollita, tripe, classic secondi. Warm, authentic family-run atmosphere carrying on 80 years of tradition. Closed Mondays.
Gli Orti di Via Elisa
Since 1988, one of Lucca's most appreciated restaurants near Porta Elisa. Seasonal, locally-sourced cooking: their signature risotto, tordelli lucchesi, wood-fired ham, rovelline. Excellent pizzas and gluten-free options. Michelin-selected. Summer garden seating.
Trattoria da Leo
The quintessential Lucca trattoria: the Buralli family has served generous, honest home cooking for generations. Farro soup, ribollita, tordelli al ragù, liver, tripe. Shared tables, handwritten daily menu, lively buzzing atmosphere — exactly as a real trattoria should be. Always packed: arrive early or book ahead.
Savon Japan Ramen
Authentic artisan ramen in Lucca's historic centre, steps from Porta Santa Maria. Hand-made broths using traditional Japanese technique, fresh noodles, gyoza and curry. Manga-themed décor, welcoming atmosphere. Dishes fully customisable. Great value and consistently praised by locals and visitors alike.
Losteria del Pesce
A charming little seafood osteria in Lucca's historic centre, near Porta Elisa. Chef Alessandro crafts a sea-and-land menu of exceptional quality — pristine tartare, creative fish dishes, handmade pasta and local wines from the Lucca hills. Small, intimate venue with rear terrace. Outstanding value. Booking always required.