Beyond being a city that catches your attention with its charm, one of Lucca’s best assets is that, although it is a touristy town, it preserves much of its identity. For example, it is not a city full of souvenir shops like other Italian tourist towns. More than anything, local shops can be found where even the locals make their purchases.
The same happens with restaurants. While there are some, it’s not common to see tourist trap restaurants. Something that makes visitors more confident about choosing a place to sample its flavors.
However, to narrow down the options and make it easier for you to choose, we recommend what we consider the best restaurants in Lucca for your day trip or long stay, taking into account some traditional trattorias and osterias to taste the authentic Lucchese flavor, some Michelin-starred haute cuisine, and simple pizzerias for a more relaxed but delicious meal.
Our picks for the best restaurants in Lucca
Trattoria Da Giulio
Trattoria Da Giulio is one of the best restaurants in Lucca when it comes to tradition, delicious food, enchanting atmosphere, excellent service, and worthwhile prices. During the week, this restaurant is a favorite for locals at lunchtime, which gives us an indication of its quality and authenticity.
Trattoria Da Giulio offers a culinary proposal that highlights the best of traditional and delicious Lucca cuisine.
Through its menu, we can taste dishes like Tortelli Lucchese (a type of pasta filled with roasted meat and spices, served with a delicious meat ragù; Zuppa di Farro con Fagioli o Lenticchie (Spelt soup with beans or lentils), for cold days; Spezzatino di Vitella alle Olive (Veal Stew with olives); and many other dishes that will make your stay in Lucca happy.
Ristorante Il Giglio
What started as a traditional farmer’s restaurant in 1979, nowadays one of the representations of haute contemporary cuisine in Lucca, receiving a Michelin star in 2019, which they still hold.
Ristorante Il Giglio is the result of a team’s creativity, knowledge, and passion, providing a refined and cozy atmosphere, distinctive service, and an exceptional gastronomic experience. Its cuisine is characterized by the use of high-quality ingredients and the mix of tradition and modernity in each dish.
In their menu they propose three experiences, the first is a tasting menu of 8 steps, the next is a tasting menu of 6 steps only vegetarian, and finally, their a la carte menu with which you can choose your dishes to taste.
Osteria Verciani “il Mecenate a Lucca”
A hidden gem behind an old laundromat sign, Il Mecenate, located in one of the quietest and most local areas in the historical center of Lucca, offers a warm atmosphere and delicious flavors that will captivate diners.
Il Mecenate offers an expressive and traditional cuisine with a mix of classics and creative touches. They are known for their emphasis on small local producers, which makes them a slow-food restaurant. To have an unforgettable dining experience here, we suggest you explore the menu and try out the new flavors and combinations while not neglecting some classics.
Ristorante Buca di Sant’Antonio
Located in one of the liveliest areas of Lucca, Buca di Sant’Antonio has become an influential part of gastronomy in the city. Since 1792, the restaurant has been offering quality dishes to all its customers. Its familiar atmosphere makes you feel like a guest in the kitchen of great friends, with its pans hanging from the ceiling that gives it a unique personality.
If we talk about its flavors, here we highlight the Lucchese cuisine in its most authentic form with some Tuscan classics. The restaurant is renowned for its delicious pasta made every day to ensure freshness to each dish and its extensive wine selection.
Pizzeria da Felice
A place that has kept its doors open for over 100 years is worth visiting. Here we are talking about the Pizzeria Da Felice. This historic place in Lucca is well known for its pizza slices, with few ingredient options and a simple menu, but with flavors that will make you want to come back for more.
Pizzeria Da Felice is a simple and small place, ideal for a quick break to continue your exploration of Lucca.
Insider’s tip: In addition to the pizzas, try the Cecina (chickpea flour flatbread), considered the best in Lucca.
Pizzería Funiculi
If you are in Lucca for several days and want to go out and explore the neighborhoods near the walls, a perfect reason is to dine at Pizzeria Funiculi, in the San Concordio neighborhood. It is only an 11-minute walk from Porta San Pietro.
Funiculi is a traditional Neapolitan pizzeria with its relaxed atmosphere, warm and friendly service, and unparalleled pizzas, has earned a privileged place among Lucca residents and visiting tourists.
Ristorante Butterfly
For travelers who are looking for unique experiences in an elegant atmosphere and gastronomic proposals of haute cuisine, we suggest visiting Ristorante Butterfly.
Butterfly is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in a charming place just outside Lucca. It consists of a renovated farmhouse converted into a refined space, with a tasteful interior design and details that will make you fall in love with the place. It offers a beautiful outdoor garden for summer days.
Butterfly’s cuisine represents modern Italian cuisine, where the chef’s creativity and innovation are reflected in the visual presentation of the dishes and their exquisite taste. In their menu options, they offer three different tasting menus and the a la carte menu with a large selection of dishes to choose from.
