If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Lucca, this local guide will help you discover where to eat in Lucca, from authentic Tuscan trattorias to refined dining rooms, Neapolitan pizzerias, and creative casual spots.

As a food writer living in Lucca, I’ve spent time exploring the city’s culinary scene beyond the obvious choices. While Lucca is deeply rooted in its Tuscan gastronomic traditions, with dishes like tordelli, pappa al pomodoro, and hearty meat stews, it also offers contemporary kitchens, international influences, and relaxed wine bars that reflect a more modern side of the city.

This curated selection brings together the restaurants I genuinely return to, whether for a traditional Lucchese meal, a refined tasting experience, or a simple yet memorable dinner in the historic center.

 

Traditional Tuscan Restaurants in Lucca

La Trattoria da Giulio: Best local cuisine in Lucca

 

When my cravings turn to authentic Lucca cuisine, Trattoria da Giulio invariably tops my list. It’s the perfect place to introduce friends and guests to the unique flavors of the region. The restaurant’s cozy ambiance during summer on a terrace behind the walls, delectable dishes, warm service, and reasonable prices make it irresistible. As you take a look at the menu, you’ll discover an array of mouth-watering homemade options, including Tordelli Lucchese, a delightful stuffed pasta adorned with Tuscan ragù sauce, the simple yet exquisite Spezatino di Vitella con Olive, Matuffi al Ragù, an ideal comfort dish for colder days consisting of polenta and ragù, and the flavorful stewed tripe known as Trippa. Every dish is crafted with meticulous care, ensuring a delightful and unforgettable dining experience.

 

Mecenate

Mecenate is a hidden gem tucked away in one of the quieter corners of Lucca’s historic center. Housed in a former dye workshop, the restaurant blends history and atmosphere with a deep commitment to quality ingredients. Awarded by Slow Food for its dedication to local 0 km products, Mecenate celebrates Lucchese culinary traditions with refined execution.

Their rovelina lucchese is rich and comforting, the tordelli perfectly balanced and full of flavor, and every dish reflects careful attention to seasonal ingredients. Beyond the food, the experience is elevated by a delicate, genuinely warm service that makes you feel welcome rather than attended to. Dining at Mecenate is not just a meal, it’s a quietly memorable moment in Lucca.

Ristorante Lombardo

Ristorante Lombardo is one of those places that never disappoints, the kind of restaurant whose quiet charm turns any dinner into a special occasion. Although it is located outside Lucca’s historic center, it is absolutely worth leaving the walls behind and heading toward a more rural, peaceful area of the city.

Its culinary proposal goes slightly beyond strict tradition. While the foundation is rooted in regional Tuscan dishes, the kitchen introduces subtle creativity and less conventional combinations that elevate each plate without losing authenticity. The elegant dining room, attentive and genuinely warm service, and thoughtfully crafted menu make Ristorante Lombardo an ideal choice for a memorable evening or a special celebration.

Buca di Sant’Antonio

Buca di Sant’Antonio is a reliable choice when it comes to high-quality traditional Lucchese cuisine. Established in 1782, this historic restaurant invites you to become part of its long culinary story, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere that feels both intimate and timeless.

Here, you can enjoy authentic local dishes prepared according to tradition, along with fresh handmade pasta crafted daily. The menu reflects the roots of Lucchese gastronomy, celebrating regional flavors with care and consistency.

Refined Tuscan and Contemporary Cuisine

Il Giglio

Il Giglio is widely recognized as one of the best restaurants in Lucca, known for its refined tasting menus and extensive wine list. The kitchen stands out for its creativity, elevating local ingredients to an exceptional level while maintaining a deep respect for Italian culinary roots.

The menu is inspired by traditional Italian flavors, both meat and seafood, presented in a classic style with subtle modern refinements. The dishes reflect this balance between innovation and tradition.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Il Giglio’s story is that, despite having been awarded a Michelin star, the restaurant chose to relinquish it in order to pursue a more accessible and freer culinary vision, one that allowed the chefs to return to their own interpretation of Italian cuisine without constraints.

Osteria Nova

Osteria Nova is a restaurant that combines elegance, quality cuisine, and attentive service in an intimate and welcoming setting. Each dish feels thoughtfully composed, not only delicious but visually refined, almost like a small work of art.

What truly stands out is the quality of the ingredients. While the cuisine leans toward a refined and creative approach, its foundation remains firmly rooted in traditional Tuscan flavors. Seasonal products take center stage, and classic regional recipes are reinterpreted with subtle modern touches, never losing their authenticity.

The atmosphere is calm and understated, making it an excellent choice for a relaxed yet elevated dining experience in Lucca.

Osteria La Dritta

Osteria La Dritta is a small and charming osteria located in Piazza San Francesco, slightly removed from the busiest streets of Lucca’s historic center. Its relaxed setting and lovely patio create an inviting atmosphere that feels local rather than tourist-driven.

The cuisine is simple yet carefully executed, with a thoughtful selection of wines that complement the menu beautifully. While rooted in tradition, many dishes carry a subtle modern twist, elevating classic flavors without overcomplicating them. Standout plates often include seasonal specials and well-prepared meat dishes, alongside creative starters such as stuffed vegetables.

The warm and attentive service is part of what makes La Dritta memorable. It’s the kind of place that quickly becomes a favorite, equally suitable for a casual weekly dinner or a relaxed evening with family.

Il Grammofono

Il Grammofono is a discreet and elegant restaurant in the heart of Lucca, led by Chef Clara Ferretti. This hidden gem offers a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, ideal for an intimate dinner or a special evening with friends.

What truly sets Il Grammofono apart is its seasonal, rotating menu, which changes monthly to reflect the freshest ingredients available. The cuisine blends global influences with a strong respect for natural flavors, creating dishes that feel creative yet balanced. It’s a place where thoughtful presentation, harmonious ingredients, and attentive service come together to create a memorable dining experience.

Best Pizzerias in Lucca

Funiculì Pizzeria: Best Pizzeria in Lucca

 

Pizzeria Funiculì (Viale S. Concordio, 483, 55100 Lucca LU) is a true Neapolitan pizzeria in Lucca, offering an exceptional casual dining experience. When exploring any Italian destination, seeking out the best pizzeria is a must, and in my opinion, Pizzeria Funiculì embodies the essence of Neapolitan pizzas in Lucca. From the moment you step into the restaurant, you’re greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The extensive menu presents a delightful challenge, with a range of traditional and unique pizza combinations that all sound tempting. Among them, my personal favorite is the Calabrisella, a Margherita-based pizza topped with spicy salami, olives, nduja (a Calabrese spicy spreadable pork sausage), and peperoncino, which perfectly satisfies my love for spicy flavors. What truly sets Pizzeria Funiculì apart is the remarkable taste of their pizzas, crafted with quality ingredients and prepared in the traditional Neapolitan way.

 

Bonny Pizzeria

Bonny Pizzeria is one of the most charming pizza spots in Lucca’s historic center. Its menu offers a wide variety of flavor-packed combinations, where quality ingredients and balanced pairings take center stage.

With every bite, you can taste the freshness and care behind the dough and toppings. Among my personal favorites is the Crudo e Mascarpone, a delicious combination of tomato, prosciutto crudo, and creamy mascarpone. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the Pepperoni, made with fior di latte, spicy salamino, tomato, Parmigiano, and kale, delivers bold flavor without overwhelming the palate.

Bonny strikes a lovely balance between classic Italian tradition and creative touches, making it a reliable choice for a relaxed evening in the center of Lucca.

Pizzeria Sud

Pizzeria SUD brings authentic Neapolitan pizza to Lucca, staying true to the traditions of pizza verace napoletana. The dough is made with carefully selected flours from Molino Quaglia and left to rise for 48 hours before being baked in a traditional wood-fired oven, a process that results in a light, airy crust with just the right balance of structure and softness.

Only carefully sourced ingredients top these pizzas: San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte, buffalo mozzarella, and regional specialties such as Pomodoro del Piennolo and artisanal cured meats. Many products come from small producers deeply connected to their territories, ensuring quality and authenticity in every bite.

The result is a pizza that feels both sophisticated and honest, elevated in flavor yet rooted in the simplicity of great dough and excellent ingredients.

Casual and Local Flavors

Go Do Lucca

 

Go Do Lucca (GOurmet + DOmestico) is a captivating fusion restaurant that bridges the gap between haute cuisine and street food – a culinary blend they affectionately refer to as their ‘Godosofia’ (philosophy). Despite its small local, this gem exudes style and personality, complemented by a warm and friendly staff. But what truly sets it apart is the extraordinary creativity that Chef Massimiliano Vanni infuses into every dish. It’s remarkable how he elevates simple street food classics like buffalo wings, onion rings, and fries into gourmet masterpieces, showcasing a harmonious fusion of flavors. From burgers to sandwiches, each item on the menu is adorned with inventive touches that will undoubtedly tantalize your taste buds.

Mixi Gastrò Pub

 

Every city needs a great hamburger spot, and in Lucca, Mixi Gastropub is my go-to for classic and mouthwatering burger creations. The ambiance is modern and cozy, making it the perfect place for a pleasant meal. Mixi Gastropub serves up some of the best burgers in town, including my personal favorite, the Juicy Lucy. This tantalizing burger is stuffed with cacio e pepe, caramelized onions, guanciale, truffled butter, and homemade mayonnaise, living up to its juicy name. In addition to burgers, the menu offers classic American hamburger accompaniments like chicken croquettes, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and other delectable treats.

Gigliola

Gigliola is the perfect choice when you feel like stepping beyond traditional Italian cuisine and exploring international flavors in a modern and welcoming setting. The menu moves confidently across borders, offering dishes such as Chinese-style ravioli, Thai fried chicken, babaganoush, and bao filled with crispy squid and dill mayonnaise.

Despite its global influences, the kitchen maintains a thoughtful balance of flavors and quality ingredients, while still honoring Italian culinary traditions. Alongside its more international creations, you’ll also find comforting classics such as pappa al pomodoro or tordelli al ragù, ensuring that even those looking for familiar Tuscan flavors won’t be disappointed.

 

Ciacco Bistrot

Ciacco is the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch or casual dinner when you’re not in the mood for something overly elaborate, but simply want to enjoy good food in a charming setting. It’s an ideal place to share a selection of cured meats and cheeses paired with a glass of wine, or to try one of their delicious sandwiches made with freshly baked bread prepared in-house.

Located near Piazza Napoleone, one of Lucca’s most iconic squares, Ciacco offers a magical atmosphere, especially if you can grab a table with a view. It’s simple, flavorful, and effortlessly enjoyable, making it a great choice for an informal yet satisfying meal in the heart of the city.