Staying in Lucca for 3 nights May 12-14. Any recent "discoveries" for restaurants or things to do that my wife and I should know about?
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Two restaurant recommendations: Tratorria da Leo in the middle of town - just across from the main square. It also own an outdoor patio on the next block south which is great for lunch and a glass of wine. The other place I really like is on the way to the Porta Elisa on the east side of the old town. Gli Orti di Via Elisa. Lucca has wonderful food.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
There is a deconsecrated church close to the main square that has evening concerts featuring two students from the local opera school. It's a complete roll of the dice, as you never know who is going to be performing. We were in Lucca for three nights and went every evening. The first night was amazing, featuring a baritone who should be at the Met. The next two evenings featured tenors who were embarrassingly terrible. Picture here: http://tinyurl.com/concertvenueLucca
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10711 posts
We had dinner at Tratorria da Leo and it was very good. If you don't have a reservation and you want to eat outside, show up when they open for dinner. I think they open at 7:30. For things to to, I really liked riding bikes around the walls.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
And if you're interested, here are some pictures I took when we were in Lucca in 2008: http://tinyurl.com/LuccaPics2008 Click on the "Show Info" option in the upper right corner for a little explanation of each picture.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, U.S.A.
251 posts
Gelato: Gelateria Veneta has some of the best fruit flavors in the area. I would definitely recommend trying that. Also, I'm not sure how much of a "discovery" it is, but if the weather is nice, definitely rent a bike to circle around the town; very fun and relaxing. Enjoy your travels!
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA, USA
45 posts
Michael - - the pictures are great, thanks. We leave in 3 weeks, so the excitement is really starting to build. Did anyone go visit the town of Barga when they stayed in Lucca?
Posted by
Shawnee, OK, USA
396 posts
Best pizza in Lucca was a M'Brianna across from Ostella San Friediano. Leo is also good (as mentioned by previous posters). We were there 3 days two weeks ago. Know a great shop for leather purses and a wonderful shop for perfume, lotion, soaps. Send me an email if you want those address and I will find them. I agree with the Puccini performances in the church each evening. Fun evening.
Strolls and bikes on the wall are great.