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Lunch spot as driving out of Florence

I am picking up a rental car in Florence around noon this summer and driving towards the Lucca area.
I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a restaurant out of the center but nearby that is worth stopping at for lunch that is car friendly.
Thanks!

Posted by
17823 posts

I assume you pick up the car at the FLR airport, which is very convenient for getting on the freeway to Lucca, since it's basically at the A11 freeway entrance to Lucca.

I wouldn't bother to stop at a restaurant before getting on the freeway. Most restaurants in the area near the airport (an industrial area) are Asian restaurants catering the many Chinese workers there. Also you might get lost in the city streets. So get on the freeway and stop at an Autogrill on the freeway rest stops. They are good.

The closest after the airport is actually a Chef Express (similar chain)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/G67xGT6UucxpRn3F8
But about 30 min later, half way to Lucca, there is an actual AutoGrill:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QW6YSNCzkC4wKZDA9

Either would be convenient and car friendly. Otherwise just wait till you get to destination. Lucca is less than one hour away from the FLR airport and most restaurants stay open for lunch from 12:30 to 2:30p. You can also pick up the car a bit earlier. If you book for noon, you can go earlier and they still give you a car earlier.

Posted by
35 posts

Thanks, Roberto!
This was a rather specific request and I appreciate the response.
I am actually picking up/returning at the central Florence location because I will end my trip in Florence and it seemed most convenient to return the car in the center since that is close to where I will be staying.

I probably should have also mentioned that this will be on a Sunday so many restaurants may be closed.

The AutoGrill is an interesting suggestion though further away than I was planning on. I have been to some a long time ago and they were surprisingly good.
I was hoping there might be a good spot that is just a little out of the center so that it would be reasonable to stop with a car, but maybe that is too much trouble.
Thanks!