RESTAURANTS, CAFES AND BARS - Florence and Tuscany - page 266

NORTHERN TUSCANY

CASTELNUOVO DI GARFAGNANA Vecchio Mulino

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Via Vittorio Emanuele 12, 55032 Tel [phone] Road map B1
This traditional wine bar has changed little in aspect since the early 1900s. Run by Andrea Bertucci and his family,
it now offers a fine choice of wines, plus some of Italy's best (and rarest) salamis, cold cuts and cheeses. The home-
made quiches and steaming pots of polenta are a further delight. Only one table outside.
LUCCA Da Giulio in Pelleria

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Via delle Conce 47, 55100 Tel [phone] Road map C2
You must book ahead and enter into the spirit of this bright, boisterous and extremely busy neighbourhood
restaurant. This is the reign of hearty local dishes such as zuppa di farro (Tuscan white bean and spelt soup)
and polenta, so expect no gastronomic surprises. The prices are remarkably reasonable.
LUCCA Locanda Buatino

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Via Borgo Giannotti 508, 55100 Tel [phone] Road map C2
The eatery attached to this traditional inn also caters to locals who appreciate good food at extremely reasonable
prices. So don't be alarmed at the lack of a menu with prices. Choose from the great soups, various pasta dishes,
and secondi such as salt cod, pig's liver, sausages and beans. Good house wine and home-made desserts.
LUCCA Vecchia Trattoria Buralli

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Piazza Sant'Agostino 10, 55100 Tel [phone] Road map C2
Exceptionally vegetarian-friendly, this trattoria provides a complete vegetarian menu on Friday evenings. Try the
vegetable-based zuppa alla frantoiana . For dessert, go for buccellato di Lucca , a warm pudding of fried bread,
anise and raisins soaked in Vin Santo. The wine list features Luccan recipes and wines.
LUCCA Buca di Sant'Antonio

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Via della Cervia 3, 55100 Tel [phone] Road map C2
This duly restored 19th-century tavern, with an excellent location, serves classic local fare with the occasional
innovative touch. The stuffed rabbit en croute with mushrooms is excellent. In winter, several dishes feature
locally-grown chestnuts. Try buccellato , the tasty local pudding. Interesting wines.
LUCCA Giglio

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Piazza del Giglio 2, Lucca, 55100 Tel [phone] Road map C2
Occupying an 18th-century palace decorated with grand frescoes and chandeliers, Giglio's restaurant serves tradi-
tional cuisine made from the freshest local ingredients. Try fresh spelt pasta with rabbit sauce or the excellent spaghetti
with crab pulp. The dining room is elegant, and there is an atmospheric terrace overlooking the Teatro Giglio.
LUCCA La Mora

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Via Ludovica 1748, Località Ponte Moriano, 55029 Tel [phone] Road map C2
Situated 9 km (5.5 miles) from Lucca, this nicely appointed restaurant focuses on local cuisine, using prime
produce, much of it home-grown. Start with the exquisite ravioli with a hint of marjoram, best followed
by the pigeon casserole. The desserts usually comprise cialda garfagnanina , a sort of creamy pancake.
LUCCA Vipore

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Pieve Santo Stefano 44-69, 55100 Tel [phone] Road map C2
Located 8 km (5 miles) from Lucca in the surrounding hills, this 18th-century farmstead offers amazing views and an
excellent opportunity to explore the Tuscan landscape. Seasonal produce is used to create dishes such as tagliata di
manzo alla erbe aromatiche (strips of beef with aromatic herbs). Wide range of Tuscan wines.
MONTECATINI Ristorante Montaccolle

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Via Marlianese 27, 51016 Tel [phone] Road map C2
Just outside Montecatini, this restaurant has an ideal location, overlooking both the town and the valley below, a
relaxed atmosphere and exceptional hospitality. The excellent cuisine is typically Tuscan - try the Spaghetti al Chianti
- and the interior is rustic. For the best views choose a table outside.
MONTECATINI TERME Enoteca Giovanni

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Via Garibaldi 25-27, 51016 Tel [phone] Road map C2
Chef Giovanni Rotti's approach to local cuisine is both innovative and winningly in keeping with the fine collection
of wines in his cellar. This memorable dining experience is further enhanced by superb service. Try his pigeon with
grapes and pine nuts, and seek his assistance in choosing what to drink with it.
PESCIA Cecco

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Via Francesco Forti 96/98, 51017 Tel [phone] Road map C2
This quiet, easy-going restaurant is the best place to sample Pescia's famous asparagi (asparagus). Other examples of
traditional fare include pollo al mattone (chicken cooked under a brick) and fagioli al fiasco (beans cooked in a flask).
On cold days, try the pudding - cioncia - a delicious house speciality.