Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
VILLA BONGI
Ask anyone from Lucca where to lunch on Sunday or flee the city to escape the stifling summer heat
and the reply is invariably
Villa Bongi
( 05 8351 0479;
www.villabongi.it
; Via di Cocombola 640,
Montuolo; meals €20-25; dinner Tue-Sat, lunch & dinner Sun; ), a dreamy salmon-pink man-
sion with stone-balustrade verandah, 7km west of town. Born as a convent, the grand old villa over-
looks olive groves and has a wonderful tree-shaded terrace on which diners feast alfresco on Tuscan
cuisine and green views of soft rolling Lucchesi hills. Pasta is strictly homemade and traditional
dishes enjoy a creative seasonal twist - red-cabbage risotto with gorgonzola fondue, saffron-scented
tagliatelle
(ribbon pasta) with prosciutto and prawns. Come winter, dining is all about snuggling up,
glass of wine in hand, in front of a roaring fire. Advance reservations essential, especially on Sunday
when Lucchese families flock here for Villa Bongi's outstanding-value lunch - three courses, wine,
water and coffee for €20 (kids under 10 years €5).
Shopping
Via Fillungo is the main shopping strip, and what a joy too with its tiny boutiques and car-
free mantra. Don't miss the tiny
microbrewery
at No 90 where you can taste and buy Italian
craft beers.
Premium
MAP
FASHION
GOOGLE MAP
(
www.premiumfashionboutique.it
; Via Fillungo 90; 3.30-7.30pm Mon, 10am-1pm & 3.30-7.30pm Tue-
Fri, 9.30am-8pm Sat)
No fashion boutique has quite so much charm. A 1950s-styled interior
complements the mix of hip contemporary and vintage labels that embrace everything
from cashmere scarves and handmade hats to the latest in shoe design. Casual chic is the
mood.
Vi-Ta Playtime
(
www.vitaplaytime.com
; Piazza Anfiteatro 35; 11am-7pm summer, shorter hr winter)
Exquisite, cre-
ative and wholly unique toys made from cardboard, wood and fabric - all made by hand -
is what Lola Murzina, architect-turned-talented-artisan, does best.
ARTISANAL
Information
