Pisa and Lucca restaurant recommendations please
 

Seeking memorable restaurants, walking distance within the city centers, any price range, thanks

For Lucca, Buca di San Antonio is the best. Moderate to expensive.

Agree enthusiastically with Buca di San Antonio in Lucca. Also try Da Leo in Lucca - not as elegant but alot of fun, less expensive and good food.

Hi, I respect Bob The Navigator´s advise a lot, however I must confess that in 2001 we had lunch at in Bucca di San Antonio and were dissapointed.<BR>It seems to me that some restaurants after they are listed as the best in most guide books etc. and tourists , as we did, fill their tables day after day lower their quality.In a way it is only human. We are American Italians , who I believe know a thing or two about ITalian Cuisine,and were quiet dissapointed in the food. The service and the ambiance was OK. On our way out of Lucca, we were there only for the day ( big misstake too) we asked a local lady and she agreed with us mentioning other choices but I do not remember them .:-( Next time I shall ask a local,........)

Cont: In Pisa we liked<BR><BR>Al Ristoro dei Vecchi Macelli, Casa Mia and Da Gino , but PLEASE avoid<BR><BR>Da Bruno in via Bianchi, it WAS TERRIBLE. ( this place is listed in several books but believe me NOW is very , very, BAD)<BR><BR>Regarding Lucca although I am not sure ,I think the local lady recommeded Puccini .

Thanks!<BR>I'm wondering if da Leo in Lucca has the same owners as the one in Miami Beach.

Restaurant Stephani on the outskirts of Lucca is a fabulous restaurant. We took friends there for dinner a few months ago and with all the places we went to this was their favorite as it is mine. Inexpensive to Moderate, I'd say with wine about $30 a person and you will eat like a king. Try the porcini on polenta and liver crostini, they are to die for. The fresh pastas are heavenly. 10 minutes outside of Lucca.

HI,<BR><BR>In March 2001 we had a delicious meal at a place in Pisa on via del Castelletto, off the Piazza dei Cavalieri. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name but it is under the Hotel Rinascente. Maybe someone else on the forum will know the name??<BR><BR>

Just returned from a week in Lucca, and fixed most of our meals at our villa with fresh Tuscan veggies, etc, but another Fodorite suggested da Leo and it was a very unique, wonderful experience. Very local, very excellent menu, reasonable prices and extremely helpful, friendly staff and owner. However, if looking it up for a reservation (and it was full when we went, so we were glad to have one) look under Trattoria da Leo. Great place!!

We ate at a place called Da Giulio, can't remember the street. We seemed to be the only tourists--the place was filled with local appearing businessmen. It was in town, but I could not give you directions. A local told us about it and we loved it. Have a great trip!

Ate in Da Giulio this spring. Yes, full of locals (as in McDonald's). The food was pedestrian or to put it another way; food as fuel. It was OK but nothing outstanding. Restaurant has no pretenses. Via delle Conce 45 (P.za S. Donato). <BR><BR>If you are in Pisa highly recommend Osteria dei Cavalieri ( via san frediano 16). Again, a restaurant with no pretentions but with super food. Every was top notch. [ grilled veggies, clams, ravioli, grilled calamari, rocket and parmesan salad, pear tart, semifreddo, wine and coffee]I assume it hasn't chnged since this May.

I second the vote for Osteria dei Cavalieri. I went in June and had probably the most memorable meal I've ever had - a must have for starter is the fried dough with Parma ham, unbelievable! Don't miss it. I've also just got back from Lucca this weekend! I had a great meal in the restaurant all'Olivo, but reservations in the evening are a must. I also saw the restaurant Buca di sant Antonio in Lucca, it looks beautiful, and I heard very good comments about it whilst I was there..........buon appetito!