Il mecenate In Lucca

Clean and quaint place, well ventilated, lunch was good, we'll come back and try something else, the desserts are also good... young and attentive staff...

Locally sourced food Traditional local dishes

Fantastic! We had a wonderful evening. The food was perfect, the service attentive and very friendly, and the view of the square was stunning. You could tell the atmosphere among the staff was really great, too. Thank you so much to everyone!

If you find yourself in Lucca, Il Mecenate at Via del Fosso 94 isn't an option: it's a must. A true trattoria, without frills, where the owner still wanders among the tables, stops, looks you in the eye, and immediately understands what you need. It's not management, it's hospitality in the most ancient sense of the word. His wife is in the kitchen. And it shows. Each dish is prepared with that calm precision that isn't improvised or delegated: the tordelli lucchesi, stuffed with mixed meats with thyme and nutmeg and served with ragù, are a statement of Lucca's gastronomic identity taken to the max. The roast rabbit, the desserts, the consistent quality of locally sourced ingredients. Nothing is left to chance because nothing is left to someone else. Michele, the waiter, is the third pillar of this experience. He has that rare ability to put you at ease without intruding, to advise you without imposing, to read the table before you've even opened your mouth. With him, service becomes part of the meal, not a mere interlude between courses. The terrace overlooking the Church of San Francesco frames it all, and the prices are fair. But the real reason we return is just one: here you eat well, you're treated well, and you leave with the distinct feeling of having spent your time in the right place. Book. Always.

Excellent Lucca food and a charming atmosphere in an ancient restaurant

Excellent cuisine, very friendly staff, willing to explain the dishes. Recommended.

There are lunches that are simple meals and lunches that are stories. Today at Ristorante Mecenate, we took a journey among the small producers who make this land great. 🍷✨ ​The beginning was poetic: Gnocchi allo Zola, but not just any Zola. A cheese made by Monica from Valgiano with the milk of a single, very special cow named Camilla. Knowing where what you eat comes from completely changes your perception of taste. ​We continued with pure tradition: homemade Tacconi with rabbit sauce, coarse and flavorful, exactly as they should be. ​The climax came with a platter of five raw milk cheeses. A mapping of the local pastures that brought together: ​The excellence of Monica Ferrucci from Valgiano; ​The character of Pierpaolo Piagneri from Filattiera; ​The wisdom of the Giorgi family from Castelvecchio di Compito; ​The purity of Il Caprile from Massa. ​To finish on a sweet note, a wafer with shepherd's ricotta and organic lime honey, accompanied by rosé wine from the Valle del Sole winery. A fresh, distinctive, and perfect pairing. 🌸🥂 ​Thanks to the Mecenate for once again being the ambassador of these small, great artisans of taste. And thanks to Mr. Stefano, a super host, to his wife... an exceptional cook, and to all his always professional staff! #FilieraCorta #ToscanaAutentica #GustoLucchese #SlowFood #food

Very nice place, but expensive, and the portions aren't commensurate with the price! As for the quality of the food, it's adequate. With the price tag these days, expectations are high, and in this case, the outcome was disappointing.

Incredible place, you can see a lot of experience and Tuscan tradition, especially Lucca. I can't wait to go back.

Very enjoyable restaurant with good service and interesting and well prepared food in a quirky setting. Bit away from the centre, but with the walk.