27/01/2025: Enchanting place located in the hills of Lucca, typical dishes executed to perfection and the fries are absolutely worth trying, I recommend both in winter, in the internal room and in summer in their enchanting pergola overlooking the plain
08/01/2025: An Evening at Ristorante Il Vipore
The road to Ristorante Il Vipore began with one curve after another, enveloped in the darkness of the evening and the silence of the Lucca hills. Starting from Lucca, the journey lasted about fifteen minutes, a route that requires calm and attention, especially for those, like me, who are not used to driving on such winding roads. Despite some initial hesitation, the panorama glimpsed in the few illuminated stretches began to create a sense of anticipation for the destination.
Once at the restaurant, the location immediately compensated for every little difficulty of the journey. The structure is welcoming, with a rustic and well-kept atmosphere. The main room, with the fireplace lit, transmitted a warmth that seemed to invite you to relax and enjoy the evening. The outdoor spaces, visible even in the dark, promised a splendid view during the day, a detail that I could not ignore as I entered for the end-of-year company dinner.
Dinner
I was curious to test the fame of Vipore for the quality of its cuisine, but the experience, unfortunately, did not live up to expectations. With a large group of colleagues, what I had read in some reviews emerged: the restaurant seems to suffer a bit from the pressure of managing large tables.
The appetizers were good, with fresh and tasty cured meats and cheeses, but already from the first courses a decline was noticeable. The pasta was well seasoned, but some dishes seemed to be prepared in a hurry. The real slip, however, came with the second courses: overcooked steaks and slightly heavy side dishes. The desserts partially saved the evening, with a tiramisu that, despite everything, left a good final flavor.
Service and atmosphere
The staff was courteous, but even in this case the organization seemed to suffer from the amount of work. A few too many waits and a service that was not always synchronized somewhat affected the atmosphere of the evening. However, the ambiance remains one of the strong points of Vipore: dining by the fireplace, surrounded by a warm and relaxing atmosphere, was still pleasant.
Conclusion
Leaving the restaurant, while I was once again tackling the curves in the dark of night, I couldn’t help but think that Vipore is a place to experience in another context. It is probably perfect for an intimate dinner or a small group of friends, where the food and service can shine without pressure.
For a business dinner like mine, however, the result was more contrasting. It was not as memorable an evening as I had hoped, but Vipore remains a place I would like to try again, perhaps as a couple or with a few friends, to truly discover its potential.
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