Ristorante Erasmo In Lucca

...it's always a pleasure to eat here, with traditional dishes and a top-quality selection, all freshly cooked. The place is warm and welcoming, and the staff is attentive and professional.

A very warm welcome. Very traditional decor respecting it's roots from the year 1760. Restaurant full of both locals, workers and a few visitors. We tried 2 mixed antipasti (1 vegetarian). Both were delicious, followed by a pasta with fresh porcini, pork ribs and polenta and a Tuscan vegetable soup. All delicious- will return. 5 star

Very good restaurant in Lucca. Quality meat, excellent service, superb wines.

We arrived in Ponte a Moriano by chance, returning from a business trip, along with my wife, who had accompanied me. I wanted to give her a little treat for the favor she'd done me by keeping me company, and it was she who noticed the restaurant, which isn't very visible from the street. As soon as I entered, I immediately liked the place: despite it being a normal Tuesday lunchtime, there were plenty of people. They promptly offered us a table in a crowded room, where the tables were barely spaced apart. The room, one of four available, was pleasant but too crowded, so I asked for a more private table: I was granted it instantly and with a smile. This last point is important, because if you treat me like a "difficult" customer, I'll be tempted to be one; if you treat me kindly, I'll be kindly back. I immediately noticed the historic aspect of the place, which, aside from a single wall filled with documents confirming its antiquity, wasn't overly ostentatious. If you want to know, you can; if you don't care, sit down and eat. As a history major, I was very interested, and I immediately went to read the extraordinary documents on display. The trattoria has existed since the mid-eighteenth century. Amazing. Before Italy and Garibaldi, before Napoleon, and even before the Bastille. The temperature inside was just right; not an excessive smell of food, but a little, as it should be. The chatter didn't disturb the atmosphere because the division into several rooms prevented confusion. The menu, appropriately varied but not too "long," offered typical Tuscan dishes, and I settled on tripe, a "poor man's" dish that isn't as common as you might think. I was honestly fascinated by the thought of the thousands of people who had sat down in that place for a hot, flavorful meal for over two centuries. And the meal was just that: flavorful, yet still perfectly capable of allowing you to "separate" the components, to taste them. Tuscan cuisine, compared to that of Lazio, is decidedly less savory, more delicate, and full of soul; just think of the acquacotta, which is delicate even in its name. The synthetic tablecloths aren't up to par: even a simple paper placemat is better, and, of course, a nice white tablecloth is even better, even knowing it will affect the price. The lighting is adequate and the service is prompt; the numerous waiters raised their heads to "capture" the customers, which is by no means a given. In conclusion: do you want luxury, rare food, or chic? This isn't the place for you. Do you want to eat wonderfully, feel history caressing your skin, and spend an absolutely fair amount that's never too high? You're in the right place, in the warm heart of Tuscany. I'll return in the summer to enjoy the beautiful garden, which I wasn't able to see.

Had dinner this evening at Ristorante Erasmo with the love of my life, just outside the enchanting city of Lucca—and what unfolded was nothing short of magical. After an already unforgettable day wandering Lucca’s storybook streets, we arrived at Erasmo expecting a pleasant, perhaps typical, dining experience. Instead, we discovered a place so special it felt like we had been quietly let in on a treasured local secret. We were the only true foreigners in the room, and that alone hinted at something extraordinary. From the moment we stepped inside, we were welcomed with a warmth so genuine it felt like coming home. We were greeted—what seemed to be by one of the owners—with a kindness and grace that set the tone for the entire evening. As we passed through the main room, we caught sight of the open kitchen, which was so immaculate and pristine it practically sparkled—an inspiring reflection of the care and pride behind every dish. We were then guided into a dining room that felt like a beautiful bridge between past and present—perhaps once a family dining space, now thoughtfully updated while still embracing its old-world soul. The atmosphere was intimate, elegant, and deeply comforting. And then came the meal—truly the heart of this unforgettable experience. With a bottle of Antinori Chianti setting the stage, we began our culinary journey. My wife’s homemade ricotta ravioli in sage butter was delicate, rich, and impossibly comforting. My linguine with porcini mushrooms was earthy, refined, and utterly exquisite. We shared every bite, smiling at each other in disbelief—we simply couldn’t choose a favorite, and honestly, we didn’t need to. Both were perfection. The main courses somehow elevated things even further. The veal—whether in a bright, velvety lemon sauce or paired with deeply flavorful porcini mushrooms—was so tender it yielded effortlessly to the gentlest touch of a fork. Every bite was a testament to exceptional ingredients and masterful preparation. The sautéed greens alongside were the perfect, vibrant complement. And just when we thought the evening couldn’t possibly surpass itself, dessert arrived. A homemade apple pie, warm and fragrant, nestled over a luscious custard and crowned with silky vanilla gelato. Paired with a perfectly pulled espresso, it was the kind of ending that lingers not just on the palate, but in memory. We cannot speak highly enough of Ristorante Erasmo. It isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience filled with heart, authenticity, and culinary brilliance. In our eyes, it is beyond five stars. It’s the kind of place you dream of returning to, again and again. Part of us selfishly hopes it remains a hidden gem—but truly, a place this extraordinary deserves to be celebrated.

I don't think this place needs a review, it's a historic place. I ate very well and the price was right. The rooms are beautiful and show off the restaurant's history.

What a wonderful discovery! The pasta with nettles and porcini mushrooms is incredible. The Florentine steak is also very good. The prices are very fair. I'll be back to try more.

I chose to take my family to dinner for my husband's birthday... making a specific request for a dish to be cooked... They promptly accommodated my request even though it wasn't on the menu... All the dishes were delicious; you could taste all the love they put into making them... 110 with honors! Highly recommended for anyone who wants to savor traditional Tuscan cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere. Thank you!

Excellent food, welcoming atmosphere.

Excellent service Highly recommended