Il Cuore - LUCCA

This small restaurant is really worth a visit if you are in the area. Excellent freshly prepared Italian cuisine

We had an excellent Insalata Boheme and a very good pizza here on our last evening in Lucca 17th September The initial welcome was pleasant but the waiter decided at some point to change his manner which then became surly and almost rude. We would love to visit again soon but there are so many other places in Lucca which we have enjoyed over several visits so maybe not!!

We have been visiting Lucca for over 20 years. This was our first trip since COVID and needless to say, the highlight of our visit, was the experience we had at Il Cuore. If you want to experience the most authentic ragu or the most amazing array of alternative cheeses, please do not bypass this place. The welcome was fantastic and Renato is truly the most attentive front of house gentleman. He is dedicated and knowledgeable about wines and food etc. He really made the experience enjoyable. Their array of hams, wine and treats are to die for. Try and get a table outside if the weather permits as it is situated on the corner of a quaint square with a great deal of character. My suggestion is to try a nice bowl of pasta with real ragu to start with and whatever else tantalises you. Thank you Matteo (chef) for taking the time to chat. Cannot wait to see you all again!

So many places to choose from in Lucca but we chose this one partly because it was away from the most popular part of Lucca. We were not disappointed, excellent variety and our dishes were most definitely made to order. Why do people complain they have to wait when the food arrives so fresh and beautifully prepared and presented? Three of us chose a salad, one of 'polpi ' the first time it had been eaten and it was delicious and the other two had the finest ingredients of salad leaves, tomatoes, cheese and anchovies etc. The house wine was excellent and the service so kind and friendly. Admittedly one waiter was a little brusque but he was good at his job and feel he may just have had difficulty communicating with people and was fine if asked a direct question. I only mention this because another review says he was grumpy and I think that is unfair.

Nice place, delicous local food, they offer glutenfree pizzas! Well worth a try if you search for genuine local food.