Mum in the kitchen, her sons in the dining room

Trattoria Prova opened in 1998 in the historic centre of Lucca, a short walk from the Walls. Mum is in the kitchen and her two sons run the dining room: the rest is done by a small team of four who work like a family.

Every morning the pasta is rolled by hand, from Lucchese tordelli to ricotta and spinach ravioli. The meat comes from farmers in Garfagnana and the vegetables from the family garden. The menu changes with the seasons, which is why you will find farro soup and stewed rabbit in autumn, and other dishes when the weather turns.

Inside we have 45 seats, in a simple dining room where nobody rushes you. In summer the inner courtyard opens, with 20 seats outdoors, peaceful even though you are right in the centre.

We cook the traditional food of the area, with plenty of meat and a few grilled dishes, but we do not forget our vegetarian guests: the menu always has options for you too. We are closed on Mondays and open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

Our guests are families, passing tourists and people who work nearby and want a proper lunch. We want everyone to feel the same thing: that they are at the table with friends.

If you would like a table, fill in the request form: we will reply with availability.