The story
Al Tambellini 1870 has served traditional Tuscan cooking in Lucca since the late nineteenth century. The Giuntini family now guides the kitchen, treating time-honored recipes as living documents rather than museum pieces. Their approach relies on trusted local suppliers who deliver seasonal produce directly to the prep tables. This steady supply chain keeps the Italian cooking grounded in the territory while maintaining consistent standards across every course.
The menu anchors its identity on regional staples like tordelli lucchesi and spaghetti Martelli prepared with a white ragù and roasted rovelline mushrooms. Guests often request the zuppone di Sant’Alessio, which combines bitter lupinaro herbs with stale bread and vine tomatoes. The kitchen also turns familiar ingredients into precise compositions, such as salsiccia in dolce forte paired with slow-cooked red beans or roasted salt cod served alongside crisp artichokes. A light clafoutis typically closes the progression.
Recognition from the ilGolosario guide recently highlighted how seamlessly the venue bridges daytime coffee stops and full dinner service. The Giuntinis maintain an immaculate floor staff and a carefully curated wine cellar that complements the traditional Tuscan cooking on offer. Large windows frame the central street outside, while a dedicated outdoor terrace opens during warmer months. Patrons can settle into a relaxed setting without sacrificing the rigorous attention to detail that defines the operation.
Recognition
Ambience
Location