Not far from Bagni di Lucca on the road to Gallicano, Al Barchetto is a great place to have lunch. I have passed it many times and finally made my way there on a lovely autumn day.
The restaurant is set beside a fishing lake.
The interior is bright and cheerful, and the service is much the same.
We ordered the workman’s lunch for ā¬10 and it was excellent.
The restaurant has a tradition of home style cooking and quality service. Their hand made tordelli has been mentioned a few times by those in the know, so I am going to order that next time. We saw some very delicious looking meals being delivered all around us…maybe a few visits are necessary.
The summer outdoor setting had just closed when we were there. In summer it would be wonderful to sit by the lake.
Al Barchetto. Via Magenta 71
0583 75773
Bella Bagni di Lucca 
Nice place indeed – we ate there about two months ago
It is a great setting and the food is good, what more could you want?
YUM! Great surroundings and tasty-looking food. Although I was a bit surprised to see French fries in an Italian restaurant — I guess their appeal is universal! š
French fries are popular everywhere, there is no avoiding them.
This looks like a wonderful place to enjoy lunch on a summer day…I’m sure you will be returning.
It is not far from Ponte a Serraglio, so it could become a regular place for lunch.
Great recommendation! We will go there next time!
I’m sure you will like it.
Another plus is the Tiro della Forma (to your right as you come to the bottom of the drive that leads to the restaurant). This is the cheese throwing sport that dates back to Etruscan times. It’s a men’s club owned by the same family that owns the restaurant, but you can watch this arcane sport even if you’re not a member. Best at weekends.
Does it happen regularly? I would love to see it.
The owner Matteo told me that the best times are Sat & Sun between 12.30 & 18.00, obviously when it’s not raining. We were talking in summer and I didn’t ask whether it’s as popular in winter. If you go, let me know. They also sell pecorino cheese there, not the ones that have been thrown!
debra: that is quite a deal for that amount of high quality food. wow. i cant wait to try it sometime.
With a workman’s lunch you usually get first course, second course, side dish, water and wine…excellent value.