We are very lucky in Bagni di Lucca to have many wonderful bars to choose from. Catene Cafe in Fornoli is a favourite. It has recently had a make over and is better than ever. Congratulations to Paolo, Yanima and the team.
Catene Cafe serves deliciois pastries, sandwiches and coffee and the service is great. They do an excellent aperitivo in the evenings.
Drop in for aperitivo.
We have missed Bar Italia in Ponte a Serraglio for the last 12 days. Annalisa reopened the bar in spectacular style with a party. Friends came from near and far.
There was music and lots of food and wine.
Our lovely baristas were back on deck.
The cabinets were full of delights…as usual.
The counter was covered in flowers.
I had a quick look at the new area.
I have chosen my seat for breakfast every morning.
I love the new area!
The new Tabacchi setup looks good.
I think my favourite young customer has set the mood for the revamped Bar Italia.
The party went well into the night and fun was had by all.
Congratulations Annalisa and crew. The expanded Bar Italia is a great success and I look forward to many breakfasts, lunches and aperitivo.
When I tell my friends in Australia that I go to the bar for breakfast every morning when I am in Italy they look a bit surprised. In Australia you go to a bar to drink alcohol. In Italy you go to a bar to do everything…breakfast coffee and pastry, meet friends for a light lunch and head back again in the evening for aperitivo. It is the very best place to gather and socialise.
We are lucky in Bagni di Lucca to have great bars. Bar Roma in Bagni di Lucca Villa has been in the Tomei family for decades. Some handed down recipes appear in the form of Nonna’s budino, home made foccacia for delicious sandwiches, gelato and much more.
Bar Roma has recently added a covered area to meet when it is hot, cold, raining or sunny…perfect.
After breakfast my favourite time is aperitivo. I think it should happen all over the world.
As soon as I get back to Bagni di Lucca I’m heading up to Bar Roma to eat a budino!
Bar Roma, 124 Viale Umberto I
Phone…+39 0583 179 8017
For 4 days we get to sit down to enjoy a coffee! I did just that this morning at Bar Italia in Ponte a Serraglio. It is difficult to choose which pastry to have.
Annalisa makes excellent panettone. They are beautifully packaged and will make great Christmas gifts.
After 4 days we go back to red and back to takeaway coffee.
My second venture out for coffee was to Catene Cafe in Fornoli. 
It was great to see Paolo and Yanima…and the coffee and sfoglia were excellent as usual.
Every effort has been made to make the situation as safe as possible in this uncertain time. I will be back…It is great to be out and about again.
Paolo was the first person I met when I came to Bagni di Lucca. He is one of the reasons I came to love the village. It was great to see his happy face every morning at the bar across the bridge, and I missed him when he left.
He has just opened a brand new bar/cafe in Fornoli called Catene Cafe, named for the nearby bridge.
Call in and say hello to Paolo…have a coffee, lunch or an aperitivo. As soon as he has his gelateria up and running I will be back to get some more photos. Paolo makes the best gelato. I can’t wait to sample some of his pistachio, or nociola, or caramello…..
Good luck Paolo in your new venture!
Bella Bagni di Lucca 