Circolo dei Forestieri opens

Posted on February 10, 2026 by Debra Kolkka

On Saturday night the new incarnation of Circolo dei Forestieri welcomed its first patrons. The evening was a great success and lots of people attended.
The restaurant is in a beautiful setting.

Of course there was delicious food and wine to try.

Attendees had a great time and I’m sure they will all become regulars.

The menu looks excellent. My favourite, pasta fritta con crudo e stracchino, is there, along with lots of new things.
Battuta di Manzo su misticanza, hummus di carote arrosto, ravioli di farina di castagne ripieni di ricotta, guancia di manzo pure di patate e carotine all origami are just a few calling me.
I look forward to seeing and tasting in person when I return to Bagni di Lucca soon. I’m sure everyone in town will be delighted to see Circolo dei Forestieri continuing to be part of the community.

Thank you to the team for sharing the photos with us.

Circolo dei Forestieri closes

Posted on January 3, 2026 by Debra Kolkka

It is with regret that we have said farewell to the current owners of Circolo dei Forestieri in Bagni di Lucca.

We will all miss the smiling face of lovely Rita. She and her team have offered excellent, friendly service and lots of delicious food.

I will miss pasta fritta the most!

It simply was not possible to go to Circolo and not order pasta fritta. It is never as good anywhere else.

I wish Rita and her team the very best in the future. They have left big shoes to fill.

La Corte di Laura

Posted on October 26, 2025 by Debra Kolkka

La Corte di Laura is the restaurant in Granaiola that has taken the place of Biribisso. I went with friends a couple of weeks ago and I was impressed with the delightful service and the delicious food.

I wish I could show you more of the great food, but my friends and I all ordered the same things!

The first dish is the complimentary first taste.

Our first choice was a great success, a light pastry surrounding a wonderful chess filling with a drizzle of local honey.

This was followed by pork medallions and perfectly cooked new potatoes.

We were too full for dolce….next time.

La Corte di Laura is a great addition to the restaurant scene in Bagni di Lucca.

Dinner and magic at Villa Aurora

Posted on September 9, 2025 by Debra Kolkka

Ristorante Villa Aurora was the perfect setting last night for a delicious dinner and a fun magic show .

We all enjoyed Ferdinando’s well prepared food. I really need to come to Villa Aurora more often!

It was difficult to get good photos of magician Richard’s show, but it certainly was a lot of fun. His excellent helpers Christian and Monica did very well under Richard’s guidance. I think Christian might have a life on stage coming up, he is destined to be an entertainer. He is in the red shirt, waiting to be sawed in half….he managed to survive.

Thank you Richard for organising the evening and thank you Ferdinando for your hospitality and lovely local food.

Ristorante Villa Aurora…on the road towards Casabasciana

Phone…(39) 058385600

A fun Sunday

Posted on May 9, 2025 by Debra Kolkka

Fornoli will be the place to be on Sunday 11th May.

The local artist group Borgo degli Artisti with be there with a stand where you can decorate plaster animals created by Arte Barsanti, famous for hand made figurines.

Bar Italia reopens

Posted on April 6, 2025 by Debra Kolkka

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.

An evening of jazz

Posted on March 30, 2025 by Debra Kolkka

The jazz evening in the restaurant at La Ninfa hotel in Ponte a Serraglio was a great success. The music was excellent and the food and wine delicious.

The event was well attended and there will surely be more in spring and summer. Well done everyone involved.

Bar Italia is expanding

Posted on March 22, 2025 by Debra Kolkka

We are very lucky in Ponte a Serraglio to have Bar Italia. It is open from early in the morning until late at night every day of the year. I go every morning for coffee when I am in Ponte a Serraglio, a perfect start to the day.

Recently, owner and barista extraordinaire, Annalisa, took over the Tabacchi beside the bar. The space is being renovated and will reopen soon as an extension of Bar Italia. All Tabacchi services and some new ones will return with the opening on 5th April.

Bar Italia will close from 24th March until 5th April in order to complete the final renovation work. I will certainly miss my morning coffee and aperitivo at Bar Italia!

Jazz at La Ninfa

Posted on March 4, 2025 by Debra Kolkka

At Hotel La Ninfa in Ponte a Serraglio there will be dinner and jazz on Thursday 6th March.

Phone 0583 1390033 for information.

Bar Roma

Posted on January 11, 2025 by Debra Kolkka

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.