There may not be raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens, but these are a few of our favorite things. We’ve asked Lucca’s expat community where they like to go, and this is how we responded. Do you have some favorite places not on the list? You can add your favorite places and services at this link. Our thanks to Mia Muccigrosso who compiles and posts the list from our community recommendations. Reminder: no funds or services are received for these free postings. LuccaNews.Org is a voluntary, non-commercial community blog.
Caffe & Pasticceria
Momus Cafe & Pasticceria
Piazza Santa Maria 23, 55100, Lucca, 058 496470
Lucca has lots of cafes, but Momus is special for two reasons: 1) you can get scrambled eggs there and something like an American breakfast. 2) Momus makes its cornetti fresh every day. Lots of cafes have their pastries shipped in from bakeries, so it’s nice to eat at the source, rather than someplace that’s just an outlet.
Eat inside or out. Outside brings a small cover charge. Open 7 days a week and holidays. Daniele, the owner, speaks some English, and you can practice your Italian on servers Andrea, Sandy, Sonya and Giulia. Recommended by Sandy Brown
H&G Coffee Lounge
Via San Giorgio 36, 058 3995470
Delicious food (i.e. pancakes, bacon and eggs, avocado toast, eggs benedict, home made cakes and pies) and a large variety of coffees, teas and cocktails. Beautiful, elegant ambience. The US/Italian owners are lovely. They have a library of English books to read.
Native English Speaker ~ Recommended by: Diana Stidl
Restaurants
Da Ciacco
Piazza Napoleone, 10, Lucca ~ 058 3570444
Specializes in fresh, fabulous panini, with good wines by the glass. They expanded their seating area to be very comfortable.
Native English Speaker ~ Recommended by: Rick Anderson
StraVinSky
Via Elisa, 37, Lucca 392 9290530
Great owners, fresh products, delicious food (Ukrainian, Italian), nice music and relaxing atmosphere. Rare choice of wines, English speaking wine tastings. People say they have the best hamburger in town.
Good English ~ Recommended by: Tatiana
Bookshops
Etta’s Bookshop
Via Chiasso Barletti 16, Lucca, phone 346 1819887
Etta’s bookshop is a wonderful bookshop that carries a huge variety of English books and gifts. It is named after the owner Giulia Rontani’s cat. Giulia can special order most books. Giulia also offers delivery.
Native English Speaker ~ Recommended by: Diana Stidl
Physical Therapist
Marco Collodi, Dottore in Fisoterapia – Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapist
347 2265729
Marco is a great physical therapist that comes to your house, or you can go to a center that he works at. He came to my house 3 days a week following a total knee replacement. He’s professional, punctual, and friendly. He is near-fluent in English.
Native English Speaker ~ Recommended by: JoAn Ferguson
Massage Therapy
Marta Sandi, Massage Therapist
Two locations: Via Romana 615/R, Lucca & Via Della chiesa 54, Marlia.
Phone: 338 1928384 ~ marta_sandy@yahoo.it
Marta is a wonderful massage therapist. She does house calls upon request. She is located at Via Romana 615/R in Marlia.
Native English Speaker ~ Recommended by: Diana Stidl
Art Classes
Art Ehi, Sarah Hayes
Via San Giorgio 87, phone 333 2747507, https://www.facebook.com/artinlucca
Sarah Hayes offers private, fun art and photography classes for adults and children. Art Ehi is a community space, run by Sarah Hayes, in which art is the core. Sarah is an Australian artist specialized in art installations, with knowledge, training and experience in the Montessori method and teaching. At Art Ehi, kids of all ages, as well as adults, communicate with each other by exploring art. Supplies are provided by the art studio.
Native English Speaker ~ Recommended by: Diana Stidl
Electronics
Electronic Mania
Via V. Veneto, 26, 55100 Lucca LU ~ Phone: 058 3312155
Great shop to assist with all things wifi , tv , phone etc.
Antonio is amazing and will come in and fix the wifi , set up your plan and ensure you are on a good plan.
Native English Speaker ~ Recommended by: Liza Dwyer
Yoga
Wioletta Kowalska yoga
https://wiolettakowalska.com, 347 9573742
Facebook @WiolettaKowalskaYoga
Wioletta is a Yoga teacher, holistic operator-massage.
As an foreigner myself here in Lucca, I was looking for a yin yoga class and I quickly found Wioletta’s yoga classes and started practicing straight away. I like very much Wioletta’s commitment, professionalism, enthusiasm and spirit. She offers different types of yogaclasses such as Ashtanga Vinyasa, slow flow, Yoga Nidra in various studios in Lucca. Also, she organizes regularly longer session (90min yin yoga) or dedicated weekend such as yoga and trekking, meditation weekend, open air yoga session and so on. I appreciate a lot her initiatives and various approach. For any outsider, foreigner or italian I highly recommend Wioletta’s Kowalska classes. Professional and friendly atmosphere
Native English Speaker ~ Recommended by: Valerie Chaperon Giusti
Touring
The Tuscan Wanderer
Giovanni and Loreal Palmieri, phone 366 4162266, info@mysite.com,https://www.thetuscanwanderer.com/
The Tuscan Wanderer is highly recommended for doing the best small group, private tours all over Tuscany and Naples. The tours are custom made and personalised to each customers interest. Giovanni also offers wine tasting tours and airport pick up to/from Florence, Pisa and Milan. The van has room for up to 7 people
Native English Speaker ~ Recommended by: Diana Stidl
Hair Stylists
Sayyida Walaji
392 3510725
Sayyida is the hair dresser of most expats in Lucca. She works out of her home near Capannori. She used to work for Tony&Guy salons in England. Her cutting technique is the best, especially for short hair. Have your hair washed before you go.
Native English Speaker ~ Recommended by: Diana Stidl
Handyman Service
Neil Stoddart Handyman Services
Neil Stoddart Handymen Service
754 6403326
Neil Stoddart is the preferred handyman of many expats in Lucca. He is on time, efficient, calm and reasonably priced. He provides high quality work.
Native English Speaker ~ Recommended by: Diana Stidl
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