OSTERIA DEL PODERE — Restaurant in Lucca

Osteria Podere Micheli-Lucca, Italy Osteria Podere is located in Piazza Dell’Anfiteatro. Once a 2nd-century Roman amphitheater, the plaza is still the same shape but surrounded by houses, apartments, shops, and restaurants. We chose the outside seating in the plaza on a sunny day last April. The piazza has several restaurants hustling for visitors and locals to come eat and drink with them. We looked at Osteria Podere’s menu and two-euro spritzer special, and we were in. The spritzer was tasty and not just juice, so we decided this was the place for lunch. We ordered one of their charcuterie platters, as they have a variety, and what a platter! The different house made salumis were fabulous. Some had hints of heat, which I love. The shaved prosciutto was as good as any I’ve had in Italy. All the meats were so tender and juicy, they woke up our taste buds for the day. The different cheeses were every bit as tasty as the meat. I love the melt-in your mouth texture of the different Italian cheeses, which had those qualities. The platter also had an olive spread and pate’ that paired with the meats and cheese perfectly. An unexpected bonus was that Osteria Podere makes its own microbrews. I had to have one to accompany the tray. It was excellent. The next morning, we returned for a delicious cappuccino and croissant but were on our way to the next adventure. Osteria Podere has an extensive menu that we will sample on our next...

Unfortunately it was a fail. After waiting 45 minutes for 2 pizza, we asked a waitress how long it would take. The restaurant was half empty and the waiter responsible for us always looked at us without ever asking. The empty beverage can was constantly blown away and he didn't take it of the table. Eventually we were told that our order was not forwarded to the kitchen. After 65 minutes the pizza finally arrived. These were okay. After all we paid 1€ for the service instead of 3€, but I would have preferred paying nothing for...

A real disappointment! We could not finish a shared mussels plate together as it was so bad. The main dishes were served with huge delays and they were ‘acceptable’ at most. The waiters were overlooking our shoulders, and the masks (covid times) were only for display. The state of the bathroom was also unacceptable. Please choose any other restaurant nearby, or simply go to another square if this one is too busy! Otherwise, prepare yourself for disappointment - even after reading...