History, Tradition and Where to Taste It

First-time visitors to Lucca are enchanted by its Renaissance walls, cobbled streets and timeless atmosphere. But there’s one experience that wins them over even more: sitting down to enjoy a plate of steaming tordelli lucchesi, served with a rich meat ragù and a generous sprinkle of cheese. This dish embodies the history, culture and soul of the Lucca area.

Origins and history

The tordello lucchese was born in the countryside around Lucca between the late 19th and early 20th century as a Sunday and holiday dish. It was the perfect way to reuse leftover boiled or roasted meat, stale bread and garden greens, turning them into a hearty filling.

The name “tordello” is a local dialect variation of “tortello,” a pronunciation that gives this pasta its distinctive Lucchese identity. Unlike other Tuscan or Emilian versions, the pasta sheet is slightly thicker so it can stand up to cooking and sauce.

The traditional recipe

It starts with fresh egg pasta rolled by hand, filled with a mixture of beef and pork, Swiss chard or spinach, bread soaked in broth, eggs and spices (often nutmeg or marjoram). After being cooked in salted water, the tordelli are served with a meat ragù and topped with Parmesan or Pecorino. Every family guards its own “secret” recipe: some prefer more greens, others more meat, and some add a touch of herbs.

Curiosities and anecdotes

• Star of many village festivals, such as those in Camigliano and Segromigno.

• Local saying: “If there’s no tordello, it’s not Sunday.”

• Differences with the Viareggio or Pisa versions are often hotly debated — a true Lucchese will defend their recipe with pride.

Where to taste it today

To enjoy an authentic tordello lucchese, stop by a country trattoria or a historic osteria inside Lucca’s walls. Many places also offer cooking classes where you can learn to make them by hand — the perfect way to bring a little taste of Tuscany home.

The Lucchese tordello is more than a dish: it’s a family story, a bond with the land, and a celebration of togetherness. Sitting down to a plate of tordelli is like stepping into the history of the Lucca area… one bite at a time.

If you’d like to discover Lucchese cuisine while enjoying an authentic Tuscan experience, Tuscanhouses will guide you in choosing villas, farmhouses, and apartments where you can not only taste tordelli, but also learn how to make them, surrounded by the unique landscapes of our region.