Sometimes, the most memorable discoveries happen by accident.
Just yesterday, my wife and I headed to Purara, a flower arrangement store we had been meaning to visit. Itโs tucked inside a charming renovated building in the Nagara area of Gifu City. When we arrived, the shop was unfortunately closedโthe owner wasnโt in. But instead of leaving, we lingered for a bit, drawn in by the inviting atmosphere of the building.
Thatโs when we noticed La Lucanda, an Italian restaurant on the second floor. Something about the wooden beams, the light spilling through the windows, and the warm scent of coffee made us pause. We stepped insideโand found ourselves welcomed not just with food, but with heartfelt connection.
We were greeted by Luca, an Italian chef from Bergamo, and his wife, who handles the exquisite desserts. Our simple curiosity turned into a lovely, spontaneous chat about their life in Japan, their philosophy around food, and how La Lucanda came to be. Their story felt deeply personalโand quietly inspiring.
We ordered:
- A perfectly brewed Bialetti Italian coffee
- A unique and delicate pine corn fermented beverage, which we later learned is very likely mugolioโa traditional Italian syrup made by fermenting young green pine cones. Itโs earthy, slightly tangy, and aromatic, with flavors rooted in the mountain regions of northern Italy.
- And a comforting dessert of sweet potato cake with caramel salt ice cream
Every bite and sip was a quiet celebration of quality and craft. But what truly stayed with us was the warmth of the space and the people behind it.
We loved it so much that I decidedโon the spotโthat this would be the perfect place to celebrate my wifeโs upcoming birthday.
๐ด About La Lucanda
La Lucanda is a cozy, wood-accented Italian restaurant helmed by Chef Luca Rattua-da, who trained in Paris and London. Together with his wife, he offers seasonal menus full of creativity and soul. Whether youโre after a special dinner course or a simple but beautifully made espresso and dessert, youโll find something memorable here.
Itโs located inside &n๏ผใขใณใใณ๏ผ, a renovated wooden complex that also houses lifestyle shops like Purara. The restaurant offers warm, wooden interiors and a serene view of the Nagara Districtโan atmosphere that invites conversation, stillness, and appreciation.
๐๏ธ Combine it with a Local Cultural Stop
Right nearby is the ้ท่ฏๅทใใใใใฅใผใธใขใ (Nagaragawa Ukai Museum), which showcases the traditional practice of cormorant fishing on the Nagara River. A visit to the museum can be easily paired with lunch, cafรฉ time, or dinner at La Lucanda, making for a deeply satisfying cultural and culinary outing in Gifu.
๐ Address & Contact
La Lucanda๏ผใฉ ใซใซใณใ๏ผ
ใ502-0071 ๅฒ้็ๅฒ้ๅธ้ท่ฏ158-2 &n 2F
Phone: 058-213-3383
Website: https://lalucanda.jimdofree.com
Instagram: @la_lucanda
- Lunch: 11:30โ14:00 (last order)
- Cafe time: 14:00โ17:30
- Dinner: 18:00โ20:00 (only Fri/Sat/Sun/Holidays or by reservation)
- Closed: Mondays and irregular holidays
- Parking: Available (6 spaces)
If you ever find yourself in the Nagara areaโwhether for sightseeing, a quiet afternoon by the river, or a visit to the Nagaragawa Ukai MuseumโLa Lucanda is well worth a stop. Itโs the kind of place that invites you to slow down, enjoy honest food, and connect with the people behind it. A small, charming Italian restaurant with a big heart.
Experiences - Life - Inspiration ๐จ๐ญ๐ฏ๐ต 
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