Ticino Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Ticino - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

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  • 1. Osteria del Centenario

    $$

    Across from the waterfront east of the town center, this unashamedly nouvelle restaurant serves innovative Franco-Italian cuisine that's absolutely top quality. You can have an aperitif on the lakefront terrace before sitting down to a meal in a chic environment with warm terra-cotta tiles and dark-wood furniture. There are meal plans to suit every wallet, from the moderately priced business lunch to the lavish five-course menu de dégustation (sampling menu). 

    Viale Verbano 17, Muralto, Ticino, 6600, Switzerland
    091-7438222
    https://osteriacentenario.ch/it/Ilristorante.html

    Known For

    • Tender lamb steaks served with herb-infused vegetables
    • Varied selection of menus
    • Intriguing display of modern art on the walls

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.

  • 2. Antica Osteria del Porto

    $$

    Shaded by a grove of plane trees, this eatery's superb terrace is one of the most romantic in town, and chef Domenico Rezza pursues nuova cucina (contemporary Italian cuisine) with ambition and flair, proving he has real culinary dazzle. Casual yet sophisticated cuisine reigns, with regional Italian dishes as well as local favorites like freshly caught lake fish all subtly featuring unusual flavor combinations.

    Via Foce 9, Lugano, Ticino, 6900, Switzerland
    091-9714200
    anticaosteriadelporto.ch

    Known For

    • Atmospheric, shaded terrace for summer dining
    • A "create your own" tiramisù dessert
    • Open on Sunday

  • 3. Casa del Popolo

    $$

    The politics lean left at this town classic, where the sprawling terrace spills out onto the square, and the crowds come more for the ambience than the food. Among the Italian favorites, the amazingly delicate piccata alla Milanese (veal cutlets pounded thin, coated in egg, and sautéed) is a standout. Also popular are the spicy penne all'arrabbiata (pasta with a spicy tomato sauce) or any of the 20 varieties of pizza. Red-checkered tablecloths and occasional appearances by local politicos round it all out.

    Piazza Corporazione, Locarno, Ticino, 6600, Switzerland
    091-7511208

    Known For

    • Nearly two dozen varieties of pizza
    • Appearances by local celebrities and politicos
    • Spicy penne all'arrabbiata is a classic

  • 4. Osteria Nostrana

    $$

    The tables of this bustling restaurant spread onto the piazza overlooking the lake, while inside rough wooden ceilings, marble-top tables, chandeliers, and a hodgepodge of photos and posters add to its charm. Look for the spaghetti with porcini, bacon, and cream, along with daily and seasonal specials. If you haven't met your weekly pizza quota, try the simple Margherita—a crispy classic that never goes out of style. The wine list, with more than 100 Italian and Swiss vintages, deserves consideration.

    Piazza Motta, Ascona, Ticino, 6612, Switzerland
    091-7915158
    www.ristoranti-ff.ch

    Known For

    • Extensive wine list
    • Simple, tasty pizza Margherita
    • Can be crowded

  • 5. Ristorante La Tinera

    $ | Old Town

    Tucked down an alley off Via Pessina, this cozy basement taverna squeezes loyal locals and tourists onto hard wooden chairs and benches for authentic regional specialties, hearty meats, and pastas. Ticinese wines are served in traditional ceramic bowls—try a strong red to cut through the thick polenta taragna, made of cornmeal and buckwheat (once you try it, you will never eat the bland yellow version again), served with luganighe, cumin-flavored local sausages. End your meal with strong espresso matched with light, melt-in-your-mouth tiramisu.

    Via dei Gorini 2, Lugano, Ticino, 6900, Switzerland
    091-9235219

    Known For

    • Budget-friendly traditional meals
    • Melt-in-your-mouth tiramisu
    • Wine served in handmade boccalini

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Aug.

  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Ristorante Orologio Lugano

    $$ | Old Town

    Snow-white tablecloths and chairs stand out against shiny, dark hardwood floors in this open, minimalist restaurant. The attentive staff and personable owner are quick to bring you modern Italian dishes and a fine selection of fresh fish, as well as vegetarian-pleasing delights like balsamic-marinated tofu with grilled vegetables. They also retreat to let you linger over coffee. Favored by locals, it's one of the few greats in town, with few or no tourists in sight.

    Via Giovanni Nizzola 2, Lugano, Ticino, 6900, Switzerland
    091-9232338
    ristoranteorologiolugano.ch

    Known For

    • Locals rather than tourists
    • Courteous, friendly staff
    • Elegant surroundings

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and 2 wks in Aug.

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