2 Best Restaurants in Ascona, Ticino

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.

The Seven Group has taken over little Ascona, with several locations spanning the promenade, including an upscale gastronomic restaurant, a dedicated seafood offering, an Asian-inspired sushi joint, and a casual bistro. If you're not in the mood for fine dining, head to the more relaxed Ristorante Easy, which serves tasty pizza and lighter fare. On Friday and Saturday night, this is the place to see and be seen in the area. Although many restaurants close in the winter, Ristorante Easy is open all year.