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. Castelgrande

    $$$

    The oldest of the city's castles boasts a chic, modern restaurant that offers a serious experience, with daringly cool, postmodern decor, sophisticated cuisine from chef...

    The oldest of the city's castles boasts a chic, modern restaurant that offers a serious experience, with daringly cool, postmodern decor, sophisticated cuisine from chef Cyrille Kamerzin, and a wine list that includes more than 70 Ticino Merlots. Downstairs, the more casual Grotto restaurant has a lighter atmosphere, and its stunning summer terrace is a great spot to soak up views and sunshine.

    Salita al Castelgrande, Bellinzona, Ticino, 6500, Switzerland
    091-8148781

    Known For

    • Excellent views
    • Extensive selection of local wines
    • Both fancy and casual dining areas

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Mon., and July and Aug.
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  • 2. Grotto della Salute

    $$

    This absolutely authentic, no-frills place pulls in a local crowd for a good bottle of Ticinese wine and a satisfying, contemporary spin on old favorites...

    This absolutely authentic, no-frills place pulls in a local crowd for a good bottle of Ticinese wine and a satisfying, contemporary spin on old favorites like homemade pasta, roasted meat, and fresh fish. The dedicated owners pride themselves on high-quality ingredients with absolutely no additives. In summer, patrons can dine on the terrace under the shade of centuries-old sycamore trees.

    Via Madonna della Salute 10, Massagno, Ticino, 6900, Switzerland
    091-9660476

    Known For

    • Gorgeous outdoor seating area
    • Fresh steak tartare with white truffles
    • Vibrant, traditional atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., 2 wks in mid-Aug. and 2 wks in mid-Jan.
  • 3. 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...

    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

    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.
  • 4. 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...

    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

    Known For

    • Atmospheric, shaded terrace for summer dining
    • A "create your own" tiramisù dessert
    • Open on Sunday
  • 5. 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...

    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
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  • 6. Galleria Arté al Lago

    $$$ | Lungolago

    Extraordinary art in all forms is the trademark of this Michelin-starred location at the atmospheric Villa Castagnola, where paintings and sculptures from a variety of...

    Extraordinary art in all forms is the trademark of this Michelin-starred location at the atmospheric Villa Castagnola, where paintings and sculptures from a variety of artists line the walls and halls and exhibitions change twice yearly. Chef Frank Oerthle has a way with seafood: specialties change seasonally but can include steamed oysters with caramelized spring onion and wasabi-infused scallops. But be sure to save room for the desserts, whose deliberated presentation bring new meaning to the term culinary art.

    Piazza Emilio Bossi 7, Lugano, Ticino, 6900, Switzerland
    091-9732555

    Known For

    • Art gallery ambience you won't find anywhere else
    • Sunlit terrace looks out onto Lake Lugano
    • Capable of seating large parties upon request

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues., Men must wear long pants
  • 7. 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...

    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

    Known For

    • Extensive wine list
    • Simple, tasty pizza Margherita
    • Can be crowded
  • 8. Osteria Sasso Corbaro

    $$

    From the heights of the ancient Castello di Sasso Corbaro, this atmospheric restaurant serves meals inside a beautifully restored hall, and in the summer you...

    From the heights of the ancient Castello di Sasso Corbaro, this atmospheric restaurant serves meals inside a beautifully restored hall, and in the summer you can dine alfresco at sturdy granite tables in the shady, walled-in courtyard. The cooking, Mediterranean with French touches, includes fresh seafood, good local wines round out the experience, and the 45-minute walk up from the rail station is a virtuous prelude to indulging in desserts like creamy panna cotta and homemade tiramisu.

    Via Sasso Corbaro 44, Bellinzona, Ticino, 6500, Switzerland
    091-8255532

    Known For

    • Ice cream–layered tiramisu
    • Historic atmosphere
    • Valley-wide views

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Sun. Closed Mon. and Jan.
  • 9. 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...

    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.
  • 10. Ristorante Locanda del Boschetto

    $$ | Paradiso

    The grill is the first thing you see in this grotto-style eatery specializing in pure and simple seafood alla griglia (grilled). Homemade pasta is another...

    The grill is the first thing you see in this grotto-style eatery specializing in pure and simple seafood alla griglia (grilled). Homemade pasta is another specialty, and when the two are combined, as in the house favorite—linguine allo scoglio (with shellfish)—plates are left cleaner than whistles. The decor is a study in refined linen and rustic wood, and the service is helpful and down-to-earth. The restaurant is at the end of a cul-de-sac in a residential neighborhood, not far from the Lugano South exit on the autostrada.

    Via Boschetto 8, Lugano, Ticino, 6900, Switzerland
    091-9942493

    Known For

    • Seafood specialties
    • Quiet, residential location
    • Friendly, down-to-earth staff

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and last 2 wks of Aug., Reservations essential
  • 11. 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...

    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

    Known For

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

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and 2 wks in Aug.
  • 12. Seven Easy

    $$

    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...

    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 Seven 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, Seven Easy is open all year.

    Piazza Giuseppe Motta 61, Ascona, Ticino, 6612, Switzerland
    091-7807777

    Known For

    • Rollicking atmosphere
    • Excellent selection of pizza
    • Open year-round
  • 13. Al Portone

    $$$ | Cassarate
    Closed Permanently

    Silver and lace dress up the stucco and stone, but the ambience is cozy, and the chef-owner, Francis Carré, serves refined Franco-Italian cuisine at this...

    Silver and lace dress up the stucco and stone, but the ambience is cozy, and the chef-owner, Francis Carré, serves refined Franco-Italian cuisine at this true find—nowhere else in Switzerland can you find such an elegant meal at such a reasonable price. Inventive dishes like cardamom-poached pears with Gorgonzola mousse and roasted loin of lamb in a Provençale crust are served alongside vegetarian delights on the special meat-free menu. When the summer heat is stifling, ask to dine in the small garden.

    Viale Cassarate 3, Lugano, Ticino, 6900, Switzerland
    078-7229324

    Known For

    • Well-priced gourmet cuisine
    • Small garden for alfresco dining
    • Charming chef aims to please

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., and in early Jan. and Aug.
  • 14. Grotto du Rii

    $
    Closed Permanently

    On your way to or from Italy, consider a visit to this beautiful stone grotto-house, where you can enjoy rosemary-infused wine on the terrace, followed...

    On your way to or from Italy, consider a visit to this beautiful stone grotto-house, where you can enjoy rosemary-infused wine on the terrace, followed by such dishes as brasato (beef shoulder) with polenta and the daring dolce sorpresa (surprise dessert). On Tuesday night the good-value four-course meal is accompanied by Ticinese musicians. With lush flowers pouring out of its window boxes, it's straight out of a fairy tale, and the rooms inside cast a spell, cozily crammed with charming features, including carriage-wheel lamps and mounted animals, and with small spots to relax by a fireplace.

    Via Cantonale, Intragna, Ticino, 6655, Switzerland
    091-7961861

    Known For

    • Traditional grotto dining
    • Interiors jam-packed with antique collectibles
    • Picture-perfect location in the Centovalli

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed. Sept.–June
  • 15. Da Raffaele

    $$
    Closed Permanently

    Having a meal in this family-run Italian restaurant feels like being let in on a neighborhood secret, and although the staff members don't speak much...

    Having a meal in this family-run Italian restaurant feels like being let in on a neighborhood secret, and although the staff members don't speak much English, their warmth needs no translation. Start with a pasta, like the marvelous homemade orecchiette (ear-shaped pasta) or mezzelune (half moons) stuffed with ricotta and spinach, then try something from the grill, like gamberoni alla griglia (grilled shrimp). The restaurant is just outside the city center in the residential Viganello neighborhood but easily reached by car or bus.

    Contrada dei Patrizi 8, Lugano, Ticino, 6962, Switzerland
    091-9716614

    Known For

    • Homey feel
    • Filled with local diners
    • First-rate homemade pasta

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., last wk of July, and 1st 2 wks of Aug. No lunch Sat.
  • 16. Grotto Malakoff

    $$
    Closed Permanently

    In this small family restaurant uphill from the town center, chef Rita Fuso prepares innovative Italian dishes and variations on regional fare from high-quality local...

    In this small family restaurant uphill from the town center, chef Rita Fuso prepares innovative Italian dishes and variations on regional fare from high-quality local ingredients—the pasta is homemade, the vegetables and meats often come from nearby farms, and some of the herbs come from Fuso's own garden. The best value (at around 32 SF) is the daily two-course special, with dishes such as monkfish carpaccio followed by a beef fillet with grilled seasonal vegetables.

    Carrale Bacilieri 10, Bellinzona, Ticino, 6500, Switzerland
    091-8254940

    Known For

    • Ultrafresh ingredients
    • Simple yet refined cuisine
    • Quaint hillside location

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Wed.
  • 17. Hostaria San Pietro

    $$
    Closed Permanently

    If you're looking for a bite in the Old Town, take out your map and try your best to find this charming restaurant, tucked away...

    If you're looking for a bite in the Old Town, take out your map and try your best to find this charming restaurant, tucked away in a maze of tiny streets. This little gem serves creative Italian-influenced pasta and fish dishes—sample its fresh local catch (often a fish fillet in lemon-basil sauce) or any of the grilled specialties. The most romantic tables are in the intimate garden that's between the walls of neighboring houses.

    Passagio San Pietro 6, Ascona, Ticino, 6612, Switzerland
    091-7913976

    Known For

    • Romantic setting
    • Plump ravioli stuffed with vegetables and toasted almonds
    • Being hard to find but worth the struggle

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Jan.
  • 18. Il Canvetto di Silvio Galizzi

    $$$
    Closed Permanently

    Tall, dark, and quirkily handsome celebrity-chef Silvio Galizzi pursues nuova cucina (contemporary Italian cuisine) with ambition and flair in this eatery perched high in the...

    Tall, dark, and quirkily handsome celebrity-chef Silvio Galizzi pursues nuova cucina (contemporary Italian cuisine) with ambition and flair in this eatery perched high in the vineyards. Galizzi has made waves in the world of Swiss gastronomy with dishes like duck liver with mango chutney and pears or grilled tiger shrimp and roasted black garlic in a champagne sauce. The property boasts 100-year old Merlot vines, and was the first vineyard of its kind in Ticino. If you're curious how the wine is made, ask to see the tiny museum. It's in the Vallombrosa B&B, which has some rustic guest rooms that honor artists with a strong link with Ticino.

    Off Via Castelrotto, Castelrotto, Ticino, Switzerland

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon

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