Must-see restaurants in Lugano

  • Arté al Lago

    Lugano

    This Michelin-starred restaurant at the exclusive lakefront Villa Castagnola is Lugano’s culinary star. Chef Frank Oerthle does remarkable things with…

  • Metamorphosis

    Lugano

    One for special occasions, Metamorphosis is housed in Lugano's futuristic Palazzo Mantegazza, right by the lakeshore. Chef Luca Bellanca walks the…

  • La Tinèra

    Lugano

    Huddled down a backstreet near Piazza della Riforma, this convivial, rustic restaurant rolls out extremely tasty Ticinese home cooking. You might begin,…

  • Al Portone

    Lugano

    Bold artworks grace this contemporary gourmet haunt, while Francis plies you with such season-infused taste sensations as scallops and caviar on a bed of…

  • Trani

    Lugano

    Follow the cobbled steps down from Via Cattedrale to this enticing little osteria. The candlelit, brick-vaulted interior is a wonderfully intimate setting…

  • Pasta e Pesto

    Lugano

    Doing pretty much what it says on the tin, this cute little place near Cattedrale di San Lorenzo has a pocket-size terrace for digging into fresh home…

  • Bottegone del Vino

    Lugano

    Favoured by Lugano's downtown banking brigade, this place has a season-driven menu, with ever-changing lunch and dinner options scrawled on the blackboard…

  • La Cucina di Alice

    Lugano

    With an atmosphere that's both refined and relaxed and attentive service, this sweet little restaurant opposite Lugano's lakefront serves up classic…

  • Grotto del Pep

    Lugano

    In the best of grotto traditions, this cheery place up on a hill has a huge terrace shaded by trees and chipper staff. Go for the house specialities like…

  • L’Antica Osteria del Porto

    Lugano

    Set back from Lugano’s sailing club, this is the place for local fish and Ticinese dishes like polenta crostini with porcini. The terrace overlooking the…

  • Chocolat Gelateria

    Lugano

    Up the steps on Via Cattedrale, this hole-in-the-wall gelateria is a great place to grab a cone, with flavours ranging from classic strawberry to chilli…

  • Vanini

    Lugano

    With a prime people-watching terrace on Piazza della Riforma, Vanini is a firm favourite among locals for its quality gelato. Grab a cone to go or take a…