The best restaurants Italian Switzerland

Tucked away in an almost impossible-to-find alleyway, this little pizzeria is seductive. The well-appointed interior, with its combination of green décor, light wood, hanging lights and splashes of color, won us over. In particular, the beautiful olive tree that stands proudly in the middle of a table. As far as taste buds are concerned, Neapolitan pizza is king here: alongside the great classics, you'll also find fried pasta, barley pasta, or more original options like octopus stew or Neapolitan stew... A delight! Come early, as the restaurant is often fully booked.

The Vetta restaurant, perched atop Monte San Salvatore, boasts an open-air terrace and panoramic veranda. The scenery is spectacular. You can even see Milan in the distance. You can dine on tasty, seasonal, Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Service is friendly despite the crowds. Ideal for a break, an aperitif or a local dish, with the added bonus of an enchanting panorama of the Lugano skyline.

One of Lugano's trendy establishments, Mauri Concept is an eye-catching concept store: designer boutique, beauty salon and café-restaurant all in one. Under beautiful arcades surrounded by plants outdoors, or indoors in a designer decor, it's a good choice for a breakfast surrounded by businessmen gulping down their coffee. The pastries, both French and Italian, the wide range of teas and the quality snacks (salads, tartars, bagels and a weekly menu) are well worth the detour.

Not to be missed! This grotto a few kilometers from Ascona (just over 5 minutes by car) is well worth a visit. In a rustic setting with wooden tables and stone walls, you can enjoy authentic Ticino cuisine: cold cuts, local cheeses and sausages, polenta cooked over an open fire (a must try!), vitello tonnato and meats (rabbit served every Sunday). Everything is tasty and smells of generous family cooking. Curious diners will appreciate the dialect menu, and the French-speaking staff are as friendly as can be.

Just a stone's throw from the station, the best thing about this place is its superb view of the city and lake! But it's also the place to enjoy fine Italian dishes. On this particular day, we were tempted by a marinated salmon tartare, followed by mushroom tagliatelle. You can also indulge in salads, soups, risottos and, of course, pasta, as well as delicious pizzas. As for desserts, you'll be surprised by the sometimes original proposals, such as sweet couscous with pistachio, honey and mint. Bon appétit!

Tucked away in a small courtyard, La Trattoria won us over with its simple elegance, delicate cuisine and intimate atmosphere. Decorated with candles, flowers and bottles, the setting is exquisite both inside and on the outdoor terrace. Chef Simone and his team prepare delicious Italian cuisine filled with finesse. Everything is homemade, from the bread to the pasta. A seasonal menu offers original specialties. A warm welcome for a charming address.

Just under 10 minutes by car from the heights of Locarno, here's a little grotto just the way we like it. The setting is both rustic and elegant, the terrace with its pergola and climbing vine is charming, and the interior with its wooden tables, stone walls and imposing fireplace is warm and welcoming. On the plate, Ornella and Kurt concoct local cuisine with a touch of innovation, delicately presented and simply delicious. Favourite dishes: competition osso bucco, tortelloni with truffle sauce... An address to remember!