"Outdoor Dining Area" Restaurants in Lugano
I Due Sud in Lugano builds a gastronomic bridge between Ticino and Campania. The cuisine combines typical flavours of both regions with sensitivity and precision. Mediterranean warmth meets Alpine clarity - without losing any of its lightness.
Given the name, the view is, of course, a real treat - you have the lake and mountains in your field of vision. However, Diego Della Schiava's cuisine can hold its own both visually and in terms of flavour. His elegant creations mix Mediterranean, Asian and local flavours.
Here you can enjoy contemporary gourmet cuisine with Mediterranean roots in an elegant ambience with a wonderful view of the lake. The best ingredients are skilfully processed into unique creations, which are served up by a dedicated service team.
Chef Marco Badalucci originally comes from an island off the coast of Naples. So it's hardly surprising that he specialises in Mediterranean fish cuisine. But the meat and vegetable options also taste fantastic. There is also an exciting wine list.
Flamel mixes modern Mediterranean cuisine with urban bistro charm: light "mezzogiorno" dishes tempt diners during the day, while tasting menus with ingredients from the restaurant's own urban garden enchant them in the evening. There are also delicious cocktails and a finely curated wine list.
The restaurant Le Relais in the robust Lugano Grand Hotel pays homage to top Mediterranean cuisine. Fresh catches from the sea are given a modern interpretation here. Flavours and textures are served in perfect harmony. The vegan menu is a highlight.
Ariva serves creative, mainly Mediterranean cuisine in stylish surroundings. The location is a big plus. The name says it all - stunning food is served right on the lakeshore. The accompaniment by the glass is largely based on Italian tradition.
The Ciani is located right next to the park - modern, bright and with an open-plan kitchen. Classics such as salted salmon "Ciani style", risotto with saffron or sole à la meunière are sure to delight. The wine list is a real hit. A highlight: the picnic baskets for aperitifs on the lawn.
Even if you've never been to the Splendide Royal, you'll take notice when you hear the name. Dine like royalty at La Veranda, enjoy the lake view and Mediterranean flair. Lobster risotto and pigeon are just good enough, while clever guests leave room for the modern tiramisu.
High above the casino, the Seven offers spectacular panoramic views of the city, lake and hills. The gastronomic focus is on quality ingredients for creative classic variations. The excellent sushi is a welcome extra. The perfect place for a business lunch or date.
We order a Negroni to start on the terrace - after all, autumn is mild in Lugano and we half imagine we're already in the Mediterranean. The friendly waiter nods and points out the house-style Negroni, a specialty called "della Piazza", which contains Portofino gin, Noilly Prat and basil. We say yes, get it and are impressed by both the service and the quality of the drink. It is not a matter of course that restaurants in prime locations go to so much trouble. But the restaurant, which has a tradition dating back to 1855 and has just reopened after a change of ownership and renovation, has ambitions. The croquettes with Ibérico ham and paprika mayonnaise are proof of this. They are indeed above average, crispy and creamy, and would look good in any Spanish-influenced restaurant in Switzerland. The tuna tartare with avocado and sesame is no less successful, and the Nerano-style spaghetti alla chitarra with crispy zucchini chips and provolone del Monaco turns out to be an impeccably cooked and seasoned course. There is also pizza, turbot, entrecôte and even dung scratchings in the chörbli, both on the piazza and inside. A bit much, but why not if the kitchen is adequately staffed? The wine list, on the other hand, offers tried and tested wines, from Château d'Esclans to Winkl-Sauvignon from the Terlaner cooperative. Our red wine from Tenuta di Biserno is served a little too warm, but the waiter's kindness continues. By the time this article is published, the fine dining area on the second floor, accessible via a separate entrance, will also be open. Presumably also ambitious!
In the heart of Lugano, Alpine gastronomic culture meets Mediterranean lightness in the elegant Osteria. Head chef René Nagy creates finely balanced menus from both worlds using the best ingredients. The diverse selection of wines is already evident during the aperitif in the lounge.
The writer Hermann Hesse once frequented this grotto. Typical Ticino dishes are served in the beautifully furnished dining room and on the terrace. You should definitely try the polenta di bruzella, enriched with various side dishes.