"Sunday Opening" Restaurants in Canton of Ticino
Marco Campanella's cooking at La Brezza is as individual as it is confident. His menus - "Ispirazione" or the plant-based "Moving Mountains" - are well thought out and full of character. It is impressive how Campanella manages to show such a clear signature at such a young age.
The Locanda Barbarossa draws on the full range of flavours. It celebrates the diversity and excellence of Ticino produce, complemented by exquisite international specialities. This creates space for creative cuisine that is both a feast for the palate and a feast for the eyes.
No, Reto Brändli is not dogged. Although, back at the "Ecco", he naturally wants stars again - two please - he approaches the matter with an enviable composure. And serves French cuisine that is as light-footed and self-confident as he is. Brändli was part of the "Giardino" family for four years before star gastronomy took him to Berlin and St. Moritz. But the connection to Ascona remained - perhaps because of the delicate scent of lemons here, which he loves so much and which accompanies Brändli's signature in many dishes. Such as the greeting from the kitchen: crispy roll with gamba blanca and citrus, a delicate tartelette of old dairy cow with beetroot, radish, caviar and smoked mayonnaise. And a personal favorite: an egg royale with imperial caviar and potato foam that is so creamy and light you want to lie down in it. The star of the show, the iced foie gras filled with orange and lobster espuma, is as delicate as a sorbet. Brändli proves why he is considered an exceptional talent. Fresh turbot follows, flown in from Portugal less than 24 hours ago, accompanied by horseradish, apple, beef tongue rolls, kohlrabi and oxtail essence with lovage. Accompanied by a complex Viognier, recommended by the hostess of the house, Theresa Windhofer. By the way, non-alcoholic diners don't have to miss out on pairings at the "Ecco": The accompanying teas from "Saveur" are so finely tuned that they are in no way inferior to the wine accompaniment. Pastry chef Antje Hauser creates the sweet finish: yoghurt foam, pear sorbet and mousse, iced berries in a lemon sauce. Conclusion of the evening: The stars should come back - please!
Magnificent views, classic cuisine with a modern twist, attentive service - the gourmet restaurant of this elegant five-star hotel offers a wonderful overall experience. The menu is Ticino and Italian, but also includes flavours from other regions of the world.
In the charming stone building at the entrance to the wild and romantic Maggia Valley, gourmets can enjoy a marvellous, enchanted terrace. The seasonally inspired cuisine combines regional products with Mediterranean flavours. This grotto is rightly a firm favourite in Ticino.
An elegant osteria in an old manor house. Classic and modern elements are seamlessly combined in the kitchen. The excellent produce from home and abroad is placed at the centre of the delicious dishes. 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.
Just a seven-minute walk from Piazza Grande, La Fontana offers Mediterranean cuisine at an upscale level. The cosy terrace, the open kitchen and a well-stocked selection of wines from Swiss and Italian vineyards create a harmonious atmosphere.
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.
In the Vicania, beautifully situated above Morcote, you can enjoy the view of the surrounding countryside and creative market cuisine that places regional products at the centre of the dishes. The wine cellar is stocked with exciting wines, including some from the sister winery Castello di Morcote.
The terrace offers a spectacular view of Lake Maggiore, the mountains behind it and the rustic stone houses in the village - full marks for the view at "Senza Punti". However, this is not the only reason to visit the hidden restaurant above Tenero. Markus and Gabi Baumann serve an authentic, no-frills three-course menu every evening, all homemade and served in bowls to share, just like an Italian tavolata. The welcome is warm, as if you were part of the family. For the amuse-bouche, a vitello tonnato, the sommelier recommends a local Merlot Bianco. This is followed by a mixed salad and melon with cured ham. The hostess has shown a good hand in her choice of fruit; the honeydew melons are sweet and juicy. For the main course, Markus Baumann cooks a duet of beef: a well-seasoned saltimbocca and a roast so tender that it melts in the mouth. It's just a shame that the announced side dish (a potato gratin with asparagus) has already been eaten and so a potato salad is served as a substitute. For the vegetarians, there is a classic parmigiana: a strong tomato sauce, soft eggplants and the whole thing topped with plenty of cheese - just the way it should be. The red wine to accompany the meal is taken from the wine cellar. Here you will find a small but fine selection of Ticino and Italian wines. Fortunately, you don't have to choose when it comes to dessert and can enjoy both a strawberry quark cake and a passion fruit panna cotta. The only downer: Baumann's entered its last season in spring. A new duo will take over the restaurant from spring 2026.
The Hide & Seek in Giardino Ascona serves seasonal cuisine with a Mediterranean flavour. Every Friday you can look forward to lobster in three variations. The view of the garden spa and palm gardens creates a relaxed setting for a gastronomic break.
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.
Directly on the water, in a magnificent boathouse, the lake landscape and Italian cuisine merge into an almost weightless experience. Grilled fish, delicious antipasti and a glass of white wine - that's all you need when Lake Maggiore reaches right up to your table.
The panoramic terrace and elegant interior are the perfect backdrop for market-fresh, wonderfully unfussy Italian cuisine. The menu ranges from delicious antipasti to classic pasta specialities and perfectly prepared fish dishes.
Head chef Ambrogio Stefanetti is a big fan of local produce, using Ticino pancetta or the legendary cheese called Büscion. Ordering the risotto refined with Merlot is almost a must. Local wines are complemented by Champagne or Barolo.
The way Alessia Saglini and Baldo Lopez have furnished their restaurant could be described as elegant simplicity. The mixture of Ticino and Italian tradition and Mexican inspiration is unrivalled in Switzerland. Pure warmth!
This modern spot masterfully celebrates Asia's gastronomic diversity. Here, crispy teppanyaki meets delicate sushi, powerful Thai curries and steamed dim sum. A feast for all those who love the vibrant flavours of the Far East.
Here you can discover Ticino cuisine through two menus: "Tradition" with classic dishes made from regional ingredients and "Innovation" with creative new interpretations. Guests can also enjoy the cosy ambience and the magnificent view of Lake Lugano.