Split between Switzerland and Italy, Lake Lugano is a scintillating body of water flanked by mountains and rolling green hills. Travelers flock here to visit charming villages, sail on the lake and, of course, eat the region’s incredible cuisine. If you like risotto, gelato, pasta, pizza and fresh seafood, you’ll love eating around Lake Lugano. When you have access to a boat (rentals are easy to come by or you can use a water taxi) you can easily go between Italy and Switzerland to sample the best restaurants in the area. Here are some of my favorite places to dine out.
1. Ristorante Il Ritrivo (Porlezza, Italy)
Come early to ensure you have a place to dock at this popular lakeside restaurant. It’s best to eat alfresco here in the magnificent flower garden overlooking the water. Settle in with a glass of chilled white wine, then make sure to try their delicious seafood appetizers. Their octopus is served with arugula and green apple giving the plate an herbaceous and tart flavor. Another great option is the shrimp served alongside creamy burrata. You can’t go wrong with any of their pasta dishes (my favorite is the one with uni and mussels) and their grilled seafood dishes are also extremely tasty.
2. Grotto San Rocco (Pugerna, Switzerland)
Grotto San Rocco is another restaurant that will please your eyes and your palate. This waterfront restaurant has a sprawling terrace perfect to dine while watching a summer sunset. The menu is written on a blackboard here and changes daily — dishes are always made with fresh, local ingredients. The antipasti are great and the salads are creative, adding ingredients like pears or figs which gives them a touch of sweetness. For your main course you should try one of their grilled meat dishes; in fact if you’re a meat lover you should get their platter with lamb chops, ribs and salsiccia if they have it on offer.
3. Hotel Stella d’Italia (Valsolda, Italy)
This hotel is an institution and has been run by the same family since 1910. Their restaurant is impossibly romantic overlooking the water with a rose pergola. Even the most discerning diners love coming here as everything can be made to order accommodating any intolerances or allergies. The kitchen is famous for their risottos made standalone with seafood or vegetables to accompany meat dishes. Leave room for dessert when you come here, as they serve an assortment of inventive cakes and tarts. Cap things off with a great grappa and you have yourself a highly memorable meal.
4. Pizzeria Della Posta (Morcote, Switzerland)
This restaurant isn’t just lakeside, you’ll actually be sitting above the water when you’re here. Come to Pizzeria Della Posta to have, you guessed it, incredible pizza that you will crave forever after visiting. The Pizza Napoli is especially memorable made with capers and anchovies — an umami explosion. The pasta here is also delicious, try their Fettucine Porcini made with fresh mushrooms from the region. Pizzeria Della Posta is very charming and a great place for a low-key lunch.
5. Il Golosone (Porto Ceresio, Italy)
Italy is famous for its gelato and you would truly miss out if you didn’t hop over to Porto Ceresio to try the delightful offerings at Il Golosone. The assortment is huge and there’s always a line, so you know it’s good. Try their coconut flavor, it’s like taking a tropical vacation via gelato. They also feature more unusual flavors such as licorice if you’re feeling adventurous. On a hot summer day grab a few flavors then sit by the lake and bask in the good life.
