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In Switzerland’s southern corner, Lugano offers a culinary adventure best experienced at its traditional grottos. These charming, rustic taverns provide a glimpse into the local lifestyle, where simplicity meets authenticity. Picture an evening indulging in fresh, local produce paired with a glass of Ticino’s finest Merlot. As summer casts its golden glow, these grottos become the perfect backdrop for a relaxed, authentic dining experience. Join me as I explore four of Lugano’s best-kept secrets, where every meal tells a story of Ticino’s rich culinary heritage.
1. Grotto Cavicc: A Culinary Retreat in Montagnola
Nestled in the hills of Montagnola, Grotto Cavicc offers an authentic dining experience in a charming forest setting near Lugano. This hidden gem invites you to savour traditional Ticino dishes in an inviting atmosphere that feels worlds away from the bustling city.
At Grotto Cavicc, the menu is a celebration of simplicity and tradition, offering a variety of dishes to cater to different tastes. Start your meal with a unique and flavourful appetiser of onions with tuna sauce, setting the tone for the culinary journey ahead. The grilled meats are a highlight for the main course, with succulent pork ribs and a hearty T-bone beef steak, both served with perfectly roasted potatoes. For those craving something truly indulgent, the slow-braised pork shank with polenta and mushrooms is a must-try, offering a taste of regional delight.
No meal is complete without dessert, and Grotto Cavicc doesn’t disappoint. The wood berries with vanilla ice cream provide a refreshing end to your meal, while the walnut ice cream with Nocino walnut liqueur offers a rich, flavourful finish.
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Pair your meal with one of the many local wines from their extensive cellar, featuring over a hundred labels. The ‘Quattromani’ Ticino DOC Merlot and ‘Platinum’ Ticino DOC Merlot are standout choices that perfectly complement the rustic flavours of the menu.
Located in a picturesque forest, surrounded by the serene beauty of Montagnola, Grotto Cavicc offers an ideal spot for a summer dinner. The cosy, atmospheric setting, combined with friendly staff and excellent food, ensures a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of Ticino.
2. Grotto Figini: A Taste of Ticino in Collina d’Oro
Perched in the enchanting Collina d’Oro, Grotto Figini offers a captivating blend of traditional and creative cuisine in a serene garden setting. Since 1952, this charming grotto has been a cornerstone of Ticino’s gastronomic heritage, where quality and tradition take centre stage.
The menu at Grotto Figini is a delightful celebration of homemade style infused with innovative touches. Begin your culinary journey with the Traditional Figini Appetizer, featuring a selection of local Ticino cold cuts, mountain cheeses, and caramelised onion with cow büscion mousse. Another standout starter is the smoked whitefish, served with crispy bread croutons and the rich, creamy San Gottardo butter.
For the main course, indulge in the Paccheri di Gragnano with rabbit ragù, dried tomatoes, and Piora, a dish that melds rich flavours with hearty textures. The Figini venison burger is a must-try, nestled in a loaf of homemade bread and complemented by porcini mushrooms and taleggino cheese from the Muggio valley. This dish epitomises rustic luxury, paired with BBQ sauce and roasted new potatoes.
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Grotto Figini’s setting is as inviting as its menu. Guests can dine on the veranda or terrace, relax in the lounge, or sit under the shade of centuries-old trees in the garden. The grotto’s two cellars, filled with local wine and cheese, add to the authentic experience. Specialities include seasoned mountain cheese, long-cooked meat dishes, and delights from the wood-fired grill.
Whether you’re savouring the culinary delights or simply soaking in the tranquil atmosphere, Grotto Figini offers an unforgettable dining experience that captures the heart and soul of Ticino.
3. Grotto San Rocco: Lakeside Dining in Caprino
Nestled by the serene shores of Lake Lugano, Grotto San Rocco in Caprino offers a dining experience that marries stunning views with superb local cuisine. The grotto’s large terrace, shaded by lime trees, provides an idyllic setting where guests can enjoy the fresh lake air and spectacular vistas across the Gulf of Lugano.
The menu at Grotto San Rocco celebrates fresh, seasonal cuisine sourced from local farmers and producers, ensuring each dish bursts with authentic flavour. Begin your meal with various cold cuts, including deer salami and the decadent, creamy delight of Goat’s Buscion. These starters set the stage for the culinary journey that follows.
For the main course, savour the Polenta with Mushroom Ragu, a hearty dish featuring Portobello mushrooms, shallots, and carrots simmered in red wine, served over buttery polenta with parmesan. Another standout is the Cod on the Tile, a unique preparation of baked cod with black olives and rosemary potatoes, delivering a perfect balance of flavours and textures.
To conclude your meal, indulge in Caramelized Baked Pears stuffed with gorgonzola, walnuts, and honey—a dessert that beautifully combines sweetness with a touch of savoury richness.
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Grotto San Rocco’s Risotto workshop, guided by experts who share the secrets of making this quintessentially Italian dish, enhances the appeal of the restaurant. This immersive experience allows guests to engage more deeply with the region’s culinary traditions.
With its breathtaking location and dedication to fresh, local ingredients, Grotto San Rocco offers a dining experience that captures the essence of lakeside tranquillity and the rich culinary heritage of Ticino.
4. Grotto della Salute: Upscale Rustic Dining in Lugano
Tucked away in a serene garden close to the centre of Lugano, Grotto della Salute offers an upscale twist on the traditional grotto dining experience. Under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Fabio Barbaglini, this charming eatery combines rustic charm with gourmet sophistication, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
The menu at Grotto della Salute emphasises seasonal dishes crafted with finesse. Start your culinary journey with the Truffled Beef Tartare, a luxurious dish enhanced by delicate parmesan flakes. For the main course, the Braised Beef Cheek in red wine, served with polenta from Mulino di Maroggia, promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience, rich with robust flavours.
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Summer dishes at Grotto della Salute showcase Chef Barbaglini’s creative flair. The Quail Confit with lemon and ginger, accompanied by mango chutney, marinated courgettes, and kohlrabi puree with Szechuan pepper, offers a delightful interplay of tastes and textures. This dish captures the essence of summer, blending fresh ingredients with innovative preparation.
End your meal on a sweet note with the Pavlova, a delicate dessert featuring yoghurt cream and candied peaches with verbena. This light yet flavourful finale perfectly complements the gourmet journey at Grotto della Salute.
To elevate your dining experience, pair your meal with a glass of Castello Luigi Bianco Del Ticino DOC 2019 vintage, a wine that embodies Ticino’s rich viticultural heritage.
With its tranquil garden setting and commitment to upscale, seasonal cuisine, Grotto della Salute provides a unique dining experience that seamlessly blends traditional grotto charm with modern culinary excellence. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this grotto offers a slice of Lugano’s culinary magic. ◼
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© This article was first published online in July 2024 – World Travel Magazine.
