IMPERIAL of LUGANO 3 with a lake view behind the station and 10 min from the lake of Lugano

Situated within the beautiful Splendide Royal hotel (now approaching its 140th anniversary!), this small, welcoming restaurant serves gourmet cuisine prepared by new chef Marco Veneruso, a southern Italian whose respectable CV gives his dishes intensity, strength and finesse. A good example is the linguine with scampi and an anchovy sauce, one of the signature dishes that earned him a Michelin star during his time in Beijing. Here, he offers three menus: "DALLA COSTIERA ALLA SWISS RIVIERA", "VENTO D'ESTATE" and the vegetarian "BOUQUET DALL'ORTO". Dishes can be chosen à la carte style – all you

The restaurant, nestled in a peaceful setting just outside the city, is a refuge for the senses: in the evening, the chef's table welcomes up to 12 guests for an intimate and surprising gastronomic experience, while a private room can accommodate small groups of up to 20 people. At the stove, a chef already well-known in Italy reinterprets Italian cuisine with creativity and passion. The service is warm, and the menu is rich in Mediterranean influences. The mascot? A curious and omnipresent gorilla: appearing in photos, as a statue, or even in the butter served with the bread. On sunny days, t

A rustic grotto-style restaurant with a warm and welcoming ambience, where staff are happy to advise you on the seasonal dishes on offer. A whole page of the menu is dedicated to classic favourites, all of which are influenced by Mediterranean cuisine – the veal shank with mashed potato and salted butter is particularly delicious. There’s also a small menu of daily specials which changes according to market availability. The terrace shaded by huge plane trees provides a pleasant setting for summer dining, while an excellent wine list adds to the appeal.

At this restaurant, Diego Della Schiava creates beautifully presented cuisine that is truly a feast for the eyes! This chef’s philosophy focuses on seasonal ingredients, which he transforms into Mediterranean and Swiss dishes with an equal emphasis on meat and fish, including highlights such as the delicious scallop tartare with sesame oil, nasturtiums and porcini mushroom puff. In fine weather, we recommend booking a table on the spacious terrace to enjoy its stunning views of Lugano and the lake.

Situated on the rooftop of the casino and accessible via a glass-sided lift, this restaurant boasts fine views of the lake. In summer, the popular seats on the terrace need to be booked well in advance, while the lounge bar on the ground floor is perfect for a post-dinner cocktail. The cuisine here is varied and wide-ranging, both on the set menus and the à la carte, plus there’s an excellent choice of wines featuring labels from around the world.

Located between the Palazzo dei Congressi and the Ciani Garden, this modern and cosmopolitan venue is a true gem. Renowned regional chef Dario Ranza focuses on Mediterranean cuisine, prepared with skill and precision to guarantee delicious flavors. Among his specialties: Lostallo salmon “Caini style,” a variety of risottos, sole meunière, and salt-crusted sea bass, filleted directly at the table. The selection of exclusive wines and Champagnes is truly remarkable.

A historic restaurant with its roots in Italian cuisine. Originally from the island of Procida in southern Italy, the chef here focuses mainly on fish-based dishes, although the menu also features delicious meat options and vegetarian recipes for each course – whatever you order, seasonal ingredients are to the fore in this urban-style eatery situated slightly away from the centre. The wine list highlights the owners’ passion for champagne via highly respected labels from interesting small-scale producers.