Where to Eat in Gandria: The Best Restaurants and Bars

November 5, 2017 Etsuko Causey

Gandria is both a quarter of the city of Lugano in the Swiss canton of Ticino, and a village, on the northern shore of Lake Lugano, which forms the core of that quarter. Until 2004, the quarter of Gandria was an independent municipality, joining with Lugano in that year.
Things to do in Gandria

1. Bottegone del Vino

via Massimiliano Magatti 3, Lugano 6900, Switzerland Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol Italian, Mediterranean, European, Wine Bar, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$212 - HK$565 +41 91 922 76 89
Excellent
46%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 512 reviews

Bottegone del Vino

Reviewed By Khaja - SF

We were so looking forward to having some wine and dinner here. We had a wonderful day on the lake and were hungry and hot and dinner here was high on our list. Unfortunately, we left almost angry, frustrated and very disappointed.
Food: Dinner was amazing, the food excellent, the portions large and food comes out beautifully presented. We had the pasta with seafood, outstanding, the bruschetta, good and the fish carpaccio, very good. The wine selection was excellent and we let our waiter make our selections. The food in the reason they get 2 stars.
Ambiance: Outside, surrounded by grape vines, cool on a hot afternoon, with a traditional European charm. However, the tables are really, really close together, we had three folks next to us that were loud, we could barely hear ourselves. The waiter could not reach us without bending over the next table. We were squeezed between grape leaves, yes they were continually rubbing against my head and face, and the loud table. We were quickly loosing patience.
Service: Probably one of the worst services we have had. We arrived early and everything was good to start with. We ordered drinks and pasta for our daughter who was hungry. Everyone was happy. Then chaos ensued:
1) Three folks who seemed to be "preferred" locals arrived and we never saw our waiter all night. It seemed that every person in the restaurant visited them to chat, but not once did they tend to us. After all why care about the tourist!
2) Water or drinks were never refilled.
3) For its claim of vegetarian friendly, we found this completely lacking. They had one pasta with tomato sauce or the cheese plate on the menu.
4) My wife liked the bruschetta, and asked for the speck to be substituted for cheese. Easy right? They came back with plain bread topped with tomato, and the cheese plate. The waiter "rudely" informed us this is what they do. They expected us to pay for both although we did not ask for it.
We left disappointed and angry. We walked over to another place close by for drinks and dessert. I cannot in all fairness recommend this restaurant.

2. Ristorante Galleria Arte al Lago

piazza Emilio Bossi 7, Lugano 6900, Switzerland Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Mediterranean, Italian, Swiss, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Drinks HK$494 - HK$1,648 +41 91 973 48 00
Excellent
68%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 329 reviews

Ristorante Galleria Arte al Lago

Restaurant Gallery Arté is the only 1 Michelin Starred Restaurant in Lugano. A theme restaurant inside an art gallery, it offers a magnificent and unique view over the gulf of Lugano as well as a dainty cuisine. Signature dishes of our Executive Chef Frank Oerthle are entirely new and original. The menu stands out for Sweetwater and sea food specialties.

Reviewed By Vavevic - Boca Raton, Florida

Excellent option for a nice dinner, very sober decor and refined attention. The food is very well prepared and the platters are served with a touch of elegance. Must stop for gourmet food in Lugano

3. Ristorante Grand Cafe Al Porto

via Pessina 3, Lugano 6900, Switzerland (Formerly Gran Cafe Al Porto) Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Swiss, Cafe, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Drinks +41 91 910 51 30
Excellent
49%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 399 reviews

Ristorante Grand Cafe Al Porto

Right in the heart of Lugano, the Grand Café Al Porto Restaurant delight its guests at any time of day. A great day begins at the Grand Café with an aromatic "espresso", a nice breakfast or a delight from the Confiserie Al Porto. At lunchtime be tempted by the "Flavours of the month", the daily changing "Chef's specials", and from 2.30 p.m. onward by a special afternoon menu. All day long a great selection of sweet or savoury creations from the "Confiserie Al Porto" counter. The Ristorante is open from Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. until 6.30 p.m. It can be reserved in the evening for receptions and banquets for 10 to 80 persons. All day long a great selection of sweet or savoury creations from the "Confiserie Al Porto" counter. Lugano's salon... since 1803.

Reviewed By nicascc - Brindisi, Italia

Is a good place where you can have a good espresso or coffee with friandise and sweet cake. Good service in al old style location

4. Grotto Morchino

via Carona 1, Lugano 6912, Switzerland Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Swiss, Barbecue, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner HK$78 - HK$204 +41 91 994 60 44
Excellent
54%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 314 reviews

Grotto Morchino

A few steps away from Lugano a real, traditional, local grotto inside the green forest.Grotto Morchino at Pazzallo.The Grotto Morchino is a typical local restaurant, it has a cozy room inside with an open fire place and outside a cool, covered Terrace. In all these years it has becoming an absolutely must to share the easy barbecue ambience in summer time. Kitchen opening hours: 12.00 - 13.15 19.00 - 21.15 Winter closure from 22 December to 28 February

Reviewed By Erez I

We came for a romantic dinner.
We were sitted on the same table with 3 loud local guys.
There is no English menu.
The waiter translaed some of it.
You can have Donkey, horse, rabbit, pork and veal
Chease plater was nice.
Polenta was good.

5. Ristorante Antico

piazza Lucchini 5, Gandria, Lugano 6978, Switzerland Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa Italian, Swiss, Seafood, Mediterranean, European, Central European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner +41 91 971 48 71
Excellent
57%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 55 reviews

Ristorante Antico

Reviewed By lacordaire83 - Versailles, France

I was initially wary to try a restaurant located on the main (only) road of this very pittoresque, lovely Swiss town. However, I did not regret it.
Setting was fabulous (with a view on the lake and surrounding mountains).
Service was polite and friendly (not at all customary in Switzerland, but maybe so in the italian part!).
Food was good and of high quality. Local wine (Merlot Ticcino) was suprisingly good (above my expectations for the price).
We realized after the meal that despite serving tourists, a lot of locals are actually part of the clientele.
Prices are of course expensive (you are in Switzerland) but relatively fair when considering the quality served.
I would definitely recommend, this was a nice experience!

6. Ristorante Da Candida

Via Marco, 4, 22060 Campione d'Italia, Italy Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, French, Seafood, Mediterranean, European, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner +41 91 649 75 41
Excellent
73%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 191 reviews

Ristorante Da Candida

Reviewed By Moshe D - Tel Aviv District, Israel

After an unsuccessful business trip I decided to spoil myself and have a lunch in this restaurant (my evenings were all work so I couldn't come for a proper dinner) before returning home. Everything about this place lace is perfect, amazing, too good to be...MoreWe are very happy, that you enjoied your lunch in our restaurant. many thanks for your visite. best regards Bernard Fournier

7. Locanda Gandriese Restaurant

Via alla Chiesa 3, Gandria, Lugano 6978, Switzerland Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Buffet, Waitstaff, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Swiss, Mediterranean, European, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner +41 91 971 41 81
Excellent
51%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 169 reviews

Locanda Gandriese Restaurant

The restaurant & guest house is located in the historic center of Gandria, overlooking the Ceresio lake. From the interior Terrace you can enjoy a spectacular view of the landscape in which it's located the village, one of the ten most beautiful of Switzerland (L'Hebdo, 2006). It offers Ticinese, Sardinian and Mediterranean food specialties.

Reviewed By DonPaulo - Richmond, Virginia

The restaurant where we planned to eat was full so we searched for another. Locanda Gandriese was the best looking of those we saw, plus the odors wafting from the kitchen made up our minds. The menu was short but packed with tempting dishes. My wife took the Menu for 39 CHF. I had the Capretto for 30 CHF. We also had two 0.1 liter glasses wines, 3 liters of water and an Espresso for just under 100€. While the food was delicious and the service good, the prices were extreme, even for Switzerland. At more reasonable prices, our meals would easily have rated 4 Points. 24 CHF for 3 liters of water is robbery.

8. La Locanda del Notaio

Via Piano delle Noci, 42, 22020 Pellio Intelvi, Italy Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Highchairs Available Italian, Mediterranean, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Drinks +39 031 842 7016
Excellent
66%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 169 reviews

La Locanda del Notaio

Reviewed By theswissbrit - Lugano, Switzerland

Just between lake lugano and lake como, one michelin starred eatery in a hotel in a small village. Pleasant dining room with granite woodburning fireplace in the centre. Tasting menu is good value and great way to showcase the food which is full of flavour and beautifully presented. Service is polite and careful. I found it all slightly too salty but my wife insists I leave a 5 star review!

9. Osteria La Lanterna

Via Gasperino Finali 1, 22010 Cressogno, Italy Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol Italian, Mediterranean, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$314 - HK$518 +39 0344 69014
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 208 reviews

Osteria La Lanterna

Buongiorno,Siamo Pamela e Pasquale,due giovani ragazzi che da circa due mesi hanno ritirato questa piccola Osteria in provincia di Como con l'intento di mettere in pratica la nostra esperienza nel campo della ristorazione.Vi invitiamo a provare la nostra cucina.

Reviewed By cosybabes - giussano

We enjoyed our lunch here very much. The restaurant is very pretty and has a lovely view of the lake. A lot of care is taken with regards to presentation and general service. We were offered prosecco and an amuse bouche upon arrival. I especially liked my starter 'pomodoro'...it was amazing. I was slightly disappointed however by the first course with the baccala in conchiglie. The dish was missing something and after two conchiglie the taste was too repetitive, the tomato sauce under it helped but I still found the dish slightly bland. My husband adored everything he ate however. I'd definitely come back again and try some other dishes. My overall mark is a 4.5 in any case and not just a 4.

10. Grotto San Rocco

via San Rocco 3 | Lugano-Caprino, Pugerna 6823, Switzerland Outdoor Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Seating, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Swiss, Seafood, European, Barbecue, Vegetarian Friendly Dinner, Lunch HK$204 - HK$573 +41 91 923 98 60
Excellent
65%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 125 reviews

Grotto San Rocco

Reviewed By Margarita C - Lugano, Switzerland

Being at this grotto has been quite a disappointment for us. The owner behaved in a very unprofessional fashion towards my German speaking in-laws who had difficulties catching up with the menu in Italian. He showed no patience at all with them and instead of helping them figure out what to choose, he simply said that "he has no patience for this, that the restaurant is full, and special orders are not taken". Then he left. We were clearly not asking for special orders, we just had two 70+ people on the table who needed time to figure things out.
Unlike most restaurants in Switzerland, this one didn't offer the menu in German, French or English, which can turn problematic for elder and non-Italian speaking customers. The location is nice and food is good, but this is worth NOTHING when the owner behaves in such an arrogant manner towards customers.
We usually enjoy the Grotti in Ticino, but Grotto San Rocco is a place we don't want to go back ever again!

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