Page Text: Coolest dishes in Lugano, Switzerland
Coolest dishes in Lugano, Switzerland
by George Black
1. Polenta is always a classic
2. Fondue is a counter-balance
3. Italian pizza is strong
4. Entrecote is a kind of French wave
5. Risotto is a welcome break from the rest
6. Piadinas are rather cute
7. Rösti is gritty
8. Muesli is a modern wonder
9. Meringues are sweet
10. Raclette is cheesy and delicious
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When someone thinks of Switzerland, it's probably about banks and neutrality. A few people actually know how interesting, diverse, and unique the country really is. For example, there is the Italian-speaking part of it, especially the Lugano District in the canton of Ticino. The city of Lugano is the largest metropolitan area in the southern Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. This kind of cultural combination creates a rather interesting texture of the society, the mentality, and the traditions. Food, naturally, plays a large part.
1. Polenta is always a classic
Polenta
A dish made from cornmeal, which in most cases resembles a porridge. Polenta is eaten as a side dish or as an independent dish with various additives (mushrooms, meat, anchovies, etc.), in a fried or baked form.
#13 of 848 restaurants in Lugano
Swiss
Via Arbostora 18, Lugano, Ticino, Switzerland
ClosedOpens at 12PM $$$$
Right off the bat Lugano displays the Italian influences. The very popular boiled cornmeal called polenta originates from Italy and is a very common meal in this part of Switzerland. The variety of cereal used is usually yellow maize, but often buckwheat, white maize, or mixtures thereof. There are noticeable differences in taste between instant polenta and slow-cooked polenta, and the final recipe varies depending on how a certain chef likes to prepare the dish. However, slow-cooked polenta is considered superior.
Ristorante Grotto del Pep has decent polenta.
2. Fondue is a counter-balance
Fondue
It's a dish made of melted cheese and white wine. Two kinds of cheese are melted in the hot wine. Then spices are added. Fondue is eaten hot right from the pot by dipping pieces of white bread or vegetables with special forks.
#12 of 848 restaurants in Lugano
Swiss, European, Italian, Mediterranean, Central European, Seafood
Piazza Nisciör 3, Lugano, Ticino, Switzerland
Open now $$$$
The next item on our list is almost deliberately serving as a counter to the Italian influences in Lugano. Fondue is the most Swiss thing imaginable, and everyone knows what it is. Traditionally, it was a melted cheese meal served in a communal pot, and over the years the main ingredient has been replaced by many other melting substances. A classy and very local thing to consume, but it is recommended to find the venue with the authentic stove where the cheese is melted over a candle.
Locanda Gandriese is a sure bet here.
3. Italian pizza is strong
Italian pizza
Some classic Italian ingredients such as Prosciutto San Daniele, Provolone, artichokes, Italian sausage, salami, black olives, anchovies and of course a few strands of fresh basil are the true 'wonder toppings' for an authentic Italian pizza.
#55 of 848 restaurants in Lugano
Italian, Pizza
Via Alla Bozzoreda 4, Lugano, Ticino, Switzerland
Open now $$$$
Now we're back to Italian elements of the local gastronomical scene. Naturally, since this is the Italian-speaking south, the classic Italian pizza is very popular among the people who make it themselves or eat out. A guest would be curious to learn how the Swiss Italian chefs make the trademark food of their neighbours. Traditional pizzas include pizza alla marinara, pizza capricciosa, which is prepared with mozzarella cheese, baked ham, mushroom, artichoke, and tomato, as well as several others.
Ristorante Pizzeria del Sole has great Italian pizza.
4. Entrecote is a kind of French wave
Entrecote
The name of the dish means "between the ribs" in French. Entrecote is made with tender meat from the rib area. The meat is fried or grilled with spices. It is served hot with vegetable siding. The dish is so juicy and tender.
#15 of 848 restaurants in Lugano #4 of 79 restaurants in Paradiso
Swiss, Italian
Via Carona 1, Paradiso, Ticino, Switzerland
Open now $$$$
Italians are not the only ones with the influential cuisine. Everyone in Europe knows and loves the entrecote steaks made with unmistakeable French grace and popularized across the globe. Prime beef is not the cheapest of meats, and preparing it with the right combination of secondary ingredients is an artistic task if there ever is one in cooking. The most important trick is, of course, preparing the mat so that its specific characteristics based on the region of the body it's cut from remain prevalent.
Grotto Morchino has decent entrecote steaks.
5. Risotto is a welcome break from the rest
Risotto
This dish comes from Northern Italian whose climate is ideal for growing rice (riso means 'rice'). The key ingredient is semi-rounded short-grain rice cooked with meat, fish or vegetable broth. Try risotto with parmesan cheese and white wine. Add saffron for flavour and yellow colour.
#1 of 12 restaurants in Cureglia #64 of 848 restaurants in Lugano
Swiss, European, Italian, Barbecue
Via Grotti 2, Cureglia, Ticino, Switzerland
ClosedOpens at 11:30AM $$$$
Yet another Italian offering on the list, but no one is actually complaining. It's only fitting that one of the most popular foods in this part of Switzerland is a northern Italian rice dish cooked with broth. The main feature of risotto is the creamy state that gives it a unique taste and makes it compatible with various additions, spices, and mixing components. Risotto is good with meat, vegetables, and anything you would prefer when you're having a European rice-based meal.
Grotto Ticinese is the venue that comes to mind in this case.
6. Piadinas are rather cute
Piadinas
It's a type of street food from Italy, a rustic flatbread sandwich cooked with a variety of meat, cheese and vegetables. Piadina appeared in the Romagna region in 500 AD and the word means a long dish or pan in Greek. Originally, it was regarded as poor's bread.
#2 of 148 pizza restaurants in Lugano
Vegetarian, Pizza, Gluten-free, Sandwiches
Via al Forte 2, Lugano, Ticino, Switzerland
Closed now $$$$
This time we should talk about something smaller but no less interesting. One of the many Italian dishes on the food scene, piadinas are distinct in that they are commonly recognized as street food. Classic piadinas are usually made with white flour, lard or olive oil, salt and water. This kind of recipe is perfect for something quick and nutritious, which they are. Restaurants and cafes in Lugano have different variations of piadinas in abundance.
Natural Food is one of the best places for piadinas.
7. Rösti is gritty
Rösti
It's a pancake made of grated potatoes, most often of large diameter. It is prepared very simply and quickly enough, as a result of which the dish is very convenient as a hot breakfast. The taste is great, especially with greens.