About Grotto Taverns
Available: April-October Â
Example travel costs - book locally
All prices are per person, in 2nd class (where relevant)
Swiss Travel Pass: FREE travel to the grotti loactions
Ticino Ticket: FREE bus/train travel to the grotti locations, discount for boats
Half Fare Card: 50% discount on travel to the grotti locations
The traditional grotti of Ticino offer a wonderfully
atmospheric way to experience the region’s culture and cuisine. Scattered among
forests, riverbanks and lakeside paths, these rustic stone taverns were once
used as cool cellars for storing wine, cheese and cured meats. Today, many have
been lovingly restored and opened to the public, serving hearty local dishes in
charming natural surroundings.
A visit to a grotto is a chance to slow down, enjoy simple
regional flavours and soak up the relaxed southern Swiss lifestyle.
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Contact us to book your holiday
Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com
Highlights
History of the grotti
Grotti are a distinctive part of Ticino’s heritage. Built
from stone and often nestled against rock faces or tucked into wooded
hillsides, they were originally designed to keep food naturally cool. Many
still retain their original cellars, granite tables and shaded outdoor seating underneath the chestnut trees.
Today’s grotti offer a simple but delicious menu of regional
specialities, often accompanied by local Merlot served in traditional ceramic
bowls. The setting is informal and friendly, making them ideal for long summer
lunches or relaxed evenings outdoors.
A taste of Ticino
Dining in a grotto is one of the most enjoyable ways to
experience Ticino’s culinary traditions. Typical dishes include polenta cooked slowly over the fire, cured cold cuts and local cheeses, braised beef, rabbit stew, mushrooms in creamy sauce, local sausages, and costine (grilled pork ribs). Velvety Merlot from local vineyards is the usual accompaniment, served in carafes.
Those with a sweet tooth aren't forgotten, as typical desserts include torta di pane (rustic bread cake with dried fruits and nuts), crostata (homemade jam tart), chestnut mousse or cake and, of course, gelato.
Some grotti have an accordian player to complete the idyllic scene.
Grotti boat tour
During the summer months, evening boat services operate on
Lake Lugano, allowing visitors to reach several lakeside grotti directly from
the town.
This is a delightful way to enjoy dinner by the water before
returning to Lugano later in the evening.
From June to August, the boat departs from Lugano and Paradiso piers and stops at the grotti at half a dozen grotti along the lakeside.Â
The service runs Thursday-Saturday. Take the 7pm departure and you'll have over two hours dining in total relaxation by the lakeside, before taking the boat back to the resort.Â
Advance reservations at the grotti are recommended.
Where to find the grotti
Grotti can be found throughout Ticino, but several areas are
especially well known for having clusters of charming restaurants:
- Lugano
Region – A number of grotti line the shores of Lake Lugano, some
accessible only by footpath or by boat
- Gandria
– A picturesque lakeside village with several grotti reached via the Olive
Path or by summer boat service
- Mendrisiotto
– Home to historic grotto districts where stone cellars cluster together
beneath chestnut trees in this wine-growing region
- Valle
Verzasca & Valle Maggia – Scenic valleys with grotti offering
traditional dishes in peaceful natural settings
Directions
The grotti are scattered all over the region. Your hotel reception will be pleased to advise you on locations and will help you to book a table.Â
Photography (c) Ticino Tourism
Request your holiday quotation
Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com