Great BBQ in traditional atmosphere: Restaurant Grotto del Pep (12. April 2016)
The Grotto del Pep is definitely not centrally located and it is actually quite tricky to get there from the city of Lugano, however, if you are willing to take a cab or go by car, it is worth going there (good luck with public transportation). What you get here is a simple but authentic cuisine from the Ticino region. Starting with local specialties like “luganiga alla griglia” (CHF 8.00) which is some kind of grilled local sausage which is very savory. The amount of potatoes which is served with the luganiga is a bit too much for my personal gusto but at least they are tasty.
The “raviolini con ricotta e spinach in butter and sage” (CHF 11.00) are mouth-watering – perfectly luscious – and obviously the butter and sage add quite some extra flavour to the dish and make it rich in its aroma.
For the starters you are also served some “pickled vegetables” like cucumbers and onions. Lovely, but I do not entirely get why :)
When we entered another table just got their main dish and it looked absolutely delicious so I inquired what they were having and it turned out it was the “puntine di maiale” (CHF 24.50), so basically “spare ribs” which was great. In addition we went for the sides “polenta” (CHF 5.00) and “potatoes” (CHF 5.00). The spare ribs were absolutely amazing! The French fries were – well, French fries. But the polenta was really not to my gusto as it was way too dry.
Another “side” we decided to have were the “funghi” (CHF 9.00) and while I am usually not that big of a fan of cooked mushrooms I must admit it was actually delicious!
In order to end the evening properly, we had a grappa – but the waiter only told us later that it was not actual grappa but some local brew from Serbia. Well, fair enough but then don’t sell it as grappa.
When it comes to the place – it is super simple but provides a nice and comfortable atmosphere you feel immediately welcome in. The service is dedicated, friendly, and very supportive. And although we were the last customers after midnight we never had the feeling like the owner want to “have us out” but he was friendly and patient. Lovely service! The prices for the wines are also rather okay, i.e. a Magnum of “Volpetona Barbera d’Asti Superiore, DOCG” accounts for CHF 90.00.
If you are looking for a truly original experience of food from Ticino, you should definitely give the Grotto del Pep a try. What is important though – although the place is somewhat remote from Lugano – is to book a table in advance as the place was absolutely crowded – and it was a Tuesday (!) evening!
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Contact Details:
Restaurant Grotto del Pep
via Arbostora 18
6913 Lugano (CH)
Tel.: +41 91 994 43 36
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
