Grotto-like restaurant in the middle of the city: Ristorante La Tinera (23. February 2019)

It is a bit more than two years ago since I’ve walked into the La Tinera. When I was looking up the place, I did not remember that I’ve been here before but as it was ranked among the best restaurants in Lugano (still), I eventually ended up here again for a lunch. As a ‘primo’ I went for the “Risotto ai Porcini” (CHF 20.00) which was lovely in terms of how the risotto was cooked but it didn’t really have too many porcini in it which was a tiny bit disappointing.

What was definitely not satisfying was the fact that I had to wait for more than 40 minutes until my main was served. Although, when it finally arrived, it was worth the wait as the “Fegato di Vitello Burro e Salvia” (CHF 29.00) was frankly speaking delicious. Also the fact that you get more or less one piece of liver and not many small cuts makes it truly lovely.

The atmosphere is very Italian or at least relatively Italian, respectively more Swiss-Italian but generally lovely and not so far from a grotto. However, given you are in the town of Lugano, the atmosphere is not 1:1 like in a grotto. The prices are generally okay which is even true for the wine. The Merlot Roncaia (0,375l) is drinkable for CHF 26.00, a bottle of sparkling water (1L) accounts for CHF 7.00 and finally a ‘double espresso’ for CHF 5.00.

All in all, I still like the La Tinera a lot – just make sure to book a table in advance plus to make sure that the waiter is actually aware that you’ve ordered more than a starter as else you might end up waiting for quite a while!

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Contact Details:

Ristorante La Tinera

Via dei Gorini 2

6900 Lugano (CH)

Tel.: +41 91 923 52 19

Homepage: http://www.facebook.com/laTineralugano/

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.