2 Best Restaurants in Ticino, Switzerland

Extraordinary art in all forms is the trademark of this Michelin-starred location at the atmospheric Villa Castagnola, where paintings and sculptures from a variety of artists line the walls and halls and exhibitions change twice yearly. Chef Frank Oerthle has a way with seafood: specialties change seasonally but can include steamed oysters with caramelized spring onion and wasabi-infused scallops. But be sure to save room for the desserts, whose deliberated presentation bring new meaning to the term culinary art.

The grill is the first thing you see in this grotto-style eatery specializing in pure and simple seafood alla griglia (grilled). Homemade pasta is another specialty, and when the two are combined, as in the house favorite—linguine allo scoglio (with shellfish)—plates are left cleaner than whistles. The decor is a study in refined linen and rustic wood, and the service is helpful and down-to-earth. The restaurant is at the end of a cul-de-sac in a residential neighborhood, not far from the Lugano South exit on the autostrada.