La Tinèra

We had an incredible dinner at La Tinera. I'm very happy that I could find vegan options as the pasta doesn't have egg so I ordered a Penne alla arrabbiata. Very abundant, tasty and served fast.
I would also like to highlight how kind everyone was at the venue.

We will be back! :)

We had such a great meal at La Tinera. We had the choice to eat upstairs outdoors or downstairs at the main restaurant. We liked the traditional decor and feeling of the basement, not the mention the very comfortable, cool temperature in the summer. Service was polite and attentive. We got the veal knuckle with polenta and the pork cutlet with veg. We also added a side of risotto. Everything was very tasty, well-seasoned. We loved the wine options with many different sizes at different price points. The Ticino merlot is the best, by far. 2 dl is perfect for dinner. We finished with homemade tiramisu. This dinner was a complete 180 from the previous nights disappointment at an osteria on the steps up to the top of the town. Much more flavor and better service. We are surprised this restaurant is not slammed full. It's definitely the place to go while visiting Lugano.

Nestled just steps away from the bustling main square, this restaurant is a hidden gem that’s easy to overlook—but trust me, it’s well worth the effort to find. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by a warm, rustic decor that instantly makes you feel at home.
The real star, however, is the food. Every bite is bursting with authentic flavors, clearly prepared with love and tradition. It’s one of those rare spots that make you feel like you’ve discovered something truly special.

Such a cozy, laid back yet nice restaurant. The food was flavorful and I really enjoyed a plate of risotto. The people working there were very kind and inviting.

This is exactly the kind of place that they refer to when they say step away from the crowded square with the tourist trap restaurants. Literally a 20 second walk out of the square, if you look hard, you will find this very quaint hidden, locals only restaurant. After locating it on Google maps, we literally followed locals to the entrance and enjoyed one of the best meals we've had on our trip. The lamb ossobuco with polenta was incredible and the sausage and risotto was much more than you would expect. The servers were very friendly and helpful. It was surprisingly slow for a weekday lunch, but as some of the reviews say, I imagine you could need a reservation on busy weekend nights.

Had dinner here last night with my family. Although the restaurant is tucked away in a small side street, it was well worth a visit. What a hidden gem it turned out to be. Loved the informal, homely yet rustic ambiance. Loved that the owners take great pride in their restaurant and make you feel at home. The service was excellent and personal, and the food was authentic and delicious. Everything was good. From the antipasti to the main courses and the desserts. The Perch Fillet with Risotto was excellent. The choice of local wines were great too. Highly recommend this restaurant, a must visit when in Lugano.

This restaurant is really worth a visit! The hidden cellar in the downtown area delivers a great atmosphere and made us feel comfy right away. The food was excellent, very flavourful, tender meat and fish as well as good portions. Delicious house wine and attentive service. The prices are normal for the location. Would definitely recommend!!

Small eatery tucked in the basement of a quiet building. The place was packed on a Saturday evening, so a reservation is recommended. We booked for 9 PM and was perfect. Our order was rather simple, and I loved every dish.

I've been here each time I visit Lugano - great for local specialities, extremely fast service and unbelievably good value by Swiss and city centre standards. It was quieter in the summer - in winter a reservation is definitely needed. Very attentive and friendly service too.

Simply brilliant! Brilliantly simple!! Wonderful service, authentic grotto environment and wholesome, flavourful food.
A great find with absolutely wonderful hosts.
How goos is it? Good enough to head back two nights in a row, and I'm not done yet!
Being a connoisseur of tiramisu (self proclaimed) I'm happy to rate this as the best tiramisu I've had in 5 years, and for sure the best in Lugano this far.

PHENOMENAL. if you’re not coming to this restaurant when you’re in Lugano, you’re making a HUGE mistake. Best food I’ve ever had!!!! Risotto is insane- 20/10!!!!!! Had the risotto with sausage and the penne alla arrabbiata. Finished with the tiramisu - chef’s KISS. hands down the best tiramisu I’ve ever had. Service was amazing and so kind. You must come here if in town visiting or having a night with friends!

Perch filet with risotto was really really good! A must try if you are in Lugano. Sabaione was alright - either you love it or you hate it. Tiramisu could do with a little bit more alcohol. The best dessert was the torta di pane. Finish up with the grappa brunello. Perfect! 😍

A wonderful authentic Italian restaurant where the food is simple yet delicious. It's rustic downstairs dining area makes it quaint and cozy. If you're looking for something with a view this isn't the spot but the food makes up for that! Penne Arrabiata and the Vegetable soup were 🤌 the salad was fantastic.

Fantastic authentic meal, fairly priced, very friendly hosts. A must visit!

Update: went back after a few weeks, as good as I remember - the risotto with sausage is one of the greatest plates of food I've ever had. So simple, yet so good. This place should be packed every night, a hidden gem!

Was unsure at first but the menu was of the area which is what I was looking for. I ordered the sausage and risotto. The best I have had of both sausage and risotto. The tiramisu was also the best I have had. Try it you won’t be disappointed!

Hidden gem underground! Delicious food with great service and relatively fair prices in Switzerland. Definitely recommend 💯

Amazing food. Risotto is spot on. Less funghi than see on earlier photos but still amazingly delicious. Osso bucco was fantastic. That pork chop was phenomenal. I would go back again next time I visit Lugano!

Found this restaurant in a small alley and love it. Appreciate its quietness amongst this vibrant area.

Super friendly boss / staff who served me. I love their recommendation of white wine and risotto with sausage.

I felt welcoming here.

The restaurant is next to Credit Suisse.

Great hidden restaurant, rustic decor, lovely staff. Had the fish and risotto as recommended by reviews and was not disappointed. House white - Anselmi San Vincenzo was also a delight. Would recommend a visit.

Great authentic food, nice place to sit and drink.