Braceria Elvetica — Restaurant in Circolo di Lugano ovest

I think the photo speaks for itself.

My 300 gr. entrecote was thick and dry (I never had an entrecote that tasted like this) which is probably why it was burned on the edges.

At this price level I expected an experience similar to better steakhouses in London and Stockholm but I was greatly disappointed.

The steak was chewy and I even left three pieces as they were inedible.

There are no sauces for the steak (!)

Instead they provide industrial supermarket ketchup and mayonnaise.

It boggles the mind why people would give 5 star reviews for what amounts to pieces of below average meat that is put on the grill with no marination (they can buy these pieces of meat at Manor or Migros for 300% to 450% less and grill or fry them at home with at least some butter and herbs).

The fries were relatively good (especially compared to the steak) but they are the type of fries that are suitable to eat with schnitzel not with steaks and hamburgers because they are thin.

They were also made a couple of hours earlier which is why they were not crunchy.

The hostess who gave me the menu and escorted me to my table is very courteous and friendly but the outside area is stuffy and there are no fans (I finished and left by 12:20. I can't imagine how hot it gets after 13:30 - 14:00).

The waitress told me of their daily specials that included grilled chicken with vegetables and a caprese salad.

It is rather unprofessional to not have the daily specials written on a blackboard with prices so I declined...

Braceria Elvetica is a true gem for steak lovers. From the moment you walk in, you're welcomed with a warm, inviting atmosphere and attentive, professional service. The staff are knowledgeable and clearly passionate about what they do, offering helpful recommendations without being pushy.

The steaks are the highlight—expertly grilled, full of flavor, and incredibly tender. I had the ribeye, which was perfectly cooked and simply melted in my mouth. The sides, especially the truffle mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables, were the ideal complement. Their wine list is well-curated and pairs beautifully with the menu.

Braceria Elvetica combines top-quality food with outstanding service in a cozy, stylish setting. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a night out, it’s absolutely...

We visited this braceria in Lugano last year same time and had a wonderful experience – both the food and the service were truly excellent, which is why we were excited to return this year. Unfortunately, this visit was a real disappointment.

We were seated in a corner, which felt a bit like an afterthought, and part of my order was forgotten – I eventually had to get up and remind the staff myself. The service overall was mediocre and lacked the attentiveness we remembered from before.

To top it off, we were not informed in advance that my husband’s steak alone would cost over CHF 250 – a surprise that left a bad taste at the end of the meal.

It’s such a shame, as we had really looked forward to coming back. Sadly, this experience has made us think twice about returning...