Grotto San Rocco — Restaurant in Lugano

This is a really special place.

On the negative side, it is tricky to access by road -- I certainly wouldn't like to do the drive in the dark. Plus parking is very limited: We had to park about ten minutes walk up the hill as the car park was full (5 cars!). So for a dinner sitting the only real option is by boat. It is served by the public boat service, but this certainly adds to the cost of the meal.

However, the accessibility actually contributes to how special the place is: Firstly, the location is amazing (see photo), secondly it means that they go the extra mile because they can't rely on passing tourist trade!

The service was truly exceptional -- Every request was dealt with in a friendly, professional way, and always made every member of our party, young and old, feel special and welcome.

The food was very good, but the portions could be more generous, I felt. For example, the mixed and green salads were much smaller than equivalents I've had at other grottos in Ticino.

Also I guess I would have to say that the prices are a little too high, especially when you take portion size into account.

However, because the whole experience was so nice, I'm really having to scrape the barrel to find fault with it!

If I ever buy a boat I'll be coming...

Being at this grotto has been quite a disappointment for us. The owner behaved in a very unprofessional fashion towards my German speaking in-laws who had difficulties catching up with the menu in Italian. He showed no patience at all with them and instead of helping them figure out what to choose, he simply said that "he has no patience for this, that the restaurant is full, and special orders are not taken". Then he left. We were clearly not asking for special orders, we just had two 70+ people on the table who needed time to figure things out.

Unlike most restaurants in Switzerland, this one didn't offer the menu in German, French or English, which can turn problematic for elder and non-Italian speaking customers. The location is nice and food is good, but this is worth NOTHING when the owner behaves in such an arrogant manner towards customers.

We usually enjoy the Grotti in Ticino, but Grotto San Rocco is a place we don't want to go...

A lovely boat ride on Lake Lugano will bring you to this "off the beaten path" most enjoyable Grotto San Rocco restaurant! We sat outside on the patio overlooking Lake Lugano and it's the kind of experience you imagine happening for yourself but wonder how to make it happen... Well, I'm sure any concierge at any Lugano hotel could assist in making arrangements for you but all we had to do was walk to the waterfront and get on a waiting boat... The perfect setting combined with a perfect meal combined with perfect weather was almost too fabulous for words! Go casual or go dressy--either way you'll be welcomed warmly and taken care by the best team there. Just do it! It's a lovely and memorable dining...