Restaurant in Locarno: what makes ours so special

A varied breakfast buffet, a light lunch or an unforgettable dinner: who wouldn’t want to get to know Locarno and its restaurants? Anyone who appreciates good food keeps coming back to this beautiful town in Ticino. The local cuisine has delights for every palate – hearty, sweet, savoury, traditional, light, modern and incomparable.

Of course, our hotel restaurant also serves you the very best of Ticino cuisine. And when it comes to what makes our restaurant so special, there are several answers. We share them with you below.

What kind of cuisine do Locarno’s restaurants offer?

To answer this question, we need to delve a little into Ticino’s history. Ticino (Tessin in German) is a beautiful canton in the south of Switzerland. In Locarno, Ticino can be proud of a town picturesquely set on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

Thanks to its central location, Locarno has always been a hub for a wide range of cultural spheres. Agriculture, fishing, traditional crafts, culture and tourism have made – and still make – Locarno a lively town. Tradition and modernity come together here. The delicious food served in Locarno’s restaurants is a matchless reflection of this history.

Its proximity to Italy gives the cuisine a Mediterranean twist. Salumi, lardo, pancetta and risotto are just some of the evocative names of typical dishes and ingredients. Not forgetting the delicious fish and vegetable recipes the region has to offer – but more on that in a moment.

At La Palma au Lac Hotel, we offer more than just highlights of Ticino cuisine. Our dishes are inspired by tradition and given a modern interpretation. Whether it’s an active holiday, a romantic weekend for two or a voyage of discovery through Ticino with the whole family, you can look forward to culinary delights with us!

Typically Ticino!

One very special feature is the region’s chestnuts. They are plentiful in Ticino, so the regional cuisine has always turned them into inventive recipes – and still does. No visit to Ticino is complete without chestnut soup or chestnut flatbread. Chestnut flour is another speciality of the region: ground chestnuts are used to make tasty, gluten-free pasta, bread, cakes and more.

With coregoni al forno, Ticino offers a baked fish dish that could hardly be simpler or more delicious. The undisputed highlight, however, is the ever-popular fritto misto di lago: freshwater fish from Lake Maggiore, fried fresh from the catch. Add a squeeze of lemon and a glass of white wine, and food lovers find themselves right in the middle of the dolce vita.

Fancy something sweet? Torta di pane ticinese is a bread cake from Ticino that wins you over with its refined simplicity. Pesche al vino rosso are extravagant yet down-to-earth: Ticino peaches steeped in red wine and refined with spices.

Other delicacies from the region include:

• Salami and ham specialities
• All kinds of vegetable dishes
• Risotto
• Polenta
• Hearty stews
• Cheese specialities
• La Torta da Üdrion (blueberry tart)

To finish, there’s nocino, a traditional liqueur made from walnuts. Cheers – and here’s to you discovering Ticino cuisine in Locarno and its restaurants very soon!

Where are the Locarno restaurants with the best views?

Locarno was, is and always will be a gem right on Lake Maggiore. The world-famous lake combines romance, myths, wanderlust and the way of life so typical of this region. The town nestles up the slope above the lake, which makes for spectacular views.

Visitors to Locarno can enjoy truly unique moments. How about a breakfast on the terrace overlooking the lake that stretches on until noon? Unwinding and feeling good – that’s what Locarno and its restaurants stand for, with skill, heart and passion.

At the La Palma au Lac Hotel restaurant, you’ll lose all track of time on the terrace on fine evenings. With a view of the lakeside promenade, our friendly staff will serve you a dream dinner. Afterwards, there’s plenty of time for a digestif and good conversation in the best of company.

By the way, the market is also a little gem well worth a visit. Every Thursday, local traders sell their wares on the Piazza Grande. Ceramics, jewellery, clothing and souvenirs tempt you to buy.

And what would a market in Ticino be without culinary delights? Among the beautiful façades of the old town, the region’s street food tastes twice as good. Coffee lovers are in for a treat too: freshly made and piping hot, coffee is a market must.

What makes Locarno and its restaurants so special?

Ticino hospitality is legendary – and always will be. Come and feel at home: a holiday in Ticino is the perfect way to recharge your batteries. An active holiday is just as suitable as a gourmet weekend. And after an eventful day in Ticino, there’s nothing better than good food and drink. As well as its relaxed yet elegant way of life, Locarno scores with its wonderful weather. Locarno is pure sunshine, with the pleasant temperatures of the Swiss summer. And the town is more than just a feast for the eyes: the old town and the surrounding area leave nothing to be desired. With mountains and lake so close together, the atmosphere is truly special. Locarno and its restaurants cater to every wish. A multi-course dinner, a quick snack, a coffee on the corner or a leisurely brunch – there’s something for everyone.

What else is there to discover in Locarno?

Locarno wouldn’t be Locarno if it didn’t have plenty more highlights to offer beyond its cuisine. The Brissago Islands, for example, are home to a botanical garden renowned far beyond the region. The beautifully laid-out islands feel almost magical. As part of Gardens of Switzerland, they rank among the most beautiful gardens in the country.

The Cardada Cimetta viewing platform combines adventure with the charm of the surrounding area. The sporty can reach the spectacular view of the lake and the Monte Rosa massif on foot. Alternatively, a cable car takes you straight to the platform.

Locarno’s festivals are famous too. The Locarno Film Festival is one of the most important of its kind. One undoubted highlight is the open-air cinema on the Piazza Grande, where films screened amid the historic façades of the old town regularly hold audiences spellbound.

Last but not least, some of the finest moments in Locarno are spent over a good coffee on our hotel terrace. Letting your gaze wander across the promenade and the lake and simply enjoying doing nothing: a treat for all the senses.

La Palma au Lac Hotel: a highlight among Locarno’s restaurants

Plan your next holiday in Ticino and enjoy the comforts of our beautiful hotel right on Lake Maggiore! A little extra tip: how about a gift voucher for a stay with us? Surprise someone very special with an unforgettable trip to Ticino.

Do you have any questions or would you like to make a booking? Simply use our contact form. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, we look forward to welcoming you!