Locarno Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Locarno

October 29, 2017 Etsuko Causey

Locarno (Italian: [loˈkarno], German: [loˈkarno]; Ticinese: Locarn [loˈkɑːrn]; formerly in German: Luggárus [luˈɡaːrʊs]) is a southern Swiss town and municipality in the district Locarno (and its capital), located on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore at its northeastern tip in the canton of Ticino at the southern foot of the Swiss Alps. It has a population of about 16,000 (proper), and about 56,000 for the agglomeration of the same name including Ascona besides other municipalities.
Things to do in Locarno

1. Osteria dell Enoteca

contrada Maggiore 24, Losone 6616, Switzerland Reservations, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible Italian, Mediterranean, European, Central European, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +41 91 791 78 17
Excellent
88%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 147 reviews

Osteria dell Enoteca

Reviewed By Flautor

High prices for small portions were not unexpected for this kind of top end restaurant (16 points on Gault-Millau, although last year it had 17), and the food was indeed good, refined and elegantly presented with a sofisticated touch of molecular cuisine. I can't complain about the service either: quite friendly. Unfortunately, the atmosphere was deceiving: the place feels a bit cold, not all elements of decoration are very tasteful for such an elegant place and the absolute absence of background music makes you feel uncomfortable talking as every word reverberates in the room. The wine selection is nonetheless very impressive.

2. Da Valentino

via Torretta 7, Locarno 6600, Switzerland Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff Italian, Swiss, Mediterranean, European, Central European, Vegetarian Friendly Dinner, Lunch HK$8 +41 91 752 01 10
Excellent
70%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 167 reviews

Da Valentino

Reviewed By r0landbrunner - Zurich, Switzerland

we had dinner here, and it was good, even very good, but still below expectations. we opted for the menue (one surf, one turf, with respective first and main dish) and a bottle of wine. somehow it all lacked the last little bit, in taste, in presentation, in service. for the price (200 CHF for the two of us), I would expect more. compared to our dinner in Locanda Locarnese (for the same price), we felt disappointed.

3. Ristorante Sensi

viale Verbano 9, Muralto, Locarno 6600, Switzerland Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Italian, Swiss, Mediterranean, European, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$165 - HK$408 +41 91 743 17 17
Excellent
39%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 643 reviews

Ristorante Sensi

Reviewed By Mihai L - Romania

I chose this restaurant for the position in the tripadvisor ranking. I appreciate the interior look, especially the wine room and the open kitchen.
The restaurant is very large, it has become industry, without personality, without interaction with customers, kind of: eat and go!
The ordered aperitif took a long time, just as I imagined, the kitchen does not cope with the size of the restaurant. I almost finished my bread basket. The aperitif, "insalata di polipo alla mediterranea", was ok but not memorable.
I asked for a recommendation to the waiter for the main course, he recommended me what was more expensive, without arguments. So... I eat the worst cooking salmon in my life. Extremely well made and tasteless inside. I asked for vegetables but I got the risotto. They quickly replaced, but the vegetables had no taste, just boiled and thrown into a bowl.
In the same "fast and furious" style, after I finished my beer, they took my glass so fast that I didn't notice it and obviously I wasn't asked if I wanted another one.
The waiting time between the aperitif and the main course was very long, so I lost my appetite :(
In conclusion, compared to other restaurants in the area, this restaurant doesn't worth the 1st place in Tripadvisor, not even in the top 10!

4. Antico Ristorante Borromeo

via Collegio 16, Ascona 6612, Switzerland Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Italian, Swiss, Mediterranean, European, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +41 91 791 92 81
Excellent
61%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 256 reviews

Antico Ristorante Borromeo

Reviewed By Lk K - Switzerland

Don't forget to reserve for this restaurant! A wonderful meal with excellent service - very friendly. I had the risotto and porchini - delicious. Everyone at our table had something different and all were very happy. We also chose a regional wine which was also excellent. We're tempted to go back tonight.

5. Ristorante Vallemaggia

Varenna, via Bartolomeo 1, Locarno 6600, Switzerland Reservations, Wheelchair Accessible Italian, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner +41 91 752 00 01
Excellent
62%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 84 reviews

Ristorante Vallemaggia

Reviewed By Giudicat - Locarno, Switzerland

Delightful atmosphere, with well presented healthy food that is nonetheless delicious and interesting. I often meet friends there for lunch. There's a fixed lunch menu with a vegetarian option (just as good). In the evening it is more expensive. Make sure you call to book a table if you want to eat there at lunch time - after midday it fills up very quickly!

6. Locanda Locarnese

Piazza Grande-via Bossi 1, Locarno 6600, Switzerland Wheelchair Accessible, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Mediterranean, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner +41 91 756 87 56
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 295 reviews

Locanda Locarnese

Closed for holidays antil 7 july

Reviewed By Christian U - Locarno, Switzerland

Very honest, there are different opinion about what you can find in Locarno, old town, right behind Piazza Grande. The Locanda serve great food, respectful of the local traditions, Ticinese food and wines come first. A special mention about the service: perfect, kind, very respectful and never intrusive.
The locanda offer a great example in how things need to be done and motivation to do better!
Obviously, in Switz...you pay for what you get...proportionally...is that fair? I guess so...

7. RISTORANTE CENTRALE

via Locarno 2, Losone 6616, Switzerland Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Reservations, Street Parking, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner +41 91 792 12 01
Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 108 reviews

RISTORANTE CENTRALE

Reviewed By ZurichKashew - zurich

From outside not fancy, but inside is nicely done. The chef and his wife, who serves and greets, put their hearts into it. Many local specialties which vary alittle by season are carefully prepared and served. A good wine list lets you order something which complements - making it an overall delicious and enjoyable experience. It is not so fancy- schmanzy as some places in nearby Ascona, but every bit as good and more reasonably priced.

8. Osteria del Centenario

viale Verbano 17, Muralto, Locarno 6600, Switzerland Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean, Fusion, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +41 91 743 82 22
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 192 reviews

Osteria del Centenario

Reviewed By Matthew B - Switzerland

Well, we are just the luckiest. Easter Saturday night with no reservation anywhere, and turned away from 4-5 places before finding this gem. Fine food, great wines, excellent service! Every morsel was a delight for the senses, service was exceptional and the wines were delicious. Thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the visit and would recommend it to anyone. Pricey, but worth every penny compared to the nearest competition.

9. Grottino Ticinese

via S. Materno 10, Losone 6616, Switzerland Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol Italian, Swiss, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +41 91 791 32 30
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 369 reviews

Grottino Ticinese

Reviewed By 1950fede - Lugano, Switzerland

Tipical plates, like risotto & funghi, polenta with brasato, etc. All prepared with much care and served with a friendlyness, that makes one feel welcome.
Tipical grotto ticinese with many nice, shady places out in the garden under the trees.
Prices are very reasonable and surely its a good deal, even for a good glass of local "Merlot" red wine.

10. Restaurant Ecco Ascona

via del Segnale 10 | Ticino, Ascona 6612, Switzerland Outdoor Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff International, Delicatessen, European, Central European, Vegetarian Friendly Dinner HK$1,193 - HK$1,727 +41 91 785 88 88
Excellent
94%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 117 reviews

Restaurant Ecco Ascona

The restaurants Ecco in Ascona, St. Moritz and Zürich are renowned for characterful mixtures of virtuosity and taste purism. Executive Chef Rolf Fliegauf cleverly combines natural flavours of seasonal ingredients and creates the unmistakable and multiple award-winning aroma cuisine of Ecco: pointedly, intense, unexpected.

Reviewed By Aimless81 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

We celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary with dinner at Ecco and the evening could not have been more wonderful. The atmosphere was very relaxed and the food!!... Chef Rolf Fliegauf is a culinary wizard. The combinations were unique but not bizarre and the portions generous. Every bite was delicious perfection. We ordered a 5 course meal but had about 12 plates each with all the restaurant 'compliments'. Our amazing dinner was made more special with the Chef personally coming out to greet us. We look forward to visiting the Zurich restaurant when it opens later this year.

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