Osteria Grotto Degli Amici - Lugano

Holidaying in Cadro (a village just below Villa Luganese) I set about to go on an extended walk. After 2 hours of going uphill, I started to come back and went through this lovely village. The Grotto terrace was inviting and its decoration got me back some years ago down memory lane when visiting the Garden route in South Africa. It's not the same of course but the restaurant's Grotto are the same. A senior from the village got there at the same time. He headed straight away to his usual table. I sat on the terrace in the shadow of large trees. Nice green salad followed by Polenta (local grits) and Brasato (well cooked beef that usually melts in the mouth). I couldn't finish the 3rd cut but I am sure men do. Even though it was plenty, I wanted to try their desserts and settled for their Zabaione (made with fresh local eggs). It was delicious and ...another trip down memory lane as my father is the last person I know who made such delicious zabaioni. For those who don't know what zabaione is...it's a foamy mousse made with fresh eggs and a liquor. A bit like eggnog but firmer. At the end you can sample some little ciambelle with anise seeds. All in all a very peaceful and lovely lunch al fresco. Da raccomandare. A recommander. Empfehlenswert. A shame the size of my meal and ciambelle pictures are too large to be uploaded to TripAdvisor ...

Wir wurden freundlich empfangen und würden uns wünschen, dass die Speisekarte auch auf deutsch oder englisch übersetzt ist. Das Essen war sehr gut, auch wenn die Preise sehr ambitioniert sind. Das Bedienungspersonal sollte den Preisen entsprechend besser ausgebildet sein.

Very fine food. Very good service. Very friendly. Good cozy atmosphere.

Simply great! Even without an appointment, even if there is an event taking place, Ricardo (and the chef) will find a table for four and make you feel like you are the best guest. I can only warmly recommend it, we will definitely go by again

Top well eaten plate really well stocked and very good