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Grotto & coffee house · Val Colla, above Lugano

The grotto where
Ticino takes its
time

Coffee in the morning, aperitivo in the afternoon, dinner under the chestnut trees at night. Beneath the stone pergola, minutes from Lugano, since 1954.

Book a table Order takeaway
  • Open from 8 in the morning
  • Ticino Merlot by the glass
  • Terrace under the chestnut trees
The grotto’s stone pergola with granite tables under the chestnut trees
1954 opened in
15 min from Lugano centre
80 covers under the pergola
4.9 across 900+ reviews
The grotto’s stone cellar, warm and welcoming

Our story

One pergola, one valley, three generations

The grotto opened in 1954, when grandfather turned the cellar carved into the rock into a small tavern. A boccalino of Merlot, local cured meats and four granite tables in the shade: that was all it took.

Today the third generation keeps the doors open all day: coffee in the morning, aperitivo in the afternoon, kitchen in the evening. The stone cellar is unchanged, and so is the way people sit at the table: without rushing.

- The YOURBRAND family

The menu

What people come up the valley for

Three tastes of the grotto. The rest is on the full menu.

A ceramic boccalino full of red Ticino Merlot CHF 6.-

Boccalino of Merlot

Ticino Merlot by the glass, in the ceramic boccalino. The aperitivo ritual.

A board of Ticino cured meats and formaggini with bread CHF 19.-

Local grotto board

Cured meats from the valley, alpine formaggini and home-made bread. To share.

A slice of home-made Ticino bread cake CHF 8.-

Bread cake

Bread, milk, pine nuts, raisins and amaretti. The grotto dessert, as it used to be.

See the full menu

Why everyone comes back

What you find at the grotto

A proper coffee bar

A blend roasted for us, cappuccino with the right foam and a warm brioche from the village bakery.

Wine from the valley

A boccalino of Ticino Merlot by the glass and a small cellar chosen with nearby producers.

Local grotto cooking

Cured meats, formaggini, risotto and the classic bread cake: simple dishes, made the old way.

Under the chestnut trees

Granite tables in the shade, cool in summer and a view over the valley. The grotto is the place, too.

What they say

900 reasons to head up the valley

4.9 4.9 out of 5 · over 900 reviews
Laura B. Google · 2 weeks ago

The nicest spot for an aperitivo above Lugano. A boccalino of Merlot, a local board and the peace of the valley. We always come back.

Marco V. TripAdvisor · 1 month ago

Cappuccino in the morning on the terrace, looking over the chestnut trees. The warm brioche is a treat. Warm, genuine service.

Sophie D. Google · 3 weeks ago

The Merlot risotto is memorable and the bread cake tastes of home. A real Ticino grotto atmosphere. Highly recommended.

Andrea R. TripAdvisor · 2 months ago

A live-music evening under the pergola: genuine food and lovely staff. An experience absolutely worth repeating.

Giulia M. Google · 1 week ago

Real gluten-free options and alpine formaggini to die for. Finally a grotto where I can eat with ease. Thank you!

Thomas K. TripAdvisor · 1 month ago

A cellar carved into the rock, local Merlot and old-time polenta with braised beef. A piece of authentic Ticino.

Elena F. Google · 4 days ago

Booked online in thirty seconds, table ready under the chestnut trees. Sunset, a boccalino and silence: perfect.

Paolo C. TripAdvisor · 3 months ago

I’ve been coming here for years and nothing has ever changed, thankfully. A sure thing above Lugano. Well done.

Order takeaway

In two taps, the grotto to take away

  • Cappuccino

    Cappuccino

    4.50

    Espresso and steamed milk with the right foam. Your way with an extra shot.

  • Boccalino of Merlot

    Boccalino of Merlot

    6.-

    Ticino Merlot by the glass, in the traditional ceramic boccalino.

    Signature
  • Local grotto board

    Local grotto board

    19.-

    Cured meats from the valley, alpine formaggini, pickles and home-made bread.

    Signature
See the full menu and order

Opening hours

  • Wednesday - Friday08:00 - 23:00
  • Saturday08:00 - 24:00
  • Sunday09:00 - 22:00
  • Monday - TuesdayClosed

Hot kitchen until 9:30 pm. Coffee bar and aperitivi all day.

Where we are

Strada dei Grotti 4
6959 Val Colla · Ticino

+41 91 000 00 00 [email protected]
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The grotto

An afternoon under the pergola

See the whole gallery
The stone pergola of the grotto under the chestnut trees
A board of Ticino cured meats and formaggini
A boccalino of Merlot poured at the bar
A steaming plate of Merlot risotto

We’re waiting for you

Ready to head up the valley?

Book a table under the pergola or drop by for a coffee: the grotto is open and the boccalino is cold.

Book a table Order takeaway