Lugano

Alessandra Pennuto
Trust & wealth planner at Capital Trustees. She deals with trust administration and the implementation of wealth planning structures, with particular expertise in the management of works of art and luxury goods. She also specializes in services for international private clients, working with single and multi-family offices. Tep is a member of STEP Switzerland and the International Fiscal Association and holds a master’s degree in economics and cultural asset management.

A business breakfast – Grand Café Al Porto
A local dining institution, it has managed to preserve its spirit throughout its 200-year history. The antique wood and soft lighting offer visitors a relaxing environment in which to enjoy an excellent working breakfast. Although the restaurant is renowned for its delicious lunches and refined cuisine, the real gem of the house is the Confiserie, with sweet and savory creations to enjoy alongside a good coffee. It is also possible to reserve charming rooms for meetings or private events. These include the Florentine cenacle.

An hour alone in a beautiful place – Parco Ciani

For those who want to discover the city’s attractions between appointments, this is the ideal place to combine business with pleasure. Visitors can stroll along the shores of Lake Ceresio during a business call, guided by the paths that wind through the studied biodiversity of colorful flower beds, centuries-old trees, and English lawns. At its far end, a bathing area with a strip of sand allows you to work while feeling like you’re on vacation during the hot summer days.

A formal lunch with a client – La Veranda Restaurant (Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano)

If you want to impress a new client with a refined lunch in an elegant setting, this is the place for you. In the warm season, the suspended terrace overlooking the lake offers a unique location to admire the view, while on cooler days the classic taste of the interior will convey just the right warmth. The service is impeccable. The varied menu is able to satisfy both traditional and modern palates. Wine lovers will find a wide selection of quality labels.

A relaxing lunch – Sass Cafè

Located in Lugano’s main square, this restaurant offers a lively lunch experience with a view of the major events taking place in the city center. For this reason, it is a favorite meeting place for the locals, who particularly appreciate its simple yet welcoming atmosphere and consistently friendly service. The menu focuses on high-quality local products, presented in a fresh way and often with original combinations.

A trendy aperitif – Gabbani

Hotel, restaurant, butcher’s, delicatessen, and even wine bar, it is known and appreciated for its multifaceted nature and ability to maintain a strong identity and quality of service, while offering a range of different types of service. The family-run business makes guests feel at home, especially at aperitif time, when the cocktail bar sets up a rich buffet with gastronomic specialties and baked goods. Dynamic startuppers and younger customers will be attracted by the lively atmosphere and won over by the excellent selection of local and regional wines.

An ideal place for informal meetings – Mauri Cafè

If you are looking for a place in the city center but away from the main thoroughfares, this is the place for you. It enjoys a favorable location and offers its guests a peaceful environment where they can sip one of the best coffees in town. The tables in the shade of the arcades offer privacy for an informal and discreet meeting, shielded from prying eyes thanks to the careful landscaping and the use of eclectic umbrellas. The menu offers quick options for a tasty lunch, such as hamburgers, bagels, and sandwiches..

A dinner to intrigue – I Calafatari

Close your eyes and imagine the sea and the flavors of Sicily, open them and savor what you have dreamed of. The restaurant is simple and secluded, but if you want to impress guests visiting Lugano with a high-quality seafood dinner, here you can find the freshest products. The menu varies according to the catch of the day, and among the highlights are raw fish, calamari, and grilled octopus. To finish, indulge in a sinful treat by ordering the great classics of Sicilian pastry: cannoli or cassata.

A gourmet dinner – Villa Selva Restaurant

This is a haven of peace just a 10-minute drive from the city center. Sheltered by lush vegetation, it is ideal for long family lunches in the cozy dining rooms or in the shade of the pergola overlooking the private pool. The cuisine, based on regional specialties with a refined twist, makes it a popular destination for gourmet business dinners. The property has based its culinary offerings on the slow food philosophy, bringing the aromas, herbs, and flowers of the garden to every dish. Don’t miss the duck à l’orange and the homemade ice cream.

The latest trendy spot – La Fermata

Among the places that are always packed on weekends, it stands out for its unique and exotic atmosphere, inspired by the style of the most popular tapas bars in major European cities. The loud music and friendly service contribute to the party mood, while the multi-ethnic menu satisfies every palate and offers excellent burgers and tacos, as well as original vegetarian options. The real strengths of the bar are its enviable drinks menu and an expert bartender who can advise you if you are undecided.

The place to be and be seen – LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura

No visit to Lugano would be complete without a visit to LAC, the driving force behind the city’s cultural ecosystem. Over the years, it has become a reference point for the exchange of artistic and cultural experiences at an international level. The result of a complex building redevelopment project, it hosts exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, and cultural initiatives of various kinds. Inside, the Museo d’arte della Svizzera italiana (Art Museum of Italian Switzerland) manages a permanent collection of works by Swiss and international artists.