Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Lugano

A century-old Ticinese grotto a short bus ride from central Lugano, with a shaded chestnut-tree terrace and granite tables — the classic Ticino dining experience. The kitchen serves traditional cucina nostrana: risotto with Merlot, brasato, polenta with veal stew, mortadella di fegato. Leashed dogs are welcomed on the terrace and the staff bring a water bowl on arrival.

A landmark wine bar and Ticinese-Italian bistro a step from Piazza della Riforma, with one of the deepest Ticino Merlot lists in the city and seasonal cucina nostrana plates. The street-side terrace is a relaxed people-watching spot, and the interior bar accepts well-behaved leashed dogs in cooler months. Especially good for an early dinner with a glass of Mendrisiotto Merlot.

A Michelin-starred restaurant inside the historic Villa Castagnola, directly on the lakefront promenade. Mediterranean-Ticinese fish-focused cuisine, with a wide outdoor terrace overlooking Lake Lugano. The terrace accepts leashed dogs (with prior arrangement at booking); the indoor gallery does not. One of the few Michelin tables in Switzerland that genuinely welcomes dogs in the open air.