Grotto Ticinese
4.3923
Most reviewed in CuregliaTravelers' Choice
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Grotto Ticinese is a Swiss restaurant at via Grotti 2 in Cureglia.
Menu & prices
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Why go
- Two independent indoor dining rooms.
- Four generations of family operation.
Opening hours
Today11:30 – 14:30Show all
Monday11:30 – 14:30
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday11:30 – 14:30
Thursday11:30 – 14:30
Friday11:30 – 14:30
Saturday11:30 – 14:30
Sunday11:30 – 14:30
Good to know
Parking AvailableFree WifiFull BarGift Cards AvailableHighchairs AvailableOutdoor SeatingPrivate DiningReservationsServes Alcohol
Dishes to try
- Cured meats
- Homemade pasta
- Polenta cooked in a cauldron
- Grilled meats
- Valley cheeses
Booking a table
- Reservations are accepted. Call +41 91 967 12 26.
Atmosphere
- Rustic dining rooms, flower beds and a grill give the grotto its traditional character.
Good for
- Families Highchairs are available.
- Groups Private dining is available.
Dietary options
- Vegetarian Vegetarian-friendly options are available.
History
It became a meeting place for local groups, including the football club and fire brigade, and hosted country fêtes, bocce competitions and dances. Grapes for its harvest came from Asti in Piedmont, transported by ox cart. The menu later expanded to include hot dishes such as minestrone, gnocchi and grilled food.
- 1888Guglielmo Martinenghi opened the grotto as a cellar with two rooms, outdoor stone tables and a bocce court.
- 1895The grotto was known as “canvett da l’Elmo” in its early years.
- 1904–1911Founder Guglielmo Martinenghi served as Cureglia’s mayor.
- World War IBeer and Barbera joined the drinks menu.
- 1950Modesta Crivelli began managing the grotto with help from her daughter Anna Maria. Under Modesta, it changed from weekend-only to daily opening and began serving snacks such as cured meats and formaggini.
Show all
- 1965Modesta and Elvezio Crivelli reacquired the full property.
- 1971Following Modesta’s death in 1970, her son Guglielmo took over the lease with his wife Yvonne in 1971.
- 1981 and 2002Two renovations added a new kitchen and dining room.
- 1983Patrizia and Marcello Covini took over the lease.
- 2020Nicola Brilli took over and runs the grotto with his wife Ana and their sons Francesco and Daniele.
How to get there
- ParkingA large parking area is available.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
Sources: Grotto Ticinese a Cureglia ~ Cucina tipica dal … · Cucina tradizionale ticinese ~ Grotto Ticinese … · Una storia lunga oltre 130 anni ~ Grotto Ticine… · checked 1 Oct 2026
Where
via Grotti 2, Cureglia, 6944
- Website
- grottoticinese.ch/
- Phone
- +41 91 967 12 26
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Questions and answers
What are Grotto Ticinese’s opening hours?
Monday and Wednesday–Sunday, 11:30–14:30 and 18:00–23:30; closed Tuesday.
Where can I see the Grotto Ticinese menu?
See the menu at https://www.grottoticinese.ch/menu.
Are gift cards available at Grotto Ticinese?
Yes.
Does Grotto Ticinese have a full bar?
Yes.
Does Grotto Ticinese offer table service?
Yes.
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