Lugano eats Italian. Risotto di pesce made with fresh lake fish, polenta with slow-cooked meat, handmade pasta, and tiramisu that you won't find done better north of the Alps. The local wine is Merlot del Ticino — surprisingly good, and found on virtually every table. For the most authentic experience, look for a grotto: a traditional Ticinese tavern, often tucked into a hillside, serving simple regional food at modest prices. Lakeside dining with a view is also easy to find, if you're willing to pay for the setting.