The story
Locanda Locarnese is a Mediterranean restaurant at Via Bossi 1 in Locarno, Switzerland, and Gault&Millau gave it 14 points in 2026. The reviewer described Nicola Manca as the new chef, cooking a light summer menu in the restaurant's cool interior after an aperitif in the old town.
The reviewer started with a paper-thin venison carpaccio, dressed in fruity olive oil with toasted thyme breadcrumbs and caramelized peach. A maltagliati with beans, toasted pine nuts and candied citron was beautifully presented, though the Genovese pesto flavor was faint. The tagliata of Piedmontese Fassone entrecote was juicy and tender, served with fried potatoes and vegetables that were less successful. A coffee panna cotta with peppermint and coconut granita closed the meal.
The restaurant has two dining rooms, and one of them has a crackling fireplace. Private lunches for groups of at least eight are available by reservation, and the restaurant also hosts banquets and celebrations.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
After the aperitif in the narrow, overheated alley of the old town, we headed into the pleasantly cool restaurant to enjoy the light summer menu of the new chef, Nicola Manca. It started with a paper-thin sliced venison carpaccio dressed in fruity olive oil with toasted thyme breadcrumbs and caramelized peach pieces. The maltagliati with beans, toasted pine nuts, herbs, and candied citron was beautifully presented, though surprisingly little Genovese pesto flavor came through. For the juicy, tender tagliata of entrecote from Piedmontese Fassone beef, the chef served a mix of fried potatoes and rather dry vegetables such as cauliflower, Romanesco, broccoli, beets, and zucchini. To finish, the refreshing coffee panna cotta with peppermint and coconut granita was absolutely heavenly.
Location
Facebook
Instagram