GABBANI Ristorante is right in the centre of Lugano Old Town and it's unmissable, you can tell how popular it is just by the snaking long queues everyday during lunchtime at its takeaway corner where they sell varieties of sandwiches, paninis. Get the sandwich with grilled aubergine with brie, then go enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake, best budget lunch you'll have in Lugano!

Right across the street they have their sit-down restaurant serving classic Italian food like pastas and pizzas, and they also have a butchery selling meats and other local spices and produces. This is a true local gem in Lugano and I highly recommend it.