Situated in the off-the-beaten path Fischer's Seehotel slung aside Mount Bre about 15 minutes from downtown Lugano in the Suburb of Castagnola, Fischer's Ristorante caters mostly to the hotel guests. Perched as it is with a sweeping view of Lake Lugano and Mt. San Salvatore the restaurant-bar does not attract much foot traffic. Hence this restaurant offers a limited menu in a quiet, romantic, secluded getaway. Differing from the old world charm of the hotel, the restaurant sparkles with glass and brass behind the bar and square tables dressed in Italian, sprinkle a large square room with floor to ceiling sliding window panels for admiring the blue waters and lofty mountains. In good weather one sits almost outside, converses with the Alps, while off to the left an outside dining terrace with awning and sunning terrance further on.Two brisk waiters will make you feel a little rushed if you have dinner after 8PM. They close the bar and restaurant promptly at 9PM. Roberto will however let you finish your wine.
Before they run you out, the limited but tasty menu includes Italian specialties (raveoli, linguini, lasanga) seafood(fresh trout from the lake), the tagesteller, dayplate (roast beef, gravy, rice and vegetables) and the everlasting steak along with assorted salads and veggies. All entrees are ala carte except the tagesteller.
Our first night we had a wonderful waiter and delicious aromatic pasta. While I had Lasanga (12 dollars) with a wonderful garlicy tomatoe and cheese sauce served piping hot, Robert had Raveoli(12.50) smothered in cheese and and drowning in a basil tomatoe sauce. MMM-good. Only one problem, nothing on the side no salad ,no bread, just the pasta. We shared a lovely mellow bottle of red wine, Merlot, and then wondered if the chef new his stuff as I could not finish.
Next evening I chose the tagesteller and Robert the fish, which he found disappointing while I found the roast beef tender, hot, juicy and the cauliflower in cream sause was a delight. As we often dined late and alone it was romantic with low lights, very subdued music and the twinkling lights of Lugano in the distance reflecting in the dark waters. They accept MC and Visa and are quite pleasant, just close a little too early for me. We found the bar a bit on the expensive side but then so were most places compared to northern Switzerland.