Milan and his staff, at Grotto del Pep since 2010

“The story of Grotto del Pep can’t be told. Come and see for yourselves.”

A grotto in Carabbia, Lugano, at Via Arbostora 18.

In Google reviews, the dish customers mention most often is puntine: grilled pork ribs, with polenta and mushrooms.

The grill at Grotto del Pep: puntine and a rib steak over the embers, turned with tongs

The story

2006
Grotto del Pep was already here, name and all: an osteria on Via Arbostora, among the oaks of Carabbia.
2010
Milan arrives with his staff, after years at another grotto, in Collina d’Oro.
2012
At the tables, people from round here who all know each other. In the middle of the table, the meat, the polenta and the porcini.
2014
On the menu, roast kid and rabbit, braised beef with polenta and porcini, meat from the grill. “At old-fashioned prices.”
2016
“At Grotto del Pep the puntine are a sure thing,” in generous portions. People still ask for them today.

The ink drawing of Grotto del Pep in its oval: the trees, two stone tables, the low house

The Pep, drawn in ink

The trees, the stone tables, the low house. Outside, the long tables under the oaks; inside, the dining room with its wooden beams and wrought-iron chandeliers.

The Grotto del Pep’s dining room: dark beams, ochre walls, the stone fireplace and the tables laid

Filament bulbs lit among the trees, in the evening

We look forward to seeing you

Tell us the day, the time, how many of you, inside or under the oaks: we’ll confirm your table.

Wednesday–Sunday: 12–2pm · 6.30–9.30pm

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