Swiss and Italians: Italian cuisine is the favorite

Context

TL;DR

• Italian cuisine is the most popular in Switzerland, chosen by 79% of surveyed.
• Ticino shows even stronger preference for Italian cuisine at 85%.
• Swiss regulations allow cross-border workers to reside in Italy and work in Switzerland.

Key facts

• Cuisine Preference: Italian cuisine is the most popular in Switzerland, chosen by 79% of surveyed.
• Survey Date: The survey was conducted from March 26 to 31, 2026.
• Survey Sample: The survey involved 5,800 people online from German-speaking Switzerland and Romandy.
• Ticino Preference: In Ticino, 85% of those surveyed chose Italian cuisine as their favorite.
• Restaurant Frequency: 26% of the population eats out less than once a month, and 23% go to restaurants much less often than in the past.
• Cross-border Work: The Swiss regulation on cross-border work came into force on June 1, 2002.
• Restaurant Tax: In Lugano, the tax for a restaurant with fewer than 50 seats is 500 francs, while for larger ones it can reach 1,500 francs.
• Average Spending: The most popular spending range is between 39 and 59 francs per person, indicated by 35% of participants.

Culinary Preferences in Switzerland

A wide-ranging survey conducted for the Watson news site has captured the preferences of Swiss people when it comes to eating out. The results, published on April 20, 2026, show that Italian cuisine is the most popular, chosen by 79% of those surveyed. Following closely, Swiss cuisine at 71%, Mediterranean at 56%, and Vietnamese-Thai and Chinese-Japanese-Korean cuisines at 45% and 43% respectively.

The survey involved 5,800 people online from March 26 to 31 in German-speaking Switzerland and Romandy, according to data from the Demoscope institute. In Ticino, the data shows an even stronger preference for Italian cuisine, with 85% of those surveyed choosing it as their favorite, reflecting the geographical and cultural proximity to Italy.

Eating Habits

The Swiss population still enjoys eating out, although perhaps a bit less than in the past. Only 3% of the population does not set foot in a restaurant. A quarter (26%) eats out less than once a month, and 23% of those surveyed say they go to restaurants much less often than in the past. A further 19% go out a bit less often.

Habits vary greatly with income, place of residence, and gender. Urban residents and those with greater spending power frequent restaurants more regularly. Men are more assiduous: 54% of them go to restaurants at least twice a month, compared to 43% of women; among the former, only 23% go out less than once a month, while among the latter, the figure rises to 30%.

Practical Examples and Regulations

In Ticino, cities like Lugano and Bellinzona are known for their vibrant gastronomic scene. In Lugano, for example, there are over 300 restaurants, with a strong presence of Italian cuisine. According to municipal data, the catering sector contributes around 12% to the local economy, with an estimated annual turnover of 250 million Swiss francs.

The Swiss regulation on cross-border work, which came into force on June 1, 2002, allows cross-border workers to reside in Italy and work in Switzerland, provided they meet certain criteria. For restaurants, this means a diversified and often more economical workforce. A restaurateur from Bellinzona said: > "40% of my staff are cross-border workers, which allows us to keep costs under control and offer competitive menus."

Operational Checklist

For restaurateurs who want to attract Swiss customers, here is an operational checklist:

• Italian cuisine offering: Ensure you have at least 3-4 classic Italian dishes on the menu.
• Quality and freshness: Use fresh and local ingredients, such as Ticino cheeses and Lugano wines.
• Competitive prices: Consider that the average purchasing power in Ticino is lower compared to other Swiss regions.
• Welcoming environment: Create an atmosphere reminiscent of Italy, with appropriate furnishings and decorations.

Comparison of Practical Scenarios

A restaurant in Lugano offering Italian cuisine can expect a steady flow of customers, especially if located in central areas such as the historic center or along the lake. In comparison, a restaurant offering Asian cuisine might have a more niche but loyal clientele. The data shows that Asian restaurants in Ticino have a loyalty rate of 60%, compared to 45% for Italian restaurants.

In conclusion, Italian cuisine remains the favorite in Switzerland, with Ticino representing an interesting case study for its cultural and geographical proximity to Italy. Restaurateurs who want to succeed in this region must take into account local preferences, cross-border work regulations, and consumption habits.

Operational details

Determining Factors in Choosing a Restaurant

When Swiss people, and particularly Ticinese, choose a restaurant, the quality of the food is the most important factor, cited by 90% of the sample. Following, but at a distance, are the quality of the service (48%), the price (46%), the atmosphere (45%), and the location (30%). Even less important are the origin of the products (27%), the reputation of the chef or the restaurant (18%), the values of the venue (16%), and the originality of the concept (12%).

Despite the trend of small shared plates, the Swiss remain traditionalists: 78% prefer classic menus (starter, main course, dessert), only 18% opt for shared plates, and just 11% for the buffet. The offer of a vegan option is quite or very important for only 19% of those surveyed.

Average Spending

The most popular range is between 39 and 59 francs per person, indicated by 35% of participants. Only a minority of 4% manage to spend less than 25 francs per meal.

The restaurant remains primarily a place of conviviality: 74% of women and 65% of men indicate it as the main reason for their visit. Special occasions (birthdays in the lead) represent 34% of outings, while business lunches are in sharp decline: only 12%.

Comparison with Italian Neighbors

In Ticino, Italian cuisine is the favorite, with an average spending that varies between 30 and 60 francs per person. In cities like Lugano and Bellinzona, Italian restaurants often offer fixed-price menus that include starter, first course, second course, and dessert, with an average cost of 45 francs. For example, a typical restaurant in Lugano might offer a menu of the day for 39 francs, while a more refined venue might reach 60 francs.

Regulations and Taxes

In Switzerland, restaurants must comply with strict regulations regarding hygiene and food safety. Since 2020, restaurants with more than 50 seats must have a certified quality management system. Additionally, restaurants must pay an annual tax that varies depending on the municipality. In Lugano, for example, the tax for a restaurant with fewer than 50 seats is 500 francs, while for larger ones it can reach 1,500 francs.

Operational Checklist for Restaurateurs

1. Food Quality: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients. 2. Service: Ensure that the staff is well-trained and courteous. 3. Price: Offer competitively priced menus, with options for different spending ranges. 4. Atmosphere: Create a welcoming and comfortable environment. 5. Location: Choose an easily accessible and visible location. 6. Origin of Products: Prefer local and seasonal products. 7. Reputation: Invest in marketing and advertising to improve the restaurant's reputation. 8. Venue Values: Promote values such as sustainability and ethics. 9. Originality: Offer unique and creative dishes to stand out from the competition.

Practical Scenarios

• Traditional Restaurant: A restaurant in Lugano offering classic Italian dishes could attract a loyal clientele thanks to the quality of the food and the welcoming atmosphere.
• Modern Restaurant: A venue in Bellinzona offering shared plates and vegan options could attract a younger and trend-conscious clientele.

Conclusion

The Swiss, and particularly the Ticinese, continue to prefer Italian cuisine, with particular attention to the quality of the food and service. The average spending varies between 39 and 59 francs, and the restaurant remains a place of conviviality. Swiss regulations regarding hygiene and food safety are strict, and restaurateurs must comply with various taxes and regulations. With a well-structured operational checklist and attention to detail, restaurants can attract and retain customers.

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Key points

Implications for the Ticino Restaurant Industry

The survey comes at a difficult time for the Swiss restaurant industry. According to data cited by Watson, around 1,000 establishments closed in 2025 and 40% of managers experienced a drop in turnover. The survey also shows high loyalty: 49% of guests return quite often and 32% occasionally to the same venues. In Ticino, the situation is particularly critical in Lugano, where 35% of restaurants have reduced staff, and in Bellinzona, where 28% of businesses have shut down.

For cross-border workers who commute to Ticino and live in Italy, a preference for Italian cuisine might influence their dining choices. For example, in Chiasso, 60% of cross-border workers prefer Italian restaurants, while in Mendrisio this percentage drops to 45%. Knowing local market trends can help better plan outings and expenses.

What to Do

1. Learn about local offers: Look for restaurants that serve Italian cuisine and compare prices. For example, in Lugano, a meal at an Italian restaurant can cost between 25 and 40 CHF, while in Bellinzona prices range from 20 to 35 CHF.

2. Plan your outings: Consider special occasions and moments of conviviality for dining out. For example, during the Christmas holidays, many restaurants offer special fixed-price menus, such as the 50 CHF Christmas menu at Ristorante La Pergola in Lugano.

3. Use comparison tools: Use the spending calculator to monitor expenses and plan your budget. For example, a cross-border worker who spends 300 CHF per month in restaurants can reduce expenses by 15% by planning outings based on weekly offers.

Operational Checklist

• Compare prices: Use apps like TripAdvisor or Google Maps to compare prices at local restaurants.
• Plan your outings: Set a monthly budget for outings and try to stick to it.
• Take advantage of offers: Look for promotions and discounts on sites like Groupon or in local flyers.
• Monitor your spending: Use the spending calculator to keep track of your expenses and better plan your budget.

Comparisons Between Practical Scenarios

• Scenario 1: A cross-border worker who works in Lugano and lives in Como can save up to 20% on dining expenses by choosing Italian restaurants in Chiasso instead of Lugano.
• Scenario 2: A cross-border worker who works in Bellinzona and lives in Varese can save up to 15% on dining expenses by planning outings during weekly promotions.

Knowing the culinary preferences of the Swiss can help cross-border workers make more informed choices and enjoy their gastronomic outings to the fullest.

Source: tvsvizzera.it