Swiss and Italians: Italian cuisine is the favorite
A survey reveals that 79% of Swiss people prefer Italian cuisine when eating out, followed by Swiss cuisine at 71%.
Contesto
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 aroun...
Dettagli operativi
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 stric...
Punti chiave
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 outi...
Punti chiave
[{"q":"What is the most appreciated cuisine among Swiss people?","a":"Italian cuisine is the most appreciated by the Swiss, chosen by 79% of respondents in a survey conducted for Watson."},{"q":"What are the most important factors in choosing a restaurant?","a":"Food quality is the most important factor, cited by 90% of the sample. This is followed by service quality (48%), price (46%), atmosphere (45%), and location (30%)."},{"q":"What is the average spending per person in a restaurant in Switzerland?","a":"The most popular range is between 39 and 59 francs per person, indicated by 35% of survey participants."}]
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most appreciated cuisine among Swiss people?
- Italian cuisine is the most appreciated by the Swiss, chosen by 79% of respondents in a survey conducted for Watson.
- What are the most important factors in choosing a restaurant?
- Food quality is the most important factor, cited by 90% of the sample. This is followed by service quality (48%), price (46%), atmosphere (45%), and location (30%).
- What is the average spending per person in a restaurant in Switzerland?
- The most popular range is between 39 and 59 francs per person, indicated by 35% of survey participants.