Grotto Baldoria in Ascona

Simple but good at a fair price

Great sitting, interesting restaurant. They only have one menu here 👉 (Salami and mortadella. Chicory salad with tomatoes. Pasta. Polenta with veal or beef. Selection of cheeses served on a wooden board. Homemade cake). Cheap, cozy and friendly staff. You'll also meet the boss here, he's in one round, the work one 👍 thank you for experience. With regards Josef IG: josef_on_the_road 👣🌍🤙🏽

A marvel of fusion cuisine: - the atmosphere of a British pub garden - the food of a side street Italian trattoria - the portion sizes of Spanish tapas - the prices of a Michelin starred French restaurant The service was also particularly poor, we watched one poor couple wait 45 minutes to receive their bill, we thankfully had to wait a mere 20 minutes.

A little adventure with a unique atmosphere. Food is ok so far, it's more the surroundings and the hosts that create the charm. Price performance completely ok.

Wonderful restaurant. Unique experience, there is no menu, just what the chef makes. Very inexpensive but incredibly good.

Not for vegans. 😃 I think that's basically a good thing. There is only one menu which you cannot choose. A man comes in and the table is immediately set. It started with salami and bread, went on to tongue, pasta with sauce and finally, a selection of cheese. At the end, 3 bottles with nightcaps are placed on the table. Danger! These "short" ones are not included. They are charged at 4.- CHF. Otherwise top restaurant, great staff. Great atmosphere.

Delicious local dishes. There is only one menu, but it is very tasty. Very cheap for a tourist place.

Totally original and unusual. It happens in no time, you don't even get to ask questions. Be careful not to eat too much pasta, otherwise you won't have room for the polenta with meat. Well cooked, a laugh for everyone is the electric machine. It was really funny and the prices are very fair, certainly very cheap for Ascona, even if with grappa. The receipt is also original lol a piece of white paper. The whole thing is unique! Get in line at 6 p.m. otherwise it's full.

Highly recommended👍 The food is very fine, there is no menu, one menu per week, 6 courses. Very rustic and cozy atmosphere.

A really nice experience that definitely shouldn't be missed when visiting Ascona. The food is very tasty, the atmosphere is very casual and cozy and, above all, you won't get a better price-performance ratio anywhere else in Ascona. 84 francs for two people, 6 courses + drink.

Rustic location, everything is full of rest areas. Very tasty local food at a fair, great price. When you come as a couple, you get stuck somewhere and end up talking to strangers. Very nice and friendly service. We always enjoy going there and can only recommend this grotto.

Extremely cozy and sensitive service.

I think it's nice that there's still a grotto like this in the middle of Ascona. I'd like to say one thing to all the grumpy people: in the end, everyone finds the price-performance ratio to be good and their plates are empty. If you come in high season, it's certainly your own fault 🥹We were there for the first time on a recommendation, a great guy. All of them think cash payment is bad, should think about where 100 CHF remains after paying with a card 50 times? They broke up because of the fees 🤷🏾. I'll be back, as will all the guests (approx. only 20) that evening 😋. The offer and everything was perfect, food (6 courses), wine, beer, espresso, grappa and limoncello 84.50 CHF Top 👏😉keep it up 👍

A special experience. There is no menu, a typical Ticino menu is served. All 6 courses were excellent, we especially liked the spaghetti with spicy tomato sugo, the best I have ever eaten! The atmosphere is unique, the service is informal and warm. The price is unbelievable. We paid Fr84 for the great evening with beer, wine, water and the 6-course menu. We will be back

It should be a nice evening together in the grotto. Personally reserved for 10 club members 1 week in advance, then the disillusionment. There was a queue in front of the restaurant, when we asked about our reservation the answer was that it was full, we would call you. We are still waiting for this phone call today. Despite all the good reviews, we support such behavior in the future by giving the Grotto a wide berth! In Ascona there seems to be no need to treat guests like guests!

The food and the ambience are unique. There is only one menu but it is very good. The red wine that came with it wasn't the best. Be sure to reserve. The boss is very nice. The employee who served us could have learned a lesson from her boss. Unfortunately only cash is accepted. Moving with the times would be appropriate. Our group had to calculate for ourselves how much everyone had to pay. It's not very difficult if we divide the entire amount. When we paid, she reacted angrily when we each wanted to give her our contribution. Nonetheless, highly recommended. Price performance is very good.

Delicious food and great service, 100% recommended. Greetings from Venezuela!

Eating something completely different.

Friendly grotto, friendly staff, picturesque setting. A good time spent with friends

Authentic Ticino grotto with simple but traditional cuisine with a surprise at the end, simply recommended 😎👍

Unusual, original, welcoming, inexpensive, to discover.

Simple, fun and super good! 7 small courses: salami, salad, pasta, tongue with pesto, sliced ​​meat with polenta, cheese pancakes, cake, wine, grappa, water CHF 36.60. Where is that? In the middle of Ascona there is a bit of a Fehling mountain hut.

Very nice location. Friendly staff. We were a little late but were still served very good food. The salad is exceptional. We had a cheese salami platter, pasta and salad and it was all delicious. The location is idyllic, romantic and different than what is offered in Ascona. Thanks! PS: Very inexpensive, we were pleasantly surprised!

I like the concept of “just one menu”. The food is good and is served very quickly. Unbeatable price :-) The staff is very friendly and attentive. The toilets….. were “horrible” at the time of our visit!!

Alternative grotto, they bring you what there is, what the chef cooked from the appetizer to the dessert with grappini. Top atmosphere and friendly staff Truly exceptional for spending an evening with friends to party!

You feel like you're at home. Food was hearty and delicious.

Big terrace, we passed by and found a spot. Food was simple but tasty and affordable. Vino de la casa was also good. Would go back for sure, super ambient. Beware, only cash.

Social - Fantastic - Friendly - Unforgettable - Heartwarming

Unique, very tasty, a real experience

Dog friendly, large menu, helpful staff, only possible to pay with cash!!! Unfortunately it had LOTS of mosquitoes.

Since we could only find overpriced restaurants on the promenade in Ascona, we came to the slightly hidden Grotto Baldoria by chance. There is no menu here and only a multi-course meal is served. You have to let yourself be surprised. The surprise was a success - we were served a rustic 7-course menu that only cost 20 francs - without drinks. We thought it was excellent, and probably the other guests did too, as the grotto was packed. We would try it again at any time.

What a wonderful and casual atmosphere! Fantastic. Don't worry about the map: it isn't there...

Always my pleasure. Are in the Grotto Baldoria 1-2 times a year.

A family business. You almost feel like you are at home. There is no menu card. The food is simply brought. And everything tastes very good. From salad to salami platter, cheese platter to pasta, polenta con carne, dessert, coffee, various liqueurs. No waiting times. Price is right. Nice Peesonal. I'd love to go there again. Thanks

Ended up going to the restaurant by accident and absolutely loved it! Its a super cozy, familiar kitchen with a great service and comfy italian food. 10/10! Grazie mille!

Rustic grotto, as always very good food - rustic, friendly service although always under stress. We'd love to come back.

Atypical place with a typical menu. A must-see restaurant where the chef is the master of the house. Let yourself be carried away by Italian dishes.

Way too much to eat... The risotto was very good.

Superb place and warm atmosphere. Typical food and family service. We loved it.

Unique experience Owner and cook just great Family atmosphere, canteen type service... good friendly atmosphere I recommend

Typical grotto with a special flair. Worth a visit!

There is what there is & so it fits perfectly! Unbeatable price/performance ratio! Like in Nonna's kitchen! Reservations in advance are recommended.

Very friendly service, unbeatable price/performance ratio. We would be happy to come back.

Super authentic restaurant with regional cuisine. Must visit when in Ascona

Unique experience food, and also very tasty. There is only one menu, which saves you having to order. Very child friendly.

Cool grotto. Food super cheap and delicious

Just great, incredible menu, great service, great atmosphere

It's special (positive meaning) but if you're flexible concerning food you will like it 😋 For us just perfect!

Very fine and fair prices. Win win for guests and staff

This was amazing and reminded me of Le Relais de Venise as the ability to choose is totally removed but the food is gorgeous. I was given portions adjusted to my appetite as I went along and the staff who were quick, curt but then warmed up and became chatty made the experience worth it. Softest salami, the best tuna salad I've ever had, cold cuts, pasta of the day, cheese and a torta that reminded me of jammy dodgers but in a good way. They don't take cards so do bring cash and just go with it.

Great for spending fun time, I love it.

As always, it was very nice and I would love to come back again and again

Hidden gem in Ascona, delicious food, cozy atmosphere

There's no menu, you just get what they're cooking that day. Very traditional and uncomplicated, good food.

A great moment of conviviality, regional cuisine in generous portions (6 dishes), at an unbeatable price...we will definitely come back

Authentic place with typical Ticino cuisine. Our favorite grotto in Ticino for years. Keep it up, it's always a great pleasure and pleasure to eat with you. The concept is top, as is the quality.

Incredible experience like at Nona's even though I'm not Italian😉. Thank you it was amazing

There is 1 menu that is served. As always it was very good. We spontaneously drove from central Switzerland to Ascona for a dinner. Great value for money

Very nice grotto where you can eat really great Ticino style food. Service is also great, you are served straight away. (1 six course) Only the drink is ordered.

Great Ticino gastronomic experience!

Just great. Great value for money

We were looking forward to an authentic grotto and were very disappointed. Even though we made a reservation at 9:30, we had to wait over 35 minutes for our table. The whole thing seemed to be more of a mass processing operation. Except for one older man, the staff were very stressed and didn't offer good service, but were rather unfriendly, uninterested and cold. The courses were thrown down rather than served. The food was ok, the price was very reasonable, that was a positive surprise and we were also pleased with the grappa and limoncello at the end. Not an authentic grotto, more like mass tourist processing.

Very good food, fair price and very nice hosts.

Characteristic place, out of the ordinary and decidedly informal. There is only one menu, simple but decidedly tasty, a nice evening..

Price-performance ratio of the food is very good, 19.- per person. food was good. Attention: lack of transparency regarding prices. It is simply put on the table and it is not stated what is included in the flat rate and what is not. So you quickly end up at 60 fr. per person and the price-performance ratio is not quite right.

Very rustic and traditional, exciting concept but really tasty! Gladly again. The salami and polenta were especially good. Price 20 fr. per person + drinks (espresso and schnapps also separately)

Great value delicious food - very homely atmosphere

Ended up in this "restaurant" attracted by the positive reviews and more secluded location..The menu is unique and is not specified anywhere. If you don't have twint, forget about paying by card. Incomprehensible and unacceptable that on the same plate you are served starter, first course and second course (all of poor quality). I wonder about the people who have positively assessed what level of food culture I have. NEVER SEE US AGAIN!

Price/performance is right. Service could be a little friendlier.

A new experience for us. There is a menu: salami+bread; Salad; Tongue; Pasta; polenta with goulash; Cheese ; Pastries so 7 courses. The dishes were all delicious but you shouldn't expect anything extraordinary. The menu costs €20 per person + drinks. All in all, we can recommend it, but it's certainly a matter of taste.

Special Grotto there is only one menu for eating, you have to know that, the food is good and the atmosphere is familiar.

very nice place with super service snd 👍👍👍food !!

You have to experience it in Ascona. Traditional food in a grotto. Food is solid, but nothing more.

Everything was delicious, but not the usual beer that you can buy everywhere. They have their beer instead. Not bad but not the...

Unfortunately it's no longer what it was: it spoke of friendliness, company and event cuisine. If you only pay in cash = black hero, you won’t get a receipt either! Tax authority, where are you?

Traditional Grotto where you get served the meal of the day. Delicious cured meats, cheese, salad, tart and limoncello served before and after the main dish. Please check the opening times before you go.

I've never experienced anything like this before... and I mean that in a positive way! You get whatever is available. No card or special requests. The operation is absolutely top class... simple, direct, funny. What you have to like: There are no new plates or new cutlery after the courses. Maybe you suddenly eat from the plate of the person sitting next to you (same table). The price/performance is right and is absolutely fine. Gladly again..

Just one menu but perfect. Be sure to stop by.

Wow!! 22 people dinner. Everyone takes the menu, 7 courses. Fantastic, with beer, mineral water, wine, coffee and grappa. Per Peeson = 41.- Fr. Unbelievable!!

A very special atmosphere, when we were there, the grotto was, so to speak, filled up, i.e. people were seated at the same tables, even though they didn't know each other and even though there was still space in the grotto. This created a very good atmosphere among the guests. The food was simple and good, the prices were very fair and the service was short but friendly and correct. Would go again because in my opinion there isn't much like that anymore.

Worst food ever. You really have to go through the books

You eat what there is. Only a few decisions are necessary: ​​water with or without, wine red or white... (Red is more recommended) Tastefully!

Are you allowed to smoke?! And inside too! My friend, who is black, was always given all the leftovers without asking. This really hinders.

Unfortunately I didn't eat there, just had a Schlumi. Nice restaurant would be happy again.

If you just want good food in a good atmosphere, go and sit down. You will be served quickly and can enjoy fresh, fine food at a great price

Friendly and good! I would happily go back!

not exactly the best. It lacked flavor and the quality left a lot to be desired. It was a disappointing experience, especially because we were looking forward to a tasty meal. Aside from the poor quality of the food, the service wasn't particularly good either. The waitress seemed stressed and uninterested. Our orders were taken incorrectly and the food took forever to be served. It was obvious that the waitress barely acknowledged our presence. To our regret, the atmosphere of the restaurant also left a lot to be desired. The furnishings seemed outdated and unkempt. The tables were not clean and there was hardly a pleasant atmosphere to enjoy the food. Overall, the food and service at this restaurant was disappointing. It is unfortunate that our expectations were not met. We will probably choose another place to eat in the future to avoid such disappointments.

It was okay but a few little things could have been better. So I would say a slightly below average restaurant was probably good back then.

There is no menu card. You eat what the boss has cooked. ☺️ is always super delicious

The staff is edgy but accommodating. We expected this and had no problem with it. The food was excellent! It was really an experience. And our daughter was thrilled too. The price was amazing, 88 francs for two adults, two children plus wine, water and three lemonades and for this quality! You don't find that often. We'll definitely come back.

Fun authentic, familial and convivial experience

Fixed menu including digestives… great experience!

An excellent restaurant. There is no menu card, the Mr and Mrs simply serve a dish for everyone and it was so delicious. Very friendly staff. Great idea!

Magnificent place with typical family cuisine and really reasonable prices. We will return. Olivier

Top! Authentic restaurant. Immerse yourself in Ticino cuisine. Let yourself be surprised! Any time!

It was better, service needs a refresher in hospitality.

An unusual dining experience because no food can be chosen. However, I loved that there were different plates on the table and everything was served one after the other on the same plate I'll definitely go again :)

Eleven of us had dinner in the grotto. We sat outside, which worked really well. Although the grotto was very busy, the food arrived quickly. We liked it very much. The grotto is highly recommended.

Wonderful place a little hidden not directly on the lake but exceptional typical atmosphere

Smooth qulinary concept. Regional specialties, very inexpensive.