I can't believe this place only has one review of 1 star. I stumbled across it thankfully not based on that review. I was looking for somewhere for dinner close to my hotel in Paradiso that had good food and wasn't going to cost the earth. I found Café Retro Ristorante Tivoli and it was lovely! The waitstaff were very patient and accommodating given I wanted to practice my Italian (they speak perfect English). Gave me a lovely table for one with the best outlook of the lake that they had, helped me with ordering wine and food. I had the cozze e vongole allo concasse di primadoro (mussels and clams in tomato broth) which was delicious followed by tiramisu and a small scoop of gelato with a glass of Sangiovese during dinner. I did see other meals coming out and if I went back would try their homemade pasta or pizzas as they looked amazing.
The food was good the wait staff patient and attentive but not overbearing and I had the best solo dining experience for a long time. I didn't expect to come away from dinner with 2 courses and a glass of wine in Lugano for under 50CHF but I did! read more