A Taste of Art: Ristorante Badalucci in Lugano

The Chef

Marco Badalucci

Born on the Italian island of Procida, Marco Badalucci showcases a modern, Mediterranean fish and seafood cuisine in his restaurant, deeply influenced by his southern Italian roots. His creations are defined by a harmonious blend of traditional flavors, the highest quality ingredients, and innovative, often playful techniques.

Previous experience at renowned Michelin-starred restaurants 'Le Calandre' (under Massimiliano Alajmo) and 'Gambero Rosso' (under Fulvio Pierangelini)

Served as Executive Chef at the 5-star luxury hotel 'Cristallo' in Cortina d'Ampezzo as well as at the restaurant 'Amarcord' in the Dominican Republic

Honored as 'Chef of the Month' and awarded 16 points by Gault&Millau Switzerland

Recommended in the Michelin Guide for the restaurant 'Badalucci' in Lugano

Famous signature dishes include cold spaghetti with sea bass sashimi and caviar ('Spaghetto freddo') and 'Ravioli liquidi' filled with a liquid seafood bouillon

Location & History

Ristorante Badalucci - Ristorante specialità pesce (also known as Badalucci Taste of Art) is located on the ground floor of a simple, multi-story residential and commercial building at Viale Cassarate 3 in Lugano. Situated in the lively Castagnola-Cassarate neighborhood, it sits just steps away from the mouth of the Cassarate River, the picturesque shores of Lake Lugano, and the nearby Parco Ciani. Historically, this address holds great culinary significance, having been home for over four decades to the legendary, former Michelin-starred restaurant "Al Portone." In 2019, Procida-born chef Marco Badalucci took over these historic premises to bring his own concept to life, inspired by modern art and Mediterranean fish specialties.

The restaurant is located on the ground floor of a simple, multi-story residential and commercial building at Viale Cassarate 3 in Lugano, close to the bridge over the Cassarate River.

The property is situated in the historic Castagnola-Cassarate neighborhood, which was incorporated into Lugano in 1972 and is known for its scenic beauty at the foot of Monte Brè.

In the immediate vicinity are key urban recreational areas, including the Lido di Cassarate, the expansive Parco Ciani, and the lakeside promenade.

Starting in the late 1970s, the premises at Viale Cassarate 3 hosted the renowned restaurant "Al Portone" for over forty years.

Under the guidance of long-time head chef Roberto Galizzi, "Al Portone" became one of Ticino's most famous gourmet destinations and was awarded a Michelin star in 1991.

Following Roberto Galizzi's departure, his son Silvio Galizzi and mother Doris continued to run "Al Portone" as an upscale dining establishment.

In the years that followed, the tenants of "Al Portone" changed, including a period under French chef Francis Carré, who offered French-Italian fusion cuisine.

After the historic venue had been closed for several months, chef Marco Badalucci, originally from the Neapolitan island of Procida, took over the premises together with his business partner Matteo Galbani.

In May 2019, they opened the restaurant under its new name, "Badalucci Taste of Art."

The restaurant's culinary concept focuses heavily on refined, modern fish and seafood specialties with strong influences from southern Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.

In December 2019, just a few months after opening, Ristorante Badalucci was officially included in the Michelin Guide Switzerland.