Lugano · Switzerland
Meet Chef Cristian Moreschi at La Luce, Lugano
78/100Live — Rémy is here right now
Meet Chef Cristian Moreschi at La Luce, Lugano
Villa Principe LeopoldoHotelRestaurantExceptional viewBar
Service
3.0
Ambiance
5.0
Wine list
4.0
4.7
1'209 ratings
🕐 Opening hours ▾
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Highlights
- ✦Location
- ✦Room upgrade
- ✦Ingrid is fantastic
- ✦A classic location
Lowlights
- ▾Communication in English not easy
- ▾Friendly but slow service
- ▾Check-in
- ▾Nobody greeted us upon arrival, I had to carry my suitcase myself
- ▾Lost the 1 Michelin star
The Chef
Cristian Moreschi
Cristian Moreschi is the Executive Chef of Ristorante La Luce at the Villa Principe Leopoldo in Lugano. His cuisine blends a solid, classic French foundation with contemporary Italian and Ticinese influences, placing the utmost importance on the quality and purity of local ingredients. Among his most famous creations is a fillet of veal cooked in a bread crust, served with spiced carrots and sweet mustard.
Gained over ten years of professional experience in Italy and St. Moritz before moving to Switzerland.
Joined the kitchen brigade at Villa Principe Leopoldo in 2011, working for many years under his mentor Dario Ranza.
Succeeded Dario Ranza as Executive Chef of the prestigious establishment in March 2019.
Was awarded his first Michelin star in February 2021 and currently holds 16 Gault&Millau points.
Was named 'Chef of the Month' by Gault&Millau Switzerland in December 2025.
Location & History
The restaurant "La Luce" (formerly "Principe Leopoldo") is located in the historic Villa Principe Leopoldo in Lugano, which sits majestically on the exclusive Collina d'Oro. Built in 1926 in the local homeland style, the estate originally served as a summer residence for the Prussian Prince Friedrich Leopold of Hohenzollern. Since opening as a luxury hotel in 1986, the venue has combined world-class, Michelin-starred gastronomy with spectacular panoramic views over Lake Lugano.
The villa was built in 1926 by Berlin architects Clemens and Könitz in the local homeland style.
The building originally served as a private summer residence for the Prussian prince and cavalry general Friedrich Leopold of Hohenzollern.
In 1986, the historic residence was transformed into an exclusive five-star hotel.
The in-house gourmet restaurant, formerly known as "Principe Leopoldo", now bears the name "La Luce".
The restaurant is led by Executive Chef Cristian Moreschi and is awarded one Michelin star and 16 Gault&Millau points.
The venue is situated on the Collina d'Oro ("Golden Hill") and offers a famous view of Lake Lugano and the surrounding mountains.
The Good, the Bad & the Ugly
What I read about this address in the press and online, before and after my visit — summed up here so you can put my own impressions in context.
The Good
- ✦Der legendäre Risotto – ob klassisch oder in modernen Varianten wie mit rohem Gambero rosso und Thai-Curry – wird von GaultMillau als sensationell gut, perfekt im Biss und äusserst grosszügig portioniert gelobt.[1]
- ✦Die hoteleigene Bar Principe überzeugt Kritiker und erhielt im Falstaff-Guide hervorragende 90 Punkte für ihre erstklassigen Cocktails und das unkomplizierte Dining.
- ✦Das Restaurant Ristorante La Luce (ehemals Principe Leopoldo) wird von Falstaff mit 92 Punkten bewertet und für seine klassische Küche im modernen Gewand sowie den aufmerksamen Service gerühmt.
- ✦Die spektakuläre Aussichtsterrasse hoch über dem Luganersee wird von Medien wie dem Tages-Anzeiger und Reiseblogs als eine der schönsten des Landes mit einer romantischen "Million-Dollar-View" gefeiert.
The Bad
- ▾Die Zimmer befinden sich nicht im historischen Hauptgebäude der Villa, sondern wurden nachträglich unterhalb der Terrasse angebaut.
- ▾Ein Reiseblog merkt an, dass die Betten in den ansonsten sehr geräumigen und komfortablen Suiten ein kleinerer Minuspunkt waren.
Gallery
Where was this?
Via Montalbano 5, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland