Ristorante Contrada - Orselina

We had a lovely dinner sitting out in the Piazza. Had insalata caprese, melanzane pizza and risotto con asperigi. All the food and service was good. Prices are reasonable considering the prime location. Just wish they had a non-smoking section as the locals smoke a...lot.

We visited the 'Contrada ' already last year and, based on that satisfactory experience we went again last Easter. There were not many tourists, the weather gorgeous and yet preferred to seat inside vs. the terrace under the arcade to enjoy more privacy. The staff is...professional and friendly, and while studying the menu we were surprised by the waiter 's suggestion to try the typical Easter Ticinese specialty, 'Gizzi (small goat) with backed potato wedges and vegetable ', and we did ... It was prepared and presented in the Ticinese original way of cooking, without paraphernalia, say, like my grandmother (blessed), did it already 50 years ago ... . It was the highlight of a pleasant Easter feast and the next visit during the forthcoming summer is already planned.

The whole area is a tourist trap – be warned! but like an oasis amongst that the Ristorante Contrada, delivers good food; excellent friendly service and attention to the small things that matter. Bringing extra side plates without being asked as they realised we were...sharing our meal between us, just one example The prices are what you would expect but the portions are very very generous, can’t fault the value for money They also do a lovely Dunkel beer! We went three times out of the week we stayed in Locarno and was consistently good each time

We were not really enthusiasts of salat, spaghetti and fennelsalat. the service didn't appreciate it so that we wanted to drink only hahnenwasser for wein and that was 2 times at 35° we had a little thirsty. well, the location also makes the prices and not the good service and quality.

We were on Sunday 16. juni during the moon and stars in the ristorante contrada. first we were not considered although we stood there to get a table. since I just met a friend and so the waiter was in the way, he pushed me and discarded the hands and told me to leave. we then got a place, the drinks came promptly but on the pizza we waited 30 minutes. when then another person came to our group and waited again at a place where the waiter didn't fit, the same waiter reacted very annoyed again. to everything, we wanted to pay at the end of the day, and we were cut off to the point that we cannot pay individually. Why not? just because they just have stress and want to serve as many people as possible? I then discussed the waiter that we pay separately. even packed my Italian without chance. we then wanted to go to the wc. before the restaurant entrance stood another waiter. I thought he was standing there to let only the guests of the restaurant. that he is standing there to not cause a sneak in front of the wc and so the waiters can better serve I didn't know. I then told him that I wanted to go to the wc, first he said that moment had told him that I was a hospitable and had to go to the wc, then he cut me down and showed me to stand. I found the whole situation around very disappointing and cheeky to the guests. I'm disappointed and we won't be guests there if we're back. that all because they are themselves fault! friendliness would be useful, so as tip.