Review of Grotto Efra

Grotto Efra Review

A slight change of pace with this review. Typically, I write about my Fine Dining experiences in Berlin, but today I’d like to share a dining experience that was fine - but, well, not in that way...

I recently took a trip to Switzerland to catch up with my friend Andrew, who I’ve known since my university days. He lives in Zürich, which is charming in its own right, but we decided to explore further afield. On recommendation, we headed to the tiny town of Sonogno (and when I say tiny, I mean it - about 83 people live there).

Busy times in Sonogno

As unlikely as it sounds, just outside this little village there’s a well-regarded restaurant called Grotto Efra. Naturally, Andrew and I had to check it out.

Sleep feline

A view like no other

Whatever else you say about Grotto Efra, the setting is spectacular—easily one of the best restaurant views in Europe, maybe even the world.

On the way

Arrived

A small detail, but the name caught my attention immediately. Growing up, “grotto” meant a hidden cave - like Santa’s Grotto, with treasure or mystery. In the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, it seems grotto historically referred to a storehouses for food and wine, but overtime the term has come to refer to a rustic, traditional local restaurant. Think of it as a Swiss version of an izakaya, but rooted in Alpine culture.

Gifts within

Grotto Efra is committed to serving high-quality, local, and sustainably sourced food. Tradition is at the heart of their menu - so rather than the likes of pasta or pizza, you’ll find polenta, a dish which seemingly goes by to Roman times.

What did we orderthen? To start, a salad with wine, followed by the house polenta served with Alpine cheese and a selection of salami cold cuts.

Some Merlot, nicely served

Simple but good

Polenta and cheese

Simple? Yes. But I’d take well-executed simplicity over poorly conceived extravagance any day. The salad had a lively peppery note - perhaps from local flowers used as garnish. Everything was well presented and, most importantly, delicious.

Price-wise, I thought it was excellent value. We paid around 120 CHF with tip. That might sound steep, but keep in mind: another day we spent nearly 90 CHF on just two pizzas and drinks. The pizzas were fine, but nothing spectular. For just 30 francs more at Grotto Efra, the experience was on a completely different level.

We finished with a bottle of local beer and an espresso. The latter turned out to be a wise choice, since we took the scenic route back to town - I may well have ended up in a crevasse had we indulged any further.

Local brew

Perfect to finish

Things to keep in mind

Getting to Grotto Efra isn’t straightforward, and once you arrive, don’t expect Fine Dining theatrics or overly attentive service. The staff were perfectly pleasant and respectful, but it felt very much like stepping into their space. I’d seen some online complaints about the staff, but honestly, I suspect it comes down to expectations. My advice: be nice and you’ll be fine.

Overall, I enjoyed the experience greatly. If you somehow find yourself in Sonogno, Grotto Efra is well worth the trip.

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