Grotto Pojana

For those traveling to Riva San Vitale in the wintertime, gelato might not be the best comfort food to warm you up. Instead, fondue is incredibly popular during the coldest time of the year. Grotto Pojana is an elegant restaurant in Riva near the train station with a beautiful view of Lago di Lugano and the most delicious fondue you’ll ever taste. This is according to students and staff of Villa Maderni who have had the pleasure of tasting it. With their menu featuring a wide selection of cheese, meats, and breads to dip in their fondue, you can only imagine how good it might be. So, when you are thinking of ways to warm up while still enjoying an authentic piece of Riva culture, make sure to check out Grotto Pojana!

Via Pojana 63, 6826 Riva San Vitale

Tel 0041 91 649 74 31

Antica Pizzeria Del Sole

This small, family owned pizzeria is one of Riva's best hidden treasures. Being less than a minute walk from CESA, this is the place to go for a quick meal. There are over 20 different types of pizza and calzones to choose from. Don't worry- they have menus in different languages. If you are looking for a sit-down dinner with a waiter, this is not the place to go. There are no tables available, just a counter for you order your pizza or meal of choice.

Telephone number: 091.6305738

Summer hours:

Tuesday-Friday
from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday
from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Winter hours

Tuesday-Friday
from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday
from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Holidays
from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
CLOSED MON

Mini Bar

The Mini Bar is a local bar great for relaxing with friends and enjoying a few drinks. It is just a three minute walk from CESA, making this a gem for students. The bar itself is definitely "mini" with minimal seating. There are a few tables, two couch areas and, of course, seats at the bar.

Monday 9:00 a.m. -1:00 a.m.
Tuesday 9:00 a.m. -1:00 a.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m. -1:00 a.m.
Thursday 9:00 a.m. -1:00 a.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. -1:00 a.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. -1:00 a.m.

Sundays and holidays
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Bar Ticino

Bar Ticino is a favorite for Virginia Tech students, and as you can tell from the sign on their window, Virginia Tech students are some of their favorite customers. A tiny bar only about a minute up the street from CESA, Bar Ticino is owned by Italians and has a lively and welcoming atmosphere with many locals frequenting the spot. You can order drinks from vino bianco (white wine) to red bull vodka shots. Appetizers, such as chips or bread and cheese, are also a popular menu option. Make sure you meet Nancy when you stop by – she is the sweetest Italian you’ll meet and she loves Hokies! Mention you’re from VT and if you’re lucky she’ll provide you with some free appetizers. Hours vary due to the family run business.

Caffe' Sociale

Caffe' Sociale is quietly placed on Lake Lugano, about a five minute walk from CESA. This indoor/outdoor social scene is a nice place to go if you are looking for food and fun. Along with a restaurant, there is a gelato stand, bar and two bocce ball courts. Although the bocce ball courts are for professional use only, you can grab a cone of gelato and watch a match or two. If you are full and ready for a walk, Lake Lugano is only a few short steps from the area.

Telephone: 091.648.17.89
www.ristorantsociale.ch

Monday-Saturday
7 AM-12 AM
Holidays
9 AM- 12 AM

Artigianale Zodiaco Gelateria

This gelato shop is right down the street from CESA, about a two minute walk. The shop is nestled along the road, right next to bar Ticino. There are many flavors to choose from, making this a great after dinner snack. The hours are very limited, so make sure you check the time before you plan to get a treat!

Telephone
 076.346.32.27

Monday-Friday

2:00-6:30 pm
Saturday-Sunday
11 am -12 pm  / 2:00 -6:30 pm

Riva Bike Trails

One of the activities that characterize Riva the most is, of course, cycling. Everywhere you turn you will see men and women biking their way along trails and down all the roads. Sometimes you will even see more cyclists than cars on a certain street! Riva offers an abundance of bike trails for the myriad of cyclists. These trails all include beautiful scenery, interesting places along the way, and a perfect tour of Ticino. Websites like www.mapmyride.com and www.routeyou.com offer detailed descriptions of popular cyclist trails in and around Riva San Vitale.