A Hidden Gem in Osteno - Osteria de Cin
Our family discovered the Osteria de Cin during our holiday, turning our stay in Osteno into a delightful culinary journey. This enchanting restaurant charmed us with its captivating ambience, exceptional hospitality, and masterful cuisine. Our host, who effortlessly doubled as our waiter, enriched our experience with his endearing storytelling about the establishment, painting a vibrant backdrop that perfectly set the tone for our evening. His in-depth knowledge of food and drink was particularly commendable. Upon discovering our love for wines, he recommended an exquisite Italian wine - the 2015 Rosso Di Marco by Marco Conati. It was an impeccable pairing that wonderfully complemented our dishes, enhancing the dining experience manifold. At the helm of the kitchen, a remarkably talented chef crafted a menu that was nothing short of culinary poetry. From the Smoked Beef Carpaccio with truffles and wild berries to the Salmon Tartare with Stracciatella and Avocado, each dish was a symphony of flavours that tantalised our palates. The Steak of Dry-Aged Beef deserves a special mention for its masterful execution and depth of flavour. Dessert was the grand finale, with each creation hitting the right sweet notes. The standout was the Shortcrust Pastry with Custard and Berries, a decadent treat that masterfully balanced sweetness and tartness. The restaurant's family-friendly ambiance added to our delightful experience. Each member of our family, from the youngest to the oldest, felt welcomed and thoroughly enjoyed their time. It was heartening to see a place that caters so thoughtfully to every age group. Osteria de Cin is a jewel nestled in the heart of Osteno. It transcends being just a restaurant to offer an unforgettable experience that embodies the spirit of 'home'. This hidden gem, with its exceptional food, wine, and heartwarming hospitality, is well worth the detour. We look forward to our next visit, eager to once again savour the gastronomic delights of Osteria de Cin - a perfect blend of Italian culinary excellence and...
Read moreOur best meal in Italy, bar none - in taste, it atmosphere, in service, in quality of ingredients. The table felt like a dinner party at a close friend’s home - and Ricci treated us exactly that way, walking us through the menu sharing the source of ingredients, the method of preparation, the approach to the design of the dish (eg, they use no tomatoes in their duck ragu, a controversial choice with spectacular results). He helped us make personal choices to fit our palates. He shared his wonderful wine cellar, and brought out his partner, head chef and true star, his wife, to share with us as well.
But the food was the star of the show. The spinach and chard flan was savory creaminess redefined. The beef carpaccio was mounded with truffles. The seafood salad was tender fish, octopus and squid packed with flavor.
For primi, we had pesto gnocchi, duck ragu over tagliatelle, and papardelle with truffles The gnocchi were light as air. The tagliatelle was like comfort food all grown up, and the papardelle with truffles brought complexity scented with a feeling of being in the woods. I know that sounds ridiculous but it’s just true.
For secondi we had a brilliant cut of meat - we’d called it a porterhouse here. Tender with a perfect crust.
We followed with a spectacular assortment of local cheeses - local as within 10 miles. The cheese was accompanied by a brilliant red wine and truffle honey, a flavor I had never experienced. Our kids had a deconstructed cheese cake that they loved.
All in all a tremendously special evening - if you are around Lake Como or Lake Lugano, you should go to Osteria...
Read moreI had the pleasure of dining at Osteria de Cin in Claino, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish! The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, perfect for a relaxed meal with friends or family, and the attention to detail is truly commendable.
The service was absolutely top-notch. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel incredibly welcome. They were attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and genuinely passionate about providing a memorable experience. Their warmth and professionalism added so much to the meal, making it even more enjoyable.
Now, let’s talk about the food! Every dish we tried was exceptional, but the Bavarian cream absolutely stole the show. It was silky smooth, perfectly balanced in sweetness, and melted in the mouth like a dream. This dessert was the highlight of the meal, and I cannot recommend it enough—it’s the kind of dish you’ll be thinking about long after your visit.
Overall, Osteria de Cin delivered on every front: excellent service, a welcoming atmosphere, and mouthwatering dishes that reflect the heart and soul of Italian cuisine. If you’re ever in the area, do yourself a favor and stop by—you won’t regret it!
I would move to this Painted Town just for the Cuisine and the friendly...
Read more