Osteria del Carde — Restaurant in Comunità Montana del Piambello

If I could give this place 0 stars I would. From the moment we got there to the moment we left was a complete disgrace.

After we arrived we waited approximately 2 minutes for the head waitress to appear. This was not a problem but with 3-4 staff standing around just looking at us and not lifting a finger to do anything gave the first bad impression. Usually after being seated (in good restaurants) we are asked if we would like something to drink. In this place, nothing. So long prosecco, it would have been nice but I guess it just wasn’t meant to be.

Upon placing our meal orders we had to ask for the wine list. After looking for a couple of minutes we chose something but when we ordered what we thought would be a carafe of house wine we were told it was by the glass. The waiter then walked off never to be seen again except as he walked by occasionally trying his best to pretend he did not see us.

While we were still waiting to order some wine (some 5 minutes) our meals turned up. We just gave up waiting as our waiter never returned. Maybe he just didn’t see us because the beautiful sunshine blinded him.

The only good thing I can say about the food was that the steak that I ordered was great. The side dish of grilled vegetables was just warm when it reached us and probably only lukewarm when it left the kitchen. Dry and rubbery is the only way to describe them but it is to be expected with vegetables that were cooked the day before and just reheated.

Seeing the other waiters being friendly and interactive with the other guests had us asking ourselves if one of us didn’t shower before we came here. Not once were we asked if everything was okay or if we needed anything to the point I felt like Casper the ghost, invisible.

At this point we decided that we would finish our evening with coffee and grappa somewhere else, most notably somewhere that appreciates their customers. When paying the bill we were asked by the cashier (who was incidentally the head waitress) if we had enjoyed our meal. After we said no, not another word was heard from her, no question as to why we didn’t enjoy it, no apologies and not even a goodbye.

The poor service and attitudes of the staff coupled with uncertain food quality left a bad taste in my mouth (pun intended) so that I cannot in good conscience recommend this restaurant even if the view is superb.

If you have read this far, then good for you. I can however recommend the gelateria next door for creamy coffee and great grappa and of course, the all important...

Osteria Del Carde, located on the picturesque Via Lungolago XXV Aprile, 14 in Lavena Ponte Tresa, offers a unique dining experience on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Situated directly on the shores of Lake Lugano, this Ristorante-Pizzeria boasts a truly enchanting setting just a stone’s throw away from the Swiss border and a mere 20-minute drive from Varese.

The ambiance and decor of the restaurant are simply exquisite. The interior design exudes a sense of warmth and familiarity, while still maintaining an air of sophistication. Every detail is meticulously crafted, creating an atmosphere that feels both simple and high-class at the same time.

While the staff at Osteria Del Carde are polite, there is room for improvement in terms of warmth and friendliness. The service, while not exceptionally fast, also does not drag on, striking a balance that could be improved upon.

When it comes to the food, there are hits and misses. The oysters are fresh and delightful, accompanied by subtle hints of pomegranate and lime. However, some dishes, like the Trancio di Pescato del giorno, lack that special something that elevates a meal from good to exceptional. On the other hand, offerings like the Tagliata di Tonno al Sesamo surprise with interesting and refreshing flavor combinations, while the Tagliata di tonno rosso is delicately nuanced.

In terms of value for money, Osteria Del Carde offers a range of options to suit different budgets. While some dishes may lean towards the higher end of the price spectrum, there are also more moderately priced options available.

The restaurant’s location is easily accessible by public transportation, with convenient public parking nearby. The proximity to the Tresa River provides a charming backdrop for a leisurely stroll before or after your meal.

Overall, dining at Osteria Del Carde is an experience that combines stunning surroundings with a mix of delicious dishes. While there is room for improvement in terms of service and consistency across the menu, the restaurant offers a delightful culinary journey that is worthy of exploration.

In closing, I would like to thank Osteria Del Carde for the opportunity to dine at their establishment and experience their unique blend of flavors...

Very disappointing dinner with 7 colleagues. We ordered a mixed starter plate for 5 people and they served multiple starter dishes in sizes of a main dish wich they charges 110€ for. We requested 2 main dishes to be cancelled shortly after, because it was just too much food for all of us, but they denied. The food itself was only partly good. The pizza dough was almost raw as the pizza was in the oven for way too short. After talking to the staff about the starter dishes, my colleague was treated very rude, especially by the manager. In the end, way too much food had to be thrown away, which is a shame. No discount offered, not even a coffee or anything else. They just handed over the bill unasked. All in all very disappointing visit which is a shame because the restaurant is beautifully located at the lake. Would not recommend to visit, unless you want to be...