Osteria La Lanterna — Restaurant in Valsolda

We tried this for the first time as we drive by this restaurant on route to Lugano many times. We were initially attracted because the menu was more creative than the typical Italian fare. The trout appetizer offered good portions of sushimi-style fish was it lacked overall seasoning. Perhaps ore of the almond sauce would have helped. The grouper ravoili was very good. The portion is more suited for a primi vs main dish. The fish mille feuille seems better on description than it was executed, both in flavor and presentation. Perhaps the best dish was "the rabbit", an exceptional presentation of various chocolates and crumble.

The service was welcoming and efficient. After 9pm, the road noise does die down. But lots of trees hindered the beautiful view of Lake Lugano from this...

They hosted my mother's wedding reception a few years ago & we sat outside. Stunning view! This a really gorgeous place for a large group of people to get together & the staff did an amazing job. The food was delightful.

The inside is cozy & intimate, the chef will talk to you, & the waiter we recently had was funny, full of personality, & knowledgeable. The food is amazing & is showcased in an appealing & artistic way. Meat lovers you will be in heaven. It was a bit more difficult for me as I am vegetarian but they were able to offer me a delicious meal. The pasta is handmade, the wine selection is abundant (yum!).....and oh, leave room...

We ended up at Osteria La Lanterna by chance, it looked charming while we passed by a few times and we thought it might be nice place to have dinner here. Everything however exceeded our expectations; the dishes we ordered were exquisite in taste and the way the plates were set up, the staff was absolutely lovely, the ambience and setting were fabulous. I am not exaggerating if I say this was one of the best dinner experiences I have had in a long time, will definitely come back here next time we vacation in this...