Osteria La Lanterna In Valsolda

I booked Osteria La Lanterna expecting a solid neighborhood restaurant, only to discover later that it holds a place in the Michelin Guide. The atmosphere exceeded my expectations, offering a genuinely charming and beautifully lit dining environment. The staff were exceptionally warm and welcoming from the moment we arrived, adding a great deal to the overall comfort of the evening. The food itself was highly enjoyable. We ordered a variety of dishes, including the tuna, octopus, and the seared piglet, and it was immediately apparent that the kitchen prioritizes fresh, high-quality ingredients. The dishes felt remarkably light and clean, making for a meal that was very easy to digest. The seasoning across the board leans toward the milder side—perhaps a touch under-seasoned depending on your personal palate—but it allows the natural flavors of the produce to stand out. We finished with a simple but wonderful selection of gelato (strawberry, milk, and chocolate), which was a perfect close to the meal. If there is one area for constructive feedback, it would be the by-the-glass wine selection. While their extensive bottle list is quite impressive, offering only two options by the glass feels too restrictive for a restaurant of this caliber. The staff recommended a glass of Rosé, but it leaned quite sweet and lacked the complexity needed to pair well with such delicately flavored food. Expanding the quality and variety of the by-the-glass wine program would easily elevate the entire experience to match the high standard of their food and service.

The most fantastic end to a long day across the Alps. Good service fantastic food and local coziness

Overrated. I had reserved six days in advance, but we were offered the worst spot in the corner. The reason given was that everything was reserved. :-) Our neighboring tables were greeted with a complimentary appetizer, but we weren't. :-( The food was decent, but nothing special. The sauces for my almost cold manzetta only arrived after I asked for salt and pepper. And why skimp on the vegetables? Zucchini and carrots are in season; surely they can serve more than 3 cm of them? My affogato had ice cubes in the completely tasteless vanilla ice cream. The limoncello served with the bill was nice, but you get that everywhere, even in non-Michelin-recommended restaurants. :-) The tip was covered by the €3.50 cover charge per person, so we expected more. :-(

Fantastic food and impeccable service!

I dined at La Lanterna last Saturday. The atmosphere is small but elegant, and the staff is attentive and friendly. The menu is very interesting, but the flavors are even more so. They showcase the search for authentic, local ingredients, blended to create comforting flavors. My very low-fat bergamot gelato on a fennel and orange salad surprised me with its freshness and deliciousness. Chef Pamela is not only talented, but also a wonderful person with a social commitment. Go there!

An authentic gem on Lake Como I rarely find a place where cuisine, hospitality, and local identity coexist so harmoniously. At Osteria La Lanterna, we enjoyed a simply extraordinary lunch. Chef Pamela Paredi manages to convey passion, technique, and a profound respect for local tradition in her dishes, interpreted with elegance and personality. Each course tells a story of select ingredients, authentic flavors, and meticulous attention to detail. A special thanks goes to Mr. Massimo, who guided us throughout the lunch with timeless professionalism: discreet, knowledgeable, attentive, and capable of making every guest feel truly welcome. His passion for his work and love for this tradition shine through in every gesture. I particularly appreciated the sourcing of local products, the excellent selection of oils and wines, the quality of the bread served, and the care with which each dish is presented. Everything contributes to creating an authentic and memorable experience. Congratulations to Chef Pamela, Mr. Massimo, and the entire staff for creating a place where you don't just come to eat, but to enjoy an experience of flavor, hospitality, and passion. We will definitely be back. One of the most beautiful gastronomic experiences we've had on Lake Como in recent years.

We've been there several times already, and as always it was very delicious with a variety of tasty dishes.

We stumbled upon Osteria La Lanterna by chance, as our hotel was located nearby. This was one of the luckiest accidents we've ever had. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't find a single negative thing to say. It was simply fantastic! There were two of us, and we both opted for the five-course tasting menu. Every course was superb and special in its own way. You can tell that a lot of love and expertise goes into the food. The service, which was also impeccable, gave us excellent advice beforehand and explained that the chef and owner places great emphasis on regional ingredients. This was reflected in the courses we were served. The recommended regional wine from Cantine Angelinetta was so delicious that we drove straight to Como today to stock up for home. To sum it up: We arrived as strangers, were welcomed like friends, and will definitely be back as fans of this wonderful cuisine! ... Many thanks to the entire team at Osteria La Lanterna for their quick help with our problem of getting back to the hotel.

Delicious, plentiful food, and good company. Excellent wine. Unfortunately, it was on the road with heavy traffic. An experience worth repeating, nonetheless.

When a lunch with friends becomes a feast of flavors and aromas that involves the whole company. Truly good and you do everything with heart. Definitely worth returning.