Osteria del Centro

I came here for my birthday. I have been a long time vegan but the chef was able to surprise me with the creative presentation of vegetable dishes and unique fusion of colors and taste. I had the 7 servings menu. My only critique is l think for this price there should be a free coffee or digestif at the end. Expect to spend more than the average restaurant but experience something very unique.

Pietro and Mercedes are young, creative, all about quality, freshness (possibly local), a real breath of fresh air in the quite traditional gastronomic landscape of Ticino. One runs the kitchen, the other the dalle. The restaurant sits less than 20 guests, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation. So here we go with a tasting menu that focus on seasonal products that is predominantly vegetarian, looking to preserve freshness and quality. Started with a creamy and crunchy cauliflower variation, marinated truffle egg yolk. It was simply delicious! The cauliflower was so silky, pitch perfect and well balanced with the egg yolk. Next followed a pumpkin confit, with goosefoot and nettle cream and a goat fresh cheese. I was surprised by how wonderfully tasty the pumpkin was, an ideal compagnon for the delicate goat cheese. Followed by a lake Ceresio pikeperch bamboo steamed with leek and poplar mushrooms. Another great dish, I particularly appreciate the use of poplar mushrooms, which are not very popular in most restaurants, and the local fish. Then we had a wonderful purple eggplant with a juicy rumpsteak beef. I truly enjoy the ingredients and the simplicity of it. We finished with a great dessert, a infused apple with white chocolate and matcha tea, unexpected and yet I could found a lovely balance between the sweetness, bitterness and acidity. The red wire follows through also with their wine selection, leaning to the natural ones. We loved the experience and we will be back for sure!

Very nice restaurant, good wine selection, the food is excellent !

Fantastic place outside Lugano to have a very special dinner experience. So far my highlight in 2024. The vegis are in the centre of the dinner menu and they are fantastically prepared with an unbelievable creativity!

One of my favorite restaurants of the year. You will discover vegetables like you never had before. Amazing gastronomic experience with good natural wine selection and very sweet staff. Highly recommended

Best experience in Ticino!

Amazing, as usual. Great hosts, great food