Hello dear
Osteria Montalbano, nestled on Via Montalbano in the serene woods of Lecco, Italy, offers a genuinely unforgettable dining experience. This charming osteria delights with its authentic mountain cuisine. Diners rave about the rich truffle pasta with bresaola and tender rabbit, highlighting the rustic, handcrafted flavors that define the menu. Guests enjoy a cozy atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings, despite occasional service hiccups. The location, although challenging to access, rewards visitors with its tranquil setting. Overall, Osteria Montalbano is a must-visit for those seeking a true taste of Italian culinary tradition within nature’s embrace.
About
Welcome to Osteria Montalbano, a hidden gem nestled amidst the tranquil woods of Lecco, Italy. The journey to this charming eatery is an adventure in itself, taking you along a rugged road that echoes the wild beauty of the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival, guests are greeted warmly by the delightful owner, enveloped in a rustic atmosphere that resonates with authenticity and Italian charm.
At Osteria Montalbano, the menu is a celebration of local flavors, masterfully crafted to highlight the rich culinary traditions of the region. Diners rave about the truffle pasta with bresaola, a dish that embodies both richness and refinement, offering a taste of indulgence in every bite. For those seeking something heartier, the tender rabbit and the gamey wild boar, enhanced by briny olives, provide a delightful exploration of mountain cuisine that speaks to the heart and soul of Italian gastronomy.
While the desserts may not have left a lasting impression for everyone—some finding them stale late in the evening—there's still magic to be found in the freshly brewed espresso, which, despite some weak reviews, offers a comforting finish to a superb meal. It’s easy to overlook these minor mishaps when you’re enveloped by such heartfelt service and an atmosphere radiating warmth, especially as winter approaches and cozy family gatherings become the norm.
However, be prepared for a slightly disorganized service; reviews highlight a slower pace during busy times. Yet, this only adds to the charm of Osteria Montalbano, where the journey—both to the location and through each dish—is as memorable as the destination itself. Overall, if you're looking for an authentic mountain culinary experience, this vintage osteria is well worth the trip, nestled among trees and delightful flavors.
For a unique dining experience that you won’t soon forget, gather your loved ones for a meal at Osteria Montalbano. You may want to take extra care in navigating to it, as local wisdom can guide you better than a GPS, ensuring you don't miss out on this culinary treasure hidden away in the woods. Your taste buds will thank you.
“ One of my best experience. Fabulous rustic hand made and naturel food. Warning! The place is difficult to locate. The address given on the sites (TripAdvisor etc) cannot be found via Google Map. Ask the locals before you start. ”
“ Very good restaurant. Local food in a simple scope exactly like we hoped. We was well received by the chef him self although we have been arrived 10 min after the kitchen closing time. The restaurant is in the forest so the way is a quiet difficult but it's worth it. ”
“ Incredible pasta, location and people. The road there is quite rough and not for the fainthearted. If you want to have a drink and not feel too worried about the way back I would suggest parking where the road is still in good shape and walking through the forest to get there. ”
“ A true gem hidden from view. We were passing nearby and needed to eat, and I found this place on google. I am not lying when I say this is one of the most truly Italian and local places I have eaten in. The road to get there is particularly bad and rough, but it is truly worth it. The staff are super kind and the place has a great atmosphere, and if they were to improve on the decorations/road this would change for the worst. I really reccomend this restaurant to anyone truly passionate about finding rustic gems with genuine Italian food. ”
“ We visited as a surprise for my wife. We were not disappointed, food was great, good value traditional. Can't wait to go back. 14th July. Been back today, 13th August, food was really good. Staff were great, real shame we won't be back until next year. Richard. ”
“ A truly unique dining destination that one will remember! Following an off road drive through the woods, you arrive at this vintage osteria where a charming lady boss welcomes you. Mains were interesting, the truffle pasta with bresaola was rich, the rabbit was tender, and the wild boar was gamey and balanced by the olives. Desserts felt stale, but we were there very late so maybe we got whats left. Espresso was freshly made, but felt weak. Great service all round! ”
“ The food are all on point, we had the best poleta we've ever tried. The whole wheat bread is also suprisingly so good. But the service was soo slow, seems disorganized, we've booked the place one day before, we came very early even before they weren't open, but no, they didnt prioritize us, the worst, they made us wait even longer, so long as for the other table had finished they second meal, and for us, we dont even have anything served on the table except ofc the coperto. I would recommend everyone who wants to eat something so authentic coming freshly as the typical mountain's culinary. The place might be a bit compact but warm enough for the upcoming winter as your small family gathering. ”