Crotto Quartino

Lusting for a taste of tradition in rural bliss?
Then look no further.

Hey, I'm Mauro! Welcome to our Crotto Quartino – the grandaddy of all crotti, nestled in the very heart of Valchiavenna.
You won't believe your eyes – Valchiavenna is the stuff of legends.

Here, you can bask in the utmost peace and quiet of our enchanting valley while sharing laughter over an unforgettable meal surrounded by your loved ones.
Dining with us is much more than a meal out – it's a full-blown mood!

But I have a confession to make.
When I was 22, I left my lovely hometown to gain experience in Michelin-starred hotels, rising through the ranks in the kitchen.
Well, I screwed up.

I had a hunch that something was missing – indeed, not all that glitters is gold. Haute cuisine and chic restaurants just aren't my tankard of ale.
C'mon, no dish needs prettifying with chopped coriander, pea shoots or ornamental parsley sprinkled on top.
And let's be honest – keeping fit and healthy the whole time can be a drag.

I had to cleanse myself of my worldly sin and start from scratch.
I was like, "Valchiavenna, why hast thou forsaken me?" – but every cloud has a silver lining and now I'm here to change the game and make your cholesterol levels sky-rocket.
It's good to be back. Well, shall we…?

"By all means, Mauro. Let's cook."

When hunger pangs start to bite, pick up our menu and you'll find it all.
Dive into our divine Pizzoccheri bianchi, enter the realm of saturated fat and slip out with a decadent slice of cheesy, buttery heaven.
Eat your heart out, Ramsay!

My biggest ambition?
Well, our Crotto Quartino has been delighting palates for almost a century – and now's the time to go the extra mile and bring our Pizzoccheri bianchi to Milan.
The word crotto will be on everyone's lips.

If you feel fancy, get lost.
If you're starving, become a part of our story – you definitely won't be leaving us with a rumbling tummy.
Just stay away from the scales!

Mauro Salini

It's time to head to the mountains and indulge in the pristine beauty of Chiavenna, a lovely mountain town in Valchiavenna – just a stone's throw away from Lake Como.

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, our Crotto Quartino is the beating heart of the valley.

Wondering what a crotto is?
The term crotto comes from the local dialect, where it refers to a natural cellar. The defining characteristic of a crotto worthy of its name is what's known as the Sorèl, a current of cool air that comes out of a crevice in the rock and is drawn indoors from the mountainside.
Sorèl can be translated as mountain's soul.

With a constant temperature of 12°C and a constant humidity level all year-round, our crotto is the ideal space to store wine, cold cuts and cheese.

In mediaeval times, such natural features played a vital role in the creation of a kind of tavern – the picture-perfect spot to toast the day and halt your hunger.

Treat yourself to a visit, take in the intimate atmosphere of a traditional Italian tavern over a glass of wine and enjoy the authentic entertainment and surroundings.

And that's not all.
Our cosy crotto is blessed with an outstanding outside area, so why not gather your nearest and dearest and quench your thirst on our stone benches? – There it is, Valchiavenna's very own Stonehenge!

Are you in Milan?
Well, don't tear your hair out – we've got you covered.
With its timber interiors and indoor hanging plants, our Crotto Quartino will make you feel like you're really in our mesmerising valley.

In mediaeval times, crotti were a vital part of the town's social fabric, providing a gathering place for people from all walks of life to grab a bite, drink and mingle.
These taverns of sorts were accessed from outside steps.

With its roaring log fires and rustic tavern ambience, our crotto oozes a home-from-home feel that will take you back centuries.
Pop in and immerse yourself in a buzzy, lighthearted atmosphere where the conversation flows and let the good times roll.

They say elegant attire is the only surefire way to give a professional impression. What a load of codswallop!
Society expects us to toe the line, follow strict uniform rules and put on a disgustingly fake smile – but this doesn't sit right with us.
Our only policy is to over-feed your crotto-hungry cells.

Ready to get served like a king and dig into delicious dishes that will overwhelm your senses?
Hospitality can't be improvised – we bust a gut to make your dining experience a memorable one.

There's nothing quite like a warming, sumptuous meal to share, and at our quaint crotto, that's exactly what you'll get.
Seasoned with garlic and sage, our drool-worthy Pizzoccheri bianchi will win over the most demanding palates.

And if that's not enough to bowl you over, our 'Nectar of the Gods' should do the trick.
We don't mess around when it comes to our Brenta.
Take a sip, let the wine coat your palate and linger over another glass – it's hard to resist the temptation to overindulge.

Your eyes will light up as you gaze at our bottles – and you'll cry out, "It comes in bottles? I'm getting one!", just like Pippin at The Prancing Pony in *The Lord of the Rings.*

Whether you're celebrating a birthday or just popping in to meet up with your mates, at our Crotto Quartino you'll find a warm welcome and top-notch service.

Why wait?

Quit reading ridiculous healthy recipes, cast a final cursory glance at the scales and fly into our holy Pizzoccheri bianchi with a one-way ticket – heaven is closer than you think.

If you fancy a quick bite to eat, then go get your posh chicken salad with little gem lettuce and choke on a bone somewhere else.

At our Crotto Quartino, we don't serve meals for mere mortals – shoot for the sky, mate. Any spur-of-the-moment spare ribs cravings?
You're in the right place.

What's your pick? Pizzoccheri bianchi or spare ribs? Why not both?
C'mon, go the whole hog and proudly show off your fat rolls.

What a cracking way to cross the line, right?

Enjoy a glass of wine on us, slake your thirst from the first draught and let your taste-buds float on cloud nine – ah, that's the stuff!

Our Brenta was born to steal the spotlight.