Our story
From the heart of Valsassina’s tradition, Crotto Alpino tells a story of family, passion for cooking, and love for the land. Discover our origins.
A story that has lasted for over 60 years. Yesterday as today, the Crotto Alpino still stands at the foot of the Northern Grigna, overlooking the small village of Primaluna. Surrounded by the peaceful Prealps, it’s the perfect starting point for woodland walks and excursions into the heart of Valsassina.
This is the story of Crotto Alpino.
From stable… to stars
In the 1940s, it was just a stable a crumbling shelter where four walls and a roof gave home to a few animals.
Its owner, Beri Maria, had a dream: to create a place where people could spend their days in the peace of the woods, enjoying traditional dishes and spending time together in good company.
Mrs. Maria was deeply attached to her nephew Giovanni, who had always helped her with the stable. She left him the building as an inheritance, hoping that one day he would turn it into a place of hospitality and good food.
A new adventure
In the 1950s, a new adventure began with Giovanni and his parents, Vincenzo and Gioconda, later joined by his wife Mariuccia and their son Giuseppe.
In the years that followed, the Crotto Alpino became a rest stop for those climbing the mountain slopes. Visitors would often pause for a “bom bicèr de vin” a good glass of wine poured straight from the demijohn on a wooden bench and a “chignoeu de furmai”, a piece of cheese served on old cutting boards. People chatted, played cards or bocce, and enjoyed the cool breeze and quiet of the woods.
We’ve always been a gathering place for families
Young and old alike would spend carefree days here with their grandparents, far from the city and the rush of daily life, while the young gathered in the evenings to dance by the jukebox.
As the Crotto gained popularity, it became a true meeting place for the people of Valsassina and a reference point for many visitors.
For over half a century, this trattoria has carried on a tradition built on shared moments and a deep passion for la the cuisine, prepared according to the most traditional local customs .
After many years of activity, Giovanni and Mariuccia had to step away from running the trattoria due to health issues.
From 1981 to 2009, the Crotto changed hands, until we resumed its management, keeping alive the same spirit: offering a genuine, simple cuisine rooted in the territory, enriched by a warm family atmosphere.
❤️ Francesco and Valentina
TO BE CONTINUED…