Flavours of the mountains

Crotti, restaurants and traditional recipes 

As you climb from Gravedona towards Stazzona, Germasino and the Albano Valley, the cuisine changes too. Lake dishes gradually give way to mountain flavours: polenta, cheeses, cured meats, potatoes, meat and foods preserved in ancient cellars.

The tradition of the crotti

Crotti are natural cavities or cellars carved into the rock, characterised by a cool, almost constant temperature throughout the year.

In the past, they were essential for storing wine, cheese, cured meats, butter and other produce belonging to farming families. Over time, some crotti became convivial meeting places where people shared a glass of wine and simple traditional dishes.

The characteristic Crotti of Stazzona are in the hamlet of Vanzonico, surrounded by greenery and overlooking the Upper Lake Como area.

 

Where to eat along the route

Crotto Isidoro – Stazzona

An authentic crotto with a rustic, welcoming atmosphere, where you can sample cured meats, cheeses, polenta and local specialities.

  • Address: Via Vanzonico 14, Stazzona
  • Tel: +39 328 047 5172
  • Veranda, garden and children’s Booking is recommended.

Ristorante La Trave – Stazzona

A panoramic restaurant with a garden and a terrace overlooking the lake. It serves cuisine from Lake Como and Valtellina, fresh pasta, house-produced cured meats, pizzoccheri, sciatt, meat dishes and homemade desserts.

  • Address: Via Provinciale 1750, Stazzona
  • Tel: +39 349 183 0195

Agriturismo Punt di Reseg – Garzeno

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Albano Valley, it combines home cooking, local produce and trout farming. A good stop for anyone completing the route towards Garzeno and Sant’Anna.

  • Address: Via per San Jorio, Garzeno
  • Tel: +39 339 397 1992 / +39 333 305 1265

Opening hours and days may vary: it is always advisable to call and book in advance.

Recipes from the crotti

Polenta uncia

One of the dishes that best represents the rural cuisine of the Upper Lake Como area. Its name comes from the local dialect and evokes the idea of generously dressed polenta.

Main ingredients

  • Maize flour
  • Water and salt
  • Butter
  • Semi-fat cheese or local cheeses
  • Garlic
  • Sage, according to family tradition

Preparation

Cook the polenta slowly in a traditional copper pot. When ready, arrange it in alternating layers with cheese. Finish with hot melted butter flavoured with garlic and, in some versions, sage.

 

It is a hearty dish created to sustain people through hard work and cold days in the mountains.

Rustii from Germasino

Rustii are a popular speciality from Germasino, traditionally prepared during festivals and convivial gatherings.

Main ingredients

  • Potatoes
  • Butter or cooking fat
  • Salt
  • Sometimes cheese or onion

Preparation

Boil the potatoes, grate them coarsely and fry them in a pan until they form a crisp, golden crust. They are often served with polenta, sausages, cheese or cured meats.

 

The recipe varies slightly from one family to another and is one of the flavours most closely associated with Germasino.

The crotto platter

More than a recipe, this is the simplest and most authentic way to welcome guests.

Main ingredients

  • Salami and other local cured meats
  • Young and mature cheeses
  • Mountain butter
  • Pickles or preserved vegetables
  • Rustic bread or polenta
  • A glass of red wine

Preparation

These products were once stored in the crotti themselves and served during gatherings with family or friends.

Pizzoccheri

Although they originated in Valtellina, pizzoccheri have become an established part of the cuisine of the Upper Lake Como valleys.

Preparation

Buckwheat pasta is cooked with potatoes and Savoy cabbage, then layered with cheese and plenty of melted butter flavoured with garlic. An ideal dish after a walk or a day spent in the woods.

CaFelicita’s tip

A gastronomic stop can become part of the experience:

visit the Crotti of Stazzona → traditional lunch → continue towards Germasino and Garzeno → afternoon in nature or at Lake Como Adventure Park.

From cellars carved into the rock to the dining table: a journey through the simple, generous flavours of the Lake Como mountains.

Are you interested in this experience?