Crotto Valtellina restaurant is located in Malnate, in the province of Varese. It is run by the Valbuzzi family — Chef Roberto Valbuzzi, his wife Eleonora Laurito, and his parents, Leonardo Valbuzzi and Maria Vittoria Ferreani. In 2024, the restaurant celebrated its fiftieth year of family management — but its story goes back much further.

The restaurant stands beside a former sandstone quarry, known locally as “pietra molera.” The stone was used during the Middle Ages for the construction of buildings in nearby towns. When quarrying activity came to an end, the Grotto Valcabrina was established in the early 1900s. The Grotto was a tavern with lodging and a stable, where carriages would stop to rest the horses and enjoy the cool air of the area. Over time, it became a dance hall — and to this day, its original flooring and some historic details have been preserved. This lively season of dances and celebrations continued until the 1950s, when the Grotto eventually closed its doors. Later, a cooperative was opened on the site, selling groceries and grains.

In 1973, it was purchased by the current owners, originally from Sondrio, and its name was changed to Crotto Valtellina.

The most significant year after the purchase was 2019, when Chef Valbuzzi and his wife Eleonora began the renovation work, giving the restaurant an elegant and refined look while preserving its natural character and the authenticity of the place.

Today, Crotto Valtellina has become a point of reference for fine dining in Varese and the surrounding area — and beyond. It has become a destination for guests from all over Italy — both to meet Chef Valbuzzi, a well-known television host, and to experience a cuisine that represents not only the Valtellina tradition but, above all, the culinary excellence of Varese and its surroundings.