Three Desserts (Caffè Locarno)

Three Desserts is our name for two separate restaurants. Our relationship with Annalaura and Paolo started at the Osteria Bottani in Olivone (now closed) and continues at their now location, Caffè Locarno in Giubiasco.

Paolo produces fantastic food, produced with local produce from Valle di Blenio. Home made pasta and gnocchi. Our favourites dishes Pappardelle al Ragù di Cinghiale (Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragù) and Gnocchi al Gorgonzola e Noci (Gnocchi with Gorgonzola and Walnuts).

Annalaura has a special personality. She is Milanese, a little crazy in a loveable way and we can guarantee some special treatment if you say "Pete and Emma sent you".

Their son, Renato, is the pizza chef, writing this we realise that we are yet to try his pizza. We now have an excuse to go back (not that we need one). We have tried his Zeppoles (Italian dessert) and they were excellent.

Where it Started Osteria Bottani

We came across Bottani on one of our trips from Zurich to the house. A late Friday afternoon after work drive. It didn't look much, however, what we found inside was special and was the start of a very special relationship.

No set menu, just a chalk board of specials. Annalaura's English was on a par with our Italian. Her explanation of the menu was hilarious, complete with mimes of the animals being served! As Pete can do food in any language we found a way.

When it came to dessert there was three options on the menu. Tiramisu, Panna Cotta and Semifreddo. Annalaura read them out and Pete answered Si, Annalaura repeated and Pete said Si. Bemused, Annalaura responded Tre! and Pete again replied Si. She understood, said something in Italan and then walked around the place telling everyone that we had ordered Three Desserts.

From then on Annalaura and Paolo's place has been Three Desserts. The location doesn't matter, it is where we visit to eat with them.

Three Desserts at Bottani in Olivone

We Both Moved

In 2024 we decided to move from Altendorf, SZ to Lugano, IT. This meant that Three Desserts (Bottani) would no longer be on our route from home to our Ponto Valentino project.

Soon after we confirmed our move we heard that Bottani was to close, Annalaura told us that they where going to open a new restaurant in Giubiasco, a convenient stop off on our route from our new Lugano home to our Ponto Valentino. Three Desserts (Caffè Locarno) was born!

Where we are Now: Caffè Locarno

Caffè Locarno is very different to Bottani. Giubiasco is on the outskirts of Bellinzona. More fitting for a city girl from Milan.

Despite their move they continue to source local produce from the Valle di Blenio which makes it a stand out place in its new location.

Excellent food, the addition of a pizza oven to supplement their offering and now with live music every Thursday evening (from 17:30 to 20:00). Splendid!