Motovun food
What and Where to Eat in Motovun?
We spent several days in Motovun researching what local foods to eat and where to eat them. We’ve compiled a summary of the information we collected so you can start enjoying Motovun food as soon as you arrive!
Significantly, Motovun food is all about the truffles! White truffles or black truffles. Winter truffles or summer truffles. If you’re looking for food in Motovun, it will almost certainly involve truffles!
Several truffle shops in Motovun sell truffles in various forms, from whole fresh truffles to chopped truffles in oil, diced truffles with mushrooms, truffle-infused oils, and much more.
If you’re not in the mood to cook your own dishes, there are a handful of excellent restaurants in Motovun. Some offer traditional dishes served in rustic dining rooms, and others do modern dishes on white tablecloths with amazing views from a beautiful terrace. But all offer truffles and a selection of local wines!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Motovun Truffles
White Truffle
The white truffle (Tuber magnatum pico) ripens between September and January. This prized Istrian truffle has an exceptionally intense, pleasant aroma.
Summer Truffle
The summer truffle (Tuber aestivum) ripens between May and August. It is the most common variety of dark truffles.
Because we visited in May, this was the only fresh variety available. While very good, its flavor is rather subtle.
winter truffle
The winter truffle (Tuber brumale) ripens between September and January. It has the most intense aroma of all dark truffles.
black truffle
The black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) ripens between January and March. It is the most valuable dark truffle found in Istria.
Truffle Shops in Motovun
The Gradiziol neighborhood has multiple shops selling truffles in various forms.
Zigante Tartufi
Zigante Tartufi has a shop in the Gradiziol neighborhood. This is perhaps the most famous of all truffle shops in Motovun.
Address: Gradiziol 8, 52424, Motovun, Croatia
Bencic Truffles
Bencic Truffles has a store in the Gradiziol neighborhood.
Address: Gradiziol 10, 52424, Motovun, Croatia
B&M Truffle Shop
This truffle shop is located adjacent to Zigante Tartufi.
Tartufi Istra
Tartufi Istra has a tasting room located in the center of Old Town. They sell a variety of products made from truffles.
Address: Ulica Pietro Kandler 2, 52424, Motovun, Croatia
Restaurants in Motovun
All foodies will love this medieval town at the top of the hill for its good food and wonderful hospitality.
Bistro Bar Montona Gallery
Bistro Bar Montona Gallery is located on the main terrace overlooking the Mirna River Valley.
We enjoyed a wonderful dinner with fantastic service at Bistro Bar Montona and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Motovun!
Address: Trg Josefa Ressela 2, 52424, Motovun, Croatia
Konoba Fakin
Konoba Fakin is located next door to Bistro Bar Montona Gallery and shares the same beautiful view of the valley. Fakin is a local winery, and you can enjoy its wines at this restaurant.
Address: Trg Josef Ressel 4, 52424, Motovun, Croatia
Konoba Mondo
Konoba Mondo is located on the hillside outside the main gate. Anthony Bourdain visited Konoba Mondo on his trip to Motovun for No Reservations. Also, the New York Times wrote a review about the restaurant.
Address: Barbican ul. 1, 52424, Motovun, Croatia
Pod Napun
Pad Napun is dedicated to the preservation of traditional Istrian cuisine.
Address: Gradizol 33, Motovun, Istra, Croatia
Pod Voltom
Pod Voltom offers Mediterranean and European cuisine. It’s a great place to try local dishes such as beefsteak with black truffles, which is a must-try for any foodie visiting the area.
Address: Trg Josefa Ressela 6, 52424, Motovun, Croatia
Truffle Hunting in Motovun
A unique experience is truffle hunting in the Motovun forest. If you would like to hunt for truffles while in Motovun, book below a highly-rated truffle hunting experience!
FAQs About Motovun Food
What Is the Traditional Food of Motovun?
Traditional Croatian food in Motovun includes truffles, honey, olives and olive oil, mushrooms, cheese, ham, jam and marmalade, and homemade pasta.
What to Eat In Motovun?
Truffles! Truffled cheeses. Sausage with truffles. Truffles on steak, truffles on pasta, and truffles on pizza.
Is There a Particular Restaurant that Everyone Recommends In Motovun?
Konoba Mondo is very popular due to Anthony Bourdain’s visit and the New York Times restaurant review.
Is Food Expensive in Motovun?
The food is not cheap, but it is very high quality. We spent $120 for dinner with a truffled-charcuterie board appetizer, the two most expensive truffled-steak dishes, and one dessert. Additionally, we had two bottles of wine (yes, we drink a lot of wine). We feel that we got a lot for what we paid, the service was impeccable, and the view from our table was five-star.
Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Motovun?
The best accommodation in the hilltop town of Motovun can be found at Hotel Kastel. Set in a 17th-century palace, this 3-star hotel is just off the main square.
What Are Some Fun Facts About Motovun?
In 1999 the largest truffle ever discovered was found in Motovun. Giancarlo Zigante found the giant truffle and still holds the world record for locating the largest white truffle ever.
Where Is the Best Place To Stay In Motovun?
Hotels in Motovun
For the best experience, we recommend staying in the Old Town of Motovun. The castle marker on the map below is the center of the Old Town.
Hotel Kastel is a three-star boutique hotel located at the top of the Old Town. It offers an indoor pool and spa, making it an ideal place to stay for those who want to relax and rejuvenate. Besides Hotel Kastel, plenty of private apartments and villas are available for rent in the area. Restaurant Hotel Kastel serves honest and tasty food with a lovely terrace under the big trees.
Here’s an interactive map with accommodation options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.
Book your stay now!