We achieve Excellence
Living up to our highest culinary standards
In 1999, Giancarlo Zigante discovered the world’s largest truffle at the time.
On November 2nd 1999 Giancarlo Zigante together with his dog Diana found a white truffle weighing 1.31 kg in the Motovun forest near Livade. What he found set a new world record and this Millenium truffle entered in the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest white truffle ever found since then.
Since that moment not one night went by that Giancarlo, before falling asleep, did not think about the event which turned his life upside down. Giancarlo never sold that record white truffle. He had something else in mind. His mission was to consume the truffle at the place it was found- in Istria.
He served that truffle cut in slices at a dinner for hundred invited guests. Thanks to this decision Livade became the world center of white truffle and a true destination for truffle lovers and foodies. The permanent remembrance of that capital catch is evoked by a bronze mould of the record truffle at the entrance in restaurant Zigante in Livade.
Meet the Truffle Family
Behind the restaurant Zigante there is Zigante family. The family mission extends beyond providing fresh seasonal truffles year-round; we aspire to create a unique experience, crafting special moments that linger in guests’ memories. Simultaneously, we aim to educate about truffles and Istria, believing that every ingredient has a story to tell and every truffle holds a history meant to be shared.
From the forest to your plate
Nestled just steps from the enchanting Motovun forest, our restaurant Zigante offers a unique dining experience where the aroma of fresh truffles wafts through the air and the flavors are a testament to our proximity to this culinary treasure. At Zigante, we bring you the magic of truffles all year round, ensuring an unparalleled feast for your senses.
