Location: Motovun
Top Restaurants in Motovun
Top 10 restaurants in Motovun, Croatia
Motovun (Croatian pronunciation: [mɔtɔ̌ʋuːn], Italian: Montona or Montona d'Istria) is a village in central Istria, Croatia. The population of the village itself is 531, with a total of 983 residents in the municipality (2001); 192 of the residents speak Italian as their mother language. The Parenzana was a narrow gauge railroad that ran from Trieste to Poreč/Parenzo between 1902-1935, passed valley below the town.
Things to do in Motovun
1. Konoba Vrh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Vrh is the right place for gourmets, where you can enjoy the delights of Istrian cuisine.
Reviewed By RiMel2021
We came with high expectations for lunch and were not dissapointed! Great ambience, friendly service and above all amazing and fresh local food! We had the local soup (Bobici) and gnocchi and fuzi with the local Boskarin ox meat and the filled fuzi, and for dessert the chocolate cake.
I would definitely reccomend it to anyone in the area or even for a weekend trip from Pula or Rijeka, and even from Slovenia or Italy, you'll not regret it.
Prices are fair for the quality.
2. Zigante
Overall Ratings
4 based on 234 reviews
The most known restaurant serving truffles year around
Reviewed By Jakob J
Zigante restaurant/rooms is a very genuine and friendly place. A bit away from civilization, and focus is on food (especially truffles) wine and relaxing.
The place has nice rooms and good atmosphere. But what really sets it apart from the rest is the friendliness of the people working there (Morena especially). She would make you feel like part of the family as soon as you arrive, and nothing is ever a problem:)
Trying to plan a visit to this type of place for the first time, could be challenging. Morena will definitely help you here and guide you to an amazing experience!
I was visiting during the white truffle season, and Morena also took us out in the woods together with ivica the truffle hunter to search (and find) some forest gold.
3. Konoba Mondo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 756 reviews
Reviewed By LaDolceVita27 - King's Lynn, United Kingdom
If you're holidaying in Istria when the weather is not ideal for the beach or the pool, be sure to visit Motovun, one of the most striking small hill towns in this part of Croatia. In high season I imagine it will be bursting at the seams; it was still very busy in mid-September although we did manage to find somewhere to park halfway up the hill. From there a single, cobbled road leads steadily upward and on the left, just before the top, you will find Konoba Mondo.
We were fortunate to have booked a table for lunch three days after the white truffle season had begun so it was difficult not to be tempted by the various truffled dishes on offer (including desserts). After a complimentary (truffle-infused) tapenade, my wife opted for a plate of 4 huge ravioli, stuffed with spinach and cheese, topped with a generous heap of black truffles. I indulged another passion with cheese ravioli served in a rich sauce of walnuts and Gorgonzola. Both pasta dishes were a bit heavy in the eating, tepid enough to suggest they had not been served straightaway.
For mains we had tagliata (sliced rump) and fillet of beef - both plates served with small roast potatoes, some grilled vegetables and a very generous shaving of fresh white truffle. Mondo still uses a quotation from a celebrated New York Times reviewer who enjoyed one of the best meals of his life here. Ours wasn't remotely at that level but if you want hearty food in large quantities, and you like truffles, you will enjoy eating here.
Service was slow - just as well given the size of the portions - and it was two hours from sitting down when we finished our main courses. Eating inside would be attractive in winter but not so much while the sun is still shining - however insipidly. Outside options range from wholly unsheltered tables through ones with parasols affording partial protection from bad weather to a few under a solid roof, which is where we were sitting. Unfortunately this was adjacent to the toilets but we did also get a good view of the local black cat posing for photographs with every passer-by.
NB One extra tip from the head waiter at Mondo: if you want real truffle oil go to the shop directly opposite which sells the genuine article rather than the more obvious places a little further up whose product will never have come into contact with the actual tuber.
4. Tikel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By miroslavlugaric - Zagreb, Croatia
Nice agrotourism with 4 generations doing everything to please you. They produce wine, vegetables, honey and make wonderfull local dishes at your whish, even truffels. I went few times out of season and had very nice time in quiet but still interesting atmosphere with the locals. Very nice view on Motovun.
5. Konoba Dolina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 277 reviews
The tavern Dolina, in the small Istrian village Gradinje, near mythical Motovun, is an ideal place to enjoy a home-cooked Istrian cuisine, unspoiled nature and perfect for an escape from the everyday bustle, noise and stress. It is only a kilometer from the famous Health Resort Istarske toplice, which is well known by sulfur rich thermal waters. Nearby are the famous picturesque Istrian town of Motovun, Buzet and Groznjan, and just half an hour drive away is the sea in Novigrad, Umag and Porec.Surrounded by greenery in the valley of the Mirna River, you can enjoy the authentic Istrian dishes, of which the most significant are the truffles that grow in the surrounding Forests. It is prepared with meat, eggs or homemade pasta, such as fuzi, gnocchi and ravioli. We recommend the minestrone soup, smoked ham and cheese, as well as seasonal dishes, asparagus, pork loin, sausages, along with a wide range of domestic and bottled wines.Here you can enjoy even in larger groups; well established tavern staff organize meals for about 50 people. It is important to emphasize that this tavern has access for people with disabilities, and young families is offered equipment for feeding children. Accommodation facilities are available nearby, in Health Resort Istarske toplice or in private apartments. Just make sure you do not arrive on Tuesday - on this day the tavern is closed. Tavern Dolina is the perfect place to enjoy in all seasons. So dont wait for summer because you are welcome here for all 12 months of the year.
Reviewed By Lars H
my girlfriend and me stopped by while we discover the back-country of istria. as an vegetarien it is not that easy but here you will find joy! we had the home made pasta with truffels and this was so delicious that i could not rate lower than 5 stars. also the white house wine is very good for less money. if you go for a dessert you will also not disappointed.
6. Agroturizam Nezic
Overall Ratings
5 based on 128 reviews
We are a small family restaurant. We offer tipical istrian dishes. There is place for up to 50 person, so we are a perfect place for your special events or just for normal sunday lunch with friends or family. At our place you can taste the food tipical for the region and we are specialized in truffles, also the wine is made by us! The best thing to do if you want to come is to call and reserve a table, especially during autumn and winter!
Reviewed By Tomislav G - Zagreb, Croatia
Excellent local food and wine, friendly and cordial service, reasonable prices and the best money/service value within 100 km diameter.
Features indoor and outdoor Seating, parking, beautiful view over half of Istria thanks to its position on top of a hill, and lately even overnight accommodation.
I have been returning regularly to this restaurant for two decades. I never ever go to Istria without planning to stop by there, and I have recommended it to dozens of people, always with an excellent feedback.
Do not miss the opportunity to check it out yourself. A sure bet.
7. pod voltom
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
8. Gostiona Tartuf
Overall Ratings
4 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Leo J
The restaurant was recommended from a friend who lives nearby.
Waiter was great, service was relatively fast and good...and the food was awesome. I ate fuzi (type of pasta) with goulash made from deer. Wine was also ok, only the restaurant itself should be a bit updated, it looks stuck in 1980s...
9. Borgonja
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By kangelini - Hong Kong, China
Nice place to come for lunch if you plan on visiting Porec during your trip. This is in a nearby town called Visnjan and a very nice tavern. Good lunch options mainly meat based, but they also have truffle pasta (Pjukanci) which was very nice. Good service and people. Very reasonable
10. Pod Napun
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By EspritD - Boston
The view on the balcony is spectacular. Food was delicious but don't be in a hurry. The kitchen must be very small. Since we were in Istria, we enjoyed local favorites are all very delicious: Istrian meat and cheese platter, salad with truffles and pasta with white truffle sauce. All were excellent. So was the local white wine that I had. Highly recommend, but don't be in a hurry.
