Piedmont’s Best
Carlo Zarri
Truffle Chef
Truffle Chef
His scrumptious dishes have delighted celebrities and Italian food lovers globally
Carlo Zarri
Passionate & Creative
Carlo Zarri’s rich culinary experiences and unique talents have earned him a place at several Olympics Games and prominent fine dining establishments.
His brilliant culinary and multi-linguistic skills combined with adeptness in food and beverage management made him a sought after culinary expert by the Italian Olympic Committee, sporting event organizers, Ferrari-Maserati Auto Group and famed clients like the Sophia Loren and Georgio Armani.
With a passion for the business, Zarri believes in stretching his comfort zone, trusting his abilities and the people around him, so together, they can reach new heights. His commitment to excellence and creative, cheerful personality shows in his cooking.
Diners from around the world travel to his restaurant just to experience his exquisite and unique cooking. Zarri’s restaurant’s 1,200 Wine List is as outstanding as his cooking.
“a gold medal contender…
James Beard Foundation
“Zarri, a gold medal contender when it comes to promoting and preserving the cuisine of Piedmont…”
Ambassador
Italian Wines
Born into the hospitality industry, cooking is second nature to Zarri.
He and his family have been pampering visitors with Piemontese cuisine and hospitality at their award winning boutique hotel, Villa San Carlo in Cortemilia (CN)-Italy for four generations.
A graduate of the Technical Institute for Tourism “Giacomo Leopardi” in Bergamo (BG)-Italy, he also completed courses in marketing and communication in Portland (ME)-USA, and tourism specialization in London-UK.
He speaks fluent Italian, English, German and French.
In 1997, Zarri fully embraced his family business while continuing to develop and perfect his culinary flair mentored by his father.
Zarri was named, “Ambassador of Italian Wines” by the Italian Enoteca in 1999.
In addition to his tasks as chef, sommelier and hotelier of Villa San Carlo, Zarri also conducts cooking classes, and has authored two books.
Special Projects
Olympics , Expo Milan & More
Special projects he undertook included the role of food and beverage manager for Casa Italia at the Salt Lake City, Athens, Turin, Whistler Olympic Games, and other world sporting events.
At the Turin Games, he also served as the Food and Beverage Advisor to the XX Winter Olympic Games organizing committee.
Celebrity actress, Sophia Loren engaged his catering services for her 70th anniversary celebration and her son, Carlo Ponti Jr. wedding.
He took on the role of Director for Italian Foodservice Logistics for the USA Pavilion at EXPO MILANO 2015.
Carlo was recently appointed Head of the Food and Beverage for the XXV Winter Olympic Games to be held in Milano in 2026.
His work has taken him on culinary adventures to countries in Africa, Asia, Americas, Australia and Europe.
Books
Award-Winning
Zarri shares his knowledge and enthusiasm for Piemontese cuisine through his cookbooks: Piedmont Sensations – A Journey through the Garden of Delights and From Sophia to Michelle.
The book: From Sophia to Michelle was accorded the Winner of the 2019 Roero Journalism Award in the International Category.
He is also involved with the International Culinary School at the renowned Barolo Castle in Alba (CN)-Italy.
A supporter of the Slow Food Movement, he strongly believes in the farm-to-table concept.
Zarri captures taste buds by creating menus using fresh, locally grown Piemonte products and adding a modern twist to his traditional Piemontese recipes.
His cooking won praise from both the worldwide media, and his guests. American television networks, NBC’s Today Show and WACH FOX-Columbia as well as RAI TV-Italy featured him on their programming.
Zarri also garnered attention from publications in Italy, United Kingdom, U.S.A. and Canada. In his travels, he made guest chef appearances at many fine dining restaurants across North America, including the prestigious James Beard House in New York City.
Knight
Truffles & Wines
Over the last nine years, Zarri has embarked on bringing his artistry, and showcasing Piemonte’s prized truffles, hazelnuts and authentic cuisine to dining establishments in Canada and the United States.
In November 2014, Zarri was conferred Cavaliere (Knight) of Truffles and Wines at the prestigious International Alba White Truffle Fair.
Zarri’s leadership qualities, culinary and tourism expertise is widely respected by his peers and community.
He is the current President of the Association of Hoteliers of the Province of Cuneo.
Zarri was also Tourism and Events Councillor for his home city, President for the Alba Bra Convention Bureau and Tourism Consortium of Langhe- Monferrato-Roero Region, and area representative for the Piemonte IATM (International Association of Tour Manager) and local consultant to the European Union.