Scampi (Nephrops norvegicus) is a member of the lobster family (Homaridae), and is widely considered the tastiest of all. Available throughout the year, it is best in May, June and July. The most successful hauls are often at nights when the moon is full as this is when the lobster abandons its shelter in the silt to search for food. Its habitat is in the channels of the northern Adriatic, particularly in Istria’s Kvarner Bay from Zadar to Novigrad, Rijeka and Cape Kamenjak. For this reason, it is often called the Kvarner crab.

Scampi Kvarner Bay is a true luxury, but readily available at fine Istrian restaurants. Try it boiled, grilled, prepared in sauce, wrapped with Istrian ham, roasted on a spit, breaded, marinated, and – in the latest fashion – raw with a few drops of excellent Istrian olive oil.