Our Story
A family tradition from Treviso, the birthplace of tiramisu.
Alessandro
Our vibe master with a serious love for music. With a background in hospitality, bartending, and record selecting, he’s got a playlist ready for every moment. A big foodie who’s always chasing new eats, Ale also brings the laughs with his silly and fun energy. Laying savoiardi as precisely as a bricklayer, Ale is one of the many pillars that hold’s us all together. He may look laid-back, but he is always working on new ideas for Zebon.
Cristian
Our resident tech wiz with a background in audio-visual and car modifications. When he’s not fine-tuning his home racing setup or following Formula 1, you’ll find him in the kitchen making homemade focaccia and woodfired pizzas. At Zebon he is the one working the mixers and plating up our Tiramisu to perfection. From engines to ovens, he’s the guy who makes sure everything runs smoothly.
The Legend
Tiramisu, meaning “pick me up,” has a playful and risqué origin story tied to the brothels of Treviso, Italy. According to legend, a clever madam in the 19th century crafted the dessert as an aphrodisiac, serving it to clients at the end of their visits to restore their energy before they returned home. Made with rich, nourishing ingredients, it was considered a natural “Viagra” of its time. The combination of flavours and its stimulating qualities made it a fitting indulgence.
Over time, the dessert’s origins were obscured, prudish attitudes downplayed its ties to pleasure houses, and its more scandalous history faded. Yet, it quietly lived on in Italian households, passed down through generations as a cherished treat. By the late 20th century, Tiramisu had moved beyond family kitchens and gained international recognition, cementing its place as a culinary delight. Today, while its exact origins remain debated, there’s no doubt that Tiramisu has transformed from a secret indulgence into one of the world’s most beloved desserts.
Zebon’s Original Tiramisu recipe has been handed down through the generations, beginning with our family’s origins inside the ancient walls of Treviso. With a family descended from bakers, butchers and (in our opinion) the best Nonna’s in the world with a wooden spoon, it’s no wonder that we are obsessed with delicious food.
Our family gatherings are always a culinary experience. With different talented nonni, zie and cugini creating amazing dishes and sharing in our love of food. No matter how much we eat, there is always room for dessert, where Tiramisu is always at the forefront.
The recipe for our Tiramisu has travelled from “dentro le mura” (inside the ancient walls) of the city of Treviso, the birthplace of Tiramisu and made its way to the leafy suburb of Eltham on the outskirts of Melbourne, Victoria. With three generations involved in creating this unforgettable dessert, we are excited and proud to share our family favourite treat with you all.
From There. Made Here.
Forget what you know, THIS is Tiramisu.