Did you know that the late, famous American chef and travel writer Anthony Bourdain visited Croatia? Yep, it was back in 2011 when he filmed episode 3 of season 8 of the Emmy Award-winning travel and culinary show "No Reservations." Tony, during his journey through Croatia, unearthed some real gems. We've handpicked our four absolute favorites, guaranteed to make your taste buds dance. Scroll down to see what made the cut.

Konoba Mondo 

Location: Motovun

Konoba Mondo won Bourdain's heart, and it's easy to see why. With its rustic yet inviting ambiance and meticulously curated menu showcasing traditional recipes passed down through generations, coupled with the addition of premium truffles… it's a winning equation.

The encounter came as a complete surprise to the owner, Klaudio, who initially suspected a prank when Bourdain's team called. "It was totally unexpected. The first time they called, claiming to be from his team, I thought it was a joke and promptly hung up. But two days later, another call came through, and I heard, 'Hello, I'm Anthony Bourdain!' Oops... this was real!"

Now, you're probably curious about what Tony ate, right? Well, he indulged in an omelet with white truffle and sausage, pasta with butter, ham, and truffles, and topped it all off with Grappa.

Hotel Boškinac 

Location: Pag

We're now on our way from Istria to the enchanting island of Pag, home to the Michelin-starred restaurant Boškinac. This gem of a dining spot pays homage to the island's culinary traditions, boasting a delightful array of fish and lamb dishes alongside cheeses, prosciutto, and other locally sourced seasonal delights like olive oil, herbs, and honey. What sets Boškinac apart is its inventive presentation, infusing each dish with a touch of artistry.

Boškinac made it onto Bourdain's itinerary for good reason. He enjoyed a lavish multi-course meal featuring octopus stewed in a clay pot; lamb tripe simmered with shallots, pancetta, and carrots; slow-cooked lamb "goulash" with hand-rolled pasta; and a dried octopus frittata paired with potatoes, beans, wild asparagus, and arugula, all served with a variety of Croatian wines.

BIBICh Winery 

Location: Plastovo

And when we talk about the wines! During his journey, Bourdain visited one of the best Croatian wineries – BIBICh. This family-owned vineyard has been producing wine for generations, with roots dating back to the 15th century. BIBICh wines are featured on the wine lists of top restaurants worldwide and in major cities like New York, Tokyo, and Stockholm. Bourdain's visit was a sensory delight, with a 12-course meal expertly paired with the winery's finest vintages.

Sandra Konoba 

Location: Kornati

No trip to Croatia's coast is truly complete without sailing to the breathtaking Kornati islands, and Tony knew that well! During his visit, he made a stop at the charming restaurant Sandra Konoba. Nestled on the shores of Žut, this eatery is a haven for seafood enthusiasts. Offering traditional fish specialties alongside lamb chops prepared from locally sourced Kornati lamb, Sandra Konoba truly embodies coastal dining at its finest.

Located right by the sea, the restaurant boasts a pontoon bridge, ensuring easy access for both land and sea travelers. Anthony indulged in fresh sardines and mullet grilled with lemon, capers, and olive oil, complemented by ham, local cheese, and anchovies.

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In retracing Anthony Bourdain's culinary adventures through Croatia, we not only celebrate a culinary icon but also discover the soul of a nation through its vibrant flavors and rich culinary traditions. So, whether you're a seasoned foodie or an adventurous traveler, let Bourdain be your guide to the mouthwatering wonders of Croatia. As Bourdain famously said,"Good food is very often, even most often, simple food."