While Motovun is renowned for its truffles, this enchanting medieval town in Istria has another hidden gem that tantalized even Anthony Bourdain's taste buds. Concealed within old stone walls and adorned with mint green shutters, Konoba Mondo promises a spectacular journey through tradition, heritage, and an explosion of flavors.

A Hidden Gem of Flavors and Tradition

Hailed by Kabir Chibber in The New York Times back in 2009 as the best little restaurant you may never reach, Konoba Mondo has since established itself as a top-notch culinary destination. The restaurant's rustic yet inviting ambiance, coupled with a meticulously curated menu showcasing traditional recipes passed down through generations, has earned it a reputation as a hidden gem among food connoisseurs and a must-visit spot for anyone seeking an authentic and unforgettable dining experience.

''A significant part of our menu is based on the recipes of my grandmother Anastasia, who was an exceptional cook, and with whom I spent my entire childhood. The aroma from her kitchen always amazed me, spreading throughout the entire street. When I decided to open the tavern, I knew I wanted to bring back those scents and flavors to our plates but present them in a slightly more modern way, which proved to be quite challenging with Istrian cuisine. An example of this can be our creamy polenta with truffles served in a basket made of local cheese, which evolved from the classic baked polenta and has become one of our guests' favorite dishes.'' – stated the owner Klaudio Ivašić.

Mondo proudly resides among high-quality restaurants and taverns with the prestigious label 'Genuine Truffle - Tartufo Vero.' This distinction is exclusively reserved for establishments in the truffle zone that excel in presenting and serving truffles. 

''Motovun is situated at the heart of the world's largest habitat of white truffles, the Motovun Forest, making it only natural that truffles reign as the king on our table. Truffle is quite challenging to pair with any ingredient because whatever you add to the truffle, the truffle's unique flavor diminishes. For instance, our homemade ravioli with truffles, unlike most Istrian ravioli filled with cheese, are stuffed with celery and spinach to let the truffle flavor dominate.'' 

Anthony Bourdain's Memorable Visit

In 2011, the renowned culinary figure Anthony Bourdain paid a visit to Konoba Mondo. The encounter was a complete surprise for the owner, Klaudio, who initially thought someone was playing a prank on him when Bourdain's team called.

''It was a complete surprise. When they called me for the first time, claiming to be from his team, I thought someone was playing a prank on me and hung up the phone. But then, two days later, I received another call, and I heard, 'Hello, I'm Anthony Bourdain!' Oops... this was real! It's not every day that your idol calls you on the phone. So, the meeting began with a truffle hunt in the Motovun Forest, where my mother showed them how we do it. Afterward, we went up to Motovun and had lunch at Mondo. I must admit the highlight of the meal was when we finished filming, and Bourdain told his entire team, 'Guys, you have to try this because you won't have many chances to eat such fantastic dishes.''

Beyond its culinary excellence, Konoba Mondo has hosted some notable events, including the wedding of Yasemin Denari and McLain Southworth, the fiancée of Larry Page, the owner of Google. The fairytale-like wedding, with 185 guests, took place in the lower square of Motovun. Klaudio was approached by Larry Page himself, who offered to open a restaurant in San Francisco due to the absence of Croatian taverns in the area.''In shock, I thanked him and declined the offer'' – said Klaudio.

Guests' Favorite Dishes

Curious to know the guests' favorite dishes, we asked Klaudio to share some culinary delights that stand out for their flavors and presentation. And indeed, they all sound utterly fantastic: beef carpaccio on arugula and cheese, creamy polenta with truffle, homemade fuži with truffle, beef (Boškarinac) cheeks, homemade ravioli with truffle.

So, if you find yourself wandering through the captivating streets of Motovun, be sure to make a reservation and embark on an unforgettable gastronomic journey at Konoba Mondo.