Our first stop in Motovun was the restaurant across the street from our Airbnb: the inviting stone terrace of Konoba Mondo. I ordered a delicious penne with Sicilian pistachio and Istrian prsut, an air-cured ham. After one bite, my friend exclaimed that the creamy polenta with Parmesan cheese and black truffles that she ordered was the best meal of her life.
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.
Primili su pohvale The New York Timesa, a ovu konobu u Motovunu prvi je Amerikancima otkrio Kabir Chibber još 2009. godine, piše Glas Istre. Napisao je tada kako Istru doživljava kao Toskanu prije pedesetak godina te kako je riječ o pristupačnom mjestu bez horde turista u kojem je upravo Mondo tada bio možda najbolji mali restoran. Spomenuo je i tadašnju ponudu jela, među kojima je istaknuo goveđi carpaccio s crnim tartufom, palentu s tartufima i tagliatelle u umaku od tartufa.
Mondo Konoba may be the best little restaurant that you may never reach. It is what eating in the Old World should feel like. Just be warned that you’ll have to work for it.