Konoba Bare

The word konoba, loosely translated as ‘tavern’, conjures up images of a homely, family-run eatery, all rustic stone walls and wooden-beam ceilings, where a tourist-friendly menu plays safe and portions are huge. Just outside Funtana, on the main road to the Limski Canal, Konoba Bare ticks the boxes related to décor and ambience but where the food is concerned, it’s a completely different level. Yes, you’ll usually still find Istrian boškarin beef, fish soup and fuži pasta twists with scampi and truffles, but the kitchen does a whole lot more with lamb, tuna and sea bass than its many of its more mainstream counterparts would elsewhere around Istria. Carpaccios, imaginative mare e monti pairings and ragus are created, embellished with spectacular foams and sauces, and presented with due care on a stark white plate. Equally, desserts lend a 21st-century twist to tradition while wine is a strong suit, top whites and a fine selection of local Terans available. To round it off, prices have been kept within more than reasonable limits.