Laganini

A boat leaves the Carpe Diem bar by Hvar harbour twice a day for this much talked-about restaurant on the nearby island of Palmižana. There, in the local pension he inherited from his family, Ivan Novak has created what he calls a ‘lounge bar and fish house’, bringing in renowned chef Hrvoje Zirojević. Delving into the historic recipe books, Zirojević has come up with dishes such as trenette pasta with octopus, honey and thyme stew, fettuccine with sea herbs and eggs of sea-urchin, and anglerfish tripe. Spiny lobster also gets a look- in, grilled, boiled or the main element in a brodetto. The lounge bar has its own menu, which features a salmon assortment and fried fish, as well as a full selection cocktails categorised according to high- end spirit base – the litre-pitcher of Palmižana Boom kicks in with hits of Absolut vodka, Beefeater gin, 3YO Havana rum and Southern Comfort, among others. Boats from Hvar can be booked via the website.