Croatia - Eastern Europe - page 172

WHERE TO DINE
Restaurants that line the waterfront are touristy and predictable, and prices are a bit
inflated. However, all serve respectable seafood and excellent pizza and pasta. Venture
a little farther afield for menus that go beyond the expected.
Very Expensive
Amfora SEAFOOD The fish is fresh and the ambience cheerful in this beau-
tiful restaurant that overlooks the marina and Old Town. Amfora is a cut above most
waterfront dining both in its cuisine and service—and that is also reflected in its
prices. However, if you want first-class seafood, Amfora can't be beat. Try the salted
sea bass or a risotto and pair it with one of the restaurant's excellent wines. Closed
early January to early March.
A. Rismondo 23. & 052/816-663. Entrees 90kn-175kn ($16-$30/£8.20-£16). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 11am-midnight.
Angelo d'Oro ISTRIAN During the summer, the restaurant moves to a
lovely walled garden, and in winter it settles in an imaginatively styled room inside.
Either way, the cuisine is creative and beautifully presented. Try the cream of potato
soup with truffles or a grilled fish dish. Don't miss a tour of the stone wine cellar,
where you can taste Istrian wines and local specialties such as Istrian ham or cheese.
Via Svalba 38-42. & 052/840-502. www.rovinj.at. Reservations recommended. Entrees 90kn-165kn
($16-$29/£8.20-£15). AE, DC, MC. Daily 7pm-midnight.
Expensive
Konoba Veli Joze ISTRIAN This rather dark dining room is so loaded with
Croatian tchotchkes that they spill over to the outdoor tables, The food is first-rate
and really representative of traditional Istrian cuisine. Try the fu z i with truffles for a
taste of the distinctive Istrian pasta and celebrated specialty. Or dig into one of Veli
Jo z e's lamb or fish dishes, which are a bit expensive but worth the extra cost.
Svetog Kriza 1. & 052/816-337. Entrees 30kn-120kn ($5.20-$21/£2.75-£11). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 10am-3am.
Taverna da Baston ISTRIAN/SEAFOOD A warm welcome will make you
feel at home at this bustling place next door to Rovinj's fish market. Dark brick walls
are hung with fishing nets, and local music provides background. Try any of the super-
fresh fish dishes or the handmade gnocchi with truffles.
Svalba 3. & 098/982-63-95. Entrees 50kn-150kn ($8.65-$26/£4.60-£14). AE, DC, MC, V. Prices include tax, cou-
vert,and service. Daily 6am-midnight .
Moderate
Calisona ITALIAN Calisona, across from the town museum, can get very busy
at lunch, partly because of its location and nicely shaded tables, and partly because of
its reasonably priced food. Pizza, spaghetti, and risotto are the specialties at Calisona,
though there are some grilled fish and meat dishes such as veal medallions, too. The
menu is multilingual.
Trg Pignaton 1. & 052/815-313. Entrees 30kn-100kn ($5.20-$17/£2.75-£9.15). AE, MC, V. Daily 8am-midnight.
Gostonica Cisterna ITALIAN Inside, stone walls and old farm imple-
ments create a rustic ambience. Outside, 12 tables with pink tablecloths beckon
passersby to see what smells so good. The seductive aroma will usually be fish on the
restaurant's grill or risottos simmering on the stove. Cisterna is in a small courtyard at
the bottom of Grisia near the Balbi Arch—easy to miss if you're not looking for it.

Value