A QUICK DETOUR TO TONY’S OYSTER SHACK ON THE WAY TO ISTRIA
DISCOVERING THE HIDDEN GEM
On our way to Rovinj our plan was straightforward—drive from Ljubljana to Rovinj with a pit stop to grab a quick bite and a short driving break.
Somewhere along the way before the Slovenian/Croatian border, and thanks to using GoogIe Maps to search for somewhere to eat, I stumbled on of all things, a highly rated floating oyster shack (Tony’s Oyster Shack to be precise) tucked away near the Lim Fjord and not for from Rovinj itself. Intrigued and more importantly hungry, we decided to take a slight detour.
PRETTY DRIVE ALONG THE WATER’S EDGE
The road to Tony's wasn’t your typical highway rest stop route. Think of a road winding down to the channel and water’s edge surrounded by forests as far as the eye can see. And then, there it was—a floating shack gently bobbing over the water.
WELCOME TO TONY’S OYSTER SHACK
Walking up to the shack, the first thing I noticed—aside from the beautiful views of the fjord—was the unmistakable aroma of fresh seafood. You know that smell, right? The one that transports you straight to the ocean? That’s when we met Emil, the charismatic personality behind this floating eatery.
Emil doubles as the owner, host, and oyster shucking extraordinaire. With a warm friendly smile, he welcomed us in. And honestly, isn't it the people behind these places that turn an unscheduled pit stop into a memorable experience?
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE OYSTERS
Here’s the thing about Tony’s Oyster Shack—it’s not here to overwhelm you with a menu that runs for pages. In fact, there was no menu at all!
Three things were on offer —fresh oysters, white wine, and water. And yet, coupled with the location of the shack, the simplicity of the “menu” is what made it all work.
Emil, being the expert that he is, recommended three types of oysters for us to try, including “sea truffles,” which were a sensational surprise. These smaller mussels, plucked straight from cages beneath the pontoon, are proof that Emil’s connection and understanding of these waters runs deep.
Watching him retrieve the oysters was a show in itself. Down a ladder to the floating pontoon he went, working with the agility of someone who’s spent years doing this. He pulled up cage after cage of oysters, each one gleaming with freshness, and handed them to us like little treasures from the sea.
THESE MOMENTS ARE PRICELESS & I’M THANKFUL FOR EVERY SINGLE EVERY ONE OF THEM!
A TASTE OF THE SEA
Now, I’ve had oysters before, but these... these were something else. With every oyster, I could taste both the salty and clean waters of the fjord.
The sea truffles? They were a revelation—tender, subtly sweet, and unlike anything I’d tried before. Emil suggested a tiny squeeze of lemon was all these gems needed - he was spot-on.
On top of that, don’t even get me started on the pairing with chilled white wine. Smooth, light, and just the right complexity to complement the oysters perfectly. It was the kind of meal you savor slowly, not just for the flavors but for the sheer joy of the experience particularly when considering where you actually are.
TAKING A MOMENT WITH MY LITTLE GIRL TO SMELL THE SEA BREEZE
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
If you’re inspired to steer your car toward this delightful detour, here are a few tips to make your visit smoother than Emil’s wine pour:
Location: Tony’s Oyster Shack is located on Lim Fjord in Kanfanar, Croatia. You’ll need your own vehicle to get there.
Opening Hours: Swing by Monday to Saturday, from 10 AM to 3 PM. (Pro tip: arrive early to snag a spot.)
Prices: At just 13 kuna per oyster, it's an affordable luxury that doesn’t break the bank.
Payment: Bring cash. Emil’s shack is delightfully rustic, which means no card machines.
Pack a Jacket: Even in summer, the breeze by the water can get chilly.
MAKE IT PART OF YOUR ADVENTURE
On our way back to the car, with bellies full and spirits high, I turned to my family and laughed, “Who would’ve thought a random pit stop would be the highlight of our day?”
If you’re planning a road trip through Croatia or heading towards the gorgeous Istrian coast, take my advice—make time for Tony’s. Because sometimes, the little detours are the ones that feed your soul as much as your stomach.
Now, go forth and add this floating shack to your travel plans. Your taste buds will thank you.
Much love,
Natalija xoxo
Have you been to Istria? Or is it on your bucket list? I would love to hear your comments below + follow my journey on Instagram & don’t be shy to say hello!
