Albanian cuisine is known to be fresh and delicious. In many restaurants, the food is butchered or harvested locally. You will notice a difference immediately when you taste the food. Albanians are also known to embrace the Slow Food Movement. It is Albanian custom to relax and enjoy a meal over a longer period of time. This time is spent chewing the fat with friends and family while dining. The length of time it takes to prepare scratch-made, authentic, and new Albania dishes is also relative and certainly a primary focus of the Slow Food Movement concept.
Tirana is a relatively new city compared to much of the world. Building there did not begin until 1614, and it wasn’t declared the capital of Albania until 1920. However, the recent development of Tirana does not devalue its ability to produce some of the best authentic, eastern European dishes.
Multiple cultures influence many dishes in Albania, included Italian and other countries in the Balkan Peninsula. There’s no better way to experience the range of these dishes as well as the beauty of Albania than to stroll through the beautiful streets and stop for a bite to eat at these affordable and trendy restaurants. Below is a selection of some of our favorite restaurant choices in Tirana.
1. Sofra e Ariut
Visitors hoping to experience Albanian culture in all its glory will want to put Sofra e Ariut at the top of their list. This high-end spot on the outskirts of Tirana is known to be one of the most prestigious restaurants in Tirana.
They mainly serve up traditional Albanian dishes, and the waiters wear traditional folk outfits to go along with it! Customers will definitely feel like they are sent back in time to get a taste of Albania as they are seated at a table in the nature-filled outdoor area. Additionally, this renowned restaurant has hosted many influential people, such as Laura Bush, in 2007. They have also received multiple awards for the quality of their tasty dishes. Prices range from $5-20 euros.
2. Artigiano
Artigiano allows customers to enjoy the Italian influence in Albania by enjoying some of the country’s best Italian meals. The founders of Artigiano wanted to create a place that provided fresh, homemade foods and a place where people feel welcome to enjoy quality time with their friends and family.
Their pasta is made fresh every morning, and their olive oil is made in-house as well. They have unique pizzas that are made with things like Philadelphia cheese and even Nutella! Their prices range from about $2-8 euros, and they have two different locations that are relatively nearby within the city.
3. Era
Era is a spectacular choice for an excellent go-to spot that can deliver to you pretty much anywhere in Tirana. It is known as the first of its kind, specializing in high-quality catering and delivery services. They began back in 1999 with the opening of their first restaurant, and delivery services followed within a year.
In 2008, Era started catering to various businesses in the area. In addition to their amazing customer service, Era’s menu contains a wide variety of irresistible Mediterranean dishes such as hot cornbread covered with yogurt sauce and goat cheese or yogurt and lamb casserole. Eat-in at one of their two restaurants in the city or have your meal is delivered to you!
4. Kosherja
Kosherja has the perfect, laid-back vibe for going to meet a friend for drinks or tapas. This modern European restaurant near the center of Tirana in a hip and trendy building is referred to as “Little Italy.”
They have something on their menu to satisfy nearly anyone’s taste buds. A few dishes include stuffed mushrooms, pumpkin and potato croquettes, and even baked sardines! Kosherja also has a great variety of wines and cocktails to sip on while enjoying the company of friends and family. Kosherja is an excellent spot for a night out on the town. Their prices range from about $5-$16 euros.
5. Salt
Visitors will not want to leave Tirana without first trying Salt. This iconic restaurant aims to enhance one’s experience when trying their delicious Mediterranean cuisine, seafood, and sushi. They boast an open kitchen, sushi bar, and ambient indoor and outdoor dining areas contributing to the revolutionary environment. The idea behind Salt came from the REVO group, which are experts in hospitality and event services.
They are located in the Blloku area, where they also host a nightclub and other nighttime events. Salt’s menu includes an impressive raw bar that includes items such as oyster shooters and seabass carpaccio. They even have a fantastic variety of sushi rolls, tacos, and even burgers! There is something that everyone will enjoy, whether you are out on a Friday night or just going out to brunch with the family. Dishes range in price from about $6-$14 euros.
6. Ceren Ismet Shehu
Those looking to keep their diet light and traditional while traveling through Albania will love getting a taste of Ceren Ismet Shehu. They specialize in raw, healthy, farm-to-table Albanian dishes. Furthermore, their location has both indoor and outdoor seating, which includes gorgeous views of the countryside.
The restaurant is located on the outskirts of Tirana, and meals are reasonably priced: it is possible to feed a few people with less than $10 euros. To get the authentic taste of traditional Albanian meals fresh from the farm, be sure to include Ceren Ishmet Shehu on your itinerary.
7. Natyra e Qete
Eating at Natyra e Qete is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Visitors will feel like royalty as they are seated within this historic castle. They serve reasonably priced (between $2-21 euros) dishes in a romantic atmosphere that includes a playground for children. Their menu includes various meals such as popular local cuisines, pizza, pasta, barbeque, and much more. Additionally, they have an assortment of delicious wines to try.
It is also a popular destination for weddings for those looking for a fairytale-like venue. Natyra e Qete is conveniently located on the outer edge of Tirana near the Hotel Eklips, perfect for visitors who aren’t yet very familiar with the capital.
8. Bujtina e Kuqe
With its excellent ambiance and large portions, Bujtina e Kuqe is ideal for a meal with the family. They serve fresh Balkan and Mediterranean dishes that include items such as barbeque ribs and hedgehog!
They have gorgeous outdoor seating within the wilderness that will make you feel tranquil enough to want to stay and sip wine for hours. Their prices range from $4-19 euros, and it is located in the countryside in Peze e Vogel. Nevertheless, the restaurant boasts terrific reviews, making this hidden gem worth the commute.
9. Zgara Korcare
Another excellent choice for Mediterranean and Barbeque is Zgara Korcare, located in the southern part of Tirana. They are most often known for having delicious “lakror” as well as a variety of beers.
Zgara Korcare a popular place (especially on the weekends) amongst the Tirana locals, with many online reviews saying that they serve up some of the best Authentic dishes. Prices are said to be very reasonable, making Zgara Korcare another restaurant worth putting at the top of your list.
10. Pizzeria Pavarotti
No matter where you are in the world, pizza always seems to sound good at one point or another. Luckily, those in Tirana will find that Pizzeria Pavarotti has everything to satisfy those cravings. The atmosphere is extremely inviting and the service is top notch.
They prepare their pizzas with products directly from Italy! There is an incredible variety of options ranging from four-cheese to burrata! Additionally, they sell paninis, an assortment of wines, and even gelato. You can get the perfect Italian dish without having to step foot outside of Albania.
For families, they also have an awesome playground outside to keep the kids occupied while you’re waiting on your pizza. For tips on traveling with children in Albania check blog post: 10 Tips For Traveling With Young Children In Albania
Pizzeria Pavarotti is located on the southern outskirts of Tirana, and their prices range from about $5-12 euros.
11. Sheqer Pikant
Last but not least is another restaurant that serves a large variety of dishes. The dishes range from traditional Albanian dishes to pizza and even seafood. They are known for having delectable appetizers, vegan and gluten-free options, and a wide selection of wines.
Sheqer Pikant is another spot with a wonderful ambiance, and meals can be enjoyed surrounded by the beauty of nature. Be sure to include them on your list of go-to places to eat while visiting Albania. They are located on the southeastern border of Tirana, and their prices range from about $6-20 euros.
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In Tirana, visitors will be quick to discover the impressive range of cultural influences in the restaurants of Albania. From authentic Albanian cuisine, Italian pizzas, pasta, and wines, to Mediterranean barbeque, the selection of dishes to enjoy are endless. All of the above locations are rated highly and guaranteed to have a cuisine that everyone will love.
Although some are priced higher than others, it is still possible to get an authentic eastern-European dish without breaking the bank. Some of them also happen to be further from the city center, but those who choose to venture a little further out are bound to find that the trip was worth it. All in all, Tirana may seem like an unlikely food destination to the under-informed first-time traveler, but don’t rule it out as you may find that they have some of the most unique and tasty cuisines that you will ever try.
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