A few meals at the right places will leave you purely convinced: Tirana is the next foodie destination.
Over the years, the art of traveling has gradually evolved into uncovering up-and-coming gems. Ever since discovering Budapest a decade ago, I’ve fallen in love with cities that may not glimmer with the tallest skyscrapers or thriving in the newest technology. They may not be the London or Paris of the world, but their authentic originality radiates through genuine smiles rather than relentless bartering. Wandering the streets of clandestine capitals requires a slower pace, acute observation, and most importantly, a deep gratitude for its very existence.
Food is often a telling indicator of a rising city’s amalgam interlacing history and creativity. It’s no surprise that Tirana will soon be hailed as the next “foodie destination,” with its emergence of farm-to-table approach which respects not only sustainability but also the diligence of small farmers. In addition, don’t be surprised to witness an early introduction of hotel restaurants that aim to transport Albanian cuisine to the forefront of a traveler’s palate.
Funny enough, there’s no shortage of sushi restaurants in the city. Similar to the rise of stylish Japanese hotspots in downtown San Francisco twenty years ago, Tirana views sushi as a fashionable trend. Pizza is another common type of eatery seen around town, thanks to Albania’s close proximity to Italy.
Here’s a list of the best restaurants in Tirana, it’s a combination of my own personal food journey and a list of recommendations from a local friend. Follow along, you simply can’t go wrong.
@jetsettimes Best restaurants and top places to eat in #Tirana, #Albania!! 🤣🇦🇱 #food #travel #foodie #restaurant #fyp #balkan #albanian #tiktok ♬ Lo-fi hip hop – NAO-K
Shëtitorja Lasgush Poradeci Hyrja e Parkut tek Diga e Liqenit Artificial Tirana, 1019, Albania
Dedicated to his philosophy of supporting a sustainable ecosystem that circles right back to local and independent farmers, Chef Bledar Kola leads his humble laurel on the edge of Grand Park Tirana. Mullixhiu, meaning “miller”in Albanian, is an ode to the oldest occupation in agriculture. Kola’s farm-to-table interior exudes the intimacy of a wooden cabin yet romantic via dim lights and quiet chatters. Hailed as Tirana’s ultimate Michelin experience, Mullixhiu’s vibrant menu is symbolic of gastronomic democracy with a 5-course menu at an incredibly accessible 3000 lek (USD $25.) Don’t miss Trahana dish (fermented grains with fermented mulberries, purslane sauce and sunflower seed powder,) or a personal favorite Ali Pasha Soup (veal meat ball with rice inside and stock with herbs.) For those who don’t mind Quail, it’s braised on a bed of polenta with plum sauce.
Rruga Papa Gjon Pali II, Tirana, Albania
Situated in a beautiful villa in downtown Tirana is the Padam Boutique Hotel. Its renowned restaurant though, is one of the best in the city with live music and twinkle lights dangling from the ceiling. I highly recommend the 5-course tasting menu for USD $44, you can indulge in duck carpaccio, sea bass carpaccio with fresh kiwi and pears. The egg confit is the ultimate star with divine taste of truffle and gorgeous gooeyness of a half-cooked egg. The tortellini dish oozes lemon zest combined with crushed nuts. The finish line with a hearty steak was spectacular, luxurious also with layers of truffle.
Rruga Ismail Qemali, Tirana 1000, Albania
Era is an affordable restaurant serving delicious Albanian cuisine. The entire menu is a combination of traveling throughout various regions of Albania and indulgence from a grandmother’s kitchen. Albanian cuisine is renowned for its traditional mezes: flatbreads, flat pancakes, hummus, over peppers stuffed with cheese and herb. Meanwhile, Era is known for its homemade cooking dishes: dolma as prepared from grandma, fried sausage with beer, Tirana’s traditional casserole “as in the old times.” Menu is filled with cute puns. I personally loved the baked cheese (seasoned feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil) and stuffed eggplant (spring onions, meat, garlic, marinade, mashed potatoes; baked in oven.)
Rruga Pjetër Bogdani, Tiranë 1001, Albania
Salt Rest is a restaurant, a bar and lounge in the heart of Blloku neighborhood that serves up a global menu but best known for its eclectic, signature Japanese sushi rolls. Expect to taste the world, from pasta, mac & cheese to shrimp tacos. The glass widow and multi-floor interior is a nod to Asia, perfect during the day as a posh café for digital nomads and a buzzed-about lounge at night.
Rruga Luigj Gurakuqi 3, Tirana, Albania
Oda is on every list, so I had to give it a try. Its outdoor patio is lovely, delightful under luscious lemon trees. Oda’s version of traditional Albanian cuisine comprises of lamb, intestines, insides of animals. For the less adventurist eaters, stick to vegetable dishes on the menu: pies, stuffed peppers or eggplants. This spot is purely popular among tourists, do not expect to see locals indulge by themselves since traditional dishes are already eaten at Albanian homes, as one can imagine.
Rruga Dervish Hima 6, Tirana, Albania
Mado is the epitome of stylish Japanese cuisine celebrated as a hip trend in Tirana. Coined as the “hidden gem” restaurant in the city, the menu includes: a wide variety of sushi, salads, noodles, wagyu beef…and much more. The modern and cozy décor hosts Tirana’s young professionals looking for a savory and snazzy evening.
Rruga Dervish Hima, Arena Center, Entrance BC Tirana, 1010, Albania Tirana, 1010, Albania
Right across the street from Mado is Amazonic Tirana, which is another luxurious experience to enjoy dishes of global flavors. The tropical interior design brings its name to life, through tangerine lights and animal sculptures. Some co*cktails are wrapped with banana leaves, while the wine selection is also vast. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, Peruvian or Japanese; there’ll be something to be discovered on the menu. Seafood pasta with giant shrimp is just as delectable as the perfectly seared tataki.
Rr. Murat Toptani, Pedonale Tirana AL, 1001, Albania
Situated next to the National Gallery of Art, TRIBE is another gastronomic destination led by Chef Juli Zguro who pays meticulous attention upon organic produce and using ingredients made by independent farmers. Though the menu features fish, vegetables and cakes, the heart of TRIBE remains to be red meat – beef – to be precise. From kobe, wagyu to ribeye; this is a meat-lover’s tasty paradise.
4th Floor, ABA Business Center, Papa Gjon Pali II” St 1010, Albania
For one of the chicest rooftop bars in Blloku, check out LIFT Steak & Rooftop Bar. The co*cktail menu itself is already a feast for fans of refined mixology. But for those parched from a chilled Gin & Tonic, LIFT features almost 40 G&T-based concoction, spanning from a classic HENDRICK’S Cucumber Peel to a unique CITADELLE which derives from Indian tonic, orange zest, cinnamon. The bar is a stylish pair to LIFT’s steakhouse which equates to the ultimate oasis for beef connoisseurs. The steaks alone range from Prime Filet Mignon to Dry Aged Prime New York Steak.
Skender Luarasi 30, Tiranë, Albania
Just to switch it up a little bit, Serendiville is a haven of Little Mexico in Tirana, serving handmade tortillas and mean frozen margaritas. Without breaking the bank, the menu encompasses traditional Mexican dishes including: fajitas, tacos, nachos…and many more. In addition, Serendiville satisfies other savory craving with hearty meat and sausage dishes. Stepping inside is somewhat of an escape from Tirana and into a typical Mexican universe with joyful staff, cozy space with bright décor. If the weather is nice, try to grab a table on the outdoor terrace.
Bulevardi Zhan D'Ark, Tiranë 1017, Albania
Another wonderful option for traditional Albanian cuisine is Mrizi i Zanave, meaning a place where good fairies stay and live as the name derives from an ancient Albanian legend. On weekends, the restaurants invites live bands and singers that urge diners to dance at the end of the night. This restaurant is known forfli, which is akin to crêpes layered and brushed with cream then served with butter and sour cream.
Rruga Abdyl Frashëri, Tirana, Albania
Albanians love coming here for dessert, it’s conveniently situated close to Mullixhiu restaurant (the first on this list,) which is at the entrance of the artificial lake, or the only park in Tirana. D’Angelo makes colorful and delicious pancakes, crêpes, waffles and ice cream. If you’re a fan of pistachio, try the Pistachio Pancake Stick. For a classic pick, opt for the Belgium Waffle with fruit.
Rruga Ibrahim Rugova, Tirana, Albania
Suffering from a sweet tooth? Or specifically chocolates? Cioccolatitaliani Blloku is a sumptuous stop for crispy chocolate waffles, chocolate ice cream and velvety Italian gelato. The Sicilian millefeuille is also a crowd favorite. Cioccolatitaliani is an Italian brand extending its fan base to Albania by setting up camp in the popular Blloku neighborhood. This spot is perfect for after a meal somewhere else; for coffee and desserts.
Wendy Hung
CEO, FOUNDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
As the founder of Jetset Times, Wendy is an avid traveler and fluent in five languages. When she's not traveling, Wendy calls Paris and Taipei home. Her favorite countries so far from her travels have been: Bhutan, Iran, and St. Bart's because they were all so different!
