Where to eat in Albania: our favorite restaurants
Restaurants we recommend in Tirana, Sarande and Ksamil: traditional Albanian cooking, fresh fish, pizzas at sunset and mussels.
In Albania the best place is often the simplest one, the one by the sea or the one you find without planning. These are the restaurants we recommend in each area.
Tirana
- Oda: traditional Albanian cooking in a rustic setting, with wooden beams and copper utensils. Its tavë kosi, baked lamb with yogurt, is one of the most typical things to try on the first day.
- Era Blloku: very well-rated Albanian cooking, with a lively atmosphere. A good, safe choice for a first dinner.
- Artigiano: Italian-Albanian fusion with a wood-fired oven and homemade pasta, ideal if you're tired from the flight.
Sarande
- Observatory Restaurant: one of the best seafood restaurants in Sarande, with views of the Ionian Sea. For a slightly more special dinner.
- Taverna Fish Filipi: fresh fish and seafood by the harbor, open all year, very popular with locals and visitors.
- Taverna Lamce: Albanian cooking with plenty of fresh fish; its octopus is among the most recommended in the area.
Ksamil
- Sunset Serenity Restaurant & Bar: next to Aquarium Beach, ideal for dinner while watching the sunset. Its handmade pizzas are among the best in the area.
- Guvat Mediterranean Bar & Restaurant: very close to the beach, specializing in seafood; its local-style shrimp is one of the most ordered dishes.
- The Mussel House: specializing in fresh mussels, with the option of a boat trip to the farms where they're raised.
- Ostro Beach Bar & Restaurant: right on the beach, with quick service and a good atmosphere, for a simple farewell.
Many beach clubs, tuk-tuks and snack shacks don't accept cards or charge a fee if you pay with one. Carry cash, in euros or lek.
Our recommendation
Oda on the first day, Observatory for a special dinner in Sarande and Sunset Serenity at sunset in Ksamil. To spend little, also see how much it costs to travel to Albania. The full plan is in our 7-day Albania itinerary, and the experiences in best things to do in Albania.
Our favorite activities in Albania
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