Where to Eat in Tirana Albania

Cafes

LeBon- a handful of locations around the city. Great coffee spot + try the byrek, they have nice pastries and sandwiches here, as well as they serve cafeteria style lunches for a good price.

Mulliri – an Albanian chain cafe. Delicious coffee, nice atmosphere, and you can also buy coffee beans to take home for yourself or as a gift.

Mon Cheri – an Albanian chain cafe. Really solid coffee choice here too. They have nice sweet coffee’s too, if you like that, blended or not. When I was in the mood for a sweet coffee, I’d choose this place first.

Hana Corner Cafe – the cool cafe. Mostly outside seating, really nice atmostphere

Hotel Colosseo – this spot has a really nice atmosphere, as you can sit outside and they make a great coffee. Also a good spot in the evening for drinks.

Bakery

Le Bon – mentioned above, but worth mentioning in the bakery section. As I went to Le Bon at least 2 or 3 times a week. Their bakery is the best.

Nefeli – there are a few locations, one in Blokku that may be the most convenient. This is one of the best.

Luara Bakery + Patisserie – it’s right near Pazari i Ri, so located well if you need a quick and decent bakery stop.

Breakfast Spots

Tony’s – near pazari i ri. If you want a western style breakfast, this is a great choice. They have a really decent eggs benedict and other breakfast choices as well.

LeBon – has a great bakery section and I would suggest a byrek and a coffee for breakfast while in Tirana. If you try it first, you may have this every morning while in Tirana.

Sweets 

 Ciocolatini– There are a couple of locations at least. One is in the Castle area and has a nice atmosphere. Another in Blokku with more room. A great spot for chocolate lovers, specializing in very nice desserts.

 Lika Patisserie – located near Hotel Colosseo. They have a nice selection of cakes here. And, also have a nice ice cream selection.

Pizza

Bjorn Bistro & Pizza Gerd – they have my favorite pizza in Tirana. If you’re craving pizza, this is the spot. You can also order via WhatsApp and they deliver. You’ll have to pay in cash on delivery.

Pizzarte – between the Square and Pazari i Ri. A definite popular and favorite spot, well worth it.

Grills 

Pazari i ri – There are a few here. I think this is a great spot to try, because the food will be delicious, but the atmosphere here is so nice.

Zgara Korcare Liqeni – this is a good solid choice if you’re going to be near the lake.

Zara e Tirones 2 – my personal favorite for taste. If someone was visiting and wanted a place to try based on taste, this is the one. 

Restorant Tymi – this place has a cool factor, if you want the combination of ambience and taste this is the spot.

 Era Vila – two spots, both are great. The one near the stadium is bigger and maybe has a nicer inside if that matters. They have typical Albanian dishes as well as wonderful pizza.

Soufflaqe

Opa – several locations. They have my favorite,  its a really solid souvlaki.

 Capitol Meat & Chicken– near the square. Delicious Doner Kebabs here.

International

Oriental City Chinese Restaurant – If you’re in the mood for Chinese food, this is a great spot.

Tony’s – mentioned in the breakfast section but also serve burgers and a pretty good chimichanga.

Wintergarten Bistro – they serve a wonderful Montenegran dark beer on tap but also serve a nice variety of food. This is also a spot I would bring friends too for the atmosphere, beer and overall feel.

Beer + Bars

Hemingway Bar – if there’s one bar to visit, this is it. Nice international beer on tap, delicious cocktails – all inspired by Hemingway of course.

Oborri– This spot has a nice atmosphere and a creative menu of cocktails, serving nice small plates too.

Colonial Cocktails – I liked this spot for the beer choices on tap, but they’re obviously specializing in cocktails.

Radio Bar – what a cool spot, feels a bit like a ruin pub inside, lots to look at and examine over a nice drink.

Nouvelle Vague Tirana – maybe the coolest bar. Really special cocktail menu, small spot, also a bit similar to a ruin pub feel.

Hops – if you love beer, this is the spot. Local beer on tap and a variety of bottled international beer. Also serve decent burgers and other pub style food.

The Taproom by Pans – Pans makes a delicious beer, and if you want it on tap and want to try a local craft beer, this is a cool spot just for that.

Si Dielli – my favorite spot for beer. Delicious local beer on tap while sitting in the small square here.

What food to try in Albania

Grills – zgara’s. You’ll find these all over, often eaten family style. Serving up grilled meat – similar to other Balkan countries. Enjoy with bread, salads, fries, grilled veggies and so on. It’s a great choice.

Sufflaqe – One of my favorite street foods, like a gyro/pita/kebab (in my opinion) a quick, fast, cheap meal that is also tasty.

Bakeries– They are everywhere in Tirana, even if you don’t try any of the above, just stop by one near you or when you’re wandering around and pick something that looks delicious just to try. 

Raki – the local spirit. It’s quite strong and distinct. You can have it on it’s own, or you’ll find some places that might use it in a cocktail too. You can also buy this to bring home for yourself or as a gift.

Atmosphere– not a food to try, but, an area to try… near the castle for ambiance. There are several restaurants, bars, cafes at the castle area. The atmosphere is so nice here. Prices might be slightly higher, but if you want a great spot and feel like you’re really on vacation this is a wonderful spot for that. You can choose any spot here and you’ll likely be happy if you’re looking for vibe.

Although Tirana might not have as many choices for restaurants as larger European cities, there are some really delicious spots.  You won’t be missing out on cafes or places for drinks  and to eat in Tirana. You’ll enjoy the food scene in Tirana and the prices are reasonable.