Food is often one of the highlights of our travels. We research and read reviews 95% of the time before choosing a restaurant. Our motto? Try as many local dishes as possible.
One hack for finding the best restaurants is to travel during the low season when the most touristy spots are closed. We visited Albania in November 2024, right in the heart of the low season.
We usually only visit restaurants with at least a 4-star rating on Google—typically 4.5 stars or higher.
Homemade Food Lili (Berat)
MUST VISIT! This was hands-down the best restaurant experience I’ve ever had. Lili (Elijah) and his wife welcome you into their home with warmth and passion. I’ve never met anyone who loves what they do as much as Lili—it’s not just a job for him; it’s his lifestyle. Lili’s excitement and gratitude are contagious, and he even shares a shot of raki with you at the end. He didn’t let us leave without a heartfelt goodbye hug. Everything about the experience, from the food to the atmosphere, was unforgettable. I would honestly travel to Albania just to visit Lili’s place again.
Lili also goes the extra mile by recycling everything he can, which adds to the charm of his restaurant. Seating is limited, so reservations are recommended. We were lucky to get a table since it was the low season—we showed up 15 minutes before opening (5:30 pm), and the place still filled up quickly. Guests are seated together with strangers, but that only enhances the experience and makes it even more memorable.
We suggest trying these dishes:
- Fergese – 7€ – The best I’ve had in Albania. Lili’s version is creamy and pairs perfectly with rice.
- Stuffed eggplant – 7€ – Delicious and perfectly baked. Even if you’re not a fan of eggplant, you should give it a try.
- Stuffed tomato – 7€ – Tomato filled with rice. Goes perfectly with fergese.
- Qofte – 4€ – Traditional meatballs served with yogurt made by Lili’s wife.
- Red wine – 6€/L – Homemade by Lili’s father.
Eni Traditional Food (Berat)
A cozy, delicious restaurant located on the opposite side of Berat’s old town.
We suggest trying these dishes:
- Stuffed eggplant – 6.5€ – Simple yet incredibly flavorful, made with tomato, onion, and garlic. Even if you’re not an eggplant fan, this dish might change your mind!
- Salad – Sweet tomatoes, cucumber, onion, lettuce, local cheese.
- Parfe – Amazing traditional dessert. Tastes like chocolate chip ice cream.
- Suxhet – A classic Albanian dessert made with a gel of starch and sugar, topped with nuts and powdered sugar. Perfect for those who love really sweet treats.
Anchor (Vlore)
Cozy atmosphere and excellent service, all at unbeatable prices.
We suggest trying these dishes:
- Fish soup – 5€ – Traditional fish soup with yellow peas. It might not sound appealing at first, but trust us, it’s a surprisingly delicious combination.
- Seafood Risotto – 8.5€ – One bite and we were hooked. So flavorful and satisfying.
- Tiramisu – 3.5€ – No words needed, felt like in Italy.
Restaurant Festo Shqipe Traditional (Vlore)
In Vlore, located on the main promenade. Has great views to the sea and the mountains.
We suggest trying these dishes:
- Oven beans – A traditional dish, great for sharing.
- Shrimp shirataki – Great for sharing. We expected it to have a stronger flavor but it was still enjoyable.
Restorant Tradicional VANI (Vlore)
Located in Vlore on a quiet street between apartment buildings. Has also outdoor sitting.
We suggest trying these dishes:
- Fergese – Traditional dish with cottage cheese, paprika, tomato, oregano, etc. Delicious!
- Grilled vegetables – Traditional style dish, served with balsamico.
- Sea bream – You can never go wrong with sea bream. Great price.
We also wanted to try seafood risotto and fish soup but didn’t this time.
Lumi Hotel
We were driving from Qeparo to Vlore and were super hungry, and hotel Lumi just appeared out of nowhere. At first, it felt like they were closed because the waitress was confused and there was no music playing, but turned out they were actually open. Neither the waitress nor the owner spoke English, but we used Google Translate. We were amazed by how affordable the prices were compared to restaurants in the cities—and the food was incredible!
We suggest trying these dishes:
- Grilled vegetables – 3€ – Traditional and served with balsamico.
- Salad – 3€ – Sweet local tomatoes, cucumber, onion and olives.
- Arapash – 3€ – Traditional dish. Corn flour, heart, liver. It might sound intimidating, but it was delicious with a refreshing hint of peppermint.
Panorama Dhermi
Amazing view from the mountains.
We suggest trying these dishes:
- Vegetable soup – Delicious yellow pea soup.
- Grilled vegetables – Grilled bell pepper and eggplant served with balsamico.
- Qofte – Local sausages served with french fries and tzatziki.
Bar Restaurant Marko
Perfect for a visit after Gjipe Beach. Located in the mountains, it offers stunning views, especially at sunset. They were open in mid-November, although their full menu (including fish) wasn’t available.
We suggest trying these dishes:
- Bread – Free – Maybe I was just really hungry, but this bread with olive oil was perfectly soft and crunchy.
- Village salad – 4€ – Super sweet tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and olives.
- Grilled vegetables – 4€ – Served with green vinegary dressing, not sure what was it but it wasn’t balsamico.
- Pickled vegetables – Bell pepper, tomatoes eggplant, olives.
- Loukaniko – 18€/kg, can also order per 400g – Traditional sausage made with lamb or a similar meat—flavorful and unique.
Vojser Restaurant (Gjirokaster)
Traditional restaurant with lots of vegetarian and vegan options. All ingredients are listed on the menu in English.
We suggest trying these dishes:
- Vegetable soup – Surprisingly amazing puree . Pumpkin, carrot, onion, potato, spices.
- Veg qofta –
- Rice balls –
- Tomato salad –
Tips for Choosing a Great Restaurant While Traveling
- Check Google Reviews: Look for restaurants with at least 4.5-star ratings and read recent reviews for honest insights.
- Ask Locals: Chat with your hosts, shop owners, or taxi drivers—they often know the hidden gems.
- Look for Busy Spots: Even in the off-season, a place with locals dining is usually a good sign.
- Inspect the Menu: Avoid menus that are too long or overly catered to tourists (think “pizza, burgers, sushi, and pasta” all in one place).
- Try Traditional Dishes: Opt for local specialties to get a true taste of the region.
- Trust Your Instincts: If the place feels inviting, go for it—small, family-run spots are usually the best.
Read further: See our recommendations for the beaches in Albania.
