Top 5 Places to Eat in Tirana

Written by Alexander Kopp, Chloe Davies
17/09/2025
Vertical view of Namazgah Mosque in Tirana framed by lush trees and mountains.
Donald Meta, Pexels

Tirana's dining scene offers a rich variety, from authentic traditional Albanian fare to modern, internationally-inspired cuisine, providing excellent value across all price points.

1. Oda Traditional Albanian Cuisine

Cuisine: Traditional Albanian

Nestled down a narrow alley near the New Bazaar, Oda offers an authentic Albanian dining experience within an old house, complete with a charming courtyard adorned with fairy lights and often featuring live traditional music. Dishes are prepared with a homemade touch and are typically served family-style, encouraging sharing. Must-try items include Fërgesë, a rich baked dish of peppers, tomatoes, and cheese, as well as succulent stuffed aubergine and spinach pie. The Pasha soup with meatballs and stuffed grape leaves are also highly recommended. Booking a table is advisable, especially during peak seasons.

Price: Approximately 1,000-2,500 ALL (10-25 USD) per person for a generous meal, offering excellent value.

Getting There: It is located near the New Bazaar, easily accessible by walking from most central areas of Tirana.

2. Mullixhiu

Cuisine: Modern Albanian, Farm-to-Table

Mullixhiu stands out with its innovative farm-to-table concept, where ingredients are carefully sourced from small Albanian farms, ensuring exceptional freshness. Led by a chef with experience from Noma, the restaurant presents traditional Albanian cuisine with a modern twist in an intimate, rustic-chic setting. Guests can enjoy a curated tasting menu or à la carte selections. Signature dishes include homemade meatballs, tender beef cheek, and the traditional chicken rosnica. The saffron soup and polenta-stuffed handmade sausages are also highly praised.

Price: The tasting menu is approximately 3,000 ALL (around 25 USD), offering a high-quality experience at a competitive price for its caliber.

Getting There: Located near the Grand Park of Tirana, it is a pleasant walk or a short taxi ride from the city center.

3. Artigiano

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Artigiano is renowned for its authentic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, featuring fresh, homemade pasta made daily and delicious wood-fired pizzas. The restaurant provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, with some locations evoking the charm of an old Tuscan villa. Popular choices include the homemade truffle ravioli, fresh grilled salmon, and various pasta dishes like shrimp strozzapreti and linguine with tiger prawns. Beyond Italian staples, it also offers some well-prepared Albanian dishes. Portions are generous, and the quality of ingredients is consistently high.

Price: Main courses typically range from 1,500-3,500 ALL (15-35 USD) per person, considered a good price for the quality and portion sizes.

Getting There: Artigiano has multiple locations, including one near the National Stadium (Artigiano at Vila) and another in the vibrant Blloku area, making it easily accessible throughout the city.

4. Padam Boutique Hotel & Restaurant

Cuisine: Modern Albanian, Nouvelle-cuisine

For an upscale dining experience, Padam offers an elegant setting within a beautifully restored villa, featuring a lush garden and a refined ambiance ideal for a special occasion. The cuisine is best described as modern Albanian or nouvelle-cuisine, blending local flavors with international culinary techniques. Recommended dishes include the lamb shank, tiramisu, and more adventurous options like sea bass carpaccio. The restaurant provides a sophisticated atmosphere and a selective wine list, making it a prominent fine-dining destination in Tirana.

Price: A tasting menu can be around 4,900 ALL (approximately 42-43 USD), placing it in the expensive category for Tirana.

Getting There: Situated in the city center, near the Pyramid and the Blloku district, it is within walking distance of many key attractions.

5. Tek Zgara Tironës

Cuisine: Traditional Albanian Grill (Zgara)

Tek Zgara Tironës is a popular and lively grill house, or 'zgara,' offering an authentic taste of Albanian grilled meats in a casual setting. It is known for its fast and friendly service, with a focus on simple yet flavorful dishes. Visitors can enjoy a variety of grilled meats, including qofte (meatballs), chicken souvlaki, lamb, and succulent pork chops, often accompanied by traditional sides like stuffed peppers and grilled vegetables. It’s an ideal spot for a quick, satisfying, and budget-friendly meal with a local feel, often complemented by traditional music.

Price: Meals are very affordable, generally ranging from 1,000-2,000 ALL (approximately 10-20 USD) per person, making it an excellent cheap eat option.

Getting There: Located on Kavaja Street, near the Tregu Can area, it is easily reachable on foot or by a short local taxi ride from central Tirana.

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