Curated food

Albania's most celebrated restaurant — chef Bledar Kola (a Noma alumnus) reimagines Albanian farm-to-table cooking. An old grain mill houses the entrance; the menu inside is thoroughly modern. Tasting menu €40-60. A serious candidate for Albania's first Michelin star.

Tue–Sat 12:30–15:00 and 19:00–23:00; closed Sun and Mon.

Blloku's most popular Albanian restaurant — traditional cooking in a modern wrapper. *Tavë kosi* (lamb baked in yoghurt), *fërgesë*, *byrek*. Prices 30-40% below Western Europe for the same quality.

Daily 11:00–24:00.

A small, intimate tavern set in an old house — hand-woven kilims, wooden tables, grandma in the kitchen. The most authentic Albanian experience in Tirana: homemade *fli*, *qofte*, lamb. Often booked out — come early or reserve.

Daily 12:00–23:00.

A 1930s villa turned boutique restaurant — French-Albanian fusion and the city's finest sommelier list. A garden with a fountain for summer dining. Ideal for special occasions.

Mon–Sat 12:00–24:00; closed Sun.

The city's most famous grill house — *qofte*, *suxhuk*, lamb chops straight off the coals. No frills, like a workers' restaurant from the 80s, but the meat is top-tier. €5-8 for a meal and a beer.

Daily 11:00–23:00.

Modern Mediterranean-Asian fusion in Blloku — ceviche, poke bowls, grilled fish. Open kitchen, design and atmosphere built for Instagram. Young professionals fill it for business lunches.

Daily 12:00–24:00.

Tirana's best pizza — Italian chef, proper Neapolitan style. House-made dough, San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella. €5-8 a pizza, excellent value.

Daily 12:00–23:30.

A revolving restaurant on top of the Sky Tower (15th floor) — a full rotation every 60 minutes and a 360° panorama over Tirana. The food is a solid Albanian-Mediterranean mix; the real reason to come is the view.

Daily 12:00–01:00.