Planning a trip to Tirana and wondering where to experience authentic Albanian cuisine? You’re in the right place. Tirana isn’t just Albania’s buzzing capital—it’s also a vibrant food hub where tradition meets flavor on every corner. From smoky grills tucked into side streets to cozy garden patios serving time-honored recipes, the city offers something delicious for every kind of traveler.
To help you make the most of your culinary adventure, we’ve compiled a ranked list of the top 5 traditional restaurants in Tirana, based on a full year of review data from Google and TripAdvisor. These are not just our favorites—they’re community-approved, flavor-tested, and guaranteed to give you a real taste of Albania.
So loosen your belt and get ready—here are the five best places in Tirana to savor traditional food like a local.
5 – Tradita te Meri
Rated by LoveAlbania: 4.7 | Total Reviews: 925
Location: Tradita te Meri – Google Maps
Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM / Friday Closed
Best for: Authentic Albanian comfort food, generous portions, and homestyle hospitality
If you want to eat like a true local, Tradita te Meri is your go-to. Nestled near Tirana’s lively New Bazaar, this family-run gem feels like dining at a friend’s home—cozy, casual, and full of soul. With handwritten menus and heartwarming dishes, it’s a top pick for those seeking true Albanian flavors.
The Tavë Dheu—a clay pot of baked meat, cheese, and spices—is a crowd-pleaser, as is the Tave Kosi, a lamb-and-yogurt casserole that’s pure comfort. The qofte (meatballs) and stuffed vegetables are both flavorful and filling, while their chicken soup adds a warm touch to any meal.
While the restaurant operates on a cash-only basis and may get crowded, the delicious food and local charm make it all worth it.
Recommended Dishes:
- Tavë Dheu
- Tave Kosi
- Qofte
- Stuffed Peppers & Eggplants
- Chicken Soup
Visitor tip: Arrive before lunch hours and bring cash. A quick Google Translate helps with the menu!
4 – Restorant Tymi
Rated by LoveAlbania: 4.7 | Total Reviews: 2,774
Location: Restorant Tymi – Google Maps
Phone: +355 69 72 68 387
Hours: Daily from 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Instagram: @tymi_ver_reci
Best for: Retro vibes, Albanian classics, and a laid-back crowd-pleaser
Just a short stroll from Tirana’s central square, Restorant Tymi is a time machine in the form of a restaurant. With walls covered in vintage posters and classic memorabilia—from Pink Floyd to 80s radios—it’s got a funky, nostalgic feel that instantly puts you at ease.
But don’t let the fun decor fool you—this place is serious about flavor. Visitors rave about the lamb meatballs (qofte) and Albanian supe with beef, both of which are hearty and satisfying. The Tavë Dheu and grilled lamb ribs are full of bold, rustic flavor, and their house cheese is a fan favorite starter.
The multilingual staff (speaking Albanian, English, Italian, and Spanish) adds a warm, international touch to the experience. Prices are very reasonable, especially for such a centrally located spot.
Recommended Dishes:
- Lamb Meatballs
- Albanian Supe with Beef
- Tavë Dheu
- Grilled Lamb Ribs
- House Cheese
Visitor tip: It gets packed after 8 PM—arrive early or make a reservation if you can. And bring cash—some reports mention limited card options.
3 – Lakror’Ane
Rated by LoveAlbania: 4.9 | Total Reviews: 466
Location: Lakror’Ane – Google Maps
Hours: Daily from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Sunday Closed
Instagram: @lakrorane1
Best for: Traditional pies, cozy ambience, and rural Albanian flavors in the heart of Tirana
Hidden away from the tourist-heavy parts of Tirana, Lakror’Ane is a true celebration of Albanian countryside cuisine, especially its signature dish: lakror, the iconic savory pie. Whether filled with pumpkin, spinach and cheese, or minced meat, each version is handmade with love and baked to flaky, golden perfection.
Inside, the decor is simple and rustic, with elements that reflect Albanian heritage. The staff, including the welcoming owner Aldo, are known for their heartfelt hospitality. Many guests compare the atmosphere to visiting a relative’s home for Sunday lunch.
In addition to lakror, visitors highly recommend the Japrak (grape leaves stuffed with rice), Tavë Dheu, and a variety of pickled vegetables that add a crisp, tangy contrast to the rich main dishes. A refreshing glass of homemade iced tea rounds out the meal beautifully.
Recommended Dishes:
- Spinach & Cheese Lakror
- Pumpkin Lakror
- Japrak
- Tavë Dheu
- Pickled Vegetables
- Homemade Iced Tea
Visitor tip: Go for the fixed menu to sample a bit of everything—and make sure to plan your route, as the restaurant is tucked inside a quiet neighborhood.
2 – Home Cooking Te Joti
Rated by LoveAlbania: 5.0 | Total Reviews: 198
Location: Home Cooking Te Joti – Google Maps
Hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Phone: +355 69 92 70 691
Best for: Authentic home-style cooking, warm personal service, and a truly local experience
If you’re after a taste of real Albanian home cooking, Home Cooking Te Joti is where your search ends. Run by a sweet elderly couple, this little spot feels less like a restaurant and more like visiting your grandparents for lunch.
There’s no printed menu here—instead, you’re invited into the kitchen to see what’s bubbling in the pots. The dishes vary by day, but expect traditional comfort foods like Tave Kosi, stuffed peppers, tasqebap soup, and hearty goulash. Everything is cooked fresh and served with love.
While language can be a barrier, smiles, gestures, and a quick Google Translate go a long way. The prices are modest, the portions are generous, and the hospitality is unmatched.
Recommended Dishes:
- Tave Kosi
- Tasqebap Soup
- Stuffed Peppers with Rice
- Goulash
- Fresh Salads
Visitor tip: Don’t be shy—step into the kitchen, ask what’s cooking, and trust their recommendations. And yes, it’s cash only.
1 – EJA Restaurant
Rated by LoveAlbania: 5.0 | Total Reviews: 846
Location: EJA Restaurant – Google Maps
Hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Instagram: @ejarestaurant
Best for: Elegant ambiance, Italian-Albanian fusion, and an unforgettable all-around dining experience
Claiming the top spot in our list of traditional restaurants in Tirana is EJA Restaurant—a hidden gem that blends finesse with flavor. Tucked just off the main streets, EJA greets you with a tranquil garden, minimalist decor, and an atmosphere that’s both refined and welcoming.
The service is where EJA truly shines. Staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and often surprise guests with complimentary appetizers or desserts, adding a personalized touch to every meal. But it’s the Italian-Albanian fusion menu that seals the deal: think pasta dishes cooked to perfection, seafood risotto, and traditional Albanian meatballs with oven-baked spinach.
The attention to ingredient quality is evident in every bite—from the fresh homemade bread with whipped butter to the beautifully plated panna cotta with seasonal fruits.
Recommended Dishes:
- Crab Croquettes
- Beef Ragu Tagliatelle
- Seafood Risotto
- Albanian Meatballs with Spinach
- Panna Cotta with Seasonal Fruits
Visitor tip: Ask the staff for wine pairings—they’ll guide you to the perfect match. And if you like quiet evenings, try visiting mid-week.
For Those Who Want to Know More:
This ranking is based on a detailed analysis of reviews collected over the past 12 months from Google and TripAdvisor, ensuring an accurate reflection of visitors’ real experiences.
After the Top 5, here are the restaurants that continue in our detailed ranking:
6. Mrizi i Zanave Tirane – Location on Google Maps
7. Restaurant Piceri Era “Blloku” – Location on Google Maps
8. Odas Garden – Location on Google Maps
9. Ceren Ismet Shehu / Tirana Castle – Location on Google Maps
10. Shije Fshati – Location on Google Maps
How We Created This Ranking
At Love Albania, we are committed to providing accurate and trustworthy recommendations. For this ranking, we considered all restaurants in Tirana that meet the following initial criteria:
- A considerable number of reviews on both Google and TripAdvisor
- An overall rating higher than 4.5 stars
Restaurants that passed the first selection phase were then analyzed more closely, focusing on reviews from the last 12 months. In this second phase, we evaluated key aspects such as:
- Food quality
- Service quality
- Atmosphere
- Consumer rating trends and detailed feedback
After a detailed analysis of these reviews, we finalized the Top 5 list, followed by an extended ranking from #6 to #10 to give readers a full picture of the best traditional restaurants experiences in Tirana, Albania.
For more tips on how to make the most of your time in the capital, don’t miss our guide: Tirana Top Attractions: Must-See Spots for Every Traveler
And don’t forget to follow LoveAlbania for more handpicked recommendations, local secrets, and culinary discoveries across the country!
