It’s not the easiest thing to find good places to eat while on vacation. However, Saranda won’t make it too hard for you. From unique international dishes to traditional Albanian food, a wide selection of restaurants in Saranda make this Mediterranean gem a very popular culinary destination, especially in south Albania.
It’s imperative to try the local cuisine of a place to properly grasp its essence and value. Saranda isn’t only home to some of the
best beaches in Albania, but also the best restaurants.
That’s why in this blog, we’re going to list some of the absolute best places to eat in Saranda, and buckle up because there’s something for every palate.
Let’s get started with some of the most noteworthy restaurants in Saranda, one of the pearls of the Albanian Riviera.
Address: Mitat Hoxha 89, Sarandë Albania
Contact information: +355 67 627 0111
One of the best seafood restaurants in Saranda, Oceanic Restaurant, has been serving customers for many years. They use the best and freshest products to bring amazing meals to your table.
It’s in an attractive area where you can also enjoy stunning views of the sea from the restaurant terrace.
The owner of the restaurant, who’s also the head chef, Fundim Gjepali, has managed to bring some of the most fantastic dishes to customers’ tables, which hold the real essence of Albania. It’s the perfect spot for families that want to spend more time together in the tranquility of nature.
Address: Mitat Hoxha St. 112, 9701
Contact information: +355 69 532 2026
Giving all its customers a warm welcome, Taverna Laberia is one of the best restaurants in Saranda. It’s located not too far from the city center, with numerous hotels and apartments nearby. The restaurant features some mouthwatering dishes, such as grilled meat, squid, and shrimp, each cooked to perfection.
The place is known for its large portions and low prices, leaving every customer with a full belly and a smile. It’s a family-run business with a very cozy atmosphere and an extremely helpful staff. The service is exceptional, with the staff ready for your every request.
Address: Butrint St., 9701, Sarandë
Contact Information: +355 69 288 9551
Taste of the South is one of the shiniest pearls on Saranda’s restaurant necklace. It’s a trendy place, offering meals at any time of day, including breakfast and brunch. Prepared with only the freshest ingredients, their specialties, the seafood and risotto, are to die for.
The restaurant's facilities are great, with a large outdoor area for you to enjoy your food surrounded by beautiful nature and a colorful garden. The service is fast and precise, either at the restaurant or with the delivery.
Address: Ismail Qemali St., 9071
Contact Information: +355 69 268 7910
Situated in the city's center, Taverna Rrapo is a popular restaurant in Saranda. A local family runs it and guarantees great service and delicious food. The cuisine is vegetarian-friendly, and there are plenty of gluten-free options too.
It’s a highly authentic place with reasonable prices and a special atmosphere. Some of their best dishes include grilled lamb, spicy prawns, or sea bass. The restaurant is also just the place for families with kids, with some great toys available to keep them entertained.
Address: Naim Frasheri St.
Contact Information: +355 69 533 2243
Offering a unique Mediterranean atmosphere, La Petite Restaurant is situated close to the center of Saranda. It has a stunning view of the
Ionian Sea, facing the beachfront. At the restaurant, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even some delicious brunch.
You can try various types of cuisine, either Mediterranean or European. The staff is amazingly friendly and willing to help with your every need. You can even order food for takeout and enjoy it in the comfort of your own home. The taste is unmatched.
Address: SH81, Sarandë
Contact Information: +355 68 223 5222
This interesting restaurant started as the inspiring dream of two friends, both professionals in the field of cooking, with a great passion for enchanting their customers with their dishes. Their cuisine is inspired by the freshness of the sea and the irresistible taste of meat.
Each month, the restaurant adds new recipes to the menu, creating a diverse and delicious menu. The place offers a very luxurious atmosphere, along with a collection of wines to accompany your meal. The sophisticated cooking techniques and carefully selected ingredients make this one of the must-visit restaurants in Saranda.
Address: Flamuri St., 9701
Contact Information: +355 69 283 9877
Located right in the center of Saranda, Meat House Restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in Saranda when it comes to meat. It’s known for its juicy and delicious dishes and amazingly helpful staff.
The restaurant's atmosphere is warm and inviting, making the meals even more enjoyable. They also serve amazing seafood dishes, but if you don’t try the meat, you are really missing out!
Address: Butrinti St., 9701
Contact Information: +355 69 208 8133
Manxurane Restaurant is one of the few restaurants in Saranda that perfectly combines international cuisine with fresh local food, creating a unique selection of irresistible dishes. Their service is also very fast, which is highly appreciated by the customers.
The restaurant is very cozy, with a closed fence for more privacy. It has more of a traditional look, with a wooden entrance and rustic decoration. There’s also a terrace, from which you can enjoy some amazing views.
Address: Naim Frasheri Boulevard
Contact Information: +355 69 266 5358
Located under the beautiful palm trees, Boulevard ‘90 Restaurant is a charming place owned by a local family in Saranda. It started as a small family business, but their hard work and passion turned it into a must-try destination for tourists.
The restaurant’s menu features various dishes of Italian, Greek, or broader Mediterranean cuisine. You can enjoy all three meals of the day at this place, all prepared with the freshest ingredients possible.
Address: Onhezmi St., Sarandë
Contact Information: +355 69 639 3458
Next on our list is Taverna Lamce, a pretty traditional choice, perfect if you want to properly enjoy some Albanian meals in an authentic place. It’s located in the center of the city and serves fresh seafood as well as
traditional Albanian food.
The food not only fits the budget perfectly, but it’s also very delicious. The service is amazing, and you’ll never be left missing anything. Most customers recommend the seafood mix plate as their specialty, so don’t waste any more time and come have a taste!
Address: Lekursi hill
Contact Information: +355 69 274 4338
Natyra Restaurant is a bit further away from most restaurants on Saranda beach. It’s located on the slopes of Lekursi Hill, where
Saranda Castle is, and offers some breathtaking views from its balcony. The amazing valleys and mountains in front of you will simply leave you stunned.
The restaurant serves amazing dishes, from traditional food to international cuisine, and every dish is cooked to perfection. It’s open year-round, not only during the summer, as it’s always packed, so make sure to make a reservation in advance.
Address: Butrinti St.
Contact Information: +355 67 577 4676
This restaurant was founded in Italy in 1958, and it still serves delicious pizzas and
panzerotti over there. They opened their place in Saranda in 2017, bringing in the best ingredients from the Apulia region of Italy.
Italian Mattarello is located on the end of the promenade by the sea, offering some amazing views to accompany your meals. They specialize in Italian cuisine, serving, without a doubt, the best pizzas in Saranda. You can also have snacks along with a refreshing cocktail and enjoy the summer atmosphere.
Address: Ismail Qemali St
Contact Information: +355 69 683 1785
Famous for its mouthwatering grilled fish, Taverna Oxhaku is a traditional Albanian restaurant that’s also part of a
hotel carrying the same name. It’s close to the city's center but a bit far from the beachfront, bustling with tourists.
It’s open all year and serves everything from breakfast to a nightcap, along with different cocktails and drinks. The staff is very welcoming, and the service is amazing, guaranteeing to make your visit unforgettable.
Address: Lefter Talo St., 236
Contact Information: +355 69 690 0528
In the heart of the city, there is Oda e Babes, one of the most unique restaurants in Saranda. It’s a very authentic and interesting place, with some amazing decorations such as traditional rugs, colorful tiles, and old furniture, giving you the opportunity to travel back in time for just a few hours.
You’ll get the chance to try some of the best Albanian dishes, like byrek, tave kosi, and many more. To complete the experience, the owners also organize Albanian nights with traditional music and dancing.
Address: Butrnti St., in front of Santa Quaranta Resort
Contact Information: +355 69 933 9347
Mama’s Kitchen is an interesting restaurant serving traditional dishes of every kind. They serve anything from breakfast to grilled dishes, pasta, and desserts. The place is nicely decorated with vibrant colors to fit that summer atmosphere, like most restaurants in Saranda.
The most loved dish is Kalamar and Tzatziki, with a very intense and delicious taste guaranteed to stay on your mind for a long time.
Address: Jonianet 3 St
Contact Information: 085 225 858
This bright and lively place is located right on the Saranda Marina, in the center of the promenade. If you get a seat at the waterfront, you’ll have some great views of the boats and the sea.
They serve a variety of dishes at Limani, from pizzas to seafood and meat dishes. You can also enjoy breakfast until 11 a.m.
If you’re looking for a unique and informative experience to the south of Albania, you’ve done the right thing by choosing Kalemi! This guide will give you the chance to visit some of the most popular towns of the Riviera, like Saranda and Gjirokastra.
This journey will start in Saranda and end in Gjirokastra. You’ll get to wander around Saranda on the first day, take a walk by the shore or try a nice meal in one of the many restaurants.
The next stop is the magical Blue Eye, the natural wonder of the south, with its crystal water and mysterious origin. Lastly, you’ll visit “The Stone City”, Gjirokaster, one of the best preserved medieval towns, and also part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
It’s the perfect tour if you’re into history but also a fun and adventurous trip, filled with unbelievable sights and rich culture.
Tipping culture is the same in Albania as in most European countries. If you think the service you were offered was great, you can round up the bill to give a proper tip. It will be highly appreciated by the staff.
Almost all the restaurants in Saranda specialize in seafood, but some outstanding ones are Taverna Fish Time, Taste of the South, and Mama’s Kitchen.
From the amazing beaches to the lively nightlife and the delicious food, Saranda has much to offer adventurous travelers, so don’t miss it the next time you visit Albania.