Authentic Albanian Cuisine

Albania is a country known for its unique and diverse cuisine, consisting of countless delicious dishes that are staples of the country. Albanian cuisine largely features healthy ingredients, like all kinds of vegetables and fruit. 

Herbs are very popular in Albania, being used in almost every meal to give it that extra kick. We can also mention garlic and onion as some of the most commonly used ingredients in almost every dish. 

Hospitality has always been a fundamental aspect of Albania’s culture, and one of the ways Albanians show their hospitality is through good food. 

So, let’s have a look at some of the best restaurants in Durrës that you can visit during your holidays in Albania:

#1. Agroturizem Gjepali

Address: Elez Gjepali St., Shijak

Contact Information: +355 68 905 8888

Located in a heavenly valley, Agroturizem Gjepali has turned into a top destination for those who want a taste of traditional Albanian food. By visiting this establishment, you’ll get to experience Albanian culture first hand and learn more about its history and traditions.

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.

#2. Agroturizem Ullishtja

Address: Syri i Detit St., Durrës 2001

Contact Information: +355 68 409 0405

Ullishtja Agroturizem is a newly opened business that beautifully combines traditional Albanian cuisine with a modern one. The focus of this restaurant is definitely to leave the customers satisfied every time, both with the food and service.

It’s just 15 minutes away from the center of Durrës, offering amazing views of the city. You are guaranteed to feel welcomed by the warm atmosphere as soon as you enter. The food is extremely delicious, with fresh ingredients cooked in the best way possible.

#3. Mema House

Address: Taulantia St.

Contact Information: +355 69 754 1068

One of the best traditional restaurants in Durrës, Mema House offers a wide selection of dishes, such as baked lamb, meatballs, roast beef, and more. The atmosphere inside is very welcoming, and the staff is extremely friendly and swift.

The food is 100% authentic, with fresh products in every dish. You can also choose from a selection of wines to accompany your meal.

Seafood Delights in Durrës

Being a coastal city, Durrës never misses when it comes to seafood. The city has developed an amazing culinary tradition, being the place where Italian and Albanian cuisine combine to create some of the most mouthwatering dishes you’ll ever try. 

Without further ado, let’s get into some of the best seafood restaurants in Durrës. It was a hard pick, as they are all worth a visit, but here is a list with just a few of them:

#4. Gusto Di Mare & Sushi Time

Address: Taulantia St.

Contact Information: +355 69 348 4210

This restaurant on Durres beach is more than just a place to eat; it’s a celebration of the Adriatic’s rich seafood, prepared in the best way possible and brought to your tables. The breathtaking view of the sea in front of you is just the start of an amazing experience you’re about to have.

The staff is warm and welcoming, ensuring you feel comfortable during your visit. The menu of the restaurants offers an array of seafood and other dishes. One of the most loved dishes is the seafood risotto, with mussels, clams, and prawns each contributing their flavor to this tasty meal.

#5. Aragosta Hotel & Restaurant

Address: Taulantia St.

Contact Information: +355 68 333 7050

Aragosta Hotel & Restaurant has been welcoming customers for over 26 years as one of the best hotels in Durres. The restaurant is located in one of the most attractive areas of the city, enjoying the sea breeze and the lush greenery.

The menu offers every seafood type that you can dream of and more. You can try the specialty, Pasta Aragosta, a mix of crudes, shrimp, and much more! They also serve cocktails of all kinds for those late summer nights when you just want to relax and have some time for yourself.



#6. 4 Stinet

Address: Vollga

Contact Information: +355 52 235 389

One of the best seafood restaurants in Durres, 4 Stinet, is a nice restaurant that opened way back in 2003. Their main focus is offering their clients a dedicated service and making them feel at home.

The restaurant’s rich menu creates an amazing harmony, inviting everyone to find their taste. The seafood is everything you could wish for, with an amazing pop of taste in every bite. The restaurant has both an indoor and outdoor seating area, although in the summer they open up the glass windows, blending the areas into one.



International Cuisine in Durrës

You don’t have to travel the world to try foreign dishes; Durrës has got you covered! Aside from traditional food, Durrës is home to many options that offer international cuisine as well, like Italian, Mexican, or Japanese. 

Here is a short list of some restaurants through which you can travel to a whole other culture:

#7. Restaurant Rimini Durrës

Address: Taulantia St.

Contact Information: +355 52 229 300

After their 15-year culinary experience in Italy, the two partners, Adi & Liri, have decided to bring their amazing specialties back to Albania, thus creating one of the best restaurants in Durrës. This restaurant has brought in a new culture revolving around the artisanal way of preparing fresh pasta and the original preparation of the best pizza in Durres as an authentic Italian product.

Each time you come back to this place, you’ll experience the same exquisite taste, the same delicacy, and the same dedication.



#8. Porta Kavalja

Address: Bulevardi I Pishave, Golem

Contact Information: +355 67 700 0008

This restaurant is located on the beautiful beach of Golem, one of the best beaches in Durres, where the battle between Julius Caesar and Pompey The Great took place. Because of this historical event, the resort the restaurant is a part of is named “Porta Kavalja,” meaning “gate of the horses.’’

With numerous options for any preference, the restaurant offers some of the best Italian cuisine, perfectly cooked and professionally served to every customer. You can enjoy your meal at one of the gazebos, which is perfect for a romantic evening away from all the noise.



#9. Wild West

Address: Ventus Harbor

Contact Information: +355 69 819 2750

For a real Mexican experience, come and visit the Wild West. The atmosphere is awesome, reminiscent of a Western movie. It’s located on the main promenade, and it really stands out from all the other places around.



You can try unique dishes such as quesadillas, tacos, Santa Fe-style food, and more, or enjoy fresh cocktails in the outdoor seating area. The whole place is decorated down to the smallest detail, with colorful chairs and barrel tables.

Where to Eat Delicious Food Without Breaking the Bank

As we said, Durrës has something for every preference and budget. It’s not often that you see places that are cheap but also serve delicious food, and that’s exactly what we’re about to show you. 

Let’s go through some options where you can keep your tummy and your wallet full at the same time!

#10. Greek Souvlaki Durrës

Address: Egnatia St.

Contact Information: +355 69 275 3834

It’s not summer in Albania without souvlakis. In each bite, you get a burst of flavor, guaranteed to stay on your mind for a long time. One of the best Greek restaurants in Durrës is Greek Souvlaki, where you’ll get the chance to try some traditional Greek street food.

It’s located close to the promenade, and you can just take your souvlaki to go and enjoy it by the sea, admiring the views. They also have vegetarian options, and the prices are pretty reasonable. The service is quick, so you’ll have your order ready in no time.



#11. Soam Fast Food & Crepes

Address: Hafiz Podgorica St.

Contact Information: +355 69 738 8882

At Soam, you’ll get to try perfectly cooked kebabs, along with burgers and souvlaki. It’s right in the city center and offers both an indoor and an outdoor area, which is on the terrace of the building.

All the food is affordable, and the staff is very kind. The place is clean and nicely decorated, perfect for meeting up with friends and grabbing a delicious bite.



#12. Alternative Food Durrës

Address: Pavaresia St. Lagjia 13

Contact Information: +355 69 787 0600

As the last restaurant on our list, we have Alternative Food Durrës, offering pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, and more, all at very low prices. You can enjoy your food in the nice outdoor seating area, along with a cold beer or a refreshing cocktail.

The people working at the restaurant are extremely friendly and will be there for everything you need to make your visit as enjoyable as possible.

Enjoy the Best Sea Views

Of course, we couldn’t leave out the fact that Durrës has some spectacular viewpoints, and there are also restaurants where you can enjoy your food, accompanied by the amazing views:

#13. ZINS

Address: Currila St.

Contact Information: +355 69 256 1007

Located in Currila Beach, ZINS is one of the most popular places in Durrës. It’s actually owned by a very famous rapper in Albania, one of his crown achievements. It’s a pretty unique structure, with two main volumes intersecting at one point, making for an interesting design.

They serve food and snacks such as chicken wings, burgers, or sushi, which is the most popular order at ZINS. You can also enjoy a delicious cocktail while enjoying the magical sunset and relaxing on one of the loungers on the terrace.

#14. Kodra e Kuajve

Address: Shkembi Kavajës

Contact Information: +355 69 609 0080

One of the first agrotourism restaurants in Durrës, Kodra e Kuajve is located at the top of a hill, overlooking the stunning coast of Durrës. Inside the building, there are horse stalls, an area for horse riding, and of course, a restaurant. It’s definitely one of the nicest places to visit in Albania.

The restaurant offers traditional Albanian food as well as seafood. Most of the food is organic, straight out of their farm close to the restaurant. They also have a wide wine selection available, from authentic Albanian wines to reasonably priced foreign ones.

#15. Vila Belvedere

Address: Shkembi Kavajës

Contact Information: +355 68 206 3020

Vila Belvedere is located in Shkembi Kavajës, on the bay of Durrës, one of the most beautiful shores. It is a hotel and a restaurant, one of the first built in Durrës. It’s a very welcoming place, with the staff making sure you come in as a customer but leave as a friend.

In the beginning, there was just a restaurant, bringing you Italian style both in the design of the place and in the food, and then it evolved into a hotel with three restaurants able to accommodate over 200 people. The freshness of the sea is a secret ingredient in every dish, offering an amazing taste.

Travel to Durres With Kalemi

Full-Day Tour, Durres and Kruja, A Historical Getaway

Embarking on this full-day tour, you’ll get to experience Albania’s history and culture firsthand. Firstly, you’ll visit Kruja Castle, among the oldest in the country, dating back to the 5th century. Kruja is also the birthplace of the National Hero Skanderbeg, and was once the capital of Albania before Tirana.

The next stop is Skanderbeg Museum, where you’ll learn all about his history, through documents and artefacts. You’ll also walk through the Old Bazaar, with its characteristic cobblestone streets and souvenir shops.

Then you’ll head to Durres, where you’ll get to visit the Ampitheatre, which is the largest ever built in the Balkans. The next and final stop is Durres Castle, or else known as the Venetian Tower. It was built around the 15th century, and it’s now turned into a museum.

Don’t Forget!

Durrës is one of the most popular cities in Albania, with restaurants of every kind to satisfy every tourist’s preference. The prices are not over the top, but reasonable for every place. The currency in Albania is the Albanian Lek, but most restaurants take the euro too. 

There are restaurants that offer traditional food, like Mema House or Agroturizem Ullishtja, or places where you can enjoy seafood delicacies, such as 4 Stinet or Aragosta Restaurant. 

For a unique experience, you can try international cuisine at Porta Kavalja or Wild West. If you don’t feel like spending too much money, though, have a look at Greek Souvlaki or Soam Fast Food. 

Finally, it’s safe to say Durrës has a spectacular coastline, which you can admire from restaurants with a view, such as ZINS or Kodra e Kuajve. So don’t hesitate and come visit Albania to enjoy a memorable meal in Durres!