Looking for the best restaurants in Shkoder Albania? This is a full breakdown of what to eat and where to eat in Shkoder!
If you’re familiar with traveling in Albania, you’ll know that sometimes restaurants can be hit or miss. Many places have one specific dish that they do really well.
I know this and want you to take advantage of my trial and error (trying many places to find those hidden gems).
Here’s my complete list of the best restaurants in Shkoder Albania and I’ve also included additional places for cheap eats, desserts to try, fish places, and vegetarian options too.
My Favorite Shkoder Restaurants
There are many awesome places to eat in Shkoder. If you don’t have a lot of time, skip ahead to my top three Shkoder restaurants.
- Agroturizem Faqedol
- Vila Bekteshi
- Manifatura
Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links that will cost you nothing extra but offer me a little commission for any purchases made. These help me continue to offer helpful tips – I appreciate the support.
7 Best Restaurants In Shkoder Albania
After living in Albania for a good while now, I wanted to write a guide on where to eat in Shkoder. I also wrote a guide answering – is Shkoder safe? check it out!
Before moving to the north, I had no idea how good the food would be (if you know where to look).
I used to live on the Albanian Riviera, which has some great seafood and influences from Greece and Italy as well. I thought that the food in Albania wouldn’t be able to get any better than that but I was wrong.
There are some really great restaurants in Shkoder if you know where to go. There is quite a variety of places to eat in Shkoder which is nice because you have a lot of options (never a bad thing).
Whether you looking for traditional or casual and affordable, here are the 7 best restaurants in Shkoder Albania.
Arti Zanave is a really special Shkoder restaurant that I’d recommend for you to visit if want to try excellent traditional Albanian cuisine.
This hidden gem is located on a small alleyway off Gjuhadol, a pedestrian-friendly main street in the city center.
From what I understand, this restaurant is a ‘social enterprise’ that gives much of its proceeds to help victims of domestic violence in Albania (this is what I was told by the person that recommended it to me, you can speak with the owner to clarify or get more details).
Beyond that aspect, the food is actually incredible and it’s a must-visit place if you’re visiting Shkoder. Arti Zanave specializes in slow food, which you can see because the menu options are limited.
You can order a few different dishes or get a plate with a variety of everything – I’d recommend this one and it’s 1,000 lek.
It seems like they only have a few staff, a mother and daughter, and maybe one other helper – probably to cut back on costs to contribute the revenue to their social aspect.
From my understanding, they make a set menu for the day and once the food runs out, that’s it. Because of this, I’d suggest going earlier in the evening.
Looking for the best places to stay in Shkoder? Check out these awesome Shkoder hotels and fun hostels in Shkoder!
Though its physical location doesn’t necessarily draw people, Arti Zanave does get quite busy with foreigners as it’s suggested a lot (for good reason).
It feels intimate because there isn’t a ton of seating, but it adds to the feeling that you stopped at a grandma’s house for some comfort food.
Unfortunately, Arti Zanave is only open for the summer tourism season. That’s roughly early June to early September.
Vila Bekteshi
Vila Bekteshi is one of the best restaurants in Shkoder because of their consistency, quality, and affordability. It’s in a great location, just off the main pedestrian walkway Kole Idromeno (called Pedonale).
There are a few dishes that they do really well so those are my go-to when ordering. No matter how hot it is, I always get the egg-lemon soup – which I know sounds weird but it’s delicious.
This is a popular soup that you’ll see in many Shkoder restaurants, but Vila Bekteshi’s version can’t be beaten. For a salad, I like their Greek salad or Rucola salad (rocket or arugula salad).
For a main, you can’t go wrong with the filet pule – a dish with several thinly sliced and perfectly seasoned chicken fillets.
Make sure to squeeze lemon on top too, it’s great. For other side dishes, I usually get oven-baked cheese or regular white cheese and some fries.
When you go to Vila Bekteshi, you might be surprised to not see anyone there. That’s because usually, people don’t sit downstairs.
Wondering where to go swimming near Shkoder? Check out this awesome sand dune beach - Rana e Hedhun or the crystal clear water at Shala River!
Instead, go up the stairs and you’ll see nicely decorated rooms with a massive stone fireplace. Off of this room, there is also a balcony, which is a better seating option in the summer.
Though you might see a tourist or two, this is mainly a local spot. Prices are reasonable considering how nicely decorated it is and the quality of the food.
Agroturizem Faqedol
In Albania, agro-tourism places have been growing in popularity. If you choose to rent a car in Albania (the best way to travel around honestly), you’ll see plenty of these on your Albanian road trip.
Faqedol is located a little ways outside of Shkoder, up on a hill. You’ll need to take a taxi or drive to reach Faqedol but the views of Shkoder, Rozafa Castle, the Buna and Drin Rivers, and the surrounding countryside are worth it.
They also have an aestethic pool and photo platform. Besides that, the food is incredible – if you’re wondering where to eat in Shkoder, Agroturizem Faqedol is the place.
They have a set menu, which means they will serve the freshest, in-season food. Faqedol is great for having traditional Albanian cuisine in Shkoder.
You’ll get things like fergese, byrek, and one of my favorites – local cheese, fried and covered in sesame seeds with honey to put on top. You can choose between different types of meat if you want, I enjoyed the veal.
Everything at Faqedol is 10/10. You can tell they put a lot of pride into what they serve. The service was great and the price is very good for the quality, the amount of food you get, and the views.
Faqedol is popular, so I’d recommend sending a DM on their Instagram for a reservation.
Aroma Restaurant
Aroma is more of an upscale restaurant with modern touches in the city center. This is a great place if you’re in the mood for some homemade pasta.
So far it’s my favorite pasta I’ve had in Shkoder. The service was great and you can pay with a card if you wish. Aroma would be great for a date too since it has a classy feeling.
Fisi Restaurant
Fisi Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Shkoder city center for having traditional Albanian food.
Located just a few minutes away from the pedonale, it’s very central, perfect if you’re looking for a place to eat in Shkoder that’s close by.
You can try things like Tave Kosi, Tave Dhue, Japrak, stuffed peppers, etc. Unlike other Shkoder restaurants I’ve suggested, you have a bit more flexibility when ordering at Fisi because it’s not a set menu.
Manifaura
Manifatura is this great new bar and restaurant in Shkoder that’s right on the pedonale walkway.
It’s not just any ordinary establishment—it’s housed within the walls of a nationally protected 100-year-old textile shop that has been recently renovated.
What makes it even more special is the story behind it. With deep appreciation for Shkoder’s history, three childhood friends decided to restore it and create Manifatura.
This Shkoder restaurant specifically highlights the literary and cultural heritage of the city. Their specialty is pizza and beer so it’s great if you’re in the mood for comfort food.
I’ve explored quite a few pizza places in Shkoder City, but Manifatura has easily become my absolute favorite. If you’re open to enjoying pork/meat, the ham feast pizza is good. You can check out the renovations and their menu on the Manifature website.
Restaurant Puri
Puri is another great restaurant in Shkoder to try if you’re looking for a quick, affordable lunch. It’s a local-oriented spot that has been recently renovated with a nice interior.
They specialize in pilaf (cooked rice) topped with some slow-cooked beef. There’s plenty of other stuff to get as well. I liked their broccoli soup, which isn’t something you usually see on menus in Albania.
Best Restaurants In Shkoder For Fish
Most people don’t automatically think of eating fish and seafood while traveling northern Albania, but they should! There are so many lakes and rivers that provide a lot of food for the region.
In Shkoder, one of the local dishes is Tave Krapi, which is a Carp fish casserole. I’ve also had fresh eel, prepared in a similar style and it was so good. It was my first time trying eel – I’m so glad I got out of my comfort zone.
The main tip I’d give someone is to always eat what is local. So if you’re visiting the north, don’t order salmon, rather ask what is freshly caught nearby and go from there.
Shkoder is located right on Lake Shkoder so there are some tasty dishes to try. One of the best things to do in Shkoder is to visit Shiroka, a small village directly on the lakeside.
There are many restaurants to try, all focusing on fish. I like the Blue Notte Restaurant (that’s where I had the eel) and further down the road near Zogaj, is Pelikani Kaçurrel.
3 Places To Eat In Shkoder Albania On A Budget
Wondering where to eat in Shkoder on a budget? There are still some awesome places and foods to enjoy even while watching your spending.
Te Mullini – Byrek & Bakery
If you’re in Shkoder and wondering where to get a quick breakfast, you need to try byrek. It’s a savory pastry with different fillings depending on the region of Albania you are in.
You can also find byrek all around the Balkan region – it also goes by burek and borek. Some of the most popular fillings are local cheese, spinach, ground meat, etc.
My favorite place to eat byrek in Shkoder is Te Mullini. I’d recommend getting a spinach and meat one. They are small so two usually fill you up.
It’s really popular though, all the byrek is gone by 11 or 12. The ladies speak Albanian and I think Italian, so you’ll need to say what you want in either of those. Here are the byrek options:
- Cheese – Djathe
- Spinach – Spinaq
- Meat – Mish
They are a bakery as well, they have delicious whole wheat bread if you’re not wanting byrek.
Sol Bakery Caffè
Sol Cafe is a cute place to stop along the pedonale. They have everything, if you need coffee, fresh juice, sandwiches, or any ice cream or cakes. If you’re looking for a fresh, light lunch, they have good paninis that are affordable.
Murati
Fast Food Murati is located a good ways out of town. I normally get a souvlaki (gyro) delivered from them, it’s one of the best I’ve had in Shkoder.
If you’re really hungry or want leftovers, order a double, it’s 600 lek. I also like this place because they will replace mayo with Tzatziki if they have it.
Best Dessert Places In Shkoder Albania
There are a lot of great places to stop and get an ice cream or a dessert. I’d recommend you try some because they are really good. Albania knows how to do sweet things well!
Baklava & Trileches
Many people will argue that baklava (a filo pastry dessert stuffed with nuts usually and covered a in sweet syrup/honey) is not traditionally Albanian.
It was originally brought to Albania hundreds of years ago during the Ottoman invasion and occupancy. Since a few hundred years have passed, I’m going to say it’s earned its label of being “traditional”.
Another important dessert to try is tri leches. If you’re familiar with Central American cultures, you’ll recognize the similarity to the tres leches.
It is very similar except the Albanian dessert has a caramel-like topping instead of fruit and cream. It’s thought that maybe it was adopted in Albania by people watching telenovelas from Central America.
You can try both of these desserts in many places around Shkoder. My favorite place is a little bit out of the way, about 10 mins walking from the Kole Indromeno pedonale area.
Is Albania safe - do you need travel insurance for Albania? Here's what you need to know!
La Mola
If you’re wanting to sit down and have dessert, La Mola Cafe has a lot of options. It’s newly opened and beautifully decorated.
Everything I’ve tried there has been amazing. They have trilece, baklava, lots of different chocolates and cakes and their macaroons are so good.
Restaurants In Shkoder – Vegetarian Options
If you’re wondering where to eat in Shkoder as a vegetarian, there are some places that are able to accommodate. There aren’t any fully vegan or vegetarian restaurants in Shkoder.
Since Albania was closed for a long time with communism, it is still trying to catch up and adapt to the tourism surge.
Albanian cuisine is also heavy on meat and animal products, so it’s not naturally vegetarian-friendly. There are some great restaurants in Shkoder that have vegetarian options though!
These places have specially marked menus and/or waiters that are used to vegetarian requests so you shouldn’t have any problems.
- Fisi Restaurant
- Stolia Coffeehouse (they serve light lunch/brunch type foods)
- Restaurant Puri
- Arti Zanave
- Pasta Vino
Where To Eat In Shkoder Albania – FAQs
Here are a few frequently asked questions about restaurants in Shkoder.
Can you order food online from restaurants in Shkoder?
Yes, you can order food online in Shkoder. You can download the Njiklik app. It’s the only mobile app for Shkoder, but there’s quite a variety of places available on it.
The only thing I’d warn you of is that usually, the delivery guys call you when they arrive and many of them don’t know English. And I’m not sure if they will be able to call you if you don’t put in an Albanian phone number.
You can also sometimes text many places on Whatsapp or IG to arrange delivery.
Where can I get traditional food in Shkodra?
The best restaurants in Shkoder city center for traditional food are Arti Zanave and Fisi Restaurant.
On the outskirts of town, you can visit my top pick – Agroturizem Faqedol, which has the best traditional food in Shkoder! I recommend going there if you can.
What are the best restaurants in Shkoder?
- Agroturizem Faqedol
- Arti Zanave
- Vila Bekteshi
- Manifatura
- Fisi Restaurant
- Aroma
- Puri Restaurant
What are the absolute must-try traditional foods in Shkoder?
- Tave Krapi (Carp fish casserole)
- Tave Njale (Eel casserole)
- Egg Lemon Soup
- Pilaf (Cooked rice)
Restaurants In Shkoder – Final Thoughts
I hope this has helped you learn more about traditional food in Shkoder and all of the wonderful places to eat.
Whether you’re looking for something fast and affordable or traditional and slow, there are some amazing restaurants in Shkoder to check out – happy eating!
If you want to deep dive into Albania's complicated but fascinating past, check out the historic village of Kruja!
