Best Cafes In Shkoder Albania

Albanians are known for loving coffee, for most it’s an important daily ritual to partake in. It has a lot to do with participating in community and even doing business deals.

So it makes sense why there are so many cool cafes in Shkoder to try. I didn’t know this before I moved to Shkoder, but there is so much good food in Shkoder!

Many cafes serve light lunch or brunch as well as coffee and tea. If you want a guide to places to do for dinner and such, make sure to check out my guide to the best restaurants in Shkoder too. If you don’t have much time, just check out this Shkoder cafe summary:

Looking for something interesting in Shkoder city center? Check out this epic traditional food tour in Shkoder!

Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links that will cost you nothing extra but offer me a little commission for any purchases made. These commissions do help me continue to offer helpful tips.

Shkoder Cafe Top Picks

• Best Brunch – Stolia Coffeehouse
• Best Lunch – Dream Food 
• Best Sitdown Pasticeri – La Mola
• Best for working online – Stolia / Dream Food
• Best green vibe – Minimal
• Best views – Meridian

Where To Go In Shkoder For Coffee, Brunch & Lunch

Whether with friends, reading, or digitally working in Shkoder, there are some great options! At first glance, you might not think there’s much – I didn’t realize either until I spent more time here.

Trying out lots of places has helped me figure out where to go depending on the vibe and food you want. Here’s a breakdown.

1. Stolia Coffeehouse

Stolia is one of my favorite cafes in Shkoder – they’re just doing everything right. The setting is aesthetic, I always bring my visitors here. Plus, they use high-quality ingredients, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

The servers are so nice and polite (this isn’t always a given here), and if you’re a foreigner, they have menus in English.

Stolia is great if you want a specialty coffee and croissant (but the croissants sell out fast so try to go early morning) or if you want a light brunch because they have light salads, toast combinations, granola and yogurt, etc.

It is really popular here so sometimes they can be busy and there might be a wait time, especially on weekends and mornings.

2. Çoçja Boutique Hotel

Not far away is Cocja, which you can find listed as a boutique hotel online but there is also a cafe. I haven’t been here yet so I can’t speak on quality but it’s aesthetic and the food looks great.

Lots of people like to take IG photos – the courtyard is quite nice and great to enjoy on a sunny day.

3. Nur

Located right on the pedonale area (pedestrian area of the city center), Nur is one of the newer cafes with beautiful decor. It’s on Gjudahol Road, with tables on the side to enjoy the sunshine.

They also have a gorgeous interior for having drinks in case you want to experience Shkoder nightlife.

4. Instant

Just a few steps away on Gjuhadol is another great cafe in Shkoder. Nur has a more modern vibe and Instant has a more traditional rustic charm, plus it’s smaller and more intimate! There are still usually a few tables to sit outside as well.

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5. La Mola

Opposite from Kisha e Madhe (the nickname for the large yellow church), La Mola is another newer cafe with some artsy decor.

Not only is it a good place to people watch, but their desserts are amazing. They have some fancy treats you won’t be able to resist.

6. Cafe Sol

Close to where Kole Idromeno Street ends and where Gjuhadol Street begins is Sol Cafe. They have a wide variety of things here so it’s good stop by if your group might want different things.

You can have coffee and other drinks, desserts, ice cream, as well regular food like paninis and pizzas. They are pretty good and make an affordable lunch. 

7. Dream Food

A new cafe at the end of Gjuhadol, near Kisha e Madhe, Dream Food is a combination of cafe and restaurant. It’s in a space with big beautiful wooden windows that provide lots of natural light.

By the windows are large wooden tables that are great for working on your laptop. Both the coffee and food are great – the lunch options are less like brunch and more hardy which is nice if you are quite hungry.

8. Eko Club

Located just off another part of the pedonale on Besnik Syka road, Eko Club is a unique cafe with ecological and ethnographic decor.

With the quirky interior, it makes your morning coffee more fun. You can also try some traditional and bio/organic drinks here.

9. Cliche

Nearby on Nentori road is Cliche, a lunch spot with a wide variety of meals to try. It’s a popular place – an IG hotspot as well. There’s some outside seating surrounded by glass which is nice to enjoy during any weather.

10. Minimal

My friend took me to Minimal a few months ago, otherwise, I’d have no idea it existed. It’s tucked away on a side street, which is nice because it has a chill atmosphere. My favorite is the outdoor seating, in a courtyard style with lots of greenery around.

Looking for places to stay? Check out this review of the 10 best hotels in Shkoder✔️

11. Hotel Chicago Bar

Hotel Chicago has a bar on the top floor of the building, which makes for a great view of the Pedonale, Ebu Bekr mosque, and the surrounding city. You can get coffee, desserts, and cocktails.

12. Hotel Colosseo Bar

You can look out from Chicago Bar and see the Colosseo Bar right across from the other. They are very close to each other, so they have just about the same view and offer similar drinks and desserts.

13. Meridian

Right by the university here in Shkoder, Meridian is another high-rise cafe. It is one of the best cafes in Shkoder simply for the view because it is higher up and more panoramic. It is a little bit out of the way, so it’s normally quiet too.

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14. Arbri Restaurant

If you have access to a car or a bicycle, you can head out of town towards the lake village of Shiroka. On the way, there are many places to stop – my favorite is Arbri Restaurant to have a coffee.

It’s a wonderful place to read a book, birdwatch and enjoy the lake and mountain views. There are some other better places nearby to eat fish if you want a full meal – just head into the actual fishing village, Shiroka.  

Guide To Nightlife In Shkoder

Now, Shkoder is nowhere near the nightlife that you’ll find in Tirana – especially if you come during the winter.

You shouldn’t be too concerned – most people visit in the summer anyway and it is always booming with tourists and Albanians who live abroad coming back for vacation. In general, what you probably know as “clubbing” doesn’t exist here.

It is rare for dancing to happen (like club dancing), even though the setting is exactly for that. If you see people dancing, they are other foreigners most likely.

In Tirana, there are more clubs and it’s more open-minded so you’re more likely to find dancing. Check my list of the best hostels in Tirana and best day trips from Tirana.

In Shkoder, you’ll most likely see men and women sitting in groups separately (there’s not so much mixing in friend groups) or perhaps you’ll see couples.

Mostly people will sit, talk, play on their phones, take IG pictures, and stare at other people (there’s a big staring culture). Here’s a quick overview of the best bars in Shkoder:

My Top Picks For Shkodra Nightlife

• Best cocktails – Manifatura
• Best tap beer – Shega e Eger
• Best low-key vibe – Shega e Eger / Goje Gaditese
• Most alternative vibe – Back Room Shkoder
• Most “club” like in the city centre – Bed Station Bar
• Most “club” like – MAD Summer Club

Best Places For Nightlife In Shkoder

If you walk along the main streets and are looking for nightlife in Shkoder, you will see there is no shortage of places to go for coffee, beer or cocktails.

Here are some of the places that have stood out to me and become my favorite bars in Shkoder.

1. Manifatura

Right on the pedonale across from Cliche, this place is a great new addition to Shkoder. It’s a restaurant and bar based in a renovated textile building that is listed with national historical significance.

Three friends started this place as a dedication to showing Shkoder’s rich cultural heritage. You can get amazing pizza, and I have to emphasize how good the cocktails are.

It’s probably the best I’ve had so far in Shkoder. It’s a nice place to hang out in the evening – sometimes they have live music too.

2. Goje Gaditese

Located on Gjuhadol, Goje Gaditese is a cafe and bar that has trendy decor and a cool vibe. Of course, you can also visit for a coffee, but my favorite is going for a drink in the evening when they have live music or a DJ. 

3. Shega e Eger

Also located further up Gjuhadol street, Shega e Eger is a fun, quirky bar that is popular with tourists and locals alike. They use top quality ingredients for the cocktails, which really makes a difference.

If you’re not wanting something so strong, they also have Puka Beer, which is excellent and my favorite tap beer in Shkoder. It is a craft beer produced locally in the town of Puka about 2 hours away.

This is one of the few places that has a true “local” draft beer on tap. Most other places have Elbar, Korca, or Tirana beer on tap – which are all produced at big factories in Albania.

Recently, they have added paninis for a good price and traditional food platters too. This is where I host the weekly Shkoder meet-ups on Sunday evenings. Join the Shkoder FB group and RSVP if you plan to attend.

4. Bed Station Bar

Bed Station is a hostel and bar combination. The bar is in a small courtyard area with a stage for when they have DJs, which is usually on weekend nights.

They play house music, so not exactly a club vibe that you might expect but some people might actually dance at the fron near the DJ.

The entrance is right off the Kolë Idromeno street (pedonale). Make sure to check out the best hostels in Shkoder too.

5. Back Room Shkoder

Back Room is a little out of the way but can be fun when they have a DJ. Again it will be house music but there is definitely more dancing usually.

This place has a more alternative vibe compared with the cafes on the pedonale where people sit and star at those walking by.

6. MAD Summer Club

Located outside of the city, on the road to Shiroka, Mad Summer Club is really the only true “club”, at least that I know of.

Most people don’t dance much at clubs, so it might be what you expect when you go. If there are other foreigners, they will be more likely to dance. 

Cafes In Shkoder – FAQs

Here are a few frequently asked questions regarding cafes in Shkoder and nightlife in Shkoder.

Where to go in Shkoder for the best views?

If you want to have a drink with a view, you need to check out these places in Shkoder!

Hotel Chicago Bar and Hotel Colosseo Bar are both close to each other on the Pedonale. On a clear day, you get city and mountain views.

Meridian is a few minutes walking away, slightly off the tourist path – it has a better, 180-degree view of Shkoder and the mountains, probably because it’s higher than the others.

There are plenty of cafes near Shkodra Lake, my favorite just happens to be Arbri Restaurant for its amazing macchiato (the food is overpriced though I wouldn’t recommend it).

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!

Are there any places to go dancing in Shkoder?

As I mentioned before, Albania doesn’t have a big “dancing” scene at its clubs. Sometimes a few people dance at Bed Station Bar and Back Room when there’s a DJ.

You might also find some dancing at MAD Summer Club located out of the city on Lake Shkodra.

Is it safe to be out late in Shkoder?

For the most part, yes it’s safe to be out late. In the wintertime, there are fewer people out so it can feel a little bit sketchy but it should be ok.

If you are walking out of the city center to a place you’re staying, it might not be as safe depending on the area. If you can, get a guy to walk you home.

Is Shkoder Safe? Here's what you need to know!

Cafes In Shkoder – Final Thoughts

I hope this guide to the best cafes in Shkoder has helped you plan your trip to Albania’s “Ancient City”. There are so many amazing places to go for drinks and brunch, hopefully, you can fit a lot of them in! 

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• How to spend 10 days in Albania

The post Best Cafes In Shkoder Albania – Where To Go For Drinks & Nightlife In Shkoder first appeared on Northern Albania.

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.

Looking for something interesting in Shkoder city center? Check out this epic traditional food tour in Shkoder!

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

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 Geni Peshk 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!

The post 7 Best Restaurants In Shkoder Albania – Top Tips For Where To Eat In Shkoder first appeared on Northern Albania.