Albania Food & Drink Guide: Traditional Dishes, Prices & Best Places to Eat

A Local’s Introduction

One of the first questions I hear from visitors, right after “How much are Saranda apartments for sale?” is: “What’s the food like in Albania—and how much does it cost?”

It makes sense. People don’t just come here for the beaches or the seaview apartments along the Albanian Riviera. They want to taste the country. And in Albania, food isn’t just fuel. It’s culture, it’s hospitality, it’s the reason a family will insist you stay for one more plate even when you’re already full.

I’ve been living and working in Saranda for years, and I can honestly say: the food is one of the main reasons people fall in love with this region. And the prices? Let’s just say you’ll quickly realize Albania is one of the best value destinations in all of Europe.

Traditional Albanian Dishes You Can’t Miss

Byrek. The king of Albanian street food. You’ll find it at every bakery in town, often served warm from the oven. Layers of flaky pastry, stuffed with spinach, cheese, or meat. It’s filling, simple, and usually just €1–2. My personal trick? Grab one in the morning before heading to a property viewing—it keeps you going until late afternoon.

Tavë Kosi. This dish is Albania’s comfort food. Baked lamb with rice and a yogurt-egg topping, creamy and tangy at the same time. You’ll see it on menus across the country, though Gjirokastër is famous for doing it best.

Fërgesë. A mix of peppers, tomatoes, and cheese, slow-cooked until it turns into something halfway between a stew and a dip. It’s perfect spread on bread. Sometimes it’s vegetarian, other times made with liver—both versions worth trying.

Seafood. Living on the coast, we’re spoiled. Grilled sea bass or dorado pulled from the Ionian that same morning, calamari stuffed with rice, or shrimp cooked simply with olive oil and garlic. A full seafood dinner by the water might cost you €15–20, wine included. That’s not a typo.

Bakllava. And of course, dessert. Every holiday table in Albania has bakllava—thin pastry layered with nuts and soaked in syrup. Sweet, sticky, addictive. Don’t even try to eat just one piece.

Drinks That Tell a Story

No meal is complete without a drink.

• Raki. Locals swear by it. Clear, strong, usually made from grapes. Someone will inevitably offer you a glass, whether you’re in a mountain guesthouse or a fisherman’s taverna by the sea. Take it slowly—it’s stronger than it looks.

• Wine. Albanian wine is still under the radar internationally, but local bottles from Berat or Lezhë pair beautifully with seafood and lamb. They’re light, fresh, and usually €8–10 for a bottle at a restaurant.

• Coffee. This one is almost sacred. A small espresso in a Saranda café costs just €1. And don’t be surprised if business meetings, even real estate ones, start with “let’s grab a coffee” before anything else. It’s how we connect.

Where to Eat: From Taverns to Street Corners

Tourists often rush to the big seafront restaurants—and yes, the view of the Ionian at sunset is worth it—but the real charm is sometimes hidden away.

• Local Taverns. A few streets back from the Saranda promenade, you’ll find family-run tavernas where the grandmother still stirs the pot. The portions are huge, the prices small, and the welcome warm.

• Seaside Restaurants. Perfect for seafood dinners, especially along Rruga Butrinti. Some spots even let you pick your fish before it’s grilled.

• Guesthouses. If you ever stay in a traditional guesthouse, dinner is usually included. Expect dishes you won’t find on any menu—recipes passed down for generations.

• Street Food. Don’t underestimate it. A quick souvlaki-style wrap or a hot byrek costs €1–3 and is sometimes all you need between meetings.

I still remember showing a young couple an apartment near the marina, and afterwards we ducked into a no-name bakery where they tried byrek for the first time. Their faces lit up more than when I showed them the balcony view. That’s the thing about Albania: the food experience is often as memorable as the property hunt.

What It Costs: A Quick Breakdown

• Street food (byrek, souvlaki, sandwiches): €1–3

• Mid-range restaurant meal: €5–10

• Full seafood dinner (with wine): €15–20

• Coffee: €1

• Glass of raki: often free if you’re chatting with the owner long enough

For travelers coming from Italy or France, it almost feels like cheating.

Insider Tips You’ll Be Glad You Knew

• Pay in lekë. Some places accept euros, but you’ll usually get a better deal in local currency.

• Portions are big. Order less than you think—you can always add more.

• Vegetarian options. More common in cities like Tirana or Saranda. In smaller villages, expect cheese, beans, and grilled veggies rather than full vegetarian menus.

• Tipping. Not obligatory, but appreciated. Leave 5–10% in cash if you enjoyed the service.

And here’s something only a local will tell you: near the road to Manastiri beach, there’s a tiny shack of a restaurant where fishermen serve grilled sardines straight from the morning catch. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but you’ll eat better there than in most upscale places.

A Small Tangent About Property and Food

Sometimes I think food and real estate have more in common than people realize. Both are about lifestyle. Both about what it feels like to live here, not just visit.

Last month I took a client to see a seaview apartment at Gold Residence. We stood on the balcony, looking out over the Ionian, and the first thing they said was: “Imagine dinner here with fresh fish from the market.” That’s when I knew the deal would happen. (If you’re curious, here’s the listing: Gold Residence Seaview Apartment – a rare beachfront property with private pool access and its own beach, one minute away.)

It’s the same in Ksamil. People come for the crystal-clear beaches, but what they remember is eating mussels at a simple seaside taverna. If you’re considering buying, our newly finished White Residence Ksamil is worth a look—brand new 2025 building, quiet neighborhood, just seven minutes’ walk from the water, and yes, it has a private pool for residents. That’s what I’d call quiet luxury.

And then there’s Borsh. Every time I drive there, I stop at a roadside grill for lamb skewers. Borsh beach stretches forever, but the food is what makes you want to stay. That’s also why our White Villas in Borsh are so special: three floors, private pool, sea views, surrounded by nature. Built by our own construction company with 15+ years of experience, 150+ skilled workers, and offered with 0% commission. If there’s one place that defines “quiet luxury” in the Albanian Riviera, it’s those villas.

Wrapping It All Up

So yes, tourists often ask: What is food like in Albania? Is it cheap?

Here’s the truth. It’s not just cheap. It’s fresh, seasonal, generous. It’s a grandmother insisting you take another slice of bakllava. It’s a fisherman telling you to try the sardines before they run out. It’s coffee at a café in Saranda, watching the ferries come in from Corfu, for just €1.

I truly believe Albania offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast—not just in real estate, but in the day-to-day joy of living here. Between affordable properties, seaview apartments, and some of the best food you’ll ever taste, the Albanian Riviera is more than a destination. It’s a lifestyle.

And if you ever come to see a property with me, don’t be surprised if I suggest we grab a byrek or sit down for grilled fish after. Because sometimes, the best way to understand life here isn’t in the paperwork—it’s on the plate.