I spent 2 weeks exploring and eating around Shkoder, moving between small cafes, cosy pastry shops, and even a memorable gelato store while searching for the best local food.
The flavours of northern Albania are bold and hearty, and yes I was once served beef goulash for breakfast.
Between plates of meat, grilled dishes, comforting casseroles, fresh salads, and plenty of vegetarian options, the city quickly became one of my favourite places to eat.
Anyone traveling in Albania knows that restaurants can be hit or miss, and many have a specific dish they do really well. After a lot of trial and error, I found a mix of true hidden gems, which pushed me to put together a full breakdown of what to eat and where to eat for anyone searching for the best restaurants in Shkoder Albania.
From cheap eats, sweet desserts to try, and flavour-packed fish places to a complete list of spots worth visiting, this guide brings together everything I discovered while tasting my way through Shkoder.
My Favourite Shkoder Restaurants Recommendation
Whenever I’m in Shkoder, I don’t waste time trying to skip around for new restaurants. I go straight to the same awesome places because they truly represent the best of Albania. These spots are the top three for anyone who wants to eat well without thinking too far ahead.
- Agroturizem Faqedol
- Vila Bekteshi
- Manifatura
7 Best Restaurants In Shkoder Albania
When I first came to Albania for a good while, I had no idea how much Shkoder would change the way I saw food in Albania. I assumed Albania wouldn’t offer anything beyond the Albanian Riviera and its great seafood, but I was wrong.
With soft touches from Greece, Italy, and those clear influences from Greece and influences from Italy, the city quickly showed me there’s a bigger story behind where to eat in Shkoder.
Even though Shkoder is not a big place, wandering around the centre and outside the main tourist area gave me a real feel for the restaurants and cafes here.
These spots are less expensive, often more popular with locals, and full of traditional, casual, and affordable choices. With a lot of options, finding good food across different places to eat in Shkoder becomes never a bad thing.
I did notice that eating out in Shkoder can cost more than you expect, sometimes on par with Tirana restaurants rather than Durres.
Maybe it’s the mix of tourism, curious hikers, and loyal locals, but the Shkoder cost always felt fair. Still, discovering those couple outside hidden gems made every step worth it.
So if you’re searching the 7 best restaurants or simply want to eat in Shkoder, you’ll find that Shkoder which is nice offers plenty.
The mix of great restaurants, restaurants in Shkoder, and the charm of Shkoder Albania makes every meal feel like a small reward—to be honest.
Arti Zanave
Hidden down a small alley off Gjuhadol, Arti Zanave is a special Shkoder restaurant that feels more like stepping into a grandma’s house than a typical dining spot.
This hidden gem, located near the pedestrian-friendly main street in the city center, is a place I always recommend you visit if you want to try excellent traditional Albanian cuisine.
It works as a ‘social enterprise’ that gives part of its proceeds to help victims of domestic violence in Albania, something the owner can clarify if you want more details.
The food is absolutely incredible, and though the menu has limited options, every dish feels personal. You can order a full plate with a variety of everything for about 1,000 lek.
It seems they have only a small staff a mother, daughter, and a helper who cut costs to contribute more revenue toward the social aspect. They serve a set day menu, and once the food runs out, it’s gone, so I’d suggest going earlier in the evening.
Even though the physical location doesn’t naturally draw crowds, it gets busy with foreigners because so many travelers have recommended and suggested it for a good reason.
The place feels warm and intimate, with limited seating that adds to the homely feeling and pure comfort. You can sit indoor or outdoor, and it’s even dog friendly outside.
Arti Zanave is open only during the summer tourism season, from early June to September, offering a lovely, atmospheric, cafe-style space that supports local women facing gender-based abuse.
They serve soups, salads, casseroles, vegetarian dishes, and simple home-style cooking that feels honest and heartfelt.
Vila Bekteshi
When I think about the best restaurants in Shkoder, Vila Bekteshi always comes to mind because it blends consistency, quality, and affordability in a way few places do.
It sits in a great location near the main pedestrian walkway, close to Kole Idromeno—locals call it the Pedonale—and that makes it easy to get, see, and enjoy without going far off the busy street.
Even if you walk in during summer, you might be surprised to find hardly anyone there, but you quickly know that most people don’t sit downstairs.
I always go straight upstairs, where the nicely decorated rooms make the space feel warm and welcoming. There’s even a massive stone fireplace, and off of this room, a small balcony gives you a better seating option when the weather is warm.
It’s mainly a local spot, so even if you see a tourist or two, the vibe stays relaxed. The Prices here are reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food, which is honestly one of the best in town.
When it comes to dishes, I’ve done enough ordering here to know what works. No matter how hot the day is, their egg-lemon soup—a popular soup across many Shkoder restaurants—is always delicious.
You might think it sounds weird, but this version is unmatched and never feels beaten by others. If I want something light, I go for a salad, either the Greek salad or the Rucola salad, and the mix of rocket and arugula salad gives the plate a fresh flavor.
For the main, I almost always choose the filet pule, a dish made with thinly sliced, perfectly seasoned chicken fillets that taste even better when you squeeze lemon on top.
As for side dishes, I switch between oven-baked cheese, regular white cheese, and a small plate of fries, and none of them ever feel wrong. I like how simple everything is, yet each bite shows how much care goes into the food.
I’ve visited Vila Bekteshi several times, and it never fails me. I always walk out thinking how reasonable considering the whole experience is—good portions, warm service, and a space that feels like one you’d return to without a second thought.
It may look quiet at first glance, but once you step up the stairs, you understand why locals keep it close to their hearts and why it deserves a place among the best.
Agroturizem Faqedol
If you’re In Albania and love exploring agro-tourism places that have been growing in popularity, then Agroturizem Faqedol is the one spot you shouldn’t miss.
Most travellers prefer to rent a car because it’s the best way to travel on any Albanian road trip, and Faqedol fits perfectly into that route.
The restaurant is located just outside Shkoder, sitting on a quiet hill that feels like a peaceful escape the moment you step out of your taxi or drive up to it.
What impressed me first was how easy it is to reach, and then the views—a full sweep of Rozafa Castle, the calm stretch of the Buna River, the winding Drin Rivers, and the surrounding countryside.
There’s even an aesthetic pool and a photo platform that makes the whole place feel almost unreal. But the real heartbeat here is the food, and honestly, it’s incredible. If you’re ever wondering where to eat in Shkoder, Agroturizem Faqedol is the answer every local swears by.
They work with a set menu that changes based on the freshest food and in-season food, staying true to traditional Albanian cuisine. When the dishes arrive, you can expect flavours like fergese, byrek, and local cheese that’s perfectly fried and rolled in sesame seeds with honey melting on top.
You can choose your meat, but the veal honestly stood out for me. Every bite feels like the kitchen poured everything into it—no surprise it’s a straight 10/10.
What I loved most is the quiet pride you feel in their service, the great attitude of the staff, and the price, which is very good considering the quality and the generous amount of food.
It’s no surprise the place is popular, so I always recommend sending a DM on Instagram for a reservation before you go.
Aroma Restaurant
When I first walked into Aroma in Shkoder, the calm vibe immediately set the right mood. It’s an upscale restaurant with modern touches, placed right in the city center, which already makes it a great place to start or end your day.
I had gone in hoping for something comforting, and their homemade pasta became an instant favorite—honestly one of the best I’ve had so far in the city.
Even the service felt warm and steady, the kind that adds to the experience without trying too hard.
Another thing I always appreciate is how easily you can pay by card, something I often wish more local spots offered.
The atmosphere carries a gentle elegance, giving it that classy feeling that makes it perfect for a relaxed date without feeling overly formal.
Aroma blends comfort and refinement so naturally that it becomes a place you remember long after you leave.
Fisi Restaurant
When people talk about the best restaurants in Shkoder, I often hear Fisi Restaurant come up, especially because it’s located so close to the Shkoder city center.
It sits just a few minutes from the pedonale, which makes it a very central and easy place to eat if you want something close by without wandering too far.
I first went there because many locals recommended it and said I should try it, even though I’m usually a bit skeptical about any spot on the main strip that seems too highly rated.
What stood out immediately was the comfort of choosing freely from the menu, since it’s not a set menu. That gave me some flexibility with ordering, and I loved being able to switch between classic dishes like Tave Kosi, Tave Dhue, Japrak, and stuffed peppers.
If you enjoy traditional Albanian food, this place has plenty, including traditional Albanian foods and some great grilled meats that make you appreciate simple Albanian flavors. It reminded me how much good food shapes the feeling of a city.
But to be honest, some things didn’t live up to the hype. The portions felt a bit small size for the price, and while the food was good overall, I personally thought Puri was better on that particular day.
Still, among Shkoder restaurants, this one offers enough personality and local charm to make it worth a visit if you’re exploring the area.
Manifatura
When I first wandered down the pedonale walkway in Shkoder, I didn’t expect to find a place that felt this special, but Manifatura instantly stood out.
The new bar and restaurant is housed inside the walls of a nationally protected, 100-year-old textile shop that was recently renovated, and the whole establishment carries a quiet charm that reminds you why people often search for the Best Cities to Live in Albania.
There’s a whole story behind it too—born from the appreciation three childhood friends had for the city’s history, they decided to restore the space and create something meaningful for both locals and visitors.
What makes Manifatura even more inviting is how it celebrates the literary and cultural heritage of the city while serving a specialty menu centered around pizza and beer.
I’ve explored so many pizza places across Shkoder City, but there’s something about this spot that makes it my absolute favorite, especially when I’m craving a bit of comfort food.
If you’re open to pork/meat, the ham feast pizza is surprisingly good and pairs well with the relaxed vibe of the place.
Whenever someone asks where to eat in Shkoder, Manifatura naturally comes up because you can actually see the care they put into the renovations and the thought behind every detail on their menu.
If you want a quick look before visiting, you can even check the Manifature website, which gives a small taste of what this unique space offers.
Restaurant Puri
When people talk about food and even the best hostels in Shkoder Albania , someone always ends up mentioning Puri, a restaurant that feels like a true Shkoder classic.
I first stopped by for a quick, affordable lunch, thinking it was just another local-oriented spot, but the energy surprised me.
The place was recently renovated, with a nice interior that still keeps the old-city warmth alive. They specialize in pilaf—simple cooked rice topped with slow-cooked beef—and somehow make it taste better than you expect.
There’s plenty of other stuff too, including a creamy broccoli soup you don’t usually see on menus in Albania.
It wasn’t even on my original list, but it came highly recommended by my friend’s Airbnb host, so I decided to check it out. And honestly? They were right. Every morning, the locals are double parked waiting for take out, and there’s almost always a line up at the door.
One friend and I ended up sharing a table with a stranger who told us he once drove 20 km just to eat here because the food tastes that good.
What makes the experience even better is how excellent the dishes turn out every single time. It feels like true home style Albanian cooking, the kind where there are lots of hearty options without being fussy.
They bring out meat, rich hearty casseroles, crisp salads, and even a few vegetarian dishes for travelers who want something lighter.
I’ve tried many places in town, but Puri has that special charm where you walk in as a visitor and leave feeling like part of the neighborhood crowd. If you’re exploring the city and want food that tastes both comforting and local, this is the place that quietly wins people over.
Best Restaurants in Shkoder for Fish
When you think about Shkoder, most people simply don’t automatically think of eating fish or seafood while traveling through northern Albania, but they really should.
The city sits between lakes and rivers that provide a lot of natural food for the whole region, and this is exactly why the fish scene here feels so alive. In Shkoder, the fish tastes different—fresh, clean, and full of quiet stories from the water.
I remember the moment one of the true local dishes changed my idea of Albanian cuisine. It is the famous Tave Krapi, which is a Carp casserole. I’ve also had fresh eel, prepared in a similar style, and it was genuinely good.
It was my first time trying eel, and I’m glad I got out of my comfort zone to taste it. These dishes stay with you not just because of flavor, but because they feel connected to the place.
If I had to share one main tip I’d give someone, it’s to always eat what the area offers naturally. When visiting the north, don’t order salmon; rather, ask what was freshly caught nearby and go from there. Shkoder is located right on the Lake, and that alone explains why some of the most tasty things to do here involve fish.
If you visit Shiroka, a small village directly on the lakeside, you’ll find many great restaurants that truly understand fish. You can try dishes that are all about focusing on local tradition, places like Geni Peshk or, further down the road near Zogaj, the well-loved Pelikani Kaçurrel. The cooking feels honest, the views calming, and every bite reminds you why the north holds its own charm.
3 Places To Eat in Shkoder Without Overspending
If you’re wondering where to eat in Shkoder on a budget, you’ll be happy to know there are still some awesome places and foods to enjoy even while watching your spending.
Shkoder has small local eateries that keep prices low but flavors strong, and they’re perfect when you want a good meal without worrying about your wallet.
Walk around the old streets, follow the smell of fresh cooking, and you’ll find friendly spots serving simple, traditional dishes that feel both comforting and affordable.
It’s the kind of city where eating well doesn’t mean spending much—just try what locals love, and you’ll see why budget dining here is surprisingly satisfying.
Te Mullini – Byrek & Bakery
If you’re exploring Shkoder in the morning and need a quick bite, stopping for a warm breakfast at Te Mullini is honestly a lifesaver.
Their byrek is that classic savory pastry Albania does best, made with different fillings depending on the region of Albania or even the wider Balkan traditions where people also call it burek or borek.
I always recommend getting one stuffed with local cheese, spinach, or ground meat, because each one hits differently.
They’re small, and two will usually fill you up, especially if you’re on the go. My favorite thing is how popular the place is—sometimes it’s all gone by 11 or 12, which honestly just proves how good it is.
Inside, the ladies behind the counter speak Albanian and sometimes Italian, so just say what you want in either language and you’re good.
The options like cheese, djathe, spinaq, and mish are always fresh, and you can taste that it’s a real bakery making delicious whole wheat bread too, in case you’re not wanting only byrek.
It’s one of those simple places where things are done the old-school way, and that’s exactly why people keep coming back.
Sol Bakery Caffè
Walking through the center, I always think about the Best Cafes In Shkoder Albania, and one spot that never disappoints is Sol Cafe. It’s a cute little place along the pedonale, the kind you naturally stop at without even planning to.
Some days I sit there with a simple coffee, other days I go for their fresh juice because it feels like the right pick-me-up before exploring more of Shkoder.
They also serve sandwiches, ice cream, and cakes, which makes it easy to grab something quick or slow down with something sweet.
If you’re craving something light, their fresh lunch options always hit the spot. I’ve tried their light lunch plates, but honestly, the paninis are my real favorite — warm, simple, and reliably affordable.
It feels like the kind of café where you can sit back, watch locals stroll by, and enjoy a quiet moment without rushing.
Murati
If you ask me where to go when you’re really hungry in Shkoder, I’ll point you toward Fast Food Murati, even though it’s located a good ways out of town. I normally don’t chase fast food spots, but this place changed my mind the first time I tried their souvlaki and gyro.
The portions come delivered hot, and honestly, it might be the best quick bite I’ve had in Shkoder. When I’m in the mood for something filling, I order a double, and it only costs 600 lek, which feels like a small win when you want something tasty without overthinking it.
Another thing I really like about Murati is how flexible they are. If you don’t want mayo, you can ask them to replace it with Tzatziki—and when they have it, it gives the food that fresh kick you need, especially if you’re saving a bit for leftovers later.
It’s simple, no-nonsense comfort food, but done with the kind of care you don’t expect from a spot this far out.
Best Dessert Spots in Shkodër
Shkodër is one of those places in Albania where you can stop anywhere and get something sweet that feels like a small reward after exploring the city.
I’ve walked around just to try a new dessert, and honestly, the cafés here make some really good treats that remind you how simple sweet things can taste amazing.
If someone asks me where to go, I always recommend the smaller corners of the city. They’re full of great places serving everything from classic ice cream to homemade pastries, and each one feels like a cozy surprise.
Baklava & Trileches
When you explore the Best Restaurants in Shkoder Albania, you’ll notice how deeply locals care about their desserts.
Many cafés proudly serve baklava, that iconic filo pastry dessert stuffed with nuts and soaked in sweet syrup and honey.
Even though some argue it isn’t traditionally Albanian, it was originally brought to Albania during the Ottoman invasion and long occupancy.
After hundreds of years have passed, most people simply recognize it as a traditional treat that still holds an important place in local food culture.
But the dessert story in Shkoder doesn’t stop there. You’ll also find the beloved tri leches, a dessert many familiar with Central American cultures will instantly recognize because of its similarity to tres leches.
It’s similar in texture but the Albanian version often comes with a caramel-like topping instead of fruit and cream. Some locals even say it was adopted from people who grew up watching telenovelas from Central America, which makes the story behind it just as fascinating as the taste.
If you want to try these desserts, you’ll find them in many places across Shkoder. My favorite place sits a little out of the way, about 10 mins walking from the Kole Indromeno pedonale area.
The walk itself feels like a small adventure, and once you reach the café, the flavors make the journey more than worth it.
La Mola
Walking through the Old Town of Shkoder, I always find myself drifting toward this Excellent little pastry shop tucked in a large, warm indoor seating area.
It sits right across the street from the gorgeous St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which honestly makes it one of the best things to see before you even sit down to eat something sweet.
What I love about La Mola is how it blends traditional Albanian flavors with fancy modern twists, and you feel that charm the moment you walk in.
Inside La Mola Cafe, the shelves are stacked with pastries, cookies, macarons, macaroons, and desserts that look almost too pretty to touch. When it opened as a newly launched spot, it was so beautifully decorated that everyone I knew rushed to try it.
I still remember tasting portokalopita, that Greek orange cake, and the Albanian version of trifle called zup—both felt like a sweet little surprise in the middle of Albania. And honestly, having so many options in one place feels almost unfair because you will want everything.
Every time I go, I try something different—sometimes trilece, sometimes baklava, sometimes chocolates, or those soft cakes that smell like home.
The good thing is, no matter what you choose, it always tastes amazing. I’ve spent lots of afternoons here, just enjoying the mix of flavors, feeling the pace of local life, and appreciating how such a simple place can make you fall in love with Shkoder one bite at a time.
Restaurants in Shkoder – Vegetarian Options
Finding vegetarian options in Shkoder can feel a little tricky at first, especially when you know that Albanian cuisine is heavy on meat and animal products.
Albania was closed for decades under communism, and you can still see the country working hard to catch up, adapt, and welcome the growing tourism surge.
But once you look a little closer, you’ll see that some restaurants actually do make an effort to accommodate different diets, including vegan and vegetarian travelers who just want to eat comfortably without running into menu problems.
When I first tried vegetarian dining here, I noticed how a few great restaurants stand out for offering specially marked menus and helpful waiters who understand vegetarian requests.
Places like Fisi Restaurant, Stolia Coffeehouse, Restaurant Puri, Arti Zanave, and Pasta Vino have become reliable places for travellers who want something lighter or plant-friendly.
Stolia Coffeehouse is especially handy when you want light lunch, brunch, or simple type foods that feel familiar after days of exploring.
Even though Albania’s food culture is built around hearty dishes, these spots show how quickly local businesses are adjusting to the needs of modern travellers.
Each of these restaurants has its own style, but all of them make space for someone who prefers a vegetarian-friendly plate without feeling left out. It’s a small but meaningful sign that dining in Shkoder is becoming more welcoming, one menu at a time.
FAQs
Can you order food online from restaurants in Shkoder?
You can order food online from many restaurants in Shkoder and Shkodër. Most people download the Njiklik app, the only main mobile option with a good variety of places available.
Just a quick warn—delivery guys often call when they arrive, and many don’t know English, so put an Albanian phone number. You can also text places on Whatsapp or IG to arrange orders.
Apps like Wolt, ToGo, and Baboon also serve the area, depending on your location. These services and platforms offer local stores, shops, and groceries, delivering directly to your doorstep.
Just open one website, enter your address, browse the menus, and place your order—many restaurants keep their Instagram page highlighted to make it easy to use.
Where to Find Traditional Food in Shkodra?
You can enjoy real traditional food in the Shkoder city center at places like Arti Zanave and Fisi Restaurant, both known as the best restaurants for authentic Albanian food such as fasule soup, fasule, bean soup, and grilled meats. They represent classic Northern Albanian cuisine and are always a popular spot.
For a cultural touch, Restaurant Tradita offers a full traditional dining experience with its historic setting, historic decor, and a visible kitchen where you can watch food being prepared, sometimes with live music to match the mood.
If you go toward the outskirts of town, Agroturizem Faqedol is widely praised for the best traditional food in Shkoder, while Vila Bekteshi serves quality food in a charming yard and a relaxing atmosphere.
You can also visit Taverna Shkodrane, Idromeno Restaurant, or Taverna Ulqini, a classic Shkodran traditional eatery offering traditional dishes, local cuisine, and affordable meals.
What Are the Best Restaurants in Shkoder?
If you’re exploring the city, start with Fisi Restaurant for real traditional food or try Taverna Shkodrane for fresh seafood and rich Mediterranean cuisine with a high rating.
For something modern, Aroma Restaurant offers quality food and excellent service, while Pizzeria Il Mulino 2 is a central pizzeria known for its charming park view and wood fire pizza oven.
You can also enjoy Arti Zanave, where fusion, Albanian, and Mediterranean flavors create a cozy setting, or visit Idromeno Restaurant, a well-regarded choice.
Other top spots include Bar Restaurant Elita Shkoder, a very popular restaurant, and Pasta te Zenga, a highly-rated spot for pasta dishes. Pizza lovers have Restaurant Pizzeria Italia for another great pizza option.
For authentic meals, TRADITA GEGE TOSKE serves classic traditional dishes, while Vila Bekteshi offers both traditional cuisine and Italian cuisine in one place.
Final Reflections
I spent days eating around Shkoder, and I genuinely hope this guide has helped you learn more about the traditional food in the city.
There are so many wonderful places to eat, whether you’re looking for something fast, affordable, or a bit more traditional and slow.
Some spots turned out to be truly amazing restaurants, and every time I’d check out a new corner, I’d end up happy eating another local dish.
Shkoder’s Food is definitely more hearty than in southern Albania near the Riviera, with lots of grilled meats, baked meat casseroles, and flavours tied to the region.
While trying to figure where to go next, I found a few favourites, even if some restaurant meals felt expensive compared to what I expected.
But considering the city is small, not a major tourist destination, the food is consistently good and worth the experience.
