מסעדות בג'ירוקסטרה - 10 המקומות הטובים ביותר לאוכל מסורתי

ג'ירוקסטרה › מסעדות בג'ירוקסטרה - 10 המקומות הטובים ביותר לאוכל מסורתי

With a great selection of traditional restaurants, most of which can be found around the Old Bazaar, there’s plenty of food In Gjiorkaster to try. For example, there’s Gjirokaster’s delicious interpretation of moussaka, or the city’s special called qifqi – a baked rice ball with egg, mint, and pepper.

תוֹכֶן הָעִניָנִים

Gjirokaster, known as the ‘Stone City’, charms visitors with its cobblestone streets, historic Ottoman-era architecture and breathtaking views of the Drino Valley. But let’s get to the real question: where to eat in Gjirokaster? From tasty traditional feasts to modern culinary delights, here is my top 10 list :

Tradicional Restaurant Odaja

If comfort food had a home, this would be it. From flaky byrek to baked veal, Odaja’s menu is like a love letter to your tummy. Bonus: the warm, welcoming atmosphere might tempt you to stay for hours.

Odaja serves Traditional Albanian food, offering vegan dishes such as vegetable-stuffed eggplant or stuffed peppers. It also has a selection of vegetarian dishes that can possibly be made vegan.

• Open: Mon-Sun 10:00 am-11:00 pm.

Taverna Tradicionale Kardhashi

Looking for a meal that feels like a warm embrace from a Gjirokastria grandmother? This cosy eatery serves authentic Albanian dishes like qifqi (those delicious rice balls) and lamb so tender it practically falls off the bone. Fair warning: your taste buds may never recover from the bliss.

Te Kubé

A beautiful café and bookshop located just underneath the Bazaar Mosque. Calming atmosphere and nice staff. The bookshop carries books on Albania in English as well as lots of Kadare novels in English, German, Italian, and French.

This modern café proves that you can never have enough of good things. With a small Mediterranean inspired menu, you’ll be torn between vegetarian options and homemade desserts – so order everything and call it research.

The Barrels (Te Fucite)

Who needs regular chairs when you can dine surrounded by wine barrels next to a vineyard? This quirky eatery serves delicious traditional and modern dishes, but the real draw is the wine Marcel and his wife are producing. The Barrels also offer tranquil rooms to stay if you prefer to relax outside the city that can be reached in just 10 minutes by car from here.

Restorant Tradicional Urat

Near the famous Ottoman bridges, this place specialises in slow-cooked lamb and stuffed peppers that will make you forget about your diet.

Urat is a popular European and Albanian restaurant. Its location makes it a perfect stop after exploring the bazaar. Guests have praised the exceptional dining experience, with the owner’s grandson providing cheerful and attentive service.

Kujtimi Restaurant

Tave Kosi (lamb baked in yoghurt) at Kujtim Restaurant is so good, it might make you cry with happiness. Try also the mixed platter to dive into all of what Gjirokaster has to offer in terms of local food variety at once. The terrace invites you to dine while watching life on the pedestrian alley in front.

Restaurant Gjoca

Gjoca doesn’t look fancy or flashy, and we weren’t sure whether to stop here, as there was nobody yet seated for dinner. However, we took a chance based on recommendation and absolutely couldn’t have been happier. A family run place with lovely, attentive hosts. We ordered the Djath (local sheep cheese), Imam bajaldi (eggplant), Pasha Qofte (local dish of meatballs in rice soup) and Qifqi (local rice balls). We also had the Oshaf and Baklava for dessert to top it off. Everything was very tasty.

Taverna Kuka

A fantastic restaurant with great views. Service here is fast and the food delicious.

Taverna Kuka is a great spot for a simple and satisfying meal. The food is fresh, flavorful, and prepared with care. The setting is cozy and unpretentious, making it perfect for a relaxed dining experience.

I recommend the Traditional Mix, which allows you to taste a bit of everything. At the end of the meal, complimentary watermelon with round up your experience.

Vojsava Restaurant

A cute and small family run restaurant on the upper end of the bazaar area with few people passing by. Perfect for the evening. From the tables outside, you can sip a glass of red wine and enjoy food from a great selection while watching the world go by.

Restaurant Sedat Ismailati

Situated in front of the Shanisha Castle, built by Ali Pashe Tepelena, Restaurant “Sedat Ismailati” in Libohova outside Gjirokaster, offers excellent quality traditional cooking in this area of town.

A great selection of traditional dishes like a pie, roast lamb, shapkat (a mixture of sorrels and cornour) sarma or japrak (stuffed grape leaves with rice and mint).

---

Gjirokaster’s culinary scene is the ultimate treasure hunt – but without a map. Whether you’re here for the traditional flavours or modern bites, these 10 recommendations will keep your belly happy and your Instagram feed even happier. Cheers to your culinary journey through Gjirokaster!