The Best Restaurants in Vlore, Albania
If you’re on the hunt for the best food and the best views this world has to offer (I know I am)… Let me tell you, Vlore embodies exactly that. In fact, after three weeks and four cities in Albania, Vlore turned out to be my favorite for just this reason!
While the views certainly deserve their moment, today we are focusing on the unforgettable food you can expect to enjoy while traveling through Vlore. The best part? Dining at the highest-rated spot in town costs about the same as grabbing some fast food down the road.
This list was created following a combination of excessive google searching and wandering the streets of Vlore; I am warning you now, google maps’ restaurants are NOT up to date and that is exactly the kind of quirky quality I grew to love about Albania.
Before we get into the list, be sure to check out my list of 10 Must-Try Foods In Albania so you know exactly what’s on your foodie bucket list!
All that being said, here are a few restaurants you MUST try while visiting Vlore, along with what you should order:
This restaurant is listed as number one for a reason; Every last detail of my meal was truly delicious, and the service was magnificent. After spending a few days in Vlore, I didn’t think it was possible for the service and hospitality to get any better, but then I went to Paradise Beach.
My Order:
Course 1: Bruschetta Triad – Salmon Mousse, Stracciatella Di Burrata, Guacamole
For starters, it had been far too long since this Texas girl had some guacamole, and WOW did they do it right: Spicy, creamy, and fresh. The burrata was burrata… never fails. And WHY have I never had Salmon Mousse before?? This appetizer was light, flavorful, and fun.
Course 2: Culurgiones – Pasta stuffed with smoked beef & served in Pecorino Sauce
The ideal balance of ingredients; Each bite melted it’s way through my taste buds and required an out loud “Mmm,” even at a table of one.
I would have been back here for dinner again if it hadn’t been my last night in Vlore.
Please try the rest of the menu for me?
You want to check off every traditional Albanian dish on the Albanian Foodie Bucket List? This is where you want to go. This dinner was more than a bite to eat before heading to bed – It was an adventure.
My favorite part of dining here was the tasting menu, meaning I had to make zero decisions, and was able to try every item on the menu. SCORE! All for 1800-2200 LEK.
The Fixed Menu will provide you a salad, 6 cold appetizers, 6 hot appetizers, and your choice of meat. I ordered lamb and it came to the table with an open fire and was absolutely delicious.
My mouth is watering a month later just thinking about it.
Having been to Pita Joni multiple times during the 7 days I spent in Vlore, I figured this place is essential to this list, even as a fast food restaurant. Whatever you decide to order here, expect a full belly when you leave. Pita Joni doesn’t play around with portions! And what’s better – The food is exceptional, regardless of the price.
Day One Order: Pjata 1 – Chicken, Pita, Xaxiq Sauce, French Fries, Green Salad, Tomato, Pepper, Onion, Cabbage, Carrot
I had so much fun making mini Pitas using this plate, combining different components to create a slightly different experience each bite. While it’s easy to find this type of food anywhere in Albania – Pita Joni was the BEST!
Day Two Order: Qofte + Pita Pule – Meat Rissole & Chicken Meat Pita
I will never forget my first bite of Qofte, as it was crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside – Above and beyond what I expected when I threw it on the side of my lunch order! This reminded me of what you’d get ordering sausage at a top notch Texas BBQ spot, but better…
You are going to see plenty of gelato options on the boardwalk and throughout the main town of Vlore, but this ice cream was SO much better! The ice cream here included more mix-ins, creamier textures, and was simply more flavorful than some of the big gelato shops! I would have come here every night had they been open later. Either way, Pasticeri Cucaj is a mid-afternoon MUST.
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In my seven days in Vlore, I had dinner out every night. The places mentioned above blew my expectations out of the water, but I will admit – Every meal was good, even the ones I chose not to mention.
Where did Vlore fall short? The pizza. I tried pizza at a couple places and enjoyed it, but nothing was spectacular. I found highly-rated spots on the map and could not seem to locate them in the city. However, Italian food is huge in Albania and especially Vlore, so I will definitely make this a priority when I return!
In addition to pizza, there were a few restaurants I simply did not make it to try. Below are a couple restaurants I found highly-rated online and would have liked to try while visiting:
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As someone who lives in a growing U.S. city, where my favorite take-out dinner has doubled in price over the last 5 years – I find an embarrassing amount of joy in a 3 course dinner that won’t double my weekly budget. Albania is the place for that and I loved every minute!
Stay tuned for what to eat in Sarande and Durres – Two more Albanian cities with restaurants that will leave you wishing you had more room in your belly!
For all things Albania, head over here!
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