Food guide

Best Restaurants in Vlore Albania

If you’re staying in Vlore and want a proper sit-down meal (not fast food), these 5 restaurants are a great starting point. Each one is known for a different highlight: fresh fish, beef, lamb, pork or chicken and home-style dishes.

Note: Ratings and price levels are based on recent Google / Tripadvisor / restaurant-guide reviews – they can change over time, but this gives you a very good idea of the overall level.

🐟 Fresh seafood 🥩 Beef & steak 🍖 Lamb & pork grill 🍗 Chicken & home-style dishes
Best for fish & seafood

1. Kaço Fish Restaurant (Nartë, near Vlore)

A family-run tavern in Nartë, a short drive from Vlore, famous for very fresh fish, generous portions and relaxed village atmosphere. Many recent visitors call it one of the best seafood places around Vlore.

⭐ Around 4.9 / 5 based on 300+ reviews 📍 Nartë village, a few minutes by car from Vlore 💰 Price level: mid-range, great value for quality seafood

Typical dishes: whole grilled fish priced by weight, calamari, octopus, prawns, seafood platters and simple fresh salads.

Best for: people who want very fresh seafood and a calm local setting outside the main tourist strip.

Best for beef & steak

2. Tre Forchette Restaurant

One of the most refined Italian-style restaurants in the city, known for excellent meat dishes (fillet steak, tagliata), fresh pasta and a very good wine list, in an elegant, cosy interior.

⭐ Around 4.7 / 5 with 1,000+ reviews 📍 Central Vlore – easy to reach from the main boulevard / Pavarësia area 💰 Price level: upper mid-range / “date-night” restaurant

Recommended: beef fillet or tagliata, seasonal starters, fresh pasta and a bottle of Italian or local wine. Service is usually described as very attentive and professional.

Best for: a romantic dinner or special evening with high-quality beef and a more fine-dining experience.

Best for lamb & traditional food

3. Taverna Te Lilo

A well-known traditional Albanian tavern close to the sea front, popular for grilled lamb, baked dishes and simple, honest local food. Often mentioned in guides as a classic place for Vlore-style cuisine.

⭐ Roughly 4.2–4.3 / 5 with 1,000+ reviews 📍 Near the Lungomare area / Rruga Kosova 💰 Price level: moderate, “local prices” for generous plates

Try: lamb in the oven, lamb or mixed meat from the grill, fish soup, seafood casserole and baklava for dessert, plus a village salad and raki.

Best for: anyone who wants to taste classic Albanian comfort food – especially lamb and home-style dishes – in a busy, local atmosphere.

Best for pork & mixed grill

4. Taverna Canaj

A very popular grill tavern with locals, known for tasty pork ribs, lamb chops, beef and mixed meat platters. Reviews often highlight big portions, friendly service and prices that are surprisingly low for the quality.

⭐ About 4.6 / 5 with 150+ reviews 📍 Residential part of Vlore (not on the main seafront, more “local” area) 💰 Price level: budget to mid-range, very good value

Recommended: grilled lamb, BBQ pork, mixed grill, yellow grilled cheese, chips and salad. Many visitors describe it as a “must-visit” for meat lovers.

Best for: meat fans who want big plates of BBQ with a local crowd, simple decor and excellent value rather than luxury.

Best for chicken & home-style dishes

5. Novus Traditional Food Restaurant

A modern but warm restaurant focused on traditional Albanian and Mediterranean food, including several vegetarian and vegan options. Many guests say it’s a great place to discover Albanian cuisine in a relaxed setting.

⭐ Around 4.6 / 5 with 150+ reviews 📍 Slightly off the Lungomare, still easy to reach on foot or by taxi 💰 Price level: affordable – good amount of food for the price

Typical dishes: chicken from the oven or grill, beef in sauce, stuffed peppers, beans, okra and other home-style vegetable dishes. Reviews often mention that it’s great for mixed groups of meat-eaters and vegetarians.

Best for: families or couples who want “home cooking” style food – including chicken dishes and lighter options – not just BBQ.

Small note: All of these are proper restaurants (not fast-food spots) with table service and at least basic wine/beer options. For the very latest opening times and full menus, always check Google Maps or Tripadvisor before you go.