Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: restaurant (35) fish (28) seafood (23) chef (18) Tirana (18) good (17) menu (16) fresh (16) delicious (14) recommend (14)
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  • 5/5 Maciej D. 10 months ago on Google • 142 reviews
    I think this is the first time I wish there were 6 stars. This is the place where food is simply divine. We took almost everything from the menu. I have never had mussels so delicious! Fresh shrimps were also a novelty for me. We were lucky as the chef Enea took care of us. Extremely friendly person. He gave us a lesson of history of Tirana and explained everything from the menu. Thank you so much mate! I really appreciate it. Top notch quality food and very affordable price. If anybody asks me where to go in Tirana, I will recommend that place. Xoxoxo
    14 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Victoria I. 5 months ago on Google • 229 reviews
    Amazing! Octopus Papilliot I'd recommend mostly! But speaking openly it's just a perfection of food here, all I've tried for two lunches I had at this restaurant - is simply perfection. So fresh, beautiful and healthy! Plus the prices are so good too. Strongly recommend!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rasmus N. 7 months ago on Google • 161 reviews
    The passion : 15 days exploring Albania from north to south having had lovely delicious fish and seafood along the way but this restaurant was the best. Everything from the charming decor designed with sea and boats in mind, to the passion from cook and waiter. We had the fish of the day and we were perplexed of how to eat it. The chef came and taught us and the meal became all the better for it. The seabass crudo with slices of mango and chili was awesome Also their house salad is by far the best we've had. The fried shrimp did the top. Another detail is that we ate of a table with an actual tablecloth of fabric and not the paper we have had everywhere else. Thank you for the best dinner
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michał D. 9 months ago on Google
    It might be a longer review but I strongly recommend you to read it! I was encouraged to visit Varkat by flattering reviews but they come nowhere near to what the reality is. Because in reality this place deserves 6 stars and should get a special voting button on Google! Enea (owner and head chef) invited me in and patiently explained the menu. I entrusted him with choosing my lunch and I could not have done better. That was the first of my 3 visits at Varkat, each next one only confirmed my first impression - that place hidden among blocks of flats is actually a gem hidden on the culinary map of Europe! The seafood linguine are absolutely exquisite, the pasta perfectly al dente, the seafood cooked to perfection with only a gentle touch of seasoning to emphasize the flavor. My friend who ate there with me noted that I was making love to my food because I was quietly enjoying every single bite of it. I could go on about all the dishes we tried there during the 3 visits but I will let you discover it on your own if you happen to be there. Let me just tell you that every single dish served was treated with respect, in-depth knowledge of the theme and a lot of passion. Regardless, if it was fish, seafood, pasta, appetizers, mains, desserts. Ok, just about the dessert: the panna cotta is so delicate and twerky that when you put spoon on top, it's almost only gravity that cuts through it. There's also nice wine selection, local beers, etc. Varkat is not just food, it is experience! I will remember it for months and months! And if I am ever around Tirana again, that is the place I am eating at!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Na S. 1 year ago on Google
    It was good that the chef came first and explained to us. I was grateful that the chef also considered about the volume. The assortment of raw fish and shellfish as an appetizer was especially wonderful. Combination of citrus aroma, vinegar acidity and apple sweetness was perfect. Shrimp are sweet and exquisite! I loved it so much. I felt that the salad was a little sour. I don't mention about services. Because I haven't spoken even a single word. There were no guest on this day which is the whole city in the football mood. The price was reasonable. You can smoke semi outside area.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lifan Z. 1 year ago on Google
    I would strongly recommend the raw seafood in this restaurant! A special seafood restaurant in the Albania. The raw sea bass is impressive. Also the owner is a very kind and warm-hearted person. The best restaurant we have been in the Tirana! His cat is cute as well (A little cheeky thing 😂
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rob 10 months ago on Google
    This food at this place should only be experienced! Cooked with love! Located a little off the city center core and in small streets, but well worth finding! The menu is in albanian, but no problem...the chef comes out and in very good english he goes through the menu and all the dishes! As a seafood lover, it's very hard to choose, so we brought in most of the best! The prices are very good in relation to the quality! A five-point scale is not enough, I want to give ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars! If you're craving seafood in Tirana, this is a sure winner! Should be mentioned that it is cash payment only. Go there, eat.......and enjoy!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Анна �. 9 months ago on Google
    Service and atmosphere was good. Sea food was over-fried. The Greek salad was nice. They tried to do the best. And I have ordered a dish which there was not in menu. I hope that the next time the food will be more delicious.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marissa C. 4 years ago on Google
    It’s a little outside the heart of the city but totally worth the walk! We went to this place because of its preexisting positive google reviews! It surely didn’t disappoint! We arrived just after 20:00 on a Saturday evening and we were the only customers there. The server didn’t speak English so the chef came out to ask what we’d like and offer suggestions. My partner chose a sea food salad and he said it’s the best he’s ever tasted! Everything was fresh and delicious!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 professorneo 1 year ago on Google
    Everything was truly amazing here. The food quality was top notch, fresh and wonderful presentation. The staff are very kind and they translated the entire menu to us verbally and helped us choose our order and even explained their cooking techniques. Last but least, the price is really great.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aaron L. 7 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    This place was so amazing we went there 3 nights in a row. The passion the head chef and owner has for food is reflected in each of his dishes. A wonderful dining experience at an amazing price point. If you want to experience amazing seafood while in Albania look no further than here 🤌
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarah B. 6 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    We were looking for a fish restaurant and we were blown away by the very friendly service personnel, the high quality, tasty and special food. The owner and the chef engaged into longer conversations with us, giving us a lot of recommendations for the rest of our trip through Albania. They even treated us to quite some raki and free deserts. Advise: Ask for their pistachio cheesecake. Best thing we ever ate!! We highly recommend paying them a visit.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Genci H. 6 years ago on Google
    Wonderful place and atmosphere. Very delicious fish and sea food accompanied with pasta. Definitely would recommend if want to spend a quiet and unforgettable evening
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julie P. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice little restaurant with delicious fish. We had the calamaris and octopus and I think it was one of the best I've had in years. Great service.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Taras B. 2 years ago on Google
    A hidden gem in Tirana. Super fresh fish and seafood, interesting presentation, affordable prices, really friendly stuff. Definitely in my top 5 places list
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elvira L. 2 years ago on Google
    As a tourist, its difficult to find good and tasty food. Luckily, thanks to google, found one of the best so far i had here in Tirana. If your a seafood lover, definitely must a try! The restaurant is difficult to look for but just follow google map. Thanks to Mr Hesan ( sorry man, i cant remember your name, its just I’m not good with names) he treated me well, make sure i am satisfied with my food and help me with my selections! Your awesome! Looking forward to dine again. Cheers!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tita D. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing experience! There is no menu book, instead the chef came to us and explained the day's menu. It changes often depending on the catch of the day, explains why everything is extremely fresh and tasty. Love the service, everyone was so friendly and attentive, the chef came out and checked on us a couple of times. Definitely deserve 5 stars or more.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kateřina V. 4 months ago on Google • 23 reviews
    We had the most amazing time in this restaurant - for me it was the best dining experience during our stay in Tirana. Perfect food, lovely staff. Recommend 100 %
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anastasia G. 3 months ago on Google • 47 reviews New
    Tasty food, polite personnel, warm atmosphere! I haven't eaten such delicious pasta (cooked properly as it should be in an Italian style) for ages ! It was an immense pleasure! Thank you!

  • 5/5 Arlinda Z. 5 months ago on Google • 10 reviews
    If you are looking for some good wine and delicious, fresh seafood plates than, this for sure is worth it for the trip. Immerse yourself in the rich flavors of tradition served on each plate, where every bite is a savory journey through culinary excellence. The atmosphere, a perfect blend of coziness and maritime charm, complements the impeccable service, making it a dining experience that sails beyond expectations. Dive into a feast of delectable delights, where passion for seafood meets a commitment to unparalleled hospitality. And great thing as well we’re the prices, very affordable. The best part was also a surprising lemon sorbets accompanied with shot of rakia the most strong Albanian alcohol. Definitely I highly recommended to give it a try if you are visiting in Tirana, you won’t regret it….
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Belma U. 2 months ago on Google • 40 reviews New
    💯💯💯💯💯 excellent flavors. I've never had fish with this flavor before. The salads are also amazing. The employees are very attentive and friendly. Everywhere is spotless. you should definitely go 🌷

  • 5/5 prashanth b. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing food and great fish .. one of our best experience. must try in Tirana!!! We went to this place many times 😋😋
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicoleta G. 8 months ago on Google
    If Tirana will hold a special place in my heart is only because of this place. It's off the main streets, but service is impeccable, food is excellent. We absolutely loved it!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emma K. 10 months ago on Google
    We had a wonderful meal here, great care taken and attention to detail from start to finish. The head chef kindly explained the whole menu to us, including his recommendations for how each type of fish or seafood should be served. We enjoyed a salad with fried prawns, marinated anchovies and a mixed seafood (prawns, octopus and squid) platter, served on a bed of rice. Everything was fresh, perfectly soft and delicately seasoned, allowing the flavour to shine. The restaurant was quiet on the night we went but we felt well looked by our waiter after without being rushed. A perfect mix of a special meal but with a relaxed and friendly attitude, and truly excellent value for money. We will definitely return next time we are in Tirana.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mimoza X. 2 years ago on Google
    I recommend the restaurant, the best in town. The services were 5 star. We didn't even need to pick, the food was recommended ,fresh and cooked well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M. A. 4 years ago on Google
    Great food. Great service.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christian S. 1 year ago on Google
    This is got to be the best fish restaurant in town. Top service, good wine and perfectly well prepared food. The mussels are the best I ever had, and I have had a lot. Thank you, the small fish fermented to perfction and the grilled prawns full of meat and great in taste.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 4 U. 2 years ago on Google
    Very delicious dishes with fare price & nice service
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michele S. 6 months ago on Google
    Best fish restaurant in Tirana. Honestly. Excellent place with original design, amazing fresh food (just ask for the catch of the day). Incredibly low prices for the quality. This is a must to go restaurant if you want a memorable experience in Tirana.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Keep W. 2 years ago on Google
    I've visited this restaurant almost two years ago, it wasn't easy to find but I had an amazing experience there! Family run place, extremely polite and friendly people, great service. Seafood was fresh and perfectly cooked. I will definitely come back to place next time I will be in Tirana.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sorin 2 months ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    Try the shrimp tagliatele. It was absolutely delicious. Too bad we didn't take any photos! We also enjoyed the shrimp soup, oktopod papillot & sea food platter mix

  • 5/5 leochan0608 1 year ago on Google
    This fish restaurant not in commercial area or even behind main Street, but not difficult to nevigate there. The menu is in Albanian, but cook chef explained and made some recommendations which was a good choice and I did enjoy the fish selection, particularly the shrimp he made it very tastful, and strong recommend this restaurant.

  • 5/5 Greg H. 5 years ago on Google
    We had a great meal here! Delicious grilled fish, a well composed salad, and really outstanding seafood linguine. Very reasonably priced, definitely great value for your money! We plan to return soon

  • 5/5 Adam P. 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful experience all around. I had the seafood pasta which was excellent. Our artichoke salad was fresh and very zesty. Kevin and Enea were very kind and courteous and presented the daily specials to us in perfect English!

  • 5/5 Karol K. 6 months ago on Google
    What an experience. The best seafood in Tirana. Also waiter(not sure if he's the owner) was so professional and friendly. I wish I could go back there 😍

  • 5/5 zick z. 9 months ago on Google
    You feel the love the people of this restaurant have for food and hospitality. They have a subtle, no non-sense and high quality approach. Sublime experience. The chef personally created and consulted us on the best shared dining experience. The food was ultra fresh and prepared in a simple but super tasty manner. There is a lot of knowledge and assortment of wines in the restaurant, the choices they presented us were spot on. If you appreciate life, go here!

  • 5/5 GRZEGORZ T. 2 years ago on Google
    We strongly recommend the Varkat Restaurant in Tirana, Albania. First of all the manager Mr. Enea and his team represent a very high standard of hospitality and professional service. The restaurant's speciality is seafood. Everything is very tasty. Congratulations Mr.Enea. Krystyna and Grzegorz from Poland

  • 5/5 Gledis B. 4 years ago on Google
    The best fish restaurant in town. Great appetizers great dishes. A Must!

  • 4/5 Oltion K. 5 years ago on Google
    Nice small fish restaurant, very gentle staff and fair prices

  • 5/5 To B. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) We recommend! Are on the recommendation of the chef, who has lived in Germany for a long time and thus speaks perfect German. The food was a recommendation of the kitchen, which we followed. Had a great menu with shrimp, fish and two entrees. So almost 4 courses. In addition the house wine. All for 20 €. What more do you want? (Original) Sehr zu empfehlen! Sind auf Empfehlung des Kochs hin, der lange Zeit in Deutschland gelebt hat und somit perfekt Deutsch spricht. Das Essen war eine Empfehlung der Küche, der wir gefolgt sind. Hatten ein tolles Menü mit Shrimps, Fisch und zwei Vorspeisen. Also quasi 4 Gänge. Dazu den Hauswein. Das alles für 20 €. Was will man mehr?

  • 5/5 Maria Giuseppina T. 5 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Fresh and good fish (Original) Pesce freschissimo e buono

  • 5/5 Denise W. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A nicely decorated restaurant. Very nice service. Personal advice from the cook. It was very delicious! Unfortunately, the restaurant is a bit difficult to find, but definitely worth a visit! (Original) Ein schön eingerichtetes Restaurant. Sehr nette Bedienung. Persönliche Beratung durch den Koch. Es war sehr lecker! Leider ist das Restaurant etwas schwierig zu finden, es ist aber auf jeden Fall einen Besuch wert!

  • 5/5 Koen L. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) You feel very welcome, very sympathetic people who pamper you. We ordered a table full of many different preparations, super tasty! And the price is not too bad. It is a shame that we do not live in tyrana, otherwise we would often return. Thanks to the whole team! (Original) Je voelt je zeer welkom, erg sympathieke mensen die je in de watten leggen. We bestelden een tafel vol met heel veel verschillende bereidingen, super lekker! En de prijs valt erg mee. Jammer dat we niet in tirana wonen, anders kwamen we dikwijls terug. Dank aan het hele team!

  • 5/5 Tomislav 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Small but very good restaurant, the mixed fry was served in a more than ample portion, yes we also recommend the seafood risotto (Original) Ristorante piccolo ma molto buono, il fritto misto è stato servito in una porzione più che abbondante, sì consiglia anche il risotto ai frutti di mare

  • 4/5 Elvis P. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The food was very good but if you go to dinner, be aware that there may be people who smoke! (Original) Gatimi ishte shumë i mirë por nëse shkoni në darkë kini parasysh që mund të ketë njerëz që pinë cigare!

  • 5/5 xavier V. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Small nice restaurant very affordable ultra fresh fish that can be tasted raw well prepared good wines also inexpensive..personal listens ... (Original) Petit restaurant sympa tres abordable poisson ultra frais que l on peut déguster cru bien préparé bons vins peu chers également..personnel a l écoute...

  • 5/5 Malik H. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing place out of touristic area ! The owner is in love with his fish and you can feel it in your plate. 20 euros for a full meal with wine for two people Best place to eat fish in Tirana !

  • 5/5 Madeline B. 4 years ago on Google
    Thanks for the recommendation peter, also one of the best seafood restaurants I’ve ever been.

  • 5/5 peter j. 4 years ago on Google
    I rate this as one of the best seafood restaurants I have ever been to. I went two nights running, had sea bass the first night and grilled squid and prawns the next. Both perfectly cooked. The anchovy and octopus starter were the best I have ever had. The wine was excellent too. Service was really attentive. And I loved the way I was taken in and shown what fish was available. Really friendly and caring. Can't rate it more highly. Wasn't even put off by the clients smoking in the restaurant....something you just have to put up with in Albania. Lovely lovely restaurant.

  • 5/5 Anouk B. 5 years ago on Google
    Amazing restaurant!! Genuinely welcoming waiters and chefs. Super fresh fish and seafood, everything was delicious. There is no menu, but the chefs tells you what they have, and you tell him what you like! The restaurant has a nice atmosphere and is very affordable (for foreigners). We had a 3 course dinner + drinks for around €9 a person.

  • 5/5 Dorien van der H. 5 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Recommended! Delicious eaten and enjoyed the hospitality. (Original) Een aanrader! Heerlijk gegeten en genoten van de gastvrijheid.

  • 5/5 Jacques L. Wien Vienne V. 5 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Excellent restaurant, run by very friendly young people. Inventive and succulent cuisine, excellent chef, low prices ... (Original) Excellent restaurant, tenu par des jeunes très sympathiques. Cuisine inventive et succulente, excellent chef, petits prix...

  • 5/5 jinghui T. 5 years ago on Google
    Very good restaurant, operated by a family. all homemade food with fresh sea food. all of my order cost 1800 Leek only. strongly recommend this restaurant.

  • 5/5 Jonid H. 2 years ago on Google
    Where do I start Service ✅ Food ✅ Atmoshpere ✅ Quality ✅ Highly recommended!!

  • 5/5 Robert P. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice place, a little hidden. No english menu, but very helpful waiter. Try fried calamari, very tasty!

  • 5/5 Restitutor O. 2 years ago on Google
    Great food for the price, solid staff.

  • 5/5 hoda f. 2 years ago on Google
    Most amazing home cooked fish feast! Reasonably priced, everything was super delicious and very friendly service

  • 5/5 Pier Davide C. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent restaurant a bit out of the city center, it's kinda hidden but well worth the walk. We were warmly welcomed by the waiter who explained the menu and gave good suggestions. The food was delicious, fresh and tasty. I had gnocchi twice :) We also met the owner/chef who made sure that everything was going well and gave us a few tips on how to cook fish :) All for a very affordable price. 100%recommended!

  • 5/5 Alon P. 2 years ago on Google
    We came based on the positive reviews and were not disappointed, fantastic service with even better food. They also gave us free panacota desserts which were very good.

  • 5/5 Benjamin N. 1 year ago on Google
    A hidden gem, and happy stopped by. A very inviting staff that greets you, and goes through the menu with recommendations for what you’re interested in. A pleasant atmosphere and bright oceanic interior with subtle vibing tunes through the speakers. It’s not one of those places that you walk by, you have to find it, and thanks to google for that! I’m coming back.

  • 5/5 sara p. 5 months ago on Google • 1 review
    Super tasty quality food served by passionate people. They came for a little talk when ordering and after eating. I would definitely recommend go and eat there! <3
    1 person found this review helpful 👍


Call +355 67 253 1999 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Free street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Cash-only
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Small plates
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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