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Tirana Nightlife

Introduction

Nightlife and Eating & Drinking

The Albanian menu has a strong Balkan influence although many of the dishes also have a Turkish element. Meat eaters on the go will be delighted to learn that the kebabs in the country are superb and bear little resemblance to the greasy affairs you consumed on Saturday night. Tirana is beginning to develop a good range of restaurants, and those looking to try something typically Albanian may wish to plump for Fërgesë tirane, which is an exciting blend of fried meat, liver, eggs and tomatoes. Tavë kosi, which is a mutton and yoghurt dish, is also extremely popular. Those looking for a traditional breakfast will find that rice is often on the menu, while many locals swear by paca, a soup made with animals' innards, to set them up for the day.

The aniseed beverage of raki, is extremely popular in Albania, while local red and white wines are also good, as is the local cognac.

For the best in traditional cooking head to Bujtina e Gjelit on Mine Peza. It does a fine line in Albanian cuisine and has a huge spit and oven. The waiters in their traditional Albanian dress give the game away that this place is designed with the visitor in mind but that does not impair the quality of the food. Reasonably priced.

Slightly more expensive is the Restaurant Rozzafa in the centre of town. This sophisticated establishment serves some of the best fish around.

With Italy just a ferry ride away, there is certainly something of the Italian influence in the city and Villa Goli is one of the top ristorante around. Prices are higher than most in the city but by no means dear by western standards. The place is to be found on the Rruga Dibres in an old villa and makes for a wonderful evening.

Nightlife in the form of bars and clubs is beginning to make an appearance but the visitor will find things severely limited in comparison with the west. One area that is well developed however, is the cultural scene, with theatre, opera and concerts all extremely popular.

There are often a number of interesting events on and the visitor can be sure of something enjoyable at the Palace of Culture or Pallati I Kulturës. Here you will find the Theatre of Opera and Ballet as well as the National Library.

Those intent on letting their hair down will find many of the bars and discos located in the centre of town. Try the Bar Ciao-Ciao-Ciao on Rruga Brigada e 8-te or Bar-Broadway on Rruga e Dibres for a lively and friendly atmosphere. Disko Luksi on Dibra street is one of the top places for dancing and has a good central location, while you will want to be snappily dressed at the Disko Krokodil, which can be found in the middle of Rinia Park.