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New Restaurants

The turnover in restaurants continues. Sadly, Eastana, having moved a little while ago to bigger premises has now closed down. On the other hand, these three have all opened recently and overall it seems that there are more opening than closing.

La Cantinella is in an alleyway off Rr. Brigada VIII. It has a reasonable Italian influenced menu and a nice setting.

Austria is in Shesi Austria, near Skenderbeg Square. Decor is a little over the top for my liking. The menu looks good, though I haven't eaten there yet. It is pricier than most restaurants in Tirana. I assume, given its location that it is aimed at politicians, lobbyists and the like.

Vila Logoreci is in Rr. Lek Dukagjin near the Macedonian Embassy. This one is already a favourite. Like so many restaurants in the city the main influence is Italian. You can eat on the patio, or in an airy glassed in section, or in cosier rooms at the back of the restaurant. The owners put a lot of thought into the design and the decor. The menu is extensive and the food is excellent. Prices are also reasonable. It is equally popular with locals and expats. If you are in Tirana it is worth a visit.

Comments

Thanks for the pointers, Alwyn, and welcome back to Albania. Now that I am also in town, may be, we can chat a bit in person?
bryan-in-greece said…
My appetite is now whetted further to make a visit to Tirana in the not-too-distant future! One question, though, and that is what are the risks in bringing my car to the city (it has Greek number plates), and is it wise to pay for secure parking there, Alwyn? I have taken it to Skopje a couple of times recently and found things to be OK there, but not sure about Albania and Tirana itself? Any advice you could give would be much appreciated...!
olli said…
Hi Bryan. You would have no problem at all. There are lots of cars with Greek plates in Tirana and I'm not aware of anyone having had any problems.

Regarding parking, we always park on the streets. Unless you are driving something desirable (i.e. 'pimpwagon' or top end M-B or BMW saloon) you should be fine.

If you do make it up this way let me know.

Drita, good to hear from you. Can you send me your mobile/cell number again? I think there is a digit missing from the number you sent earlier.
bryan-in-greece said…
My mid-range Skoda should be OK then!!! Thanks for that advice, Alwyn, and I will be in touch if we head Tirana way :-)
olli said…
Or you could leave your mid-range Skoda here and drive home in a nice BMW / M-B
bryan-in-greece said…
ROFL!!!! That is an interesting option!! ;-)
eni said…
wow, thanks a lot for this infos:)
take care..
olli said…
Welcome
With all the nice cars in Tirana, I doubt it you would have a problem. I drive an A-Class Mercedes and the only place I had trouble with my car was in Montenegro where they stole my driver's side review mirror. But I think it was some kind of anti-Albanian issue!

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