Looking for the perfect hybrid mix of Italian and Albanian cuisine? Then look no further than Artigiano! From hand-thrown pizzas to traditional Albanian byrek, whatever the chefs turn their hand to is absolutely incredible. In both the original restaurant in the Bllok and the Vila, chefs create delicious artisanal dishes from fresh ingredients, and you’d be hard-pressed to find something you don’t like.
The Vila, a beautiful old 1940s house turned restaurant, is situated close to the Pyramid of Tirana on Rruga Papa Gjon Pali II and was opened in 2015. It has become a firm favourite of mine, and I have spent many afternoons and evenings there eating good food, drinking good wine and spending time with friends and family. The atmosphere is always bustling but not too loud, and the very professional waiters have a way of making you feel completely welcome and at home. The most recent addition is an upstairs cocktail bar on the roof, which provides the perfect space for warm summer evenings with friends.
Whilst Artigiano Vila is the larger of the two restaurants, if you’re spending the day around the Bllok area of Tirana, the original restaurant, situated on Rruga Abdyl Frashëri, kryqëzimi i Librit Universitar, will be there with doors open and fabulous food ready and waiting for you. (Check it out here https://maps.app.goo.gl/Df1wDmMMZKqqKJS29 )
Artigiano is open from 11:30 am until midnight and is a mid-priced restaurant.
Find your way with 166 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"KINO" is a new place in Tirana, an awesome remake of an old, famous club! Now it's more cultural & artsy, but it has good drinks & music for all.
by
"Reja" is a modern art installation placed in front of the National Gallery of Arts in Tirana. Let me just say that it's the city's official selfie spot!
by
"Nouvelle Vague" makes the best cocktails in Tirana. It's always full, so come sit with the rest of us outside at the stairs! Gay-friendly too.
by
"Zeta Gallery" in Tirana is a centre dedicated to the promotion and exhibition of contemporary art, produced both by established and emerging artists...
by
"Antigua Caffè" in Tirana is just the cutest! They've been well-known for their coffee since 1995, but their carrot cake is my personal favorite...
by
"Chateau Fasel" outside Tirana is surrounded by beautiful nature. They have a hotel & restaurant, but what I like about it are the open-air cinema nights.
by
"Pallati i Brigadave" in Tirana, or the Presidential Palace, only recently opened to the public for visits. It's really impressive, every corner is amazing
by
"Pazari i Ri" in Tirana (New Bazaar) used to be a simple fruits and vegetables market - now it has so much to offer, and amazing food of course!
by
The "Painted Cabins" in Tirana are electric cabins that have been commissioned by the municipality to painters in order to make the city more colorful...
by
"SALT" Restaurant Tirana became instantly famous for its great location in the very center of the Blloku area, boasting Italian-inspired dishes...
by
166 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 166 Insider Tips