I couldn’t help but wonder… in a city like Tirana, could there be a corner of Italy waiting to remind me of the romance of the Mediterranean?

That’s when I found Painted Black—a cozy restaurant that feels like it’s been transported straight from Italy to the heart of Albania. The ambiance is warm, inviting, and perfect for any season.

But it’s not just the food that makes Painted Black unforgettable. It’s the people. The owners are always there, hands-on, with that effortless Italian hospitality that makes you feel like you’ve arrived at someone’s home for supper.

The food? Divine. The pastas are incredible, but the foccacia is the real star—a perfect mix of crispy and fluffy that takes me straight back to Italy.

And let’s not forget the photo spot they’ve thoughtfully set up. Even food deserves its moment of Instagram fame.

So when the longing for Italy hits, I know exactly where to go. An Aperol Spritz, a plate of foccacia, and a reminder that sometimes, home isn’t a place. It’s a meal.

And I can’t help but wonder… isn’t that exactly what we’re all looking for? A little piece of Italy, wherever we are.