With an abundance of tempting wine and dining destinations to choose from, you can count on the warmest of welcomes in Albania’s colourful modern capital
Whether you’re looking for traditional Albanian cuisine with its oriental and Mediterranean influences, or modern restaurants offering fusion and international dishes, Tirana will satisfy all your wishes – and at very reasonable prices. Tirana is also a city in which you can enjoy unsurpassed hospitality and, in modern times, outstanding service.
What’s on offer in terms of wine does not lag behind other big cities in the region, either. Imported wines – primarily Italian – may still dominate the market, but wines from other well-known wine countries are available, too. And, with the development of the Albanian wine industry, more and more wine lists and specialised wine shops feature Albanian wines – especially those from unique indigenous grapes.
WINE BARS & SHOPS
Alehandro Wine Shop Rruga Nikolla Tupe 5 Alehandro Wine Shop is part of a chain that boasts five locations throughout Albania.
The driving force behind the stores is the Alehandro distribution company, which has been importing wines from renowned wineries in France and Italy for more than two decades. In addition to an impressive selection of wines, the shop offers a variety of fine spirits. The shop exudes luxury and elegance, and the highly trained sales staff are always on hand to answer any questions. alehandrodistribution.com +355 69 20 97 447
Bonaparte Wine Bar
Rruga Ibrahim Rugova Napoleon Bonaparte keeps a watchful eye over guests at this wine bar named after the great military leader, as his portrait hangs prominently on the wall. The bar offers an extensive selection of wines, primarily from renowned European regions, as well as from Albania. Guests can indulge in cheese boards, cold cuts, snacks and delicious sandwiches in a welcoming atmosphere. A carefully curated range of spirits is also available. See Facebook +355 69 207 0358
Bufe Wine Bar
Blvd Gjergj Fishta, Rruga Reshit Çollaku 43 Opened in 2015, Bufe Wine Bar by the Lana river is a small and cosy venue with a wine list that is predominantly focused on Italian wines. The bar also offers cocktails, craft beers and artisan grappa and raki, as well as salads and simple meals. @bufe.tirana +355 69 318 1149
Class Wines
Rruga Suleiman Delvina pallati 17 A hub of wine culture in Tirana, Class Wines serves as a wine store, wine bar and small restaurant all rolled into one. Owned by the passionate sommelier and wine expert Dashamir Elezi (see p28), the establishment boasts an impressive selection of wines from all over the world, with a particular emphasis on carefully curated wines f
