Where to Eat in Saranda: Fish, Taverns & the Promenade
Food is one of the things we always look forward to in Saranda. This is a fishing coast, so fresh fish and seafood are everywhere, often at friendlier prices than you would expect. Alongside that you will find small family-run taverns cooking home-style Albanian food, Italian pizzerias and pasta, and plenty of cafés for a morning coffee.
A practical perk of our apartment is that the restaurants are right on your doorstep – a couple of places next door and across the street, a small shop under the building, and a supermarket close by. After a day on the beach or a day trip, you do not have to go anywhere to eat well.
Fresh fish and seafood – the highlight
We mainly recommend Saranda for its fish. Grilled octopus, calamari, prawns, mussels or a whole fish from the day's catch are among the best things you can eat here. In many fish taverns you can pick your fish by weight and have it grilled simply, with olive oil and lemon.
What to order
Beyond fish, try the seafood pasta (prawn or mixed seafood), which is done very well here thanks to the strong Italian influence. From local cuisine, taste byrek – a crispy savoury filled pastry with cheese or meat – and traditional dishes like tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt) or fërgesë (peppers with cheese and tomato).
The seafront promenade
An evening stroll along the promenade by the bay is part of what makes Saranda special. You will find a string of restaurants and bars right by the water – ideal for a slow dinner or a drink after dark. In high season the popular spots get busy, so a booking is worth it on weekends.
Cheap local taverns
Just off the main promenade you will find small family-run taverns (gjellëtore) where the cooking is home-style and the prices are fair. Here you eat what the locals eat – often the menu is just a few dishes depending on what is fresh. These places are usually our best meals of the trip.
Coffee and breakfast
Albanians love their coffee and Saranda is full of cafés. For breakfast, try petulla (fried dough served with honey or cheese) or a simple omelette with Greek salad and fresh bread. An espresso or macchiato costs very little almost everywhere.
Self-catering and the shop under the building
If you want to cook, or just grab breakfast, it is easy. There is a small shop right under our building for the basics and a supermarket a little further along with a wider choice. The locals are very friendly too, so even the shopping is a pleasant part of the day.
FAQ
Is fish expensive in Saranda?
Seafood is usually pricier than meat dishes, but still very reasonable compared with Western Europe. Whole fish is often charged by weight, so ask for the approximate price before ordering. For cheap eats, head to the local taverns away from the promenade.
How far are restaurants from the apartment?
Very close. A couple of restaurants are right next door and across the street, a small shop is under the building, and a supermarket is a short walk away. You do not need to travel for dinner or groceries.
Can you have a good breakfast in Saranda?
Yes. There are plenty of cafés serving coffee and breakfast, and in season some places do breakfast and brunch all day. Alternatively, it is easy to buy a simple breakfast at the shop and make it in the apartment.
