Mëndra Traditional Albanian Restaurant — Restaurant in Bashkia Sarandë

Mëndra Traditional Restaurant offers an authentic dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of the region. Nestled in a charming location, the restaurant combines rustic décor with a warm, inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for both casual and special gatherings.

Ambiance: The moment you step into Mëndra, you're greeted with a cozy, homelike atmosphere that reflects the region’s traditional roots. The decor is carefully curated, featuring wooden furniture, soft lighting, and cultural artifacts that tell a story of the local heritage. The open, yet intimate layout makes it perfect for small groups or a quiet dinner for two.

Cuisine: The menu at Mëndra is a showcase of traditional recipes passed down through generations. Whether it's the locally sourced meats, fresh herbs, or handmade pastries, every dish bursts with authentic flavors. Standout dishes include the slow-cooked lamb, which melts in your mouth, and the homemade pita bread, a perfect companion to their range of flavorful dips. The portion sizes are generous, and the presentation remains true to the restaurant’s traditional roots.

Vegetarians and meat lovers alike will find plenty to enjoy. The chef masterfully balances the simplicity of traditional cooking with subtle, modern twists, ensuring that each dish feels familiar yet exciting.

Service: The staff at Mëndra provides attentive, friendly service with a personal touch. They are knowledgeable about the menu and are more than willing to offer recommendations based on your preferences. The service is quick, but you never feel rushed, allowing you to truly savor your meal.

Price: For the quality of food and experience offered, Mëndra Traditional Restaurant provides excellent value. The pricing is moderate, and the portion sizes ensure you leave feeling satisfied. Whether you're in for a hearty meal or just a few small plates to share, the restaurant offers flexibility without compromising on quality.

Final Thoughts: Mëndra Traditional Restaurant is a hidden gem for those who appreciate genuine, traditional cuisine served in a welcoming environment. Its commitment to...

I ate at Mendra, and unfortunately it was a very bad experience — not because of the money, but because of the lack of quality, service, and respect.

I ordered a lamb dish (tave kosi) that was dry, tough, and completely tasteless. I’ve had this dish many times in Albania and I know how it’s supposed to be: tender, juicy, and full of flavor. This was simply not cooked properly. I politely pointed this out and was given another piece of meat – but it was exactly the same: dry, flavorless, basically the same thing again as if they thought, “Just try it one more time.”

I also ordered a “summer salad” that was advertised with mint. There was no mint in it. And honestly, it wasn’t even a salad — just a plate with watermelon, feta, figs, and some dry bread pieces. No dressing, no fresh flavors, no balance.

I mentioned this again, but nothing was done. No apology, no interest, no gesture. When I finally said that I didn’t enjoy it and that I planned to write a review, the waitress called me “rude.” As if I was the one doing something wrong, when in fact I was just giving respectful feedback.

I will not return. Not because of the money — that’s not the issue (it was reasonably cheap) — but because of the principle. Bad food can happen, but if your guests tell you politely, you take responsibility. That did not happen here at all.

🔹 For the record: the köfte and dessert were delicious, but after such an experience with the main dish and the attitude of the staff, I unfortunately can’t give more...

Can I give 6 stars? No seriously can I?

It was difficult to find a traditional restaurant in Ksamil, everyone is focused on fish dishes, but we wanted to try some traditional food too and here we are.

1_The Welcoming

All the waiters and staff were kind from the start, they cared to explain to us how the menu worked, what the different dishes were and if those were suitable for 1 or multiple people.

2_The Food

It was great, from start to the end

We ordered a portion of Tavë Kosi, one of Qofte and we shared a Lakror. All of those had a fantastic flavour and you could feel all the ingredients coming together perfectly. We are not Albanian, we cannot speak if tradition was respected, but all the Albanian friends to whom we sent the pictures of the plates were astonished to, and that's surely a plus.

3_The Greetings

At the end of the dinner, they gifted us a local dessert (seemed a gourmet version of a Baklava, but we are not wise enough to know what it was) and the paycheck was perfect, all of what I talked about, plus wine, came to a total of 30€

not each, total.

A place to visit if you are travelling to Ksamil, or even to Albania, just drop by Ksamil to try it...