Marini — Restaurant in Bashkia Sarandë

I’ll start with saying the food is gorgeous. I can’t fault that.

But the service is what made this our worst experience the whole week we’ve been here. We came twice. The first time we arrived and were told it would be about a 10 mins wait for a table so could we sit on a table just outside on the steps with a glass whilst they waited for a couple tables inside to clear - absolutely fine for us. But we then watched 2 more couples turn up and get seated before us. We thought surely this is a mistake… when the 3rd couple was about to get seated before us, I had to forcibly go back into the restaurant to say no way we’re getting the next table - only to be told sorry I thought you wanted to stay sat out there. On the steps?! No.

We ordered appetisers and mains, thankfully we’d finished the starters but the waitress tried to just put the mains directly on top of the plates! I said excuse me you need to take these first. She just looked at me confused and said nothing. As the meal itself was good we decided to come back and just assume it was a simple mistake or misunderstanding.

Sadly not as the second time, we were literally still in the middle of eating our starters and again the waitress tried to deliver our mains - while I’m still chewing with plenty food left in front of me. I said no that’s very rude I’m still eating please wait. She looked utterly shocked at what is BASIC restaurant etiquette and just took them away. They obviously then just sat there under lights as they were no longer hot when they came back.

When asking for 2 glasses of wine she brought them back with so much aggression and slammed them on the table I’m surprised they didn’t fall over!

I’ve never been so disgusted at such horrible service.

It’s a shame as the food is really good but it’s completely overshadowed by the worst waitress...

Decided to come have dinner here while on vacation in Sarande. It was a Saturday night and I was the only one in the restaurant. Maybe it was a slow night. The reviews seem to be very high, but this only added to the disappointment. I ordered the sirloin steak and after 15 minutes it was out. Quick service, but the steak was extremely tough. I could barely even cut it with my knife. It was so tough. The bread and the veggies were average. I tried to eat as much as i could, but i literally couldn't chew through the meat. It was like bubble gum. It happens. But….

I went to pay and the waiter asked how it was. I let him know that it was tough, I could not eat about half of it. What I didn't need was his response “I don't know where you eat beef in America or wherever, it is muscle so it's going to be like that.” Really? It is not my first time eating beef, let alone sirloin. I couldn't cut some parts of it with a knife. The way they cut this piece of steak, they left all the strands that are supposed to be cut off and thrown away. He continued with his attitude, and I at that point just needed to leave. I don't usually write bad reviews, but this establishment deserved it. Now I know why I was the only customer on a...

Year 2 back in Sarande and was thrilled to find Marini still open and the food still delicious. The service is warm, inviting and attentive and the food fresh and delicious. I have enjoyed several meals here my 5 weeks in Sarande and each and every time they were all delicious. The watermelon salad in one of my favorites followed by the ribs and salmon. Great red wines as well. The vibe here is chill and relaxed. I highly recommend enjoying a meal (or more) here while enjoying Sarande.

What a fabulous eatery! Situated a short flight of stairs just above the street and noise you will find a comfy and warm setting. A fellow-traveler and I stopped-by for a late dinner and this place was still packed. I ordered the watermelon and feta salad - OUTSTANDING and the zucchini fritters - very tasty. The watermelon salad was plentiful, fresh, cold, light, well-seasoned and absolutely delicious and balanced. The fritters were thick, lightly breaded/fried and nicely seasoned as well. The service was incredibly warm and inviting and the entire place was clean and comfortable. I...