Hani i Xheblatit — Restaurant in Berat Municipality

Decent food, but a humiliating experience – never again

We were four and ordered two tasting menus (€32 each, for two people). The waiter either misunderstood or pretended to and brought us just one menu to share between four. The result: tiny portions, clearly much smaller than other tables, and the uncomfortable feeling of being treated like second-class customers.

Each menu included half a liter of wine. We asked for ½ red, ½ white. The waiter silently removed our wine glasses, then told us they were out of both red and white wine – “maybe enough for one glass,” he said, almost mockingly. When I asked for a bottle from the wine list, he said they hadn’t received their delivery. Only after I visibly showed my frustration did he magically bring out ½ L of red wine… then removed the wine glasses from other empty tables, as if to keep up the act. The restaurant was nearly empty.

We asked for bread – he glared at us. The whole atmosphere was so cold and dismissive that we genuinely wondered if this was racism or other? At the end, we found out he had misunderstood the order. He apologized, but there was no compensation, no goodwill, nothing but frustration and disappointment. Yes, the food was good – but a restaurant is more than food. It’s about hospitality, respect, and integrity. And this place stood for the opposite.

We’ll...

Right in the centre of Berat old town in the midst of the cobbled streets, the room was perfect, clean, well furnished, hot shower and an incredible balcony with views across town (possibly the best views of any guesthouse!).

Park on the Main Street (they have some reserved spots but we found a free one very close on the road), and there are loads of signs to find the guesthouse no matter which stairs you take. Be aware that Hani i Xheblatit and Hani Xheblatit are the same place.

Bed was super comfortable and the guesthouse was atmospheric although quiet and with little interaction with the owners.

The breakfast was amazing (easily the best we’ve had in Albania) served on a lovely terrace, but was twice the size it needed to be! We didn’t eat there in the evening but they do a set menu and judging by the breakfast, it would have...

This really is a 6 stars. The property is hidden in a quiet spot climbing up the stairs underneath the old castle. We stayed in a double room with balcony overlooking the river and old town. The room was very nice and comfortable. The service outstanding and the people lovely. They offered us raki and fruit when we firstly arrived late in the night, then tea, biscuits and fruit the following afternoons. Their crazy rich breakfast changes everyday and was the best we had in 2 weeks in Albania: fresh fruit, homemade jams, omelettes, cheese, sausages and amazing mountain tea (they even gave us some flowers to bring home). They serve it in the beautiful terrace or in a nicely decorated room next to the kitchen at one's choice. Really a great experience and genuine people, we would...