Tradita e Beratit - Hotel & Restaurant — Restaurant in Berat Municipality

Ok, Restaurant feels like it understands itself a little upperclass, so my review will follow it.

Before, we wanted to visit a different restaurant but unfortunately the construction site nearby brought a pretty uncozy soundscape to it so we decided to visit Tradita e Beratit. It was also a recommendation on Trip Advisor so no secret find, but rather a „hey, that would also be nearby“.

We came and were seated by the (young) owner, an enthusiastic and friendly guy. As a couple of two people we got two single tables put together, on a slight decline sitting next to each other. This made the tables and chairs tilt a bit. Furthermore the tables were a bit small for the plate to come, but that didn‘t add up to a bad experience.

We were looking for the Menue but as many here reviewed surprisedly, many guests nearby shared the same reaction to the owner stating that there‘s only one „for-two“-menue for 25 EUR that includes a starter and a main plate as well as a bottle (0,5) of water. Beer, Wine, Coke etc. is extra. I was a bit more considering when we got introduced to that, as we had a fine dinner the day before with a starter salad, two traditional plates, 0,5 of wine and 2 bottles of water for only 26 EUR on the other side of the city. Thus, the offer felt a bit pricey, considering that drinks would come on top. Also a bit fishy to me as a tourist who learned that Albanians love their cash was the price denominated in EUR. 25 EUR or 28.000 LEK. Considering currency exchange and withdrawal fees the lek price would result in a 4-6%ish higher price, which makes absolutely no sense. Fair enough, the LEK/EUR became stronger thus the principle of „pay in your currency but get ripped of, tourist“ doesn‘t work anymore. Anyway. We ordered two beers (0,33 Kosac (?) Pilsner Beers) that came to 200 LEK, which considering the price levels in Albania i found quite hefty. More annoying was that the drinks menue was printed on the back of the menue card that was presented by the owner but not left on the table. One more time that I‘m affirmed in never ordering something I didn‘t confirm the price of in advance.

Starters were two different cheeses, some olives, self-baked bread and a salad of cucumber, tomatoes and green leaf salat. Oil and vinegar to be applied by one‘s own preferences. The bread was quite an amount, while the other dishes were served in a more measured way, let‘s say. I won‘t say that‘s the intention, but still I try to express my feelings and thoughts. But eventually that gave sense to the title of the menue that was like „degustation menue“. Like a menue of different dishes to try Albanian food. The cheese, the bread and the Salad were good, nothing on top of the overwhelming-scale but still a good eat.

After we were done the main dish came and was explained by a waiter, seemingly the brother (?) of the owner. He got a little close to the food with his fingers for my preferences. And -not connected to our direct experience- he touched the bread of another table to shift it from the starter-plates to the main menue plates. This is a huge no-go for me and in general, if I as a guest have more understanding and sense of Professionality than a (professional) restaurant staff, I am a little in doubt.

Main dishes were Meatballs, Bifteki, a cheese-pepper-cream, tzatziki, grilled vegetables and stuffed pepper, a corn-cake and something like zucchini-baklava - sorry sorry if I got like everything wrong, but you‘ll get a perfect impression of the dishes on the picture as.. well, there is only one menue. Basically everything was fine, the corn-omelette-cake not being my most favorite dish ever. Still a good combination and a good eat.

Eventually it added up to 29 EUR + 1 EUR tip just to avoid carrying an EUR coin for another 2 weeks.

I‘d recommend this restaurant if you want a romantic dinner experience with a rush through different Albanian foods and you‘re willing to pay a little extra. Owner‘s enthusiasm and is something that adds to the atmosphere. The positives highlighted, there is better...

We came across this hotel through instagram, and it has a big hype over there. When we arrived there we were greeted by Antonelli, he and his sister own the hotel and are very friendly. We booked the biggest and most expensive room they had, which while texting with Antonelli before, he said that this room had the best view, and it did. The room had 4 windows and all of them had a very beautiful view. You can see the Castle, a part of the old town of Berat, the river and the bridge. The room has a large bed, not that comfy though. We made reservation for dinner, they gave us a very good spot, it had an amazing view of one part of Berat. Dinner was quite delicious and for two people i believe we paid around 35 euros. The only downfall was that there wasn't any dessert... Very close to the bridge - Ura e varur, (around 7 minutes walking), which is the top spot for pictures. Breakfast was included in the price, and they have some delicious traditional Albanian food, so do not skip it. All the staff was very friendly and i am happy to have stayed there. However, The tables of the restaurant are immediately near the room, and its always loud since the windows don't close well. The bathroom was quite small and water goes everywhere since there isn't a shower curtain. The kitchen is on that floor and the smell of oil comes inside the room, which it's quite intense sometimes. The rooms have a lot of spider webs, and theres clutter dust. They don't have a parking spot, but you can park somewhere in the main road for free (which was very full) or there was a parking spot around 4 minutes walking distance for around 500 lek (24h) - which Antonelli was so nice to tell me the options. Parking is not a dealbreaker since it says theres no parking spot, however the other things do...

If you’re looking for an authentic Albanian dining experience, this restaurant is the place to be. From the moment you step in, you’re welcomed with warm smiles and an inviting atmosphere that immediately sets the tone for an unforgettable meal.

Traditional Food The food here is nothing short of extraordinary. Every dish is a celebration of Albanian tradition, with rich flavors and authentic ingredients that transport you straight to the heart of Albania. The byrek, tavë kosi, and fërgesë are absolute must-tries, each prepared with care and precision. The freshness of the ingredients is evident in every bite, and the presentation is both rustic and refined, capturing the essence of Albanian cuisine.

Service The service is impeccable. The staff is attentive, friendly, and eager to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. They are knowledgeable about the menu and are more than happy to make recommendations or explain the cultural significance behind each dish. It’s clear that they take pride in both the food and their heritage, and it reflects in the way they treat their guests.

Atmosphere The ambiance of the restaurant perfectly complements the food. The décor is cozy and traditional, with hints of modernity, creating a perfect blend of past and present. Whether you’re seated indoors or on their charming outdoor terrace, you’ll feel a deep connection to Albanian culture.

Overall This restaurant is a true gem, offering a genuine taste of Albania with top-notch service. It’s perfect for anyone looking to explore the flavors of the Balkans in an authentic and welcoming setting. I highly recommend it to food lovers who want to experience something unique...