Ceni's Restaurant — Restaurant in Tirana Municipality

There are few places that combine exceptional cuisine with a truly warm, family-like atmosphere — and this restaurant is exactly that. The culinary experience was one of the best we've had: every bite was precise, made with top-quality ingredients, and full of unforgettable flavors.

The tartare dish is exquisite, the carpaccio is refined and full of depth, the salad is refreshingly vibrant, and the bresaola is delightful, made with careful homemade preparation. The veal tongue in its sauce is absolutely dreamy, and the brain is so delicious it melts in your mouth. The unique dessert, inspired by tiramisu but without the coffee, featuring purple blueberries and yogurt, is incredibly precise in both flavor and texture. The wine elevates the entire experience, and the homemade arak leaves a memorable finish. A true journey of flavors.

The magic in the kitchen comes from the mother, the culinary mastermind behind every dish, and the place is run by her son together with her brother — simply the most welcoming, kind-hearted people you could ever meet. From the moment you walk in until the last bite, the hospitality is nothing short of outstanding.

This isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a soulful experience. Highly recommended — and without a doubt, we’ll be back again.

Easy...

It's no wonder this place is a local favorite. We were apprehensive of getting in on short notice - they are usually booked ahead a couple of days - but because it was early (6 PM) and luck was with us, they had a table for our party of 2 - and the game was afoot! We split most of the dishes we ordered. Everything that came to our table, from the simple Greek salad to a refreshing and tangy lemon cake, was sumptuous and first rate. I started with the steak tartar, which was delightfully fresh and had just the right mouthfeel without being overly spiced. I then had the filet in a green pepper mustard sauce which was tasty while letting the meat flavor shine through. My companion ordered the gorgonzola ravioli. It was perfectly cooked and quite tasty. Throughout the meal, service was helpful and knowledgeable without being too familiar nor stuffy in any way. And the wine the waiter suggested was really the ideal accompaniment for our meal. We were treated like favored guests at the best bistro in Paris, but without ever having set foot in the place. Will definitely return - as often as possible! This little...

I was recommended to visit Ceni’s by a few business colleagues during my recent trip to Tirana — and wow, what an incredible experience!

Having dined in many restaurants both in the U.S. and Albania, I can confidently say that Ceni’s stands out as one of the best. From the moment we walked in, we were met with genuine hospitality, attentive service, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The space itself is small — a true "hole in the wall" — but beautifully kept, clean, and full of character. It's the kind of authentic local spot you hope to stumble upon when visiting a new city.

After chatting with the waiter and the owner (who were both kind and passionate about their food), we were guided to try a few authentic Albanian dishes. Every single plate was absolutely delicious — so much so that we ended up ordering seconds of the same dish!

From food quality to customer service and attention to detail, Ceni’s delivers on all fronts. I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone seeking an unforgettable and truly Albanian dining experience. Whether you're local or visiting, this place...