Mrizi i Zanave Tirane — Restaurant in Tirana Municipality

Mrizi i Zanave Tirane is a remarkable extension of the renowned farm-to-table concept established by its sister restaurant in Lezhë. This urban outpost brings the same dedication to authentic Albanian flavors, sustainable practices, and artisanal quality, making it a must-visit for anyone passionate about genuine local cuisine in the heart of Tirana.

Ambiance: The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between rustic charm and modern sophistication. The earthy tones, natural materials, and elegant simplicity of the decor reflect the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and tradition. The open dining space and warm lighting create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings.

Food: The menu at Mrizi i Zanave Tirane is a celebration of Albanian culinary heritage, with a modern twist. Each dish highlights fresh, organic ingredients sourced directly from the restaurant’s farm or local producers. The Tavë Dheu (clay-pot stew) is rich and flavorful, while the homemade pastas and slow-cooked lamb are standouts.

Seasonal vegetables, house-made cheeses, and freshly baked bread accompany every meal, showcasing the quality of the ingredients. For dessert, the Trileçe (a milk-soaked cake) is divine, offering a sweet and creamy conclusion to the dining experience.

Drinks: The wine list is a thoughtful selection of local Albanian wines, complemented by house-made juices and traditional raki. Their organic wine options are especially worth exploring for a unique taste of Albania’s terroir.

Service: The service is impeccable, with staff who are both knowledgeable and passionate about the food they serve. They provide excellent recommendations and share the stories behind the dishes, enhancing the overall experience.

Price: While Mrizi i Zanave Tirane is slightly upscale, the quality and care put into every aspect of the dining experience make it well worth the price. It’s an excellent choice for food enthusiasts and anyone seeking a deeper connection to Albanian cuisine.

Overall: Mrizi i Zanave Tirane is more than a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Albania’s culinary traditions and sustainable future. With its exceptional food, inviting ambiance, and heartfelt service, it offers a dining experience that is both memorable...

A nasty April downpour didn’t help, but with mobile internet charging at the hotel, it was a bit of a hassle to find the place. As it’s not really on the streetside, and lord knows Tirana addresses are a mess, would've loved some sign visible from Blvd Zhan D'Ark. Couldn’t even notice the name of the place on the door, but once I was in, I knew I was there. The aesthetic inside was definitely serving us tourists and passers-by, but not like some kitschy souvenir store. I didn't see a vinyl player around the speakers and mixer, but the occasional record skips in the Albanian folk music playing felt homey in some grandmotherly way. I’m guessing there’s live music sometimes, but not tonight.

Ordered the veal soup, cappelletti with lamb and cheese and ajvar and something like that, as well as chocolate cake. The pasta was delicious and the rest quite good. For one sore spot, the bread served with the soup didn't taste like it was made even yesterday, but it was okay for dipping. Everything else tasted fresh. I ordered a bottle of Albanian Kallmet by recommendation, which didn’t have that much more going for it than a nice earthiness for the milder, heartier soup. My server was happy to fridge it for a bit, which freshened it up a for a better fit with the salty, savoury pasta.

Speaking of service, on Tuesday evening, I counted the lone waiter of the front of the house was at one point serving twelve tables at a time. (My yesterday’s dinner was failing with less tables and 4-5 servers!) Apparently two of his colleagues were MIA. I don’t expect much small talk in that situation, but he was polite, easy to get a hold of, and quick to act. This absolute rock star really made the place look great. Would be happy to bring friends...

This was our first meal in Tirana and it was delicious. My wife and I shared the appetizer for two that came with 5 or 6 different pies/cakes and it was such a big portion. The pies paired perfectly with the accompaniments of sour cream with peppers, cheese, peppers, etc. This probably would have been enough food but we also tried the chicken breast in mushroom sauce with dates and the lamb with potatoes. The chicken was amazing and the lamb was very good but the portion was a bit small since it did have a fair amount of bone and fat- if you don’t enjoy fatty meat, do not order lamb. Drinks were great and we were given cherry raki to try which was fantastic. The service was excellent from our two young waiters but the following day we sadly realized that they had charged themselves a 10% tip on our bill without us knowing even though we had already left them more than a 10% tip in cash. We only realized but no other restaurant in Tirana charged us a service/tip on the bill. Luckily, the managers were very kind and apologetic and we actually went by the following day to pick up our refund of the service charge. Overall, it is a bit expensive for the average city prices but the ambiance, decoration, and great service makes the...