Oda - Traditional Albanian Restaurant — Restaurant in Tirana Municipality

Tucked out of sight, just a few steps down an alleyway, awaits a cozy restaurant serving traditional Albanian dishes.

We started the meal with Pasha soup with Meatballs - this soup is rich and creamy, essentially a bechemel broth with a touch of lemon. Absolutely fantastic and something we want learn to cook. We also enjoyed a large appetizer of “stuffed grape leaves”; these rice filled treats were possibly the best we’ve ever had!

Next was the “Lamb cooked in woodenstove”, three different cuts of lamb, we think parts of shank, shoulder and rib. The shank was a little on the dry side but flavourful. The other two cuts were more joint and tasty. It’s a very, very simple meat dish with minimal spices, served with a basic yellow boiled potato - naturally sweet and creamy but naked as is often the tradition in this part of the world. While this dish was enjoyed, we probably wouldn’t repeat it.

Last, we had the Head of Lamb - 100% an “I dare you” order. It is, in fact, the skull of a lamb split in half, with the accompanying meats, tongue, brain and eyeballs. This is a dish for people who like the taste of offal (liver, kidney, etc). The brain imparts a bit of flavour on the whole thing. There isn’t a lot of meat and it’s a good bit of work to scrape it off the various parts of the skull, the interesting part being how different the meat is in flavour and texture - for example the jaw versus the cheek. We’ve always wanted to try it, because we have a firm rule of trying everything once. And once was probably all it needed!

We are eager to return and try other dishes. The vegetable dishes are particularly popular here and look very rich tasting, filling and interesting. It was a wonderful night of being food voyeurs!

There’s a large back patio with a stone floor and lots of trees growing out of the ground, providing a nice cooling shade, and a good amount of spacing between tables. There are also charming crochet umbrellas and lights hung among the trees creating a festive and attractive atmosphere. On our particular visit, there was live music - a band of talented singers and musicians filled the space with lively folksy tunes. Every now and then a couple could no longer fight the urge to dance and let themselves have a little fun!

If you don’t have a reservation a table will be hard to find at peak hours. We got lucky, because the two of us agrees to share a table for 4 with two other strangers if another pair walked in without a reservation. We were seated with a couple of very nice Italian ladies and the table was large enough we each had our private conversations...

Oda is a hidden gem in Tirana that takes you on a culinary journey through Albania’s rich heritage. Tucked away in a charming, rustic setting, this restaurant offers an authentic experience that feels like dining in a traditional Albanian home.

Ambiance: The ambiance at Oda is delightfully nostalgic. With vintage furniture, traditional carpets, and handmade decorations adorning the space, it feels like stepping back in time. The cozy, intimate atmosphere is perfect for savoring authentic flavors while soaking in the cultural vibe.

Food: Oda’s menu is a celebration of traditional Albanian cuisine, offering hearty and flavorful dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Highlights include the Fërgesë, a creamy mix of peppers, tomatoes, and cheese, and the tender Tavë Kosi, a signature lamb and yogurt casserole. Their stuffed peppers and Byrek (savory pastry) are equally delightful.

Vegetarians will appreciate the variety of vegetable-based dishes, and the homemade bread is the perfect accompaniment to every meal. Make sure to save room for dessert, as their Baklava is among the best you’ll find in the city.

Drinks: The restaurant offers a selection of Albanian wines and raki, giving diners the chance to sample the country’s traditional beverages. The house raki is particularly smooth and flavorful.

Service: The service at Oda is warm and friendly. The staff are eager to explain the dishes and share insights into Albanian culinary traditions, making the experience even more enriching.

Price: Oda is reasonably priced, offering great value for an authentic and fulfilling dining experience. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to explore Albanian cuisine without breaking the bank.

Overall: Oda is a must-visit for those who want to immerse themselves in Albanian culture through its food. With its welcoming ambiance, delicious traditional dishes, and attentive service, it’s a dining experience that leaves a...

We went here a week ago and had the best service possible. Our food was delicious and they were very attentive. They had perfect English and could explain the dishes clearly so we knew what was in each for allergies etc. We were a large table of 15, and everything came promptly we didn't wait long to order or on our food/drinks. The restaurant itself is beautiful. We sat outside and it was lovely with great atmosphere. Everyone had a mix of food. All loved their dishes. I had lamb and really enjoyed it. We had the house wine, which was very good.

On the way to the restaurant I left my phone in a taxi. The staff offered their phones immediately so i coudl call my phone and when the driver wouldnt speak to me they took over and convinced him to return it after 15 mins on the phone. The main staff member helping went so far as to come with us when the taxi man arrived and communicated with him as he refused to give the phone unless we paid him money. We eventually paid €60 to get it as we just wanted it back, but the staff member did as much as he could to try haggle and give out to him. The staff member refused any money as a thank you and were telling me all they wanted was to ensure we got it safely and we were okay.

This restaurants staff members are amazing at their job and are on the ball with big tables but also kind genuine amazing people who ensured I didn't leave tirana with a bad interpretation. I was screwed over by one person, but the staff restored my faith in kindness. The staff member who did everything to help and came with us I can't be sure of his name I was so stressed I forgot to ask his name but through the call log I think it may be Denis. So Denis, if you see this, I am beyond grateful at your kindness and willingness to help people beyond all measures. Offering your time energy and your phone and checking in on us to ensure we weren't too worried. You are...