Dodona Cafe — Restaurant in Cliffside Park

I went about 15 minutes after the cafe opened. My Albanian friend brought me, and this was my first time trying Albanian food. The staff were so kind and I felt like they genuinely wanted to share a piece of Albanians culture with me through the food they prepared. I would definitely go again to try the baklava and more of the veal options!

What we Ordered: Turkish Coffee, Speca me gjizë, Fasul, Mantia, and Suzhuk. Peach Bravo (juice drink).

The Vibe: The overall aesthetic of all the wooden furniture, the design, and all the historical pieces around the cafe was very engaging and warm. I felt like I was in a mini museum! Thankfully my friend could explain the historical context for most of the items in the cafe. There was a TV with drone footage of the country playing as well.

The Food: Their homemade bread was so good! Fresh out the oven it was so soft and warm and it had very palatable texture!

Turkish Coffee - I loved the experience of drinking this! I knew Turkish coffee was very strong, I was served a small iron-like cup with long handle of coffee that you pour into the little cafe cup with the cover. The handle was a little hot, but relatively easy to handle. Pour the coffee in the cup and I added 1 cube of sugar. My mistake was to wait to drink it. I waited too long and it was no longer hot. Pro Tip: drink as soon as your tongue can bear it haha.

Speca me gjizë - This came out with 1 basket of bread. I do not eat dairy, nor am I a fan of anything cream, cheese, or dairy based. But I had to try it a little. I dipped a piece of my bread into the cream cheese mixture and it was pleasantly surprised it was actually good. If you like cream cheese with a little slight kick, it was very good flavor. Would recommend you try.

Mantia - these were beef dumplings, came with a cream dip which I didn’t use. The dumplings had ground beef inside; they were just a tad dry but overall crispy and delicious. I think dipping in the cream would help with the overall taste.

Suxhuk - traditional beef sausage served with some more cream dip (different from the other two) and a cup of pickled cabbage. I really enjoyed this. The beef was not salty, it want dry, very moist and delicious.

Fasul - this was the “traditional” bean soup that was served in a clay dish. I saved this for last, and it remained fairly warm. I dipped my bread in the soup while I waited for it to cool down. There was a decent sized cut of meat inside that was very tender (I could tear it apart with my soup spoon). It was very European in the sense that it didn’t have a lot of spices or seasonings but overall just...

Food is consistent and delicious. Price is great. Weekly stop for dinner.

To start off the decor is pretty much the best in the neighborhood. They really went the extra mile to make the place comfortable, properly lit, and with plenty of seating options without feeling crowded.

The bathroom is always clean which is an underrated feature in any restaurant.

The staff is very friendly and will accommodate as best as they can if you just ask.

Ive been eating here for a few months now and have to say that the food has been consistently made well.

The typical order is pepper dip, mixed grill, djath

These three dishes are enough to feed anyone after a long day

The photos show a lentil soup which i opted for today instead of the pepper dip. The soup is more filling and tasty in its own way.

The pepper dip is a great appetizer to have, basically a cream based soup to start the meal. It also comes with warm bread which is some of the best fresh baked soft bread ive had - and again, its consistently good.

Note, the meat is not the typical turkish or american style and has a bounce to it. I order mine well done - this gives a crispier skin which i prefer.

Note, no sausage on the plate, its made well and cured properly, though i prefer mine softer and so i opt out.

The djath is similar to feta but doesn't crumble in the same way, it has a slightly different taste and arguably a better one.

The desserts are extra sweet, seriously, but thats a feature not a mix up. Prepare yourself and order a coffee to help cut that sugar.

They have bravo juices - a european brand, not the apex but a nice treat if youre familiar with it or want to try something new instead of pepsi or other soda found literally everywhere.

Prices are pretty reasonable as seen on the menu

I highly recommend trying the place, especially if youre from The Levant and havent had Shmeed in a long time, they call it kos, but its pretty much identical and the only place in new jersey that i know of...

Dodona Restaurant is a hidden gem for anyone seeking authentic Albanian cuisine, offering not just incredible food but also an unforgettable dining experience. From the moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted with warmth and genuine hospitality that makes you feel like part of the family.

The menu is a celebration of traditional Albanian flavors, and each dish is a testament to the care and passion of the kitchen. The byrek is perfectly flaky and filled with rich, savory goodness, while the tave kosi melts in your mouth with its tender lamb and creamy yogurt sauce. Every dish is served fresh, with portions generous enough to satisfy even the hungriest diner.

What truly sets Dodona apart is the exceptional hospitality. The staff go above and beyond to make sure you feel welcome and well taken care of, offering personalized recommendations and making sure every detail of your meal is perfect.

On top of all this, the prices are incredibly reasonable, making it easy to enjoy a top-quality meal without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine or simply looking to try something new, Dodona is a must-visit. Delicious food, warm hospitality, and great value—Dodona...