ODA E MIQVE — Restaurant in Largo

My wife and I decided to try this new restaurant this evening (04/02/25) and were very pleased. When we entered, I immediately noticed how nicely it was decorated. Pictures, paintings and decorations of Albanian culture accented the walls. Albanian music played quietly in the background. We met the husband-and-wife ownership team who on particular evening also personally looked after their customers table side.

We tried two appetizers one of Calamari and Byrek ( you must try this) Similar to Greek spinach pie but i liked it more. It was obvious that the layers of crust were made right there. Albania is the oldest Indo-European language in the world, so i'll bet spinach pie got its start there. The Calamari was lightly breaded which i prefer but still managed a very terrific crunch.

The entrees we order were the bone in porkchop with Gorgonzola sauce and accompany roasted vegetable. I was able to sample these from my wife's serving. The pork was tender and moist. The vegetable done but not overcooked. I would try this on our next visit, but there are so many other interesting options to explore before circling back to it. I had the Tave dheu, small piece of tender beef (sometimes liver or vegetarian) in a tomato cheese gravy. (No liver for me!) When your waitress asks you if you would like some extra bread definitely say yes. The bread dips so nice into this dish!! The field greens and Arugula salad we ordered complimented these dishes, with seedless grapes, pieces of citrus, tomatoes beets and other goodies. We also split a very nice bottle of wine as a treat. We normally don't spend the extra, but it was an inviting atmosphere.

Everything was i shkëlqyer, which is Albanian for excellent! We will be going back and taking friends with us. A final note: the owners daughter happened to be there in area reserved for the family. While we only saw her from a distance and the young lady had such affection for her parents and it was joyful to see. This observation told me a little something extra about the place. Finally, I was offered a probiotic rich sample (for drinking) of their fresh made yogurt that tasted like a drinkable mild sour-cream as an expression of their hospitality. It might night happen every time, but it...

The most hidden of hidden gems! It is located in a relatively shabby plaza with some strange parking in what appears to be rather iffy residential neighborhood (the only reason I gave the atmosphere 4 stars) but once inside, it was great!

It's true mom and pop, with mom doing the serving and pop doing the cooking. Of course, there were other staff there, but I'm sure they were family It's super clean (bathrooms too) and was pretty full on a Friday night. From the language being spoken at the other tables, I assume a lot of their clientele is Albanian.

It's likely you don't know much about Albanian food (I didn't), but trust me, it is far from weirdly exotic. The dishes have somewhat exotic names, but it all boils down to an amalgam of Greek/Turkish/Italian food. A lot of creamy/cheesy sauces and bread and pasta. The risotto was excellent. My lamb shank was perfect. The bread that came with the meal was something that would happily make me fat if I ate if every day. Similar to a focaccia,, but not exactly.

A perfect example of something that sounds exotic but is really accessible is the Sachetti appetizer, which is kind of a tender ravioli (pasta pouch)in a delicious white cream sauce and set off with a dollop of perfect figgy compote (but not at all too sweet.)

The service was great and the chef came over to check on how we liked things, and the proprietors were obviously happy to bring in some new customers/converts. Even the Albanian house wine was good. Similar to a dry montepulciano and very affordable -as was the meal itself, considering it was (in my book) pretty high end. Anyway, check it out. This...

A Hidden Gem That Feels Like Home – A Must-Visit!

Where do I even begin? This place is on fire! From the moment I walked in, I felt like a VIP. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, as if I had just stepped into the home of long-lost friends. I had never met the owners before, and they didn’t know me from Adam, yet they welcomed me like family. The hospitality alone makes this place stand out.

The decor transported me straight to Albania, immersing me in an authentic experience before I even took my first bite. And speaking of food—wow! I started with a couple of appetizers: Qofte and Bruschetta. The Qofte was bursting with flavor, cooked to perfection, and incredibly juicy. The Bruschetta had a unique twist that elevated it beyond the traditional version—absolutely delicious!

For the main course, I went with the Penne Me Kime, and let me tell you, that sauce was next level! Every bite was packed with rich, bold flavors that kept me coming back for more. I brought my family along, and they were equally impressed with their pasta choices. Even my granddaughter, who can be picky, loved the chicken tenders and fries!

This place is a must-visit—do not sleep on it! I first discovered it on Facebook and made the trip all the way from North Carolina, and I can confidently say it was worth every mile. Meeting the owners was the cherry on top—they are as amazing as the food they serve.

If you’re looking for a spot that offers authentic flavors, top-tier hospitality, and an atmosphere that feels like home, look no further. Run, don’t walk—this is an experience you...