Agritourism in Albania: the Best Farm to Table Restaurants

On my last trip to Albania I focused on agritourism and visited as many farm to table restaurants as I could. Albania has quite a few agritourism restaurants, though most tourist don’t know about them.

I wasn’t aware of agritourism until my third or fourth trip to Albania. It’s not overly promoted, and kind of an inside secret. But if you visit one on a Sunday afternoon you’ll be lucky if you get a table. This is where the best food in Albania is, and they’re popular with locals.

What is Agritourism in Albania

Albania is a largely agricultural country. Farm to table dining is actually the traditional way of eating in Albania. Agritourism is the promotion of this rural lifestyle and culturally authentic foods to visitors.

Agritourism restaurants are just part of this sector. Many of the agritourism I visited had guest houses and some were also wineries. I was able to do wine tastings, tour the cellars and have meals at several restaurants.

Why is Agritourism Important

Agritourism gives visitors a chance to experience the agricultural traditions of Albania.

Farms are small, privately owned and often organic. They’ve usually been in the family for generations. Agritourism is a way to protect and preserve these important social and cultural traditions.

Having a meal in an agritourism is one of the best culinary experiences you can have in Albania. Not only is the food delicious and fresh, it gives you a reason to get into the countryside and see parts of Albania you might not otherwise.

And you’re supporting local communities. It’s a win-win!

Best Agritourism Restaurants in Albania

Now that I know about agritourism, I look for them everywhere I go in Albania. The whole focus of my last trip was wineries and agritourism.

One thing to know is that agritourism are usually in the countryside, so you need a car. I rented cars through Discover Cars wherever I was in Albania and drove to the restaurants.

There are a few that are close enough to the nearest city to take a taxi, and I’ve noted those.

1. Mrizi i Zanave

Most locals say Mrizi i Zanave is the best agritourism restaurant in Albania, and I agree. If you are anywhere in the vicinity of Lezhe or Shkoder make a detour and come here. It’s that good.

When I visited there were no menus – just the set menu of the day which was 8 plates of local specialties, bread and dessert. All amazing! To date, this meal is my most memorable in Albania.

There’s a big parking lot, children’s play area, excellent farm shop, guest house, and they’re dog friendly. I highly recommend you make a reservation.

Mrizi i Zanave is only a few km from Kallmet Winery, one of the best vineyards in Albania. You could do a tasting while you’re in the area.

Nearest town/city: Fishte & Lezhe or Shkoder

2. Agroturizem Hylli i Drites

This is another well regarded agritourism. It’s also in the Lezhe area, so if you can’t get into Mrizi i Zanave, this would be a great option. I haven’t been here yet, but it’s on my list for my next trip.

The restaurant and guest house have beautiful views of the countryside and I have heard the food is amazing.

Nearest town/city: Troshan & Shkoder

3. Agroturizem Gjepali

This countryside restaurant and guest house is very popular, so make sure you make a reservation. I was here in March during Ramadan and it was extremely busy.

It was still cold so I ate inside which wasn’t my favourite, but there’s a nice outdoor terrace, and in warmer weather it would be really pleasant.

There was a set menu with hot and cold appetizers, choice of meat which was very good. My meal, including a glass of wine and bottle of water came to 2750 lek ($33 USD). And it was a lot of food.

Agroturizem Gjepali is 14 km from Durres and easy to reach. You could take a taxi here.

Nearest town/city: Shijak & Durres

4. Kantina Enol

Kantina Enol has got a beautiful location on the side of mountain overlooking the hills and vineyards. I drove right past Preze Castle to reach this agritourism and could see it from my table.

This agritourism is a winery and restaurant. While I was waiting for my lunch the server gave me a tour of the cellars. You could have a very nice afternoon eating and doing a full tasting.

Everything on the menu is sourced from the farm (even the honey and cheese), except the meat which is local. My lunch was very good, it’s definitely one of the better agritourism restaurants in Albania.

The location is remote – I actually lost service on my cell phone, but there’s lots of parking and it’s peaceful. I drove there from Durres in 30 minutes, but it’s almost as close to Tirana, about a 35 minute drive.

Nearest town/city: Preze & Durres or Tirana

5. Loka Agritourism

Loka Agritourism is a popular restaurant with locals, famous for their grilled meat. They dry age it onsite and have their own chickens and goats. There’s no menu – the food changes daily depending on seasonal availability.

The location is beautiful with stunning views of the hills, but very off the beaten path. This is another place I lost cell phone reception.

I drove here from Kantina Enol and ended up on a remote route over the mountain on dirt roads, but it’s more direct if you drive from Durres (45 min) or Tirana (1 hour).

The food and wine were very good and inexpensive. My lunch of an entire lakror (savoury pie), salad, cheeses and wine came to 1300 lek ($15 USD). Everything was delicious and sourced from the farm, including the wine.

Nearest town/city: Bubq & Durres or Tirana

6. Blerina Farm

If you only go to one agritourism while in Tirana, make it here. Blerina Farm is exceptional, and one of the very best agritourism in Albania.

The food is traditional home style cooking – but excellent home cooking, and all ingredients are sourced from the organic farm.

The owner Blerina invited me into the kitchen, and they had just taken a giant lemon tart out of the oven and it was cooling on the counter. Even the sourdough bread that comes with each meal is home made.

It’s a great choice for families. Kids can visit farm animals across the street, and there’s a play area beside the dining area.

The restaurant is part of Blerina Agritourism, which owns the guest house and adult only restaurant across the street, called Toka. Make sure you make a reservation for this one. When I went on the weekend it was packed.

Nearest town/city: Laknas & Tirana

7. Toka

This was one of the most memorable meals of my life. Not only was the outdoor courtyard beautiful (the indoor dining room is equally as nice), the food was incredible.

This is the adult only and more upscale version of Blerina Farm across the street. The menu is mainly traditional Albanian dishes, but contemporary gourmet versions. I enjoyed a multi-course set menu and every single bite was amazing.

The honey is from their bees, the olive oil pressed onsite with olives from their trees, the bread is homemade sourdough, and everything is organic.

For the full farm experience, Blerina Agritourism has a guesthouse with beautiful rooms overlooking the gardens. I would stay here just to eat the breakfast in the morning!

It’s barely outside the Tirana city limits, you could take taxi here.

Nearest town/city: Laknas & Tirana

8. Uka Farm

This is another well regarded farm to table restaurant and kantina (winery) close to Tirana. Lots of traditional Albanian foods and meats that are grilled in the brick oven in the dining room. I tried the grilled sausage and it was excellent.

I love that Uka Farm is also a winery, so you can tour the cellar and vineyards and have a wine tasting with your meal or appetizers. I had an excellent glass of kallmet (Albanian red grape variety) with my lunch.

If you’re only interested in eating Blerina Farm is better (it’s in the same area), but if want a wine tasting too, Uka Farm is a better choice. It’s close enough to Tirana to take a taxi.

Nearest town/city: Laknas & Tirana

9. Fustanella Farm

I really wanted to eat here, locals have told me it’s excellent. I haven’t managed to fit it into my itinerary yet, but it’s on the list for a future trip.

From everything I’ve heard and read, Fustanella Farm is a gorgeous property and the food looks incredible. Plus, if Albanians like it you know it must be great since they generally prefer to eat at home.

It’s 14 km south of Tirana, so you could take a taxi here.

Nearest town/city: Petrele & Tirana

10. Bardhi Farm Restaurant

If you visit Kruja from Tirana as a day trip, make sure you eat here. It’s supposed to be excellent, and it’s right in Kruje – no car required!

I missed Restorant Bardhi when I was in Kruje, mostly because at that time I hadn’t learned about agritourism in Albania. I knew Bardhi was a good restaurant and had it on my list, but after a big lunch somewhere else I was too full for another meal.

The location looks beautiful overlooking the castle and mountains. All food is organic and comes from the family farm, including jams and cheeses. They also produce their own wine.

Located in Kruje

11. Villa Gjecaj

This was my favourite place to eat in Theth. My guest house host recommended it, and it was fantastic. This was before I knew about agritourism in Albania, but I could tell the food was fresh and prepared with care.

My friend and I ordered lamb, salad, soup, wine and everything was excellent. My dog and I adored the outdoor dining on the grassy lawn with incredible mountain views all around. It was very charming and peaceful.

Located in Theth

12. Kodra e Gjelber Agrotourism

This was one of my favourite agritourism meals in Albania. The food was fantastic and the outdoor dining with views of Mount Tomorr was magical.

Like a lot of agritourism, the menu was set and included a variety of hot and cold appetizers, meat dishes and local specialties. I tried something I had never had before: corn bread smothered in yogurt and topped with a tiny egg. Sounds weird, but it was delicious!

It’s less than 10 km from Berat, so even without a car you can reach it by taxi. Kodra e Gjelber is very close to Alpeta Agritourism & Winery, so you could eat here and then go to Alpeta for their evening wine tasting.

Nearest town/city: Roshnik & Berat

13. Alpeta Agritourism & Winery

This is another agritourism near Berat. If we’re talking strictly food – Kodra e Gjelber is better. But what sets Alpeta Agritourism apart is the stunning location and the fact that it is one of the best wineries near Berat.

If you’d like to sample wine with lunch, or do the evening wine tasting and dinner, this is a better choice. The wine tasting is outside and includes a tour of the vineyards.

Alpeta is located in Roshnik, a charming village outside Berat, and you can stay overnight in one of the Alpeta guest rooms. I had a look around, and the rooms are beautiful. Guests can also swim in the lake during summer.

If you’re driving, keep going to the very end of the road past the Alpeta entrance. There’s a large parking lot there. I didn’t know this until I was leaving, and parked on the very narrow road.

Nearest town/city: Roshnik & Berat

14. Nena Dashuri Agritourism

This agritourism is just outside the small city of Peshkopi in north east Albania. Peshkopi is way off the tourist track, but several locals have told me it’s their favourite area of Albania.

I haven’t explored this region of Albania yet, but it’s on my radar for an upcoming trip. It looks gorgeous! Lots of hiking trails and thermal baths.

If you make it to this hidden gem, Nena Dashuri is a well regarded agritourism restaurant and guest house. They are famous for jufka – traditional handmade noodles, and you can purchase them in their farm shop.

Nearest city: Peshkopi

15. Agroturizem Via Egnatia

If you are driving south from Tirana to the Albanian Riviera, Berat or Gjirokaster this agritourism is on the way and a great place to stop. There’s plenty of parking in the lot across the road from the farm entrance.

All the food comes from their farm, even the honey and olive oil. They have fruit orchards, olive and walnut trees and their own livestock. It’s a beautiful property with a guest house and agritourism restaurant.

Nearest town/city: Karine & Durres or Elbasan

16. Mesopotam Agroturizem

This is the best agritourism near Saranda without question. I think it’s one of the very top agritourism restaurants in Albania.

Everything here feels special, from the riverside setting to the food and service. My friends and I ate on the outdoor terrace overlooking the river, but there’s also garden dining with a playground for families.

The food is organic, sourced from their own farm and local families. We asked our waiter to make recommendations, and he told us he knew what to bring us, and platters of traditional food started arriving! Everything was fantastic.

A reservation is a good idea, this restaurant gets very busy on weekends. There’s a couple of places with similar names, so make sure you go to the one with the exact name ‘Mesopotam Agroturizem.’

Check out the 13th century Saint Nicholas Monastery when you’re there – it’s just around the corner.

Nearest town/city: Mesopotam & Saranda

17. Tamo’s Farm

For a genuine farm to table experience, Tamo’s Farm is hard to beat. It’s a working farm deep in the countryside, 22 km from Saranda. When we ate here it felt like being welcomed into someone’s home, not a formal restaurant.

The owner came over and told us he was roasting lamb that day, so that’s what we ate – plus plates of salad, tzatziki, byrek and potatoes. It was a feast! Albanian music played in the background, and we got to see traditional dancing when a group of locals just started dancing in the middle of the restaurant!

All the food and wine is from the farm. It’s simple home cooking, but delicious.

Nearest town/city: Memoraq & Saranda

18. Sofra Kolonjare

Sofra Kolonjare is a rustic and charming property, 26 km from Korce. This is another agritourism I didn’t find out about until after I’d already been in the region. I’ll have to visit Sofra Kolonjare on a return trip to Korce (another lesser known gem).

All ingredients used in the food come from the farm, even the dairy and meat. Breads, lakror (savoury pie) and meats are cooked in traditional stone ovens. They grind their own grains and make their own wine. For the winter they preserve hundreds of jars of fruits, vegetables, jams and pickles.

Guest can stay in the one of the guest rooms, camp and use the hiking trails. This area, called Kolonje, is mountainous, beautiful and a popular winter destination in Albania.

Nearest town/city: Erseke & Korce

Summary of the Best Agritourism Restaurants in Albania

To help you figure out which agritourism you want to visit, I’ve listed them by nearest city in Albania:

• Tirana: Blerina Farm, Toka, Uka Farm, Fustanella Farm, Kantina Enol, Loka Agritourism
• Durres: Agrotourism Gjepali, Kantina Enol, Loka Agritourism, Agroturizem Via Egnatia
• Berat: Kodra e Gjelber Agrotourism, Alpeta Agritourism & Winery
• Saranda: Mesopotam Agroturizem, Tamo’s Farm
• Shkoder: Mrizi i Zanave, Agroturizem Hylli i Drites
• Elbasan: Agroturizem Via Egnatia
• Kruje: Bardhi Farm Restaurant
• Theth: Villa Gjecaj
• Korce: Sofra Kolonjare
• Peshkopi: Nena Dashuri Agritourism

FAQs About Agritourism in Albania

What is agritourism in Albania?
Agritourism in Albania combines farming, traditional food, wineries, guest houses, and rural tourism experiences.

Do you need a car to visit agritourism restaurants in Albania?
Usually yes, although some agritourism restaurants near Tirana, Berat, and Durres can be reached by taxi. You can walk to the ones I visited in Kruje and Theth.

What is the best agritourism in Albania?
Mrizi i Zanave is widely considered Albania’s best agritourism restaurant.

Are agritourism restaurants expensive in Albania?
Most are very affordable, especially considering the quality and quantity of food. My meal at Mrizi i Zanave which was 8 plates of food, bread, dessert, a welcome drink and wine came to 3075 lek ($38 USD) – for 2 people.

Last Words on Agritourism in Albania: the Best Restaurants

On your next trip to Albania, don’t eat every meal in the cities. Some of the best food in the country is in these family run agritourism restaurants.

Eating at these farm to table restaurants has become one of my favourite things to do in Albania. I actively seek them out and build them into my itinerary. They’re always in beautiful settings and the food is fresh and often organic. Plus it helps the local community.

Agritourism restaurants in Albania are still a bit of an insider secret. So make time for one on your next trip – I guarantee it will be one of your favourite experiences in Albania.

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