Fine Dining in Tirana

Barry discovered a charming restaurant down a side street that is just a three-minute walk from our apartment. It’s called Restorant Berlin (I don’t know why) and has been in business since 1992. Check it out here: https://restorantberlini.al/eng/

We were given menus and once we closed them the server appeared and took our order. For me a glass of white wine and the Thai Chicken and Shrimp dish. I like Thai food and I like shrimp so that unique combination intrigued me. My only concern was if the shrimp was served with the head on which is the custom here. I asked the server if the shrimp had the heads on and he said the shrimp is “clear” in a way that I figured he was saying the shrimp would be headless.

Barry ordered lamb chops, a beer and a raki (pronounced rah kee). Raki is an Albanian alcohol drink similar to Greek ouzo. It is served in a shot glass but it is meant to be sipped not chugged. We also ordered a Caesar salad to share. The server suggested we order either rice or potatoes to round out the meal. I said potatoes and the server said we would like his special fried potatoes. I figured he meant we’d get French fries, which seemed odd for this upscale place.

This is how we learn. We order things we are not sure what we will get until it is served. It’s called the “hit or miss” method. About ten percent of the time we are not fond of our choice but we are then one hundred percent sure not to order it again.

Once the server was gone Barry assured me if the shrimp came with their heads on and their beady eyes were in a death stare directed to me, he would behead them for me. Okay, I could relax.  

The service was first class. First came our drinks. Then came the Caesar salad. Just as we finished the salad our entrees arrived at the perfect temperature, hot but not burning hot. My shrimp were beheaded with the severed heads artfully arranged on the plate with the chicken and the now beheaded shrimp. It was easy for me to transfer the heads to my empty salad plate. Out of sight, out of mind. Worked for me. The “French fries” turned out to be an enticing bowl of thinly sliced house-fried potato “chips” that were delicate and tasty.

We’ve noticed that the few high-end restaurants we’ve been to do not put salt and pepper on the table. I assume they trust their seasoning knowledge and so far, that has been born out.

We took a few photos of our food but it was after we had already started eating so they don’t present very well. We will do better next time.

When we were complete with our meal and waiting for the fatura (the check) our server surprised us with a tiny dessert that seemed to be “iced cream.” It wasn’t ice cream, it was iced cream—cream that had been frozen and when we took a bite it literally melted in our mouth. Very refreshing!

The cost for this fine dining meal was 4,000 lek plus a 200 lek tip ($46.30)

It turned out the server was the chef. He let us know he lives in the building next to the restaurant and he has an Airbnb that was coming empty. We explained we are residents and have an apartment. Still, it was good to know of the Airbnb in the neighborhood that might be perfect for future visitors.

If you come to visit we will treat you to a dinner at Restorant Berlin!