Explore the top spots in Sauk, a cozy district in Tirana, Albania

Heading towards the Sauk neighborhood, you'll pass through Tirana Park, offering a great chance to visit Still Fish – a superb restaurant serving fresh, well-prepared seafood. Inside, it feels like a luxurious loft with expensive hardwood floors and furniture, adorned with subtle yet expressive marine-themed art details – large shrimps on the walls, ropes dividing tables, and wine bottles elegantly displayed on open shelves as a final touch to the décor.

The menu is filled with dishes featuring fresh treasures from the sea. Whether it's salmon salad, octopus carpaccio, shrimp ravioli, or fish croquettes – whatever you choose, your inner gourmet will be delighted. Plus, the portions here are generous, and some meals, like grill mix still fish, are meant for sharing with friends – a great option for a delicious dinner without breaking the bank. Don't hesitate to spend a couple of extra dollars on a glass of excellent Albanian wine – just ask the waiter for a recommendation, and every guest's wish will be fulfilled.

The Xibraku restaurant boasts a wonderful location nestled on the green hills of Tirana, right by the lake, and its magnificent pool next to the dining area acts as a magnet, drawing visitors seeking relaxation away from the bustling city center. Here, you can order a cocktail at your sun lounger or choose a cozy table on the lawn under the shade of trees and enjoy a full dinner in the best Albanian traditions. Moreover, there's a huge banquet hall where beautiful weddings often take place, offering a view of the stunning sunset and the city lights.

In the daily menu, you'll find all the best dishes from Balkan and European cuisines. Be sure to try tavë karkaleci me pana (shrimps with sea salt and herbs, baked in a creamy sauce), served in a clay pot, melt-in-your-mouth baked octopus, traditional tavë kosi with lamb baked in yogurt, or Italian pasta with shrimp or bacon. Such a royal dinner would be incomplete without a bottle of Albanian wine or a cup of strong Turkish sand coffee, along with some light dessert – for instance, kasata – a mix of creamy and chocolate ice cream with a layer of fig or orange jam.

As you stroll along the well-maintained promenade beside Tirana's artificial lake, there's nothing quite like stopping by Lake View Bar to enhance your walk. This charming spot, resembling an English garden with its modern benches encircling tree trunks and wrought iron tables adorned with red tablecloths that complement the blooming roses on the terrace, envelops guests in a delightful ambiance that beckons them to linger and savor the beauty of the surroundings.

Lake View Bar caters to almost every taste with its wide array of beverages, ranging from light pilsners to refreshing Aperol spritzes, or shots of Metaxa brandy to Hendrick's gin cocktails. While the menu primarily focuses on drinks, it also features delicious sandwiches on crispy bread, nachos, and seafood antipasto complete with juicy olives and fresh vegetables.

With its tranquil setting by the cool waters of the lake, illuminated by twinkling lights and the golden hues of the sunset, Lake View Bar provides an ideal backdrop for a peaceful evening.

Situated in Tirana Park's Nobis Center, Tony’s is a cozy café and restaurant adored by both locals and tourists for its delicious American dishes. The place exudes New York vibe, from its spacious loft-style dining area to the inviting veranda decked out in graphite and red, complete with trendy bar stools and comfy sofas.

Guests especially love Tony’s hearty breakfasts and Sunday brunches. The menu offers a wide range of options – classic starters like onion rings or Mexican favorites like enchiladas and burritos. Fresh salads featuring local greens and cheeses perfectly complement their famous burgers and BBQ pork ribs. Pizza lovers won’t be disappointed either, with a choice of around 10 different toppings on thin, crispy crusts. For dessert, try their carrot or apple pie, or if you prefer, indulge in a cocktail – while the drink menu isn't extensive, it covers all the favorites like a Cosmopolitan or a strawberry Margarita.

As you travel from the city center to Sauk district and the park, you can't miss Tirana Castle, one of the main sights in the capital. Nearby, there's another great place called Tartuf Shop, where they sell products and cook dishes using one of the world's most prized treats – truffles. Some people say you either love or hate these expensive mushrooms, but with the talented chefs at this place, we're sure you'll want to give them a try.

Truffles grace nearly every item on the menu, from salads to savory entrées and even decadent desserts like cheesecake. Guests especially enjoy ravioli with a creamy ricotta and mushroom filling, and shrimp risotto, which includes mango and delicate shavings of extra white truffle, creating a unique taste. We also recommend beef tenderloin with polenta or lamb ribs – both of them feature truffles prominently. Even if you're not a fan of mushrooms, don't worry – the chefs know how to blend flavors, so we're confident you'll enjoy it. And be sure to check out their homemade products – they sell delicious truffle pâtés, olive oil, and other fantastic items in beautiful packaging that make great gifts.

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