Must-Try Dishes: Frikase (stewed chicken with yogurt), Byrek (pastry with cheese or meat), Tavë Kosi (lamb with yogurt sauce), fresh grilled fish, Qofte (meatballs), traditional seafood risotto, and Shopska salad with local cheese.
Seafood Specialties: Fresh grilled octopus, whole fish, shrimp saganaki (fried shrimp), mussels, and daily fish catches prepared simply with lemon and olive oil.
Local Drinks: Excellent Albanian wines (especially reds from Vlorë), Raki (strong brandy served as digestif), Greek or Albanian coffee, and fresh lemon juice.
Dining Tips: Lunch is main meal (1-3pm). Dinner starts late (8-10pm). Tipping 5-10% appreciated but not mandatory. Restaurants concentrated at waterfront and Old Quarter offer best atmosphere.
Budget Dining: Street food and casual eateries cost 3-8 EUR. Mid-range restaurants 10-20 EUR. Fine dining along waterfront 20-40 EUR per person.
Dietary Options: Growing awareness of vegetarian needs. Salads, pasta, cheese plates readily available. Traditional meat-heavy but seafood options abundant for pescatarians.