The best restaurants Central

It is one of the most charming restaurants in the area. Located at the top of the site of Apollonia of Illyria, it bears the name of the French archaeologist who excavated the site from 1924 to 1938. The building was built by his team to serve as a shelter for the site and one can still meet archaeologists working on the site. Daily dishes are served in the room decorated with photos of the first excavations or on the terrace, under the olive trees, with a view of the ruins and the Vjosa delta. Near the monastery, the Apollonia restaurant offers a more touristy menu.

Durrës is full of good fish restaurants. This one is popular and inexpensive. You'll still enjoy a fine view of the shoreline and a no-fuss terrace in front of the first large beach to the south-east of the port. You can choose your meal from the stalls: sea bass, red mullet, sole, squid, clams, crabs or prawns... Raw or cooked, they're very good. Also some Italian specialties: bruschetta, spaghetti alle vongole or risotto al mare. With a large plate of Butrint mussels, you'll get away with an unbeatable price.

An elegant gourmet fish restaurant, a little pricey but very good, with a chic terrace and a beautiful view of the waves. Everything is fresh and well presented. Raw assortments served on ice, including rare Adriatic sea urchins, squid ceviche with Peruvian lemon and green anise, grilled whole fish, small fried dishes, lobster, Butrint mussels, oysters, Italian-style pasta recipes, authentic mozzarella di buffala... Only the service is a little disappointing. The restaurant is very popular, so we recommend you make a reservation!

Housed on the first floor of an unassuming modern building facing the harbor, this wine bistro hides its secrets well. It enjoys a superb setting, as it is located within the ancient walls of the city, where the via Egnatia left towards Thessalonica and Constantinople. In this elegant, well-exploited setting, you can sample some excellent Albanian wines made from local grape varieties, such as kallmet from around Lezha and shesh i zi from the Durrës-Fier region. To be enjoyed with plates of Albanian cheese or Balkan charcuterie.