Restaurant in Tirana 1001, Albania
Zgara Korçare 2
A must-visit for experiencing traditional Albanian grilled meats and regional specialties from Korçë. The diverse menu features everything from tavë pllaqi to perfectly charred mixed grills.
Zgara Korçare 2 on Rruga Sami Frashëri in central Tirana is a well-regarded Albanian grill restaurant specializing in the culinary traditions of the Korçë region in southeastern Albania, a city recognized throughout the country for the quality and distinctiveness of its grilled meat preparations and regional recipes. The restaurant brings these traditions to Tirana's dining scene, offering dishes that differ notably from Tirana's own culinary conventions and that are particularly valued by locals who trace heritage to Korçë or who seek regional variety beyond the capital's standard grill menus.
The kitchen's approach to grilling is patient and focused on charcoal technique, producing meats with a smoke character and exterior crust that distinguish them from faster gas-grilled alternatives common in the city. Qofte Korçare — the Korçë-style meatball, made from a spiced minced meat mixture with a flavor profile unique to the region — is the item most frequently cited by regulars as the defining dish and the primary reason to seek out this restaurant over its many competitors on the same street. The Zgara Mix brings together multiple cuts and preparations in a generous shared platter, while Tavë Pllaqi — a baked fish dish with vegetables rooted in southeastern Albanian cooking — provides a meaningful alternative for those not ordering grilled meat.
The dining room has a functional, no-frills character typical of Albanian mid-range grill restaurants: wooden tables, a lively ambient noise level, and staff who move efficiently through a busy service. The restaurant is popular with local families, groups of colleagues, and regional visitors who recognize the Korçë culinary references. Evenings are noisier and busier than lunch; the space fills quickly on weekend nights.
Zgara Korçare 2 operates from 10 AM to 11:30 PM daily and accepts walk-ins. Prices are mid-range by Tirana standards — a full meal for two with drinks falls between 2,500 and 4,000 ALL — and portions are generous. The restaurant is particularly valuable for visitors interested in Albania's regional culinary diversity rather than a generic Tirana dining experience.
Signature dishes
- Tavë Pllaqi (Baked Fish with Vegetables) — $13
- Zgara Mix (Mixed Grill) — $12
- Qofte Korçare (Korçë-Style Meatballs) — $10
Hours: 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM daily
Reservations: Walk-in
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +355 69 333 4455
Location
Rruga Sami Frashëri, Tirana 1001, Albania
41.3256, 19.8225 — View on map
Highlights
- Qofte Korçare — the distinctive spiced meatball of the Korçë region, one of Albania's most celebrated regional grill preparations
- Authentic Korçë regional cuisine in Tirana, offering southeastern Albanian culinary traditions largely absent elsewhere in the capital
- Patient charcoal grilling producing meats with genuine smoke character uncommon at faster Tirana grill restaurants
- Tavë Pllaqi — baked fish with vegetables, a Korçë specialty providing a compelling alternative to the grill-focused menu
Tips
- Order Qofte Korçare as the essential regional dish — the spiced Korçë-style meatball is the definitive reason to choose this restaurant
- The Zgara Mix is portioned for sharing between two and is the best way to sample multiple preparations in a single order
- Lunch service is noticeably quieter than evenings and allows a more relaxed dining pace without the weekend noise
- House rakia complements the grilled meat programme well; ask what regional varieties are currently available
- Walk-ins are accepted throughout the day; arrive by 7:30 PM on weekends to secure seating without a significant wait
FAQ
What is the difference between Zgara Korçare 2 and a standard Tirana grill restaurant?
Zgara Korçare 2 specializes in the culinary traditions of Korçë, a city in southeastern Albania known for distinctive grilled meat preparations. Dishes such as Qofte Korçare and Tavë Pllaqi are specific to that region and are less common at standard Tirana grill restaurants.
What is Qofte Korçare?
Qofte Korçare are Korçë-style meatballs made from minced meat with a spice profile and texture unique to the Korçë region. They are considered one of Albania's most celebrated regional specialties and are the primary reason many visitors seek out this restaurant specifically.
Does Zgara Korçare 2 take reservations?
The restaurant operates primarily on a walk-in basis. For groups of five or more on weekend evenings, a phone call ahead at +355 69 333 4455 is advisable to ensure adequate seating is available.
What is Tavë Pllaqi?
Tavë Pllaqi is a baked dish featuring fish cooked with vegetables in a clay pot or oven dish, common in the Korçë and southeastern Albanian tradition. It is one of the restaurant's main alternatives for visitors not ordering grilled meat.
What are the prices at Zgara Korçare 2?
Main dishes range from approximately 1,000 to 1,300 ALL, and a full dinner for two with drinks typically costs between 2,500 and 4,000 ALL, placing it firmly in the mid-range of Tirana's restaurant market.
Accessibility
Zgara Korçare 2 is at street level on Rruga Sami Frashëri and is generally accessible for most visitors. The dining room has a standard layout, though the closely spaced tables and busy service during peak hours may present some challenges for wheelchair users navigating the space.