Rapsodia Restaurant

🍽️ A Culinary Journey I had the pleasure of enjoying a long lunch at Rapsodia last Saturday as part of a group gathering, and it was easily one of the most memorable meals I’ve had in a while. We were treated to a 12-course degustation menu (plus desserts and cake!) that showcased incredible variety and flavor. The chef surprised us with different kinds of meat: beef, rabbit, pork, chicken, and lamb, each prepared in a unique and creative way. Every dish brought something different to the table, both in taste and presentation. From tender bites to rich sauces and fresh ingredients, everything was done with care and artistry. We sat in the garden since the weather was sunny and warm, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. The staff were kind, attentive, and took the time to explain each course as it was served, which added a special touch to the meal. We spent about three hours at the table, and honestly, the time flew by, that's how good the food and company were. Highly recommend Rapsodia and don't miss the chance to treat yourself to this experience.

A Special Dinner at Rapsodia, with a Powerful Story and Great Food (plus free parking!) This was one of the moments I was most excited about during my trip: dinner at Rapsodia, the restaurant of chef Alfred Marku, a place I had marked on my list for months. It’s located in the Shëngjin area and is known for its creative cuisine made with local ingredients. The chef’s personal story is truly inspiring: he crossed the Greek border on foot at just 14, fleeing war, ended up imprisoned, lived in abandoned houses in Italy, and after many hardships, became a renowned chef. That mix of life’s toughness and culinary sensitivity had me intrigued. The restaurant itself is beautiful, with various spaces: a stylish indoor dining room and a cozy garden where you can also dine (though it was drizzling that evening, so we couldn’t enjoy the outdoor setting). It has free parking, which is a real bonus if you’re traveling by car. They offer tasting menus at very reasonable prices, as well as à la carte options. I went for the five-course tasting menu for €45—an affordable luxury considering the quality. My partner, not a fan of tasting menus or Michelin-style places (his face when I said we were going to an “Albanian Michelin-type” restaurant was priceless), chose a risotto from the menu, which he loved and found budget-friendly. My menu was a full-on experience: • Raw sea bass cured in pickled brine • Halibut stuffed with shrimp and wine cream • Risotto with bean cream and veal in vinegar • Quail with trajama and popcorn (very original!) • Lamb with rice cream (delicious, though I was too full by then and missed having a dessert to finish) We paired it with a lovely bottle of Albanian white wine: Arberi 2023, made from Shesh i Bardhë grapes in the Mirditë region—light and flavorful. Service was excellent—friendly and professional. I felt genuinely welcomed. Also, bonus point: in Spain, they wouldn’t have let me order a tasting menu unless the whole table did, so extra credit to Albania for their flexibility. In short: an interesting culinary proposal, well executed, with a powerful story behind it. I wouldn’t say it was one of the most unforgettable meals of my life, but it’s definitely a place I’d recommend for its value for money, creativity in flavor combinations, and warm service

The food experience was one of a kind. We ordered the three courses degustation menu extra wine, water and dessert all for 80 euros for two persons. Each and every plate was delicious and unique. If you are two I would recommend getting both fish and meat based and combine. Service was also amazing. The premises need some improvement especially the toilets to make the full experience incredible. Strongly recommended!