Taverna Labëria - Gjirokaster

Last summer I scouted cities in Albania including Shkodër, Elbasan, Durres, Vlore, Saranda, and Gjirokaster, where I spent several days before bicycling on to Greece. Vlore was my favorite city with the mild coastal climate, great bike paths, and relative much flat land, so I decided to spend December and part of January there. On December 15, 2022 I took a bus to Gjirokaster, spent a night in the Hotel Lunxheria with a view of the castle, and then biked back to Vlore, 130 km or 80 miles. It is primarily downhill and I picked a day with a good tailwind. For my layover I picked Taverna Labëria for dinner. They were welcoming and friendly and communicated well in English, especially their daughter in high school.I am a lamb lover, so I got lamb off the spit, a salad, and an Ivo lemon soda, Albanian made and my choice for a non caffeinated drink. They had the best lamb I had all year. I tried cooking a bit of lamb for Christmas at my apartment in Vlore, but it didn't even come close. I finally got to doing this review today as I recently bought a house in Florida and cooked my first full meal here, lamb of course. I did a good baking it in the oven, and though it is quite good, it couldn't quite match the fresh meat off the spit at Taverna Labëria. It is not luxurious, but I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is more interested in good food and hospitality. As the weather in Florida has already become uncomfortable in mid-May, I having second thought about not having bought an apartment in Vlore instead.

The menu of this tavern is not so big, but if you would like to test the lamb it is the right place. Although it was grilled, not baked, the lamb was juicy and tasty, without bones, from the leg part. The portion was enough for the hungry man. The tavern has a reasonable price.

Solid owner operated restaurant in Gjirokaster. Nice family who runs the place and the young daughter spoke great English and was very friendly. Her father prepared the food and everything was flavorful and delicious, cold beer. We were happy to eat something different after a couple days of the towns traditional food with similar menus. Great sunset view and outdoor seating, a nice walk from center city. Definitely will be back if in the area. Recommend!

We went there during our trip to Djirokastra. Good local traditional restaurant! I recommend this place. We had 2 main courses, salad, bread, 1l wine and the price was very nice. The owner is friendly person and he speaks English very well.

A great evening spent with Antonio. The food was delicious in a lovely friendly atmosphere. We had great fun talking in the many languages that he speaks. I recommend this place.