"Family-run handmade pasta and Adriatic seafood — book Balbi 34 for trofie in Balbi sauce and grilled fish near Saranda's waterfront."
About Balbi 34
Balbi 34 sits on Rruga Tolo Jovani, near Sheshi Nene Tereza and a short walk from the Saranda waterfront on Albania's Ionian coast. It is run by a family whose owners learned to make pasta during years in Italy, and the kitchen pairs that handmade pasta with the local catch. It rates 4.8 on Tripadvisor and ranks around 35th of more than 540 restaurants in town.
It sits among Saranda's better tables. Compare the seafront Limani, the view table Balcony Restaurant and the Asian-leaning Nam Restaurant, or browse the wider seafood picks.
The Kitchen
The kitchen splits between handmade pasta and the day's seafood. The dish to order is the trofie in Balbi sauce — a Ligurian-style green pasta — with the crab ravioli a close second; around them come locally landed mussels, a shrimp and lemon risotto, spaghetti with seafood and whole grilled fish. The pasta is rolled by hand and the seafood bought fresh, which is why both draw the praise.
It is fair value by Saranda standards: handmade pasta and seafood mains run roughly €10 to 20, with most diners spending around €25 to 35 a head before wine.
The Room
The room is small and warmly decorated, with a relaxed seaside feel and friendly, hands-on service from the family who run it — staff are happy to talk you through the menu. It is a comfortable, unhurried setting rather than a formal one, paced for lingering over pasta and a glass of wine. Booking ahead is wise in the summer season.
Best for a relaxed seaside dinner in Saranda
Balbi 34 suits an easy seaside meal — the handmade pasta and warm welcome make it a relaxed anniversary dinner or an unfussy first date in Saranda. For more of the town's tables, see Limani or browse the full Saranda dining guide.
Not for
Not for a grand, formal or fine-dining night out — Balbi 34 is a small, family-run seaside room built for relaxed handmade pasta and seafood, not a special-occasion blowout.
Frequently Asked
What is Balbi 34 known for?
It is a family-run seafood and pasta restaurant in Saranda, known for handmade pasta — trofie in Balbi sauce and crab ravioli — and the local Adriatic catch, and rated 4.8 on Tripadvisor.
What should I order at Balbi 34?
The trofie in Balbi sauce and the crab ravioli are the signatures; beyond the pasta, the local mussels, shrimp risotto and whole grilled fish are the picks.
How much does Balbi 34 cost?
It is fair value: handmade pasta and seafood mains run roughly €10 to 20, with most diners spending around €25 to 35 a head before wine.
Who runs Balbi 34?
It is a family-run restaurant whose owners learned to make pasta during years spent in Italy, and the family still runs the room and the kitchen.
Where is Balbi 34?
On Rruga Tolo Jovani, near Sheshi Nene Tereza, a short walk from the Saranda waterfront on Albania's Ionian coast.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Balbi 34
Book ahead in the summer season via the restaurant; tables turn quickly on busy evenings.
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Practical Information
AddressRruga Tolo Jovani, Lagjja Nr 1, near Sheshi Nene Tereza, Saranda
NeighbourhoodNear Sheshi Nene Tereza, a short walk from the Saranda waterfront
CuisineSeafood
PriceÀ la carte; handmade pasta and seafood mains roughly €10–20, most diners spend around €25–35 a head
Dress CodeCasual; smart casual
SeatingA small family-run dining room; booking wise in summer
ReservationBooking wise in summer; à la carte, lunch and dinner in season
