No publication on Albanian agritourism farms would be complete without mentioning Mrizi i Zanave. The emblem of Albanian agritourism is the fantastic idea of chef Altin Prenga, who set up the restaurant and the adjacent farm in the village of Fishtë in the north of Albania.
When the Fairytale opens its doors, at 12 o’clock to be exact to lunchtime visitors, an army of staff emerges from the kitchen to personally present the menu (as nothing is written), take orders and bring out plate after plate various antipasti, carefully cooked main courses and fantastic desserts. The restaurant is a member of the International Slow Food Convivium , and focuses on regional cooking and seasonal variations, so the menu is constantly adapted throughout the year. Depending on the season, first courses may include sun-dried tomatoes, various types of pickled vegetables such as okra or eggplant, olives, cured meats, sausages, plates of various home-made cheeses accompanied by pine flavored syrup , pie, deep-fried squash blossoms and grilled vegetables. The food is not only very tasty, but also presented beautifully and with finesse. In general, here you find traditional and well-known Albanian dishes with a modern touch. The kitchen staff consists of both local women and professional chefs trained, often internationally.
Last but not least, the Prenga family has given a contemporary touch to another part of the family’s tradition and history. The old stone house located at the highest point of the farm, which once belonged to Altini’s grandfather, was restored in 2018 by the family and turned into a guest house. A dilapidated corner of the building has been creatively turned into a floor-to-ceiling glass window, creating an attractive combination of traditional stone and wood elements with modern materials, both inside and out. The rooms are rustic and comfortable, with elegant bathrooms, with contrasting glass panels, and decorated with great attention to detail.
It is this combination of tradition and modernity, attention to detail and unique experience that makes Mrizi i Zanave a truly special place for both local and foreign visitors.
