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Tradition, taste and hospitality/ "Aleks" a peaceful experience on the shores of Lake Shkodra

2025-12-17 10:17:00, Qyteti im CNA

Tradition, taste and hospitality/ "Aleks" a peaceful experience on the

The restaurant's origins date back 25 years, when it all began as a family effort, built on the love of traditional cuisine. Aleks's family laid the foundation with typical local foods, such as eel and carp from Lake Shkodra, preserving the authentic taste and tradition inherited from generation to generation. The daughter-in-law of the house, Klodiana, talks about the innovations that Restaurant Aleks, located on the Shkodra-Shiroka axis, offers today.

" The restaurant's origins date back 25 years. It started with Aleks's father and mother with traditional foods such as njala and lake carp. Later it expanded to include other foods. In addition to the characteristic foods, there is also the warm hospitality found here. Our old clientele comes on weekends and holidays, but we have now expanded with tourists who have been coming for the last 2 years because they are satisfied. Among the traditional dishes, we have carp casserole, homemade products such as pickles, bread and pickled reeds. We hope to grow because I can believe this. Shkodra deserves to be visited and so does our restaurant. This weekend I invite anyone to come to Shkodra and visit us ," says Klodiana Doda, manager of "Aleks House".

Over the years, the restaurant expanded, enriching the menu with other characteristic dishes. In addition to quality food, what distinguishes this place is the warm hospitality, which has made loyal customers return over the years, especially on weekends and holidays. The last two years have also brought a significant increase in tourists, who return again thanks to the positive experience they have.

Three years ago, the idea of ??adding a wooden lodge to the restaurant came as a need to give more beauty and functionality to the Shiroka area, at a time when tourism was booming. The lodges were immediately welcomed by visitors, who described them as a small paradise on the lake. The investment continued with the construction of other lodges, this time equipped with a jacuzzi, which especially during the winter months offer a unique experience, combining relaxation with a view of the lake.

Visitors from Germany, Poland, and most recently England have been part of this journey, appreciating the cleanliness, accommodation, and Albanian hospitality.

" 3 years ago, together with Aleks, we thought of adding 2 wooden cottages to the restaurant. Shiroka was being visited and we saw it as necessary to give more beauty to this place. Tourism began to develop. The cottages were liked and tourists called it paradise. Then we built 2 more cottages with jacuzzis. In December, the cottages with jacuzzis are more popular, in fact, because they also enjoy the view. We have had German, Polish, but recently also English tourists. Their impressions are good, both for accommodation, cleanliness and hospitality. We Albanians have this in our blood ", says the manager of "Aleks House".

Daily management requires great dedication and constant presence, as every detail has its own importance. Despite the fatigue, the greatest satisfaction remains the return of visitors and the positive comments they leave behind. The area offers a wide range of activities, from lakeside walks, cycling, mountain hiking, sailing and fishing, to the clean air and tranquility that characterizes it. Shkodra offers harmony, natural beauty and celebrations that are experienced differently.

" As beautiful as it is difficult. Because we are with my husband all day long at their disposal. We manage them, we try to give the maximum. But the most beautiful part is when they come back with good comments. The food is varied, the accommodation is good, the tourist area, the beauties of the lake, fresh air, cycling, hiking in the mountains, sailing on the lake, fishing... activities that are worth coming to. The harmony in the city is good, holidays are well spent in Shkodër ", says Klodiana Doda.

The tranquility, relaxation, and hospitality are also evidenced by the voices of visitors, who return again and again, appreciating the fresh food, the impressive view, and the special feeling that this place offers in every season of the year.

" This is my second time coming. It's very beautiful. The first time I was there was in August for my birthday and I came back again in December. The food is fresh, the view is amazing. I love it ," said a tourist.

Between authentic taste, untouched nature and daily dedication, the restaurant and Aleks House invite anyone to stop by, experience and take with them the memory of a Shkodra that welcomes you with an open heart, in every season of the year./CNA