16

Nouvelle Vague

Tirana

• The Best Bar in Albania 2026, sponsored by Polot 1882

Giving Balkan flavours a global stage

Located in Tirana, a city at the epicentre of a fast-developing bar scene, Nouvelle Vague has become one of the key drivers behind the Balkans' growing international visibility. Founded by brothers Sofoklis and Evis Cali, the bar has helped shape a more outward-looking cocktail culture in a region that has long remained under the radar. Its impact has been recognised globally, ranking for the first time in The World's 50 Best Bars in 2025. When the bar overflows, an outdoor area extends the space into the street, bringing the bar into the rhythm of the neighbourhood.

The menu combines familiar structures with flavours that draw from across the region. Highlights include Poppy, mixing tequila with apple, paprika and bacon, Black Sabah, inspired by Turkish coffee and built around raki, and Piece of Cake, a non-alcoholic serve featuring alcohol-free gin, red berries, cream cheese and forest fruits. The crowd shifts throughout the night, from early drinks to a fuller, more energetic room, with the bar holding its momentum well into the late hours.

Contact