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Nouvelle Vague

Tirana

Albania’s culinary and liquid traditions filtered through a contemporary lens

In a city rapidly forging its own drinking identity, Nouvelle Vague stands as a beacon of Tirana's creative, cocktail-forward renaissance. Set just off the vibrant Rruga Ismail Qemali, this intimate, effortlessly stylish bar brings a distinctly European flair to Albania's capital, with a personality rooted in craftsmanship, homage to the Albanian tradition and forward-thinking bartending.

Founded by Sofokli and Evis Cali, Nouvelle Vague takes its name and inspiration from the French New Wave cinema movement, and that cinematic attention to detail carries through to every element of the experience.

The current cocktail menu Origin'al is a celebration of Albanian heritage through the lens of modern mixology. Designed to honour forgotten culinary traditions, it features original drinks built on native ingredients and local spirits, especially raki. To bring the concept to life, the team collaborated with small producers across the country, sourcing the finest that Albania could offer. A dedicated lab space was created to support creative experimentation and technical precision, ensuring each serve has both authenticity and artistry.

Head bartender Mariol Djata, the creative force behind the bar's evolving drink philosophy, leads a team that prizes storytelling as much as flavour. Highlights include Nou Whey, a velvety blend of hazelnut milk, tonka, elderflower and pear raki, Black Sabah, inspired by the Albanian morning ritual of coffee with raki, and the Deviated Negroni, reimagined with juniper raki and fortified Kallmet wine. Nouvelle Vague is more than a bar, it is Albania in a glass.

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