Pizza In Ksamil That’s Even Better Than Italy’s
Ready to plan your Ksamil trip?
We’ve gathered top-rated recommendations for transport, accommodation, services, and tours below:
- Beachfront luxury: Hotel Panorama Ksamil (9.3/10)
- Resort vibes: ARAMERAS Resort (9.2/10)
- Private beach & half-board: King Hotel Ksamil (8.7/10)
Ksamil, Albania, may be known for pristine Mediterranean beaches and vibrant beach clubs, but we never expected to find some of the absolute best wood-fired pizza of our lives here. After a long day of travel, we arrived at our hotel starving and in desperate need of a proper meal.
We set out on foot to find something filling nearby. Little did we know, we were about to stumble down a hidden beach path and discover an Albanian pizzeria serving pizzas even better than the ones we’ve had in Italy.
A hidden gem: Abiori Restaurant Pizzeria Ksamil
It was our very first night in Ksamil. After settling into our room at the Emaar Hotel, we decided to take a quick five-minute walk down the street to hunt for food.
As we walked, we noticed a stone stairway leading down past the cliffs toward the dark beach line. At first, we hesitated as it looked almost hidden enough to be private property. Curiosity got the better of us, so we headed down the steps.
At the bottom, we walked straight into Abiori Restaurant Pizzeria Ksamil. Situated right on the edge of the water facing Ksamil’s famous islands, the venue opens up into a gorgeous beachside terrace. Even at night, hearing the waves crash right next to your table makes it an incredible setting.
Abiori's hidden entrance can be a little tricky to spot if you don't know exactly where to look. We’ve actually pinned this restaurant on our private Ksamil Google Maps list, which comes as an instant bonus with our 33-page digital travel guide, so you can walk right to the steps without getting lost. It includes over 60 of our favourite hidden gems, quiet beaches, and top-rated restaurants saved directly to your phone to save you hours of research.
Planning a trip to Ksamil?
Skip the stress and endless research. This 33-page expert guide gives you everything in one place, from transit routes and stays to hidden gems. Bonus: Get our custom Google Maps list with 60+ pins synced directly to your phone to explore without wasting time.
Instant delivery. Compatible with any device.
Our orders: Salami Picante and Diavola pizzas
The moment we sat down, the rich aroma of burning wood from their traditional pizza oven sealed the deal. While the restaurant offers a full Mediterranean seafood menu, our eyes went straight to the artisan pizza section. I went with the Salami Picante, and Max for the Diavola; we were both in the mood for something spicy.
If trying incredible food is a big part of your holiday, you don't have to stop at Albanian-Italian flavours. Since you are sitting right across the water from Greece, it is incredibly easy to hop over for a completely different culinary adventure. Check out our guide on How to Take a Day Trip from Ksamil to Corfu, Greece to find out how to spend an afternoon tasting authentic Greek dishes in the Venetian Old Town.
The taste test: Better than Italian pizza?
When the pizzas arrived at our table, they looked mouthwatering, with a beautifully golden, bubbling Neapolitan-style crust and perfectly melted, glossy mozzarella. But the real shock came with the very first bite.
My Salami Picante pizza was everything I had hoped for: a flawless blend of fiery spice and the cool, creamy richness of mozzarella cheese. Max’s Diavola was equally mind-blowing. The spicy Italian sausage packed an incredible depth of savoury flavour without being overly greasy, and the cheese had that perfect, gooey stretch.
What truly sets Abiori apart is the dough. The base was incredibly light, airy, and soft with a delicate outer crisp. It gives you that satisfying artisanal crunch on the crust but stays beautifully tender and chewy in the middle. Each slice held its shape perfectly, balancing a vibrant, slightly sweet tomato sauce with premium toppings.
Every bite was bursting with flavour, and we just kept saying, "How is this so good?" We couldn’t believe it. Here we were, in Ksamil, a place we’d never even heard of before this trip, eating pizza that was not only great, but dare we say, better than some of the best we had in Italy.
Planning a trip to Ksamil?
Skip the stress and endless research. This 33-page expert guide gives you everything in one place, from transit routes and stays to hidden gems. Bonus: Get our custom Google Maps list with 60+ pins synced directly to your phone to explore without wasting time.
Instant delivery. Compatible with any device.
What makes Abiori’s pizza special?
While the food is obviously a massive draw, it’s the whole experience that makes Abiori unforgettable. The setting is absolutely stunning, sitting right on the edge of the water, listening to the waves crash while you eat, creates the perfect relaxed holiday vibe. On top of that, the staff here are incredibly kind and welcoming, which made our first night in town feel even more special. We expected a good meal, but this was next-level.
To be completely honest, writing this blog right now in the middle of the day on an empty stomach is making me crave that pizza all over again! Have you ever had a meal that totally blew your mind? Share your stories in the comments. We’re always looking for new places to try!
If you haven't booked your accommodation yet, take a look at the Best Hotels in Ksamil with a Private Beach (2026 Guide). Staying at any of the hotels in this area means you can easily walk right to the restaurant. Otherwise, you can simply grab a quick taxi or drive over, as there is a huge car park located right next to the restaurant. We highly recommend renting a car when visiting Ksamil; it gives you the ultimate freedom to explore the entire Albanian Riviera at your own pace. While the town centre is walkable, having a car allows you to easily escape to quieter, hidden beaches, visit historical sites like Butrint National Park, and head out for dinner without relying on local bus schedules.
If you want to secure a reliable vehicle without overpaying, we highly recommend booking your car through QEEQ to lock in the best local rates and enjoy a stress-free rental experience.
Menu pricing: Is Abiori worth the price?
When travelling through the Albanian Riviera, prices can vary wildly between standard town tavernas and exclusive beachfront clubs. At Abiori, artisanal wood-fired pizzas range between €9 and €12 (approximately 900 to 1,200 ALL).
Given the premium quality of the ingredients, the authentic wood-fired technique, and the unbeatable waterfront location, we found this to be incredibly reasonable. You get fine-dining-quality execution at an accessible casual price point. The flavours were honestly some of the best we’ve ever had, and it was a total surprise in the best way.
Essential travel tips for dining at Abiori Restaurant Pizzeria
If you want to add this spot to your Albania itinerary, keep these practical tips in mind:
Cash vs. card: While Abiori does accept card payments for restaurant dining, Albanian card terminals can occasionally go down due to coastal signal drops. Always carry backup Euros or Albanian Lek just in case.
The best time to go: Aim to arrive roughly 30 minutes before sunset. This lets you secure a prime table right on the water's edge to watch the sun drop behind the Ksamil Islands while your pizza cooks.
Where to stay: If you want a seamless walk home after a heavy dinner, we highly recommend staying at one of the hotels below. They’re clean, modern, and located just a short stroll or drive from Abiori Restaurant Pizzeria.
Other dinner options: If you are staying in the area for a few days and want to mix things up with incredible seafood right on the water, you should also read our review of Bar Restorant Luna, which is another one of our absolute favourite waterfront spots in town.
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