Çka Ka Qëllu - Bronx (NY)

5 /5 Sarah Ross Benjamin: This place was absolutely incredible. We will definitely be coming back here. They also have two other locations (which we haven’t been to, but will definitely go to). First off, stepping into this restaurant was like stepping into an old world restaurant. There’s a really rustic, charming vibe that is absolutely transportive. We went for dinner in the middle of the week, so we were the old table while we were there, but the staff was so lovely and attentive. They definitely have a lot of pride for the restaurant and food and I get why. Now on to the food. Wow. The food was amazing and the price was so wildly reasonable. We started with the sausage dip, the pickled pepper, and the sesame baked cheese. The pickled pepper had the perfect bite to it and was a little spicy (think how a banana pepper is spicy) with great flavors for the veggies inside the pepper. The sausage dip was both familiar and interesting and so perfectly delicious. It came with these warm bread roll things that were steaming when we tore them open. The cheese was also nice, especially paired with the bread. We also had the Fli which is kind of like a baked layer pastry dish served with a feta cheese and was so good. Then we had the fasule with suxhuk. It’s essentially a white bean stew/soup with a type of sausage in it. This was so hearty and comforting. I could eat a bowl of it in front of the fire on a winter day. It was simple with a depth of flavor that was on point. We also had the grilled octopus, which was cooked well and very delicious. Overall, the meal was an absolute delight and we truly had a great time. Everything from the ambiance to the service to the food to the price point made this place an absolute must visit.

5 /5 Aldo Quevedo: This was a surprising experience, as we had expected Mediterranean fare but discovered Albanian cuisine instead. Everything was fantastic - the food, service, and location. I recommend ordering a few plates to share so you can try a little bit of everything.

5 /5 Joseph Tam: First time trying Albanian cuisine, and the bar has been set very high -- cant believe it can get any better than this! Everything we tried was delicious and the rustic setting feels like a cozy escape from the city. Perfect spot for a warm, comforting meal to help get through the winter.

5 /5 Pablo Jesus Gatto: Cka ke Qellu gave us such a beautiful dining experience. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed with genuine warmth. Both servers who took care of us were truly wonderful people — kind, attentive, and made us feel at home. That human touch made all the difference. The food was incredible: deeply comforting, homemade, and full of love. Every bite tasted like tradition and care. We shared the meal with a delicious wine from Kosovo, which made the experience even more special. This is the kind of place you leave with a full heart, not just a full stomach. We’re very grateful for the service, the food, and the beautiful energy. Highly recommended, and we will absolutely return.

5 /5 _jbomaye_: When Dua Lipa says this is her favorite restaurant while making it to the top 100 restaurant list, you know you’re in for a treat. This was my first time trying Albanian food and the flavors were similar yet very different to other foods in the region and yet unique enough that you can taste the difference. I loved the atmosphere and the kindness of the staff. They answered all the questions I had and recommended some excellent dishes. See the pictures that I posted for what I ordered. Best bites: the bread, the lamb stew, and baklava. The food also came out very quickly and I know for a fact it was fresh because everything was steaming. I’m not from the Bronx but if I’m in the area, this place is definitely a contender of some place I’d like to revisit to try the other menu items. Parking is a bit annoying as this is around residential/metered areas so plan your trip accordingly. As someone who eats a lot, portions were solid and everything was reasonably priced where you can order a lot of things. If you’re in the area, check it out!