The nation of Albania is home to a growing coffee scene. In early 2026 we published our first-ever guide to coffee in Tirana, the Albanian capital, and now today we’re thrilled to feature the inaugural Albanian entry to the Build-Outs of Coffee feature series. This is The Back Room in Tirana, Albania.
The 2026 Build-outs of Coffee is presented by DONA, Pacific Barista Series, and La Marzocco.
As told to Sprudge by Jonida Xhema.
For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?
The Back Room is a specialty coffee shop in Tirana built around the idea that great coffee creates meaningful connections. We serve carefully sourced coffees from The Barn Berlin, alongside matcha, homemade desserts, and a welcoming space for locals, travelers, creatives, and remote workers. Our goal is to contribute to the growing specialty coffee culture in Albania while creating a place where people feel comfortable spending time, meeting others, and slowing down.
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
The Back Room is a community-focused space located in Tirana. We designed it to feel warm, relaxed, and approachable, with a balance between a neighborhood cafe and a destination for specialty coffee enthusiasts. Whether guests come to work, read, meet friends, or explore new coffees, we want the space to feel welcoming and unpretentious.
What’s your approach to coffee?
Our approach is simple: source exceptional coffee, prepare it with care, and make specialty coffee accessible to everyone. We work with The Barn Berlin because of their commitment to quality, transparency, and seasonal coffees. We focus on consistency, hospitality, and education, helping guests discover new flavors while ensuring every cup is enjoyable regardless of their coffee experience.
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
We brew espresso on a La Marzocco Linea Classic and offer carefully prepared filter coffee through V60. Our coffee program features seasonal single-origin coffees from The Barn Berlin, including Chelbesa from Ethiopia (apricot, nougat, floral), Bumba Hill from Burundi (pomegranate, black tea, silky), Kamwangi AB from Kenya (red currant, raisin, syrupy), and Huila from Colombia (guava, mango, vibrant). Alongside coffee, we serve specialty matcha, homemade cheesecakes, and a curated selection of retail beans for guests to enjoy at home.
How is your project considering sustainability?
We believe sustainability begins with thoughtful sourcing and reducing unnecessary waste. We work with a roaster that prioritizes transparent supply chains and long-term producer relationships. We encourage reusable cups whenever possible, carefully manage waste, and focus on quality products designed to be enjoyed rather than consumed quickly.
What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?
The Back Room opened in May 2026 and is now welcoming guests in Tirana.
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?
The Back Room has been shaped by a number of local creatives, friends, and members of the Tirana community who helped bring the project to life. We continue to collaborate with artists, bakers, photographers, and other creative individuals through events, pop-ups, and community gatherings.
Thank you!
The 2026 Build-outs of Coffee is presented by DONA, Pacific Barista Series, and La Marzocco.
