I recently had the opportunity to visit Lift Steak & Rooftop Bar, a trendy establishment located near the main Tirana arena. The journey began with an elevator ride to the 4th floor, setting the stage for a unique dining experience.
The Ambiance
It felt like I was being lifted to a culinary heaven. The ambiance was pleasant, and the rooftop setting provided a nice view of the surrounding area. There were a few tables of people enjoying their coffee and view of the city.
The Service
The service was A+. There were moments when my empty plates were whisked away without me even noticing it happen. I’ve rarely ever had better service than here, the main servers I had were knowledgable about the menu, recommendations, and true professionals.
The Brunch
One of the highlights of my brunch experience was the omelette with brie cheese, bacon (which I asked to be removed), and mixed greens. I’ve never had brie in an omelette before, and it was absolutely incredible.
The creamy, rich flavor of the cheese paired perfectly with the fluffy eggs and fresh greens. It was like a party in my mouth, and I’d order it again in a heartbeat. However, I did wish there was a non-pork option available, similar to what I experienced at Morsi Tirana, where they replaced the salami with turkey ham. It would be great to see Lift Steak & Rooftop Bar offer a pork-free option for those wishing to experience the full glory of this omelette.
The Lunch
I focused on their business lunch menu for this visit, rather than their more popular dinner options.
The chicken breast with creamy mushroom sauce and oven-baked potatoes caught my eye. The potatoes were the star of the show, with a crispy skin that was simply delightful. I did find 1-3 hard feather or bone-like pieces in the chicken, which I took as a sign of freshness.
The fennel salad with watercress, kalamata olives, orange, shaved almond, and ginger dressing was a pleasant surprise. Unlike many salads that are overly sweet, this one had a sharp and salty flavor profile that was quite refreshing. It was a unique flavour and I’d order it again as an adventurous diner.
The Amenities
While the food was solid, the amenities fell a bit flat for me. The paper towels and soap in the restroom were not working during my visit, which was unexpected for a higher-end establishment like Lift. Additionally, I felt the experience could be elevated in a major way with something like post-meal mints, welcome appetisers, or welcome drinks. I look forward to returning for an evening meal to see if these offerings are there.
The Value
Despite the minor setbacks, I felt that the business lunch was very well priced for the area, considering its proximity to the main Tirana star and touristic spots. The value for price feels spot on, and I’d be happy to pay to experience Lift on a special day or business lunch.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience at Lift Steak & Bar was good. The food had its moments of glory, but some aspects left me wishing for a bit more pizzazz. The ambiance and the value for money were the excellent. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience in Tirana with a view to match, Lift Steak & Rooftop Bar is worth a visit, you can grab some excellent Instagram pictures, eat some great food, and enjoy a relaxed brunch.
