Çka Ka Qëllu Introduce
For residents and visitors in Connecticut seeking a truly unique and flavor-rich dining experience, the quest for exceptional Mediterranean cuisine often leads to the celebrated establishment, Çka Ka Qëllu, nestled right in the heart of Stamford. This local gem masterfully blends the vibrant, healthy staples of Mediterranean cooking with the hearty, soulful traditions of Eastern European fare, creating a cuisine that is distinctly its own. The atmosphere is designed to be both casual and cozy, making it an ideal spot for various occasions—from a quiet solo dinner after a long day to a romantic evening out or a lively gathering with family and friends.
Çka Ka Qëllu has quickly cemented its reputation as one of Stamford's best culinary discoveries, offering a level of authenticity and flavor that distinguishes it from standard dining options. Customers frequently highlight the unique, delicious results of this culinary fusion, noting that whether one labels the food as Mediterranean or Eastern European, the final result is always unique and deeply satisfying. Patrons are invited to explore an extensive menu that promises to transport their taste buds, ensuring a memorable experience with every visit to this Connecticut hotspot.
The restaurant’s commitment to providing an excellent experience extends beyond the plate; the service is noted for being fast, attentive, and genuinely warm. Servers are known to be very kind and eager to describe the menu items, ensuring that every diner, whether a first-timer or a regular, feels welcome and well-informed about the traditional dishes on offer. The combination of superb food, a great wine list, carefully crafted cocktails, and exceptional customer service makes Çka Ka Qëllu a must-try destination for anyone in the Connecticut area.
The menu at Çka Ka Qëllu is a testament to the richness of the regional cuisines it represents. Diners can begin their journey with an array of traditional appetizers. These include flavorful dips and spreads like Ajvar and Pepper Dip, as well as staples like Cheese Pickled Pepper and creamy Kajmak. For lighter fare, there are refreshing salads, such as the Mediterranean Salad, Arugula Salad, and the hearty Village Salad. These starters set the stage for the main courses, which truly showcase the restaurant's expertise.
A major highlight of the menu is the section dedicated to traditional clay pot dishes, known as Tava, which offer deeply flavorful, slow-cooked meals. Popular choices include Tava Dheut, Tava Kosi, and the classic stuffed cabbage leaves known as Sarma. Many customers who first try the grill menu express an immediate desire to return specifically for these clay pot specialties, recognizing them as a cornerstone of the Eastern European and Balkan culinary traditions.
The grill section is another main attraction, with many customers noting that the food tastes like it's cooked on an open flame, lending an intense, authentic smokiness to the meats. The options range from the popular Qebapa and Qofte (traditional grilled meats) to more elaborate large platters perfect for sharing. The Mix Grill Platter and the impressive Tradita Mixed Grill Platter are excellent choices for groups, allowing diners to sample a variety of the restaurant's best cuts. For those looking for an opulent meal, the Lamb Meat and Veal Meat options are prepared to perfection, as is the substantial Mixed Meat Combination, which allows patrons to select five of seven available grilled meat options served with grilled vegetables, a side salad, and warm house bread. Seafood lovers are not forgotten, with offerings like Grilled Branzino and Grilled Octopus available.
No Mediterranean meal is complete without dessert, and Çka Ka Qëllu excels here as well. The homemade desserts, including the exquisite Baklava, which some reviewers have called the best they've ever had, the syrupy Sheqerpare, and the popular three-milk cake, Albanian Trilece, provide a sweet, satisfying conclusion to the dining experience.
Çka Ka Qëllu is conveniently situated at 15 Clark St, Stamford, CT 06901, making it an accessible spot for both Stamford locals and those traveling from other parts of Connecticut. The location is user-friendly, offering excellent provisions for all guests. The restaurant's accessibility features are comprehensive, including a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, a Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating. This commitment ensures that everyone can comfortably enjoy the dining experience.
Parking is also readily available, with both a Free parking lot and a Paid parking lot nearby, removing the typical Connecticut city parking stress. The welcoming atmosphere also extends to pets, as Dogs are allowed outside in the outdoor seating area.
- Dine-in Service: Enjoy the full, cozy, and romantic atmosphere inside the restaurant with attentive table service.
- Outdoor Seating: A great option for enjoying the weather or dining with a dog.
- Takeout: Convenient service for picking up your favorite Mediterranean and Eastern European meals to enjoy at home.
- Delivery and No-contact Delivery: For those who prefer to dine in the comfort of their own home, both standard and no-contact delivery options are available.
- Catering: Available for events, allowing you to bring the authentic flavors of Çka Ka Qëllu to your next gathering.
- Table Service: Full service provided for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Reservations: The restaurant Accepts reservations, and Dinner reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours, to secure your table.
- Payment Options: Accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and modern NFC mobile payments.
- Cuisine Fusion: Unique combination of authentic Mediterranean and Eastern European / Balkan food.
- Exceptional Beverage Program: Known for a Great wine list and creatively made Great cocktails, alongside offerings of Beer, Hard liquor, and Coffee.
- Atmosphere: Described as Casual, Cozy, Romantic, and Trendy, making it versatile for any crowd, including Groups and Family-friendly dining.
- Speed and Service: Highlighted for Fast service and a staff that is Very attentive and excited to share the menu.
- Diverse Offerings: Menu includes Healthy options, Small plates, Vegetarian options, Comfort food, and Halal food.
- Popularity: A top spot in Stamford popular for Lunch, Dinner, and Solo dining.
- Amenities: Includes an Bar onsite and Restroom facilities.
- Family-Friendly: Good for kids with High chairs available.
Address: 15 Clark St, Stamford, CT 06901
Phone: (203) 354-0735
Mobile Phone: +1 203-354-0735
Çka Ka Qëllu is an essential dining choice for anyone in the Connecticut area seeking an authentic, high-quality meal that goes beyond the typical chain restaurant experience. What makes it truly worth choosing is the unparalleled culinary authenticity, blending the best of the Mediterranean diet with the rich, savory traditions of Eastern European cuisine. The flavorful preparation, often with the smoky hint of an open flame on the grilled items and the depth of flavor in the clay pot dishes, offers a taste you simply cannot find everywhere. The quality of the food, exemplified by highly-praised items like the Mixed Meat Combination and the allegedly "best ever" Baklava, speaks for itself.
Beyond the menu, the restaurant is highly valued for its all-encompassing experience. It successfully cultivates an atmosphere that is clean, cozy, and welcoming to all—whether you are a local, a tourist, dining alone, or hosting a large family group. The fantastic service, marked by attentive and knowledgeable servers, complements the sophisticated but not stuffy ambiance. For those in Stamford and beyond, choosing Çka Ka Qëllu means opting for a full sensory dining event that promises superb food, great drinks, a comfortable setting, and genuine hospitality, making it one of the most rewarding dining destinations in Connecticut.
Çka Ka Qëllu Menu
Appetizers
- Pickled Pepper $6.25
Albanian traditional style.
- Cheese Pickled Pepper $6.75
Creamy texture cheese stuffed pickled pepper.
- Roasted Pepper $6.25
- Pepper Dip $7.50
Creamy sauteed peppers.
- Sausage Dip $8.75
Classic traditional Albanian veal sausage dip.
- Tarator $6.25
Chilled yogurt blend with minced cucumber and garlic drizzled with parsley.
- Ajvar $6.25
A piquant red roasted pepper spread.
- Cheese $6.25
Traditional feta cheese.
- Kajmak $7.00
- Mixed Olives $11.50
- Baked Cheese $15.25
Salad
- Arugula Salad $19.25
Cranberry, walnuts, apple, red beets, arugula, goat cheese, Cka Ka Qellu dressing.
- Mediterranean Salad $18.00
Lettuce, scallions, dill, feta cheese, lemon dressing.
- Shop Salad $19.00
Chopped cucumber, tomatoes, red pepper, and shredded feta cheese in olive oil and vinegar.
- Village Salad $19.00
Green salad, tomato, cucumber, pepper, onion, olives, and feta cheese topped with Cka Ka Qellu dressing.
- Cabbage Salad $11.50
Brumat
- Fli $13.50
Layers of crepe-like baked savory.
- Mantia $13.00
Veal stuffed dumplings.
- Lecenik $9.50
Cornbread with spinach and cottage cheese.
Tava
- Tava Dheut $22.50
Liver, onions, garlic, red pepper, hot pepper, and cheese served in tava dish.
- Tava Kosi $23.50
Lamb and rice baked with a mixture of yogurt and eggs added to a roux.
- Mazë E Zier $21.50
Corn flour, butter, kaymak, cheese.
- Roasted Pepper Maze $13.50
- Sausage Tava $19.00
Classic traditional sausage served in tava dish.
- Fasul $19.00
Beans. Soup-style traditional dish with simmering white beans, and onions, slowly cooked in meat. Meat choice: smoked meat or sausage.
- Sarma $23.50
Cabbage leaves stuffed with ground veal, rice, vegetables, and seasoning.
- Stuffed Peppers $22.50
Stuffed with rice, vegetables, and seasoning.
- Mantia $18.50
Albanian traditional baked veal dumplings served in tava dish.
- Kacamak $18.00
Cream with polenta.
- Tasqebap $22.50
Onions, Italian pepper chopped, tomatoes, and veal meat served with mashed potatoes.
- Veal Muscles $22.50
Goulash.
Grill
- Qebapa $21.50
10 pieces. Traditional grilled veal sausages marinated with onions, garlic, and Cka Ka Qellu seasoning.
- Qofte $22.50
4 pieces. Traditional Albanian grilled veal meatballs marinated with onions, crushed red pepper and herbs.
- Qofte Shari $27.00
Traditional Albanian ground veal stuffed with kashkaval and kacamak.
- Suxhuk $20.00
3 pieces. Classic traditional veal sausage.
- Grilled Chicken $26.00
- Mix Grill Platter $26.50
Combination of qebapa, qofte and sausage.
- Tradita Mixed Grill Platter $43.75
Combination of qebapa, qofte, sausage, chicken and liver.
- Skenderbeg $39.50
A roll of smoked meat, stuffed with cheese, breaded and fried, doused with a creamy white dressing.
- Berxolle Dukagjini $43.75
Pounded veal, kashkaval cheese topped with mushroom gravy.
- Lamb Meat $57.00
- Mixed Meat Combination $61.50
Lamb, veal, chicken, and liver served with potatoes and grilled veggies.
- Veal Meat $57.00
Seafood
- Grilled Branzino $39.50
Served with mixed sauteed veggies.
- Grilled Octopus $30.00
Homemade Desserts
- Baklava $10.50
- Sheqerpare $10.50
- Albanian Trilece $10.50
Çka Ka Qëllu Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Halal food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Locals
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Paid parking lot
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Çka Ka Qëllu Photos










Çka Ka Qëllu Location
Çka Ka Qëllu
15 Clark St, Stamford, CT 06901, USA
Çka Ka Qëllu Reviews
albanian foodburekmantipepper diptrileceajvarstuffed cabbagemeat plattermix grill plattertava
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I was searching for a quiet dinner after few days of corporate meetings. This place is one of the best Stamford discoveries! You can call this cuisine Mediterranean or Eastern European but the final result - it’s unique and delicious. I chose from the grill menu but next time, I have to try their clay pots prepared dishes. Paired with glass of wine or cocktail their food and setting is perfect for a solo dinner, small company or a romantic dinner.
August 27 · Serge SuprunSuper authentic experience, must try at least once. Everything tastes like it’s cooked on an open flame. So flavorful, so cozy, such good customer service.We’ve came twice now, each time we’ve gotten the meat combination platter. You pick (5) of the (7) options and they come served on a cutting board with grilled vegetables, a small side salad and some warm house bread. We added on the yogurt dip it was sooo cool and refreshing.Baklava is the best I’ve ever had!!Servers are all very kind and excited to describe the menu items if asked. Very attentive, very clean.Try it all, everything is good.
July 16 · Aan incredible immersion! amazing decor and artifacts on display and such a beautiful variety of typical dishes. great service and amazing drink selection as well! all seasoned perfectly and with a great homemade taste. the Albanian tres leches is divine
August 01 · angieThe outside may not look like much but the interior decor was beautiful!While the options for vegetarians are limited, an Albanian friend explained how the regional cuisine is very meat and bread heavy. Therefore, making it an authentic Albanian restaurant. And the few options they had, were delicious…we wiped all the dishes clean. To the point where none of us had room for dessert; perhaps during my next visit which will be soon!Highly recommend to anyone who wants to try a new cuisine!
April 08 · Niket VasavadaWe came here with high expectations because the ambiance is absolutely stunning, the décor is rustic, authentic, and truly beautiful. Unfortunately, the experience didn’t live up to the setting.Our server was kind, but there was a clear language barrier that made it hard to communicate. He wasn’t able to explain the menu or make recommendations when we asked, which was disappointing since it was our first time here. It’s not his fault, but it really affected the experience. To start, we were brought drink menus first, not the food menus, so the whole process felt a bit disjointed.After struggling to figure out what to order and realizing we weren’t going to get much guidance, we ultimately decided to leave because we just didn’t want our first experience here to be like this.The restaurant itself is gorgeous, but service and menu guidance need to be improved to match the beautiful atmosphere.
July 31 · Chela GovanI don’t think I have a single negative thing to say. First off, the building is gorgeous. The decor is so interesting & the vibe is excellent. The food was indescribably good. My husband says it’s the best meal he’s ever had. The waitstaff was so kind & helpful. We were in town on vacation so my only complaint is that this place is so far from home. I wish I could give them more than 5 stars
October 13 · Amanda McElroyA wonderful and authentic restaurant! The food was delicious, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, and their music added a nice touch to the overall experience. Highly recommend.
October 22 · AntoninaAuthentic atmosphere, outstanding service worth of a top restaurant. Food was delicious. From the timing of the waiters, to the herbal notes on every dish, Cka Ka Qellu is the spot to visit in Stamford.To cap it off a delicious coffee and a sweet baklava. Amazing.
October 17 · Vincenzo Abbruzzetti
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