Every morning the boats come in. What's on this page is what arrived last night or before sunrise today. No frozen stock. No yesterday's fish passed off as today's.
What's Typically Available at the Counter
The daily catch at Fish Shop Ardit varies by season and what the Ionian gave up overnight. Here's what you'll most commonly find on the ice:
- Sea Bream (Orata / Levrek / Koç) — our most popular fish. Whole, fresh, eyes clear. Best for grilling whole or baking with olive oil and lemon.
- Wild Sardines (Sardele) — available most of the year. Best grilled or fried whole. Incredibly affordable.
- Sea Bass (Branzino / Levrek) — leaner than sea bream, slightly more expensive. Excellent for roasting.
- Fresh Octopus — local Ionian octopus, whole. We can tenderise it if you ask.
- Butrint Mussels (Midhje Butrinti) — farmed in the lagoon near Butrint. Cleaned in bags, ready to cook.
- Fresh Shrimp (Karkaleca) — seasonal, raw. Grill or boil in salted water.
- Gamer (Red Mullet) — local delicacy, when available. Pan-fry in olive oil.
- Merluc (Hake) — mild white fish, popular with Albanian families. Good for children.
How to Know If a Fish Is Actually Fresh
This is what locals check when they buy fish anywhere — and what you should check too:
- Eyes: Clear, bright and slightly bulging. Cloudy or sunken = not fresh.
- Gills: Red or deep pink. Brown or grey = days old.
- Smell: Clean sea air. Not "fishy". A strong fish smell means it's turning.
- Skin: Firm and shiny. Scales intact. Dull skin = age.
- Flesh: Springs back when you press it. Stays dented = not fresh.
At Ardit, you're welcome to look closely at anything before you buy. We don't hide it behind glass.
When to Come for the Best Selection
The boats arrive early. We're open from 06:00. If you want the widest choice of whole fish, come before 11am. By noon the popular cuts are usually spoken for — sardines and mussels last longest, whole sea bream goes first.
If you're planning a big dinner, call ahead: 069 896 7528. We'll hold fish for you.
Seasonal Availability
The Ionian Sea has seasons. Summer brings octopus and more sardines. Autumn is prime time for sea bream and sea bass. Winter fishing is weather-dependent but we always have something. Butrint mussels are available most of the year except during harvest breaks in spring.
Ready to Buy? Come See What's In.
Rruga Idriz Alidhima 230, Sarandë · Open 06:00–14:00 every day
