Illyria Mediterranean Restaurant

We celebrated Valentine’s Day at Illyria and had an absolutely wonderful experience. The restaurant was lively, beautifully set up, and had a great atmosphere for a special night out. A big thank you to Hunter for helping make the evening so enjoyable, and especially to our server Madison. She was incredibly helpful, friendly, and a pleasure to talk to. She answered all of our questions and gave excellent recommendations, which we really appreciated. This place also has one of the best Old Fashioneds I have ever had. For appetizers, we shared the charcuterie board and the patatas bravas, both of which were excellent. For dinner, we had the fettuccine Marsala, which was outstanding. Everything tasted incredibly fresh and came out surprisingly fast. Overall, Illyria is an excellent choice for a date night or special occasion, and we will absolutely be back.

What a great restaurant! Our party of 4 had a lovely evening at Illyria. We each had a glass of wine. For appetizers we had the sampler, dates and calamari. It was truly the best calamari I’ve ever eaten. I had the sweet potato gnocchi for dinner, which was delicious but extremely filling. We had the beignets and baklava at our table for dessert. I was not all that impressed with the beignets and I wish I had chosen the chocolate cake or crème brûlée. Overall though it was a spectacular meal and I hope to come again soon!

December 20, 2025 - If you’re seeking exquisite Mediterranean cuisine . . . this is the place ! 😃👍 For my wife’s birthday, when asked if she liked to try a new Mediterranean restaurant. . . “Sure would”! Quick 6 pm reservation confirmed online, off to Harrisonburg, VA ! Recently opened in March (2025) you’ll find 2 other nearby restaurants, with parking close! Inside & outside dining available ( dogs allowed outside). Little chilly for outside dining tonight! Modern style dining atmosphere with bar area, several dining rooms available. We were seated promptly, by Hunter. Our server Eliza joined us with menus, then guided us through cocktails . . . I tried an amazing “ Nonsense Christmas” cocktail! ( See photo & description) My wife looked over a detailed list of red & white list of wines. . . She enjoyed her full bodied Melbec from Mendoza, Argentina! No rush, our server Eliza then described the appetizer choices after bringing our drinks. We settled for dates wrapped in bacon . . . ( see photo) so delicious! 👍😃 Jess, another server brought over the dates . . . Eliza returned and described the Specials & entrees ! I stopped to inquire if I could order the Moroccan short ribs as another appetizer? “ Sure” . . . just the ribs , no sides! Then I ordered a glass of Vranac red wine blend from the area of ancient ILLYRiA! (Blend from Bosnia & Herzegovina) Another server Grace arrived with the Moroccan short ribs, took away the empty plates. Wow, service is fantastic! 😃👍 Then Hunter arrived with my glass of Vranac! Perfect red wine that compliments the delicious short ribs ! Again no rush , Eliza returns after abit. . . Guided us through the entrees. My wife ordered the Rockfish special . . . when asked about fresh, we discovered the restaurant is supplied by the same supplier I use. . . Pickford’s Seafood close by! 😃👍 My wife promised to share a taste with me😃👍 I ordered the Braised Lamb Shank, their last of the evening! What a wonderful evening, the food was cooked perfectly. We enjoyed the pacing between courses! As we finished our tasty entrees, we met the owner, Khris! As we complimented him on the food and service . . . he shared a little background of his travels to the U.S. and from his home in Albania. Eliza returned, as she cleared the empty plates. . . “ Our desserts are homemade, hope you have room?” I mentioned it’s my wife’s birthday, and she loves chocolate! She picked the Chocolate Sin Cake, and I selected Baklava! Wow delicious , kudos to both yummy tasting & presentations! 😃👍👍 PS Khris “Compt” my wife’s dessert! 😃 “Faleminderit”. . . translated Thankyou! *Highly recommend this wonderful restaurant, worth every dollar 💵! *History of ILLYRIA Region * -Compilation of Slovenia, Croatia, Albania, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia -Regional tribes developed a language -Ship builders, seafaring -Metalworkers -Migration from Asia west to Europe -Conquered by Romans 168 BCE -Called ILLYRICUM, adopted Christianity -Conquered by Byzantine Empire 5th Century CE -Influenced by Slavic migration/ Russia -Incorporated by Ottoman Empire 1400 - 1800 Prior to WW I, Albania formed 1912 😃Fun Facts of Albania😃 1. Adopted Double headed Eagle as Flag in 12 th century ( photo) 2. Albania called “ Shaqiperi” , Land Of Eagles 3. Mother Teresa was Albanian 4. Rika - Fruit brandy, National drink 5. No McDonalds in Albania 6. Shake head side to side - YES 👍 7. Shake head up & down - NO 👎🏼

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