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Another white OPEN sign caught my attention. Caffe Illyria on State Street is now open for Breakfast and lunch and offers some Albanian flavor.
Chef and owner Ziam soft-opened Caffe Illyria three weeks ago to local foot traffic, and is eager for more clientele. No stranger to the breakfast and lunch business, Ziam has been operating Warehouse Cafe for the last eight years. He's created another spot with equal warmth and charm at 214 E. State Street, a location that's housed breakfast and burger spots in the past. During the renovation he pulled down the drywall to remove nice brick walls and enhanced the space with his own decorations - plants, photos, U.S. and Albanian flags. Completing the space is a small outdoor patio that's tucked away below street level for more private dining.
At first glance, I felt at ease with the Caffe's gentle charm. This charm was enhanced by the warmth extended by Ziam and his staff, a rotation of family and relatives. This day I was greeted by Ana at the counter and Enyo at the grill.
All of the menu items are chalk written on the walls for effect, and they have printed menus as well. The special board will list the daily soup as well as their featured item, sometimes offering Albanian specialties like kabob, grilled fish over salad, and lemon chicken. Regular menu items include Tuna Melt (5.25), Grilled Cheese (3.25) and Gyro (5.25), and a few twists including Ham Hottie Deluxe (5.25), Philly Cajun Reuben (5.25) and the Albanian Panini (5.75). Ziam was quick to point out that everything is made to order, and the extra time spent on preparation would shine through on the finished product. Everything, including the baklava (1.75), chicken salad (3.95), red potato salad (1.99), is made in house and guaranteed fresh. Ana is particularly proud of the Illyrian Big Burger and Fries (5.75).
Although I just had lunch at work and was on my way home, a new restaurant is my Call of the Sirens. Curious and intrigued by their their Albanian heritage, I ordered the Albanian Panini. I would consider this their signature sandwich, a fusion of Italian and Albanian cuisine. It was really delicious. The light crispy panini bread sandwiched layers of sliced gyro meat, and included onions, tomatoes, banana peppers, feta cheese and housemade tzatziki sauce. The house chips were included, but I'd go for fries for $1 more on the next trip
Breakfast items include Hot Cakes (3.75), several omelets, including a gyro omelet w/toast and homefries (4.50), and Egg Sandwich with choice of meat (3.75). They also offer Expresso, Cappuccino, and Latte. Daily breakfast specials will be offered as well.
Caffe Illyria
214 E. State St
(near State St and 5th St)
(614)227-3330
Hours: Monday-Friday 8am - 3pm (breakfast 8am 10:30am)
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