A restaurant rooted in Mediterranean flavors and inspired by Albanian and Kosovan traditions is set to open its fourth location, marking its first in New Jersey.
Çka Ka Qëllu, owned by Ramiz Kukaj, will open in Westwood, joining its existing locations in New York and Connecticut.
“I love Westwood. I fell in love with the town. Westwood gives me that Europe vibe and there were a lot of requests to be in New Jersey,” Kukaj told What Now Philadelphia.
The restaurant displays 1990s-era artifacts and architecture to create an authentic atmosphere, reflecting its story and heritage.
“I left when the war happened in the Balkans. That hurt the most to leave a country being distroyed–burned castles, burned houses, burned artifacts. I went back right after the war, I collected them. What I do is I showcase them in the restaurants. We have artifacts collected from 1918. It’s more than a restaurant; they see my character,” he said.
While the New Jersey location will reflect the design of the other restaurants, it will also serve as a testing ground for new menu items.
“This is going to be our culinary lab location. We’re going to work on a lot of recipes. We’re going to spend a lot of time creating new recipes from our authentic cuisine. We’re going to concentrate on making changes to the way they look,” Kukaj said.
The menu features traditional Albanian comfort food, with dishes slow-cooked in earthenware pots for an authentic, home-style flavor.
Highlights include Tava Kosi, a classic baked dish with tender lamb in a creamy yogurt and egg custard, and Tava Dheut, made with liver, peppers, tomatoes, cheese and spices. Suxhuk në Tavë combines veal and beef sausage with melted artisanal cheeses, while Fasulë, a white bean stew simmered with olive oil and spices, offers a hearty vegetarian option.
The New York Times has named Çka Ka Qëllu one of its ‘Top 100 Restaurants’ in NYC for the third consecutive year, according to the restaurant’s Instagram.
“We want to bring to New Jersey our Albanian–Balkan fusion, something different to the neighborhood. I’m very excited,” he said. “You come in, you fall in love and you feel at home. Come with friends, chat, have a coffee, have a drink or two–it’s very welcoming.”
If construction stays on track, Çka Ka Qëllu is expected to open in time for Christmas, with a possible opening extending into the new year. For updates, visit the restaurant’s website and follow along on Instagram and Facebook.
