{"id":75368,"date":"2026-05-05T16:22:28","date_gmt":"2026-05-05T16:22:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/75368\/"},"modified":"2026-05-05T16:22:28","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T16:22:28","slug":"18-great-vilnius-restaurants-cafes-and-markets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/75368\/","title":{"rendered":"18 Great Vilnius Restaurants, Cafes and Markets"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Lithuania\u2019s capital has a plethora of dining options at all price points. Discover the best Vilnius restaurants spanning from cheap eats to haute cuisine.<\/p>\n

\"Chanterelle Image: \u00a92foodtrippers <\/p>\n

We connected with Vilnius, a Baltic city with a complicated past, during a week filled with comfort food, gastronomic delights, flowing drinks and spirited conversation.<\/p>\n

Each bite and sip revealed new flavors while each street in the surprisingly expansive city showcased unique Italian-inspired architecture and evocative street art.<\/p>\n

\"Vilnius The Vilnius Cathedral (AKA Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of Vilnius) has a fascinating history that dates back to the 13th century. The iconic building temporarily served as a warehouse when the city was under Soviet rule.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Why Visit Vilnius<\/p>\n

Vilnius may already be on your travel radar. Perhaps you\u2019re American and have ancestors who emigrated from Lithuania prior to the horrors of World War II and later decades of communist rule. Or maybe you\u2019ve already visited Riga<\/a> and Tallinn<\/a> and are looking to complete the Baltic capital city trifecta.<\/p>\n

We didn\u2019t fit into either of these categories even though we\u2019d previously eaten our way through both of the other two Baltic capitals. As food travelers, we traveled to Vilnius specifically to experience Lithuanian cuisine at the source.<\/p>\n

\"Fountain Spanning the centuries, Vilnius\u2019s cityscape is filled with Baroque buildings as well as fountains, statues and street art.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

We didn\u2019t know a lot about Lithuania and its food prior to our trip. Being ignorant sometimes leads to the bliss of discovery. In this case, Vilnius\u2019 gorgeous structures, fascinating history and deep food culture revealed a city that sated our wanderlust for an entire week.<\/p>\n

We quickly learned that Vilnius is a city that worships the four B\u2019s (bible, black bread, basketball and beer) and that its Old Town earned a UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1994 as well as the shared title of European Capital of Culture in 2009.<\/p>\n

\"Jewish Previously nicknamed the Jerusalem of the North, Vilnius has a rich Jewish past which is evident on its streets and in its food. Pictured here is an old shop sign with both Roman and Hebrew letters.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Vilnius\u2019 history transcends the many churches and statues that line its winding streets. This history dates back to the Middle Ages and includes periods of great prosperity as well as decades of occupation, oppression and war. <\/p>\n

As descendants of Eastern European immigrants, we were particularly interested in learning about the city\u2019s tragic Jewish history. Once a vibrant community of merchants and scholars, more than 90% of Vilnius\u2019 Jews vanished during the Holocaust.<\/p>\n

\"Street Many Vilnius building are decorated with street art. While some modern designs feature hipster themes, others honor the city\u2019s storied past.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Remnants of Vilnius\u2019 Jewish history hide in plain sight throughout the city on signs written in both Yiddish and Hebrew as well as in colorful street art. Soviet-era buildings like the utilitarian Vilnius Wedding Palace remain as well.<\/p>\n

Vilnius Food Scene<\/p>\n

\"Zeppelins If you eat only one food in Vilnius, eat zeppelins. Also called cepelinai, these meat-filled potato dumplings are Lithuania\u2019s national dish. We ate this tasty duo at Grey.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Although Vilnius is no longer the Jerusalem of the North or a cog in the Soviet empire\u2019s machine, history buffs can explore both aspects of the city\u2019s past while food travelers can focus on eating their way through the city. We accomplished both every time we tasted Vilnius\u2019 bittersweet history in foods like bagels and borscht. <\/p>\n

Once defined by geography and politics, the city\u2019s food culture is experiencing a modern-day renaissance. Today, Vilnius food transcends Lithuania\u2019s physical location bordering Poland, Belarus, Latvia and the Baltic Sea as well as its years of stagnation under commuist rule. <\/p>\n

\"Gastronomy Food in Vilnius isn\u2019t just traditional. Restaurants like Nineteen18 push the envelope with all means of modern gastronomy.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

This is a city where it\u2019s possible to eat traditional Lithuanian cuisine<\/a> that dates back centuries as well as modern dishes created with blow torches and tweezers. Some Vilnius restaurants honor the city\u2019s past Jewish and Soviet cultures while others blaze forward by serving vegetarian, middle eastern and even Indian food.<\/p>\n

\"Chefs We met this cadre of cooks during our dinner at Nineteen18. Chef Matas Paulinas (second from the right) leads the culinary team.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Returning to their Lithuanian roots, young chefs have pushed and pulled Vilnius restaurants into the 21st century by re-introducing concepts like craft beer and farm-to-table dining to the community. <\/p>\n

These concepts aren\u2019t new in Vilnius but they were forgotten during decades defined by lower-quality, mass-produced food. Lithuanians, in a reflection of a worldwide trend, are re-embracing activities like foraging, pickling and home brewing. <\/p>\n

Where to Eat in Vilnius<\/p>\n

\"Saltibarsciai Cold beet soup called \u0160altibar\u0161\u010diai is a Vilnius food favorite. We ate this vivid fuchsia pink bowl at \u0160nekutis.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Eating in Vilnius was a tastebud-tingling and belly-filling adventure. We ate zeppelin-shaped potato dumplings as big as our heads and slurped down multiple bowls of soup with flavors that belied their beet-dyed, Pepto-Bismal-colored appearance. <\/p>\n

Discover more of the best soups in the world<\/a>.<\/p>\n

We chowed down at cheap but cheerful cafes and dined at restaurants worthy of Michelin stars. We also drank a copious number of cocktails, craft beers and flat whites. In a nutshell, we never got thirsty or hungry in Vilnius.<\/p>\n

\"Extruded Potatoes are a staple in Lithuanian cuisine but they\u2019re the opposite of boring when Nineteen18\u2019s Chef Matas Paulinas steams them and serves them with cheese, roasted hay foam and summer truffles.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

All in all, we ate a range of great food in Vilnius. The best dishes included traditional familiar Eastern European classics as well as modern gastronomic gems that respected the Baltic nation\u2019s age-old culinary culture. <\/p>\n

This Vilnius guide highlights our picks for the best places to eat in Vilnius and showcases what we ate at each. We\u2019ve included photos of our favorite Vilnius foods from the simple to the sublime.<\/p>\n

Vilnius Restaurants<\/p>\n

\"Kitchen Dining at Vilnius\u2019 best restaurants is a necessary aspect of exploring the city\u2019s culinary landscape.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

While food in Vilnius reflects the city\u2019s cultural diversity, the very best Vilnius restaurants combine local ingredients with classic cooking techniques. We\u2019re talking about chanterelles, beets and heritage grains as well as proteins like lamb and herring.<\/p>\n

We researched popular restaurants in Vilnius before our inaugural trip and made advance reservations where possible. These were our favorites:<\/p>\n

Nineteen18<\/p>\n

\"Smoked Carrot and cider reduction added an extra oomph to a charred carrot coated with black garlic and decorated with edible flowers. This dish was one of 13 dishes we ate during our dinner at Nineteen18 in Vilnius.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

When we were researching Vilnius restaurants, Nineteen18 catapulted to the top of our list. <\/p>\n

Chef Matas Paulinas, with a resume that includes long stints working in prestigious chef-run groups led by Renee Redzepi and Joel Robuchon, heads Nineteen18\u2019s culinary team. He brings a world-class level of gastronomy to the Lithuanian capital.<\/p>\n

\"Chef Chef Matas Paulinas cooked around the world before returning home to cook at Vilnius\u2019 Nineteen18. Although the accomplished chef champions seasonal, local and sustainable products, his food rivals top restaurants in countries like France and Japan.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

The seasoned chef started cooking at age 19, trading physics studies for a global pursuit of the culinary arts. He returned home to Vilnius in 2016 after running Japanese cuisine<\/a> concepts in Copenhagen<\/a> for Redzepi and in Monaco for Robuchon. <\/p>\n

Paulinas opened Nineteen18 two years later, exactly one century after Lithuania regained its independence from Germany in 1918. Within a year, his efforts were recognized by The White Guide<\/a> which ranked the restaurant as the second best restaurant in the Baltics. Later, in 2024, the restaurant earned of of Lithuania\u2019s original Michelin stars.<\/p>\n

\"Caviar Served over sweet patty pan squash cream, we enjoyed this generous serving of Osetra caviar at Nineteen18 in Vilnius.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

One of Paulinas\u2019 goals is to build a great food community in the Vilnius area from the ground up by establishing a local agricultural network that emphasizes sustainability and seasonality. His 500-hectare farm fits into this master plan.<\/p>\n

The chef utilizes a 50 kilometer rule for procuring ingredients, with many products sourced at his farm, whenever possible. These products include all kinds of berries, six different onions, cabbage, herbs, spices and grains like wheat, rye and buckwheat. Paulinas also raises cattle and chickens at the farm.<\/p>\n

Sure, the food\u2019s great (we\u2019ll get to that in a bit) but there\u2019s more to Nineteen18 than the food. We also loved the restaurant\u2019s intimate dining room that offered us close proximity to an open kitchen with as many chefs as diners.<\/p>\n

\"Bread We \u2018met\u2019 our sourdough rye bread dough before its visit to the oven. It arrived on a bed of kale and topped with caraway seeds.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Our meal began with a seemingly silly introduction to the dough used to create our bread service. We have to admit to laughing uncomfortably after our server formally introduced us to a raw boule surrounded by kale and topped with caraway seeds. <\/p>\n

That laughter transformed to flavorful awe when our finished bread later arrived hot out of the oven along with caramelized butter and salt flakes. After Daryl pulled off a piece of the artisan bread and a waft of steam puffed from the warm boule, he dipped it in a buttery salt mixture and tasted the hypnotically nutty flavors of locally produced rye. <\/p>\n

After just one bite, Daryl spontaneously proclaimed Nineteen18\u2019s bread to be the \u2018best bread course of the year\u2019.<\/p>\n

\"Baked Not all breads are created equal as demonstrated by the baked sourdough rye bread we ate during our dinner at Nineteen18.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

A parade of dishes commenced starting with kohlrabi ice cream served with caraway seeds and served over rocks. Other snacks included dried wild mushrooms, 14-month Polish caviar and pickled kohlrabi.<\/p>\n

While the concentrated mushroom flavor lingered for minutes, everything stopped when our server presented a tin filled with pecious caviar. Later plated with patty pan squash cream, the caviar\u2019s saltiness met its creamy, sweet match.<\/p>\n

\"Macerated Nasturtium flowers added a burst of color to pickled kohlrabi while horseradish buttermilk sauce added a burst of flavor.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Our dinner continued at a comfortable pace. Highlights included jet black carrots smoked in juniper, coated with black garlic blossoms and served with sweet carrot pur\u00e9e as well as pasta-like strands of potato plated with aged hard cheese, hay foam and summer truffles.<\/p>\n

We\u2019d be remiss not to mention the bull\u2019s pizzle (penis) served on a pine needle skewer along with homemade shoyo and ants. Though not our favorite dish of the night, it certainly was memorable for its creativity and demonstrated the restaurant\u2019s commitment to head to tail cooking.<\/p>\n

\"Lamb Topped with ramson capers and drizzled with cucumber reduction, this lamb belly was one of two meat courses served during our 13-course degustation meal at Nineteen18.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

While lounge classics sung by Henry Mancini<\/a> and Herb Alpert<\/a> drifted in the air, we gracefully segued to the dessert portion of the meal. Three sweets wowed us but none more than the restaurant\u2019s signature creme br\u00fbl\u00e9e<\/a> made with three different Lithuanian trees (pine, oak and apple).<\/p>\n

Our 13-course tasting menu meal cost 115\u20ac per person at the time of our visit \u2013 a high price tag by Lithuanian standards. But, compared to similar restaurants in other European countries, it was a great value.<\/p>\n

Pro Tip
Advance reservations are absolutely mandatory at Nineteen18.<\/p>\n

Nineteen18<\/a> is located at Dominikon\u0173 g. 11, Vilnius 01131, Lithuania.<\/p>\n

D\u017eiaugsmas<\/p>\n

\"Beef Dishes like this uniquely constructed Beef Tartare showcase the culinary innovation at D\u017eiaugsmas in Vilnius.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

D\u017eiaugsmas is a funny word. Pronounced djoke-mahs, there\u2019s no literal translation for the word and its meaning is halfway between a joke and joyful glee.<\/p>\n

Chef Martynas Pra\u0161kevi\u010dius regularly pushes this gleefully joking envelope at D\u017eiaugsmas by serving a range of beautiful sharable dishes at his self-described bistro and natural wine bar. In regognition of his efforts, the restaurant received a Michelin star in 2024.<\/p>\n

\"Chanterelles Prevalent in Lithuanian forests, chanterelles made their way to our plate at D\u017eiaugsmas. These wild mushrooms were served with Madeira wine sauce, potatoes, bilberries and pork fat.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Pra\u0161kevi\u010dius changes the D\u017eiaugsmas menu on a daily basis based on items available at Tymo Market in Vilnius\u2019 Old Town. He transforms these hyper-local ingredients into accessible modern cuisine.<\/p>\n

Diners looking for a full experience can opt for the restaurant\u2019s tasting menu which was priced at 60\u20ac at the time of our dinner. In deference to our stomachs which were getting quite a workout in Vilnius, we ordered a handful of \u00e0 la carte dishes instead.<\/p>\n

\"Chicken The Happy Chicken at D\u017eiaugsmas lived up to its name and made us happy.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Following a bread course with salted butter, cured lard and apple jam, we enjoyed chanterelles in a melange that included Madeira wine sauce, potatoes and bilberries.<\/p>\n

Beef tartare served on of a delicate rosti of potatoes popped with flavor thanks to components like baked bone marrow, smoked egg yolk sauce, onions and fermented black currants.<\/p>\n

\"Dessert We didn\u2019t skip dessert at D\u017eiaugsmas. Our sweet reward was a bowl filled with crunchy angel wings, tonka bean ice cream, strawberries, caramel and egg cream.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Tempted by dishes like schnitzel, veal brain and beef ribs, we ordered a dish called \u2018happy chicken\u2019 after the server shared that a local farmer raises free range chickens specifically for the restaurant. While we couldn\u2019t vouch for the bird\u2019s happiness, the tasty, juicy roasted bird left us more than satisfied.<\/p>\n

Pra\u0161kevi\u010dius\u2019 desserts feature distinct ingredients like tonka beans, mustard, rhubarb compote and salted caramel. Natural wine completes the fine dining experience with bottles sourced from countries like France, Italy and Spain.<\/p>\n

Pro Tip
Request to sit outside on the restaurant\u2019s rooftop terrace if the weather is favorable.<\/p>\n

D\u017eiaugsmas<\/a> is located at Vilniaus g. 28 Vilnius 01144, Vilnius 01144, Lithuania.<\/p>\n

\u0160turm\u0173 \u0160vyturys<\/p>\n

\"Lunch Salted fish and colorful fruit started our meal at \u0160turm\u0173 \u0160vyturys, a fish restaurant in Vilnius.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Some European cities practically swim in seafood. Vilnius is not one of those cities. It\u2019s ironic since Lithuanian fishermen have access to a bounty that includes bass, bream, catfish, carp, eel and salmon.<\/p>\n

Open since 2004 in \u0160turmai, \u0160turm\u0173 \u0160vyturys debuted in Vilnius a decade later. It\u2019s the only Vilnius restaurant that serves wild Lithuanian fish caught in the Curonian Lagoon.<\/p>\n

The restaurant\u2019s chef, \u010ceslovas \u017demaitis, offers a tight menu designed for pescatarians and whole food eaters. In addition to wild fish, he sources products grown naturally in Lithuania. <\/p>\n

\"Seafood Meat lovers would be smart to avoid \u0160turm\u0173 \u0160vyturys. However, fans of fish and vegetables will feel right at home.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

\u0160turm\u0173 \u0160vyturys\u2019 succinct menu offers just five shareable items \u2013 fish soup, two starters, one main dish and dessert. Hungry diners can opt to eat the full menu (priced at 35\u20acper person during our meal) while others can order specific dishes.<\/p>\n

Eating lunch on the restaurant\u2019s outdoor courtyard under a glass ceiling, we started with a large plate topped with salted fish and a hodgepodge of beets, pickled plums, blueberries, blackberries, chili peppers, bruschetta with soft white cheese and red currants. We also shared perch served with a vegetable medley and tomato stew for our main dish.<\/p>\n

Pro Tip
Don\u2019t bring young children to your meal at \u0160turm\u0173 \u0160vyturys. The restaurant only welcomes guests who are over 12 years of age.<\/p>\n

\u0160turm\u0173 \u0160vyturys<\/a> is located at U\u017eupio g. 30, Vilnius 01203, Lithuania.<\/p>\n

Grey<\/p>\n

\"Grey The dining room at Grey is a comfortable space filled with natural light and funky art.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Grey stays in character with grey design elements and grey dishes. But don\u2019t think that this restaurant is as desolate as a grey sky on a rainy Vilnius day. <\/p>\n

The restaurant, with a sun-drenched room and eclectic menu featuring global fare, updated Lithuanian classics and colorful cocktails, is the opposite of bleak. We\u2019d like to thank our friend Kate<\/a> for this solid recommendation.<\/p>\n

\"Potato Like their neighbors in Poland and Latvia, Lithuanians like to eat potato pancakes. We ate this pile of elevated Bulviniai Blynai at Grey in Vilnius. | Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Eschewing global dishes like nachos<\/a> and kebabs, we dove into the Local Tastes section of Grey\u2019s menu. Seriously, we can eat those ubiquitous dishes anywhere in the world.<\/p>\n

It was a good move. We weren\u2019t disappointed with classic Lithuanian comfort food like cold pink soup served with potatoes, meat-filled zeppelin topped with sour cream and deep fried potato pancakes layered with smoked salmon and curd cream.<\/p>\n

\"Fried We admit it. We\u2019re addicted to Lithuanian fried bread. We temporarily satisfied our Kepta Duona obsession during our lunch at Grey.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

However, our favorite Grey dish may have been our starter of fried Lithuanian bread with garlic and cheese dip. Known as Kepta Duona and rubbed with garlic, these crispy, toasty, highly addictive fried bread batons pair well with beer.<\/p>\n

Consider yourself warned. Fried bread is dangerous albeit in a tasty way.<\/p>\n

Pro Tip
Check out the lunch special if you dine at Grey during the day. This value-priced combo includes soup and homemade lemonade.<\/p>\n

Grey<\/a> is located at Pilies g. 2, Vilnius 01124, Lithuania.<\/p>\n

Additional Vilnius Restaurants<\/p>\n

\"Free If you plan ahead, you can eat dishes like this Free Range Egg Yolk creation we ate at Nineteen18 in Vilnius.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Since the best Vilnius restaurants are both popular and limited in size, it\u2019s smart to have a back-up plan in case you can\u2019t secure a reservation at your top pick. <\/p>\n

Plus, one or more may be temporarily closed at the time of your visit. As examples, Gaspar\u2019s was closed for the entire week of our visit and Nineteen18 temporarily closed prior to its 2020 relocation.<\/p>\n

Accordingly, consider the following lauded restaurants when you\u2019re deciding where to eat in Vilnius:<\/p>\n

Vilnius Cheap Eats<\/p>\n

\"Zeppelins Cheap eats are good eats in Vilnius. Pictured here are zeppelins at at \u0160nekutis.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Eating well in Vilnius doesn\u2019t have to involve fine dining and hefty bills. In fact, some of our most memorable meals cost us under 10\u20ac. <\/p>\n

From dumplings to burgers, these are our favorite spots for Vilnius cheap eats:<\/p>\n

\u0160nekuktis<\/p>\n

\"Latvian These Lithuanian fried chickpeas reminded us of corn nuts while the cracklings on top made us say yum. | Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

\u0160nekutis lives a double life as a beer bar and a traditional Lithuanian restaurant. While beer flows from multiple taps more freely than water, the food completes the experience.<\/p>\n

We first visited \u0160nekutis during a Vilnius food tour. Since this visit motivated us to check out all three \u0160nekutis locations that same week, it\u2019s fair to say that we found a happy place at this casual Vilnius pub with a funny name.<\/p>\n

\"Inside \u0160nekutis stuffs their zeppelins with minced meat and serves them with sour cream. | Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Our favorite \u0160nekutis dishes included zeppelins (Cepelinai su M\u0117sa) \u2013 the Lithuanian version of German kn\u00f6del filled with ground meat , chilled pink soup (Saltibarsciai) similar to beet borscht, fried bread with garlic (Kepinta Duona su \u010cesnaku) and fried Lithuanian chickpeas topped with cracklings (Lietuvi\u0161ki \u017dirnial su Spirgu\u010diais).<\/p>\n

We also tried smoked pigs ears with mustard and spices (R\u016bkytos Ausyt\u0117s su Garsty\u010diomis). If you\u2019re an adventurous eater, you should try them too. Otherwise, stick to the zeppelins.<\/p>\n

Pro Tip
Go to \u0160nekutis with a friend or two so that you can eat several different dishes. Though cheap in prices, Lithuanian cuisine is quite filling.<\/p>\n

\u0160nekutis<\/a> has multiple Vilnius locations. We ate and drank at all of them.<\/p>\n

Meat Lovers Pub<\/p>\n

\"Sausage We ate these German grilled sausages at Meat Lovers Pub in Vilnius. The casual gastropub is fixture on the Vilnius food scene.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

First we eat meat then we do everything else.<\/p>\n

Vegetarians should probably skip Meat Lovers Pub. As its name and tagline suggest, this pub is unabashedly designed for carnivores.<\/p>\n

As for us, we felt right at home at the cozy spot with a menu featuring dishes like chili soup, BBQ ribs, steak burgers and chicken roast. We joined the meat party by ordering German sausage and beef tartare. <\/p>\n

Details like braised celery and caper berries were a pleasant surprise. Or were they party favors? Either way, we were duly impressed.<\/p>\n

Pro Tip
Vegetarians will find a couple options like fried cheese and beet soup on the chalkboard menu at Meat Lover Pub. If those aren\u2019t your jam, just drink a beer, cider or cocktail instead.<\/p>\n

Meat Lovers Pub<\/a> is located at \u0160v. Ignoto g. 14, Vilnius 01144, Lithuania.<\/p>\n

Beigelistai<\/p>\n

\"Bagel We rarely say not to a bagel with lox. We said yes to this one at Beigelistai in Vilnius.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Invented in Poland in the 1600\u2019s, bagels were a staple of Eastern European countries like Lithuania for centuries. Sadly, bagels left the region when Jews were sent to concentration camps during World War II.<\/p>\n

The bagel tradition lived on for decades in cities like London<\/a>, Montreal<\/a> and New York<\/a> before resurfacing in cities like Budapest<\/a> and Riga<\/a>. Also known as beigels, bagels have returned to Vilnius too.<\/p>\n

We satisfied our unrelenting bagel craving by eating freshly baked bagels at Beigelistai. Though we went old school and topped our bagels with dry-cured salmon and cream cheese, the shop offers unique toppings like Nutella, bean spread, beets and a za\u2019atar spice blend.<\/p>\n

Pro Tip
Start your morning with a bagel and coffee. To us, this is the Vilnius breakfast of champions.<\/p>\n

Beigelistai<\/a> is located at Literat\u0173 g. 7, Vilnius 01125, Lithuania.<\/p>\n

Boom! Burgers<\/p>\n

\"Hamburger We satisfied our cheeseburger cravings at Boom! Burgers in Vilnius. | Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

* Important Update \u2013 The Boom! Burgers location in Vilnius has permanently closed. *<\/p>\n

Boom! Burgers is an international operation. Adel Zakout and Lachezar Tsachev opened their original burger joint in Sofia, Bulgaria in 2012 before expanding to Vilnius a year later. With three locations in Sofia plus one in Vilnius, the burger chain cooks burgers with an Irish mixture of Hereford, Black Angus and Limousine beef.<\/p>\n

The signature Boom! burger adds English cheddar, crispy bacon, caramelized onions, homemade pickles, lettuce, tomato and sauce to a 400 gram beef patty. We tried that one as well as a 370 gram cheeseburger with melted blue cheese, pickled red onion, lettuce, tomato and sauce. Both were winners.<\/p>\n

Discover the world\u2019s best burgers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Boom! Burgers<\/a> was located at Gedimino pr. 1, Vilnius 01103, Lithuania. This Vilnius location has permanently closed.<\/p>\n

Kavine \u010ceburekin\u0117<\/p>\n

\"Kavine Locals flock to Kavine \u010ceburekin\u0117 in search of comfort food menu and cheap prices.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Although it opened in 2011, Kavine \u010ceburekin\u0117 is a great spot away from Vilnius\u2019 tourist trail to experience food eaten during the communist era. Staying on theme, the cafeteria-style restaurant keeps its prices cheap and groups its food into four categories \u2013 soups, snacks, hot dishes and desserts.<\/p>\n

During our mid-afternoon break, we indulged in one snack and one hot dish \u2013 fried bread with garlic and cheese (Kepta Duona su \u010cesnakais ir S\u016briu) and a meat-filled turnover (\u010ceburekas su M\u0117sa). With a total cost under 6\u20ac, this food break was a cheap eats Vilnius win.<\/p>\n

Pro Tip
Not in the mood for meat? Order a cheburek filled with cheese and\/or mushrooms.<\/p>\n

Kavine \u010ceburekin\u0117<\/a> is located at V. \u0160openo g. 3, Vilnius 01314, Lithuania.<\/p>\n

Vilnius Cafes and Desserts<\/p>\n

\"Chocolate Vilnius chocolate made us smile.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

While we enjoyed desserts at restaurants like Nineteen18 and D\u017eiaugsmas (see both above), sometimes we wanted a sweet treat on the fly. These were our favorite spots to eat Vilnius desserts:<\/p>\n

Theobromine Chocolatier<\/p>\n

\"Chocolates We shared three chocolate bonbons during our stop at Theobromine Chocolatier. They were filled with (1) chili, (2) Madagascar vanilla & rum and (3) Lithuanian poppy seeds. Each was great but we both picked the second bonbon as our favorite. | Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Visitors who find Theobromine Chocolatier on its narrow Old Town street have a difficult choice to make. Do they want to order an edible handmade Belgian treat or a drinkable handmade Belgian treat? As for us, we chose both options.<\/p>\n

The next difficult decision is where to sit \u2013 inside or outside. Life is full of difficult choices. However, those choices are more palatable when they involve chocolate.<\/p>\n

Not to cause extra stress, but there\u2019s a third decision point when ordering liquid chocolate \u2013 temperature (hot or cold) and flavor. Options include lavender, caramel, hazelnut and chili.<\/p>\n

Pro Tip
Buy a box of chocolate bonbons as an edible souvenir or gift.<\/p>\n

Theobromine Chocolatier<\/a> is located at Vokie\u010di\u0173 g. 18A18,, Vilnius, Lithuania.<\/p>\n

AJ \u0160okoladas<\/p>\n

\"Bonbon We ate this orange-flavored, chocolate-filled Apelsininis bonbon at AJ \u0160okoladas in Vilnius.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Because one shop isn\u2019t enough to satisfy chocolate cravings in Lithuania, AJ \u0160okoladas has two shops in Vilnius plus locations in cities like Trakai and Klaip\u0117da. Visitors to each shop can select from more than a hundred sweet treats created by owner Algimantas Jablonska (AJ) and his talented chocolatiers.<\/p>\n

Passing on cake after a robust lunch filled with Lithuanina food favorites, we shared two tiny treats \u2013 an orange-flavored chocolate bonbon and a chocolate-covered orange peel \u2013 at the old-fashioned dessert cafe. Since we were craving chocolate and citrus, we satisfied both urges in one fell swoop. <\/p>\n

Pro Tip
Chocoholics can visit AJ \u0160okoladas\u2019 chocolate sculpture museum in nearby Trakai. It\u2019s just a half-hour train ride from Vilnius.<\/p>\n

AJ \u0160okoladas<\/a> has multiple locations. We visited the shop located at Pilies g. 8, Vilnius 01123, Lithuania.<\/p>\n

Sugamour<\/p>\n

\"Pecan We indulged our love of pecans, caramel and popcorn at Sugamour with a decadent dessert aptly named Love of Pecans, Caramel and Popcorn.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Vilnius has been channeling Paris pastries<\/a> since 2015 when the original Sugamour opened in Old Town. This homage to the city of light has since expanded to four boutiques including three in Vilnius plus one in Kaunas.<\/p>\n

Sugamour offers a rainbow of macarons in flavors like raspberry, salted caramel and pistachio as well as a display case filled with sweet \u2018jewels.\u2019 Dazzled by the sugary gems, we narrowed our choice to a miniature cake with popcorn, rice crispies, chocolate mousse and a liquid pecan praline center. <\/p>\n

Pro Tip
Splurge on Afternoon Tea & Champagne at Sugamour. This afternoon delight includes a selection of savory tarts, desserts, tea, coffee and Taittinger Brut Reserve champagne.<\/p>\n

Sugamour<\/a> has multiple locations in Vilnius. We ate at the original cafe located at Vokie\u010di\u0173 g. 11, Vilnius 01130, Lithuania.<\/p>\n

Pinavija Bakery & Tearoom<\/p>\n

\"Kibinai We accomplished our goal of eating a Kibinai pastry at Pinavija Bakery & Tearoom in Vilnius.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Our desire to sample traditional kibinai pastries motivated us to visit Pinavija Bakery & Tearoom. Our reward was an outdoor breakfast with an excellent vantage for people watching, one of our favorite spectator sports.<\/p>\n

We resisted meringues and tarts and and stayed on mission by ordering a kibinai filled with cottage cheese. Other filling options included mushrooms, spinach turkey, ham and lamb. To fuel our day, we also ordered scrambled eggs with smoky bacon and pickled mushrooms over dark rye bread.<\/p>\n

Pro Tip
Don\u2019t forget your camera or smart phone. Pinavija\u2019s fanciful decor and pretty pastries are fun to photograph.<\/p>\n

Pinavija Bakery & Tearoom<\/a> is located at Vilniaus g. 21, Vilnius 01402, Lithuania.<\/p>\n

Holy Donut<\/p>\n

\"Lithuanian Different from an American donut, this cottage cheese donut was filled with strawberry jam.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Although we swore off donuts after binging on one too many during a two-month US road trip, we couldn\u2019t resist eating a donut at Vilnius\u2019 Holy Donut. This Vilnius donut shop has been serving kava and spurgos (coffee and donuts) since 2015.<\/p>\n

Discover more great donuts eaten around the world<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Inside Cutting open this donut revealed a shiny red, jammy center.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Skipping the shop\u2019s American-style donuts in flavors like Irisuus (toffee flavored chocolate) and Hipsteris (pistachio chocolate and chopped pistachios), we instead ordered a hole-free donut made with cottage cheese and filled with strawberry jam.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t judge us for our selection. We don\u2019t typically eat Lithuanian food in America. Why would we eat American food in Lithuania?<\/p>\n

Pro Tip
Not a donut fan? You can order pancakes, avocado toast, porridge, bagels and freak shakes at Holy Donuts.<\/p>\n

Holy Donut<\/a> is located at Vokie\u010di\u0173 g. 9, Vilnius 01130, Lithuania.<\/p>\n

Vilnius Markets and Specialty Food Shops<\/p>\n

\"Food The food options at Vilnius\u2019 Hal\u0117s Turgus are extensive.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Restaurants are just part of the Vilnius food story. Local markets and specialty shops sell a variety of food that you can enjoy back at your apartment or on the spot.<\/p>\n

These are our favorite places to buy food in Vilnius:<\/p>\n

Hal\u0117s Turgus (Market Hall)<\/p>\n

\"Hales Built in 1906, Hal\u0117s Turgus houses the central food market in Vilnius.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Every great European city has a great food hall. In Vilnius, that market is Hal\u0117s Turgus.<\/p>\n

Since its 1906 debut, Hal\u0117s Turgus has been a bustling destination for home cooks and restaurant chefs seeking local products like pickles, charcuterie, berries and honey. Though part of the grand hall is dedicated to non-edible items, the heart of this market is the section where food vendors sale their wares.<\/p>\n

\"Saltibarsciai We ate this bowl of pink soup during our Hal\u0117s Turgus shopping expedition.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Several stalls operate as restaurants and serve traditional food, global snacks and craft beer to hungry shoppers. Lingering at one of these stalls, we shared pink soup and potato pancakes for a quick pick-me-up. <\/p>\n

Pro Tip
As an alternative, check out Tymo Market. This Old Town market fills with food trucks during its Open Kitchen events on summer Fridays and Saturdays.<\/p>\n

Halle Market<\/a> is located at Pylimo g. 58, Vilnius 01136, Lithuania.<\/p>\n

Senamiescio Krautuve<\/p>\n

\"Snack This cucumber slice topped with cured ham provided a taste of Vilnius in one bite.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Although Senamiescio Krautuve is exponentially smaller than Hall\u0117s Turugs, the compact market sells a comprehensive selection of Lithuanian food products at its convenient Old Town location. Baskets are filled with apples and other produce while shelves are chock-a-block with dry goods like rye crisps and sweet sakotis cake.<\/p>\n

During our visit, we sampled a selection of products including lardo, dried forest mushrooms and traditional curd cheese. Our favorite bites involved cucumbers slices topped with honey and charcuterie.<\/p>\n

Pro Tip
Buy some snacks to enjoy if you\u2019re staying in an apartment with a kitchen.<\/p>\n

Senamiescio Krautuve<\/a> is located at Literat\u0173 g. 5, Vilnius 01125, Lithuania.<\/p>\n

Grapperia<\/p>\n

\"Grapperia Grapperia\u2019s shelves are a treasure trove for grappa drinkers.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

We stumbled into Grapperia after our lunch at \u0160turm\u0173 \u0160vyturys (see above). Specializing in grappa and as well as wine and liqueur produced in Italy and other European countries, the specialty shop pulled us in like moths to the flame.<\/p>\n

Beyond grappa, Grapperia sells imported gourmet products like panettone and pine cone syrup. But grappa is the star of the show here. Based on the shop\u2019s name, this should be no surprise.<\/p>\n

Pro Tip
Contact the shop to arrange a private grappa tasting on any day of the week except Sunday.<\/p>\n

Grapperia<\/a> is located at U\u017eupio g. 30, Vilnius 01203, Lithuania.<\/p>\n

House of Naive<\/p>\n

\"Chocolate House of Naive is the best shop in Vilnius for buying Chocolate Naive bars.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Call us naive but we had never heard of Chocolate Naive until we visited House of Naive in Vilnius. We were also unfamiliar with the concept of combining porcini mushrooms with milk chocolate.<\/p>\n

Beyond the chocolatier\u2019s intriguing Porcini flavor, owner Domantas U\u017epalis has been creating unique flavors like Imperial Stout, Kefir and Ambrosia under the Chocolate Naive name since 2011. He sells his bars at House of Naive in Old Town.<\/p>\n

Quality comes at a premium around the world and chocolate bars at House of Naive are no exception. Expect to pay 7\u20ac per bar though that price point can change at any time.<\/p>\n

Pro Tip
Don\u2019t be surprised when you see clothes, shoes and accessories when you walk into House of Naive. A closer look will quickly reveal colorfully wrapped chocolate bars.<\/p>\n

House of Naive<\/a> is located at Didzioji str 38, Vilnius 01128, Lithuania.<\/p>\n

Vilnius Drinks<\/p>\n

\"Cocktail This \u201cHaka\u201d rum cocktail at Nomads Cocktail Bar is just one of the great beverages you can drink in Vilnius.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

Visitors to Vilnius won\u2019t go thirsty. Drinks abound with an abundance of beer, wine, mead, cocktails and specialty coffee available throughout the Lithuanian capital.<\/p>\n

We found so many great drinks during our visit that we decided to create separate guides to showcase our favorite bars<\/a> and specialty coffee shops<\/a> in Vilnius.<\/p>\n

Things to Do in Vilnius<\/p>\n

\"Chocolates One can eat a lot of chocolate in Vilnius. Or, to be more clear, we ate a lot of chocolate in Vilnius.\u00a0| Image: \u00a92foodtrippers<\/p>\n

As tempting as it may sound, there are more fun things to do in Vilnius besides eating chocolate. Based on our experience, we recommend taking a tour or two to learn about the city.<\/p>\n

Here are a few tours to consider:<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udca1 Frequently Asked Questions<\/p>\n

What are the top foods to eat at Vilnius restaurants? <\/p>\n

While you can eat global food at Vilnius restaurants, you can also eat classic Lithuanian dishes like Cepelinai (dumplings), \u0160altibar\u0161\u010diai (cold beet soup) and Bulviniai Blynai (potato pancakes).<\/p>\n

Are Vilnius restaurants expensive? <\/p>\n

Vilnius restaurants are moderately priced compared to restaurants in other European capital cities.<\/p>\n

Is tipping necessary in Vilnius? <\/p>\n

No. Tipping is optional in Latvia.<\/p>\n

What time do people eat dinner in Vilnius? <\/p>\n

People typically eat dinner between 7pm and 9pm in Vilnius. <\/p>\n

Are restaurant reservations necessary in Vilnius? <\/p>\n

Reservations are necessary for Vilnius\u2019 better restaurants. <\/p>\n

Where did Anthony Bourdain eat in Vilnius? <\/p>\n

Anthony Bourdain never visited Vilnius while filming The Layover, No Reservations or Parts Unknown.<\/p>\n

How many Vilnius restaurants have Michelin stars? <\/p>\n

Vilnius currently has four Michelin-starred restaurants: Demo, D\u017eiaugsmas, Nineteen18 and Pas mus.<\/p>\n

\ud83e\udded Vilnius Travel Checklist<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Vilnius Food Tour Video<\/p>\n

We captured some of our favorite Vilnius food favorites in a YouTube video<\/a>. Check it out!<\/p>\n

Disclosures<\/p>\n

Article Updates
We update our articles regularly. Some updates are major while others are minor link changes and spelling corrections. Let us know if you see anything that needs to be updated in this article.<\/p>\n

Funding
We purchased and ate the food featured in this article.<\/p>\n

Sponsorship
We thank Tinggly<\/a> for hosting us in Vilnius and sponsoring three Urban Adventure tours<\/a>. Tinggly promotes gifting experiences instead of material things.<\/p>\n

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