Vilnius Food Guide – 20 of the best places to eat & drink in Vilnius!

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Vilnius is the small but charming capital of Lithuania. I was fortunate to spend 3 days in the city last November and had a fantastic time.

Before I came to Vilnius I wasn’t sure where to eat in Vilnius or if I would find any Lithuanian food that is suitable for vegans. However, I needn’t have worried. I was expecting Vilnius to be a fascinating city full of history, quirky street art and culture (which it is!) but what I wasn’t expecting was that the Vilnius food scene would be poppin’!

I never thought of Vilnius as a foodie destination so I was pleasantly surprised by the wide range of excellent eateries, bars and cafes on offer. Eating my way around the city quickly became my favourite activity in Vilnius!

So since I spent so much time stuffing my face, I mean “researching the Vilnius food scene” it’s only right that I share my findings with you all in today’s blog post 😉

I am vegan but many of these restaurants cater for a range of diets. Check the handy yellow boxes beneath each entry where I’ll specify if they offer vegan, veggie or meat options. 

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Vilnius has it all from traditional Lithuanian dishes to fully vegan restaurants and hip brunch spots! So let’s jump right in…

Why visit Vilnius?

If you’re looking for a city with an excellent food scene, Vilnius is the place to be.

The Lithuanian capital has something for everyone, from traditional Lithuanian dishes to trendy hipster brunch spots. Vilnius is also home to a wide range of excellent international restaurants, so there’s something to suit every taste.

Whether you’re a foodie traveller looking to explore new cuisines, or you just want to enjoy some good eats while sightseeing, Vilnius is definitely worth a visit!

Vilnius food scene 

What to eat in Vilnius?

If you’re looking for a taste of traditional Lithuanian cuisine, Vilnius is the place to be.

The Lithuanian capital is home to a wide range of excellent restaurants serving up delicious dishes that represent the country’s culinary heritage. From hearty stews and dumplings to sweet pastries and honey-based drinks, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Lithuanian cuisine is a reflection of the country’s history and geography. Lithuanian cuisine has been influenced by a variety of cultures, including German, Russian and Polish.

Due to the cold weather Lithuanian food tends to be quite stodgy and made for comfort and warmth; Think hearty stews and lots of carbs!

Lithuanian cuisine is also heavily reliant on local produce, which includes barley, potatoes, rye, beets, greens, berries, and mushrooms. Soups are popular in Lithuania and are considered to be very healthy… and tasty!

Traditional Lithuanian food – 11 Foods that represent Vilnius

Here are some traditional Lithuanian dishes that you should aim to try during your stay in Vilnius.

Bulviniai blynai (Potato pancakes) 

Bulviniai blynai is a dish that is very popular in Lithuania.

It is made with potatoes and is kind of like a shallow-fried pancake of grated or ground potato, matzo meal or flour and flavoured with grated garlic or onion and seasoning. They may be topped with a variety of condiments, ranging from savoury, to sweet, or they may be served plain.

Bulviniai blynai is usually served as a side dish, but can also be eaten as a main dish.

Kugelis (potato pudding) 

Kugelis is a traditional Lithuanian comfort food that is made with potatoes, eggs and onion. It is baked in the oven in a casserole dish until golden brown and then served with either a dollop of sour cream or some bacon bits.

It is very easy to make and can be served as a side dish, main course or even as a dessert!

Cepelinai (Potato Dumplings) 

Cepelinai is a traditional Lithuanian dish made with potatoes and minced meat, usually pork or beef.

The mixture is then shaped into oval dumplings, boiled and served with a creamy sauce made from sour cream, bacon bits and fried onions.

This dish is usually served as a main course and can easily be found in Vilnius restaurants.

Vedarai (Lithuanian sausage) 

Vedarai is a traditional Lithuanian sausage made from pork and beef, flavoured with garlic, pepper and other spices.

Vedarai is usually served as part of the main course or as an appetizer. It can also be served with some potatoes, onion and mushrooms.

Kibinai (Savoury Pastries)

Kibinai are traditional Lithuanian pastries made with a combination of fillings such as minced meat, cheese, spinach and mushrooms.

They are usually served as an appetizer or snack and can be found in many Vilnius restaurants.

Saltibarsciai (Pink Soup)

 Saltibarsciai is a traditional Lithuanian cold soup made with beetroot, cucumber, yoghurt or sour cream and dill.

Saltibarsciai is usually served as an appetizer or a side dish but can also be enjoyed as a main course.

It’s very aesthetically pleasing due to its bright pink colour!

Lithuanian Black Bread

Lithuanian Black Bread is a type of bread that is popular in Lithuania.

It is made with rye and is eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is often served with butter or cheese and is great for sandwiches.

Lithuanians link many beliefs and magic with bread. Bread plays an important role in family holiday rituals and agrarian ceremonies.

Lithuanian beer snacks

Lithuanian beer snacks are a great way to enjoy some traditional Lithuanian food.

Beer snacks tend to be strips of fried bread that are commonly served alongside beer in the bars.

Lietuviskas obuoliu suris (Lithuanian Apple Cheese)

Lietuviskas obuoliu suris is a type of apple cheese that is popular in Vilnius.

Although it is confusingly called cheese, it’s not actually cheese at all! It is made entirely of apples!

Lithuanian Apple Cheese is made with a blend of apples, sugar and spices and can be enjoyed as a savoury or sweet snack.

Gira (Honey Drink) 

Gira is a traditional Lithuanian honey drink made from fermented honey, water, yeast and raisins.

It is usually served as an aperitif or a digestif and is often consumed during celebrations.

Grybų Sriuba (Mushroom Soup)

Grybų Sriuba is a traditional Lithuanian mushroom soup that is made with sun-dried mushrooms and flavoured with garlic, onions and tomato paste.

It’s an incredibly tasty dish that can be enjoyed as a starter, side or main course.

Best Restaurants in Vilnius

Are you looking for Vilnius food that will tantalize your taste buds?

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has some of the most delicious restaurants in Europe! Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner spot or a cosy place to brunch on the weekends, Vilnius’s plethora of eateries offers something to suit every palate.

I had a fantastic time eating my way around Vilnius and I’ve summarised my favourite foodie spots for you. Read on to find the best places to eat in Vilnius…

Best restaurants for Brunch in Vilnius

Vilnius is becoming increasingly cosmopolitan, especially when it comes to brunch.

The city boasts a range of hip cafes and restaurants offering up contemporary interpretations of traditional dishes. From pancakes and waffles to avocado toast and eggs benedict, Vilnius has something for everyone who loves brunch!

Who doesn’t love brunch when they are on holiday? Especially during a relaxing city break, brunch can be a real treat and Vilnius has no shortage of great Brunch options.

Below are a few of my favourite places to get brunch in Vilnius. 

Holy Donut

Holy Donut was a pleasant surprise that I stumbled upon whilst looking to get out of the cold for a bit.

This hip cafe had a really trendy vibe and a warm colourful interior which was exactly what I needed on a cold November morning.

They have a vast selection of different doughnuts that you can either enjoy inside or take away.

I enjoyed a super yummy dark chocolate vegan doughnut and a coffee. But if you fancy something a bit more substantial they have a menu full of tasty brunch options such as pancakes, shakshuka, bagels, avocado toast and much more!

They even serve monster milkshakes and a variety of cocktails if you are feeling fancy.

Next time I return to Vilnius I will definitely go back to Holy Donut and sample more of their extensive menu. 

Vilnius Cat Cafe

I love cats, so obviously I couldn’t resist this place! Here you can enjoy some really great food and drinks whilst spending some quality time with the cutest furry friends.

I went because I wanted to see the cats (I was missing my own furbaby) so I didn’t have many expectations about the food. However, I was pleasantly surprised! The food was great!

They offered a mix of snacks, cakes and traditional Lithuanian food. I tried the traditional Lithuanian pancakes with mushroom sauce and washed them down with a glass of hot mulled wine. 

To visit the cat cafe in Vilnius you will need to book in advance through their website as they limit the number of people allowed inside so as not to stress the kitties. 

Beigelistai

Did you know that bagels were originally invented in Lithuania? That’s why you will find many bagel places all over the capital.

I was recommended to try Beigelistai by the guide from a walking tour that I took. The local guide enthusiastically declared that this was the best place for bagels in all of Vilnius, so I just had to check it out.

The cosy interior of this little cafe felt like sitting in someone’s living room which was very comforting on a cold day.

I had a hummus bagel and it really was one of the best bagels I’ve ever tasted! It was made to perfection and I would love to go back and try more of the delicious fillings that were on offer. 

Chaika – Vilnius Vegan Cafe & Bakery

If you’re looking for vegan options then Vilnius is definitely the place to be!

If you’re ever in Vilnius and looking for a small cafe with a great atmosphere, be sure to check out CHAIKA.

Chaika offers delicious vegan and vegetarian food as well as gluten-free cakes and pastries.

You’ll find vegan desserts, freshly roasted coffee, and original teas – perfect for cosying up with a good book or spending time chatting with friends.

Vilnius restaurants

Vilnius has many great restaurants with cuisines from all around the world. Here are a few of my faves and what I consider to be the best restaurants in Vilnius… 

Blue lotus

I enjoyed Blue Lotus so much that I actually ate there twice!

The restaurant has a great relaxed atmosphere and the staff are friendly, helpful and don’t rush you at all.

I actually think that Blue lotus is one of the most cozy restaurants in Vilnius.

The food is a mixture of Thai and Indian dishes and both dishes that I tried were absolutely delicious. 

No Forks Mexican grill 

This nice little Mexican place is a great option for a quick bite to eat.

No Forks Mexican serves a good selection of burritos, tacos and nachos for cheap prices and they have a great local beer on tap too.

It’s conveniently located close to the centre of the old town, just a few doors down from Holy Donut.

The portion sizes are really big so it’s a great place to fill up if you are on a budget.

I called in here on my last day in Vilnius before heading to the airport and enjoyed a delicious vegan burrito and a beer. 

Etno Dvaras 

I didn’t personally eat here but the other people staying in my hostel dorm room absolutely raved about this traditional Lithuanian restaurant so I decided to include it in this list.

Etno Dvaras is one of the best restaurants in Vilnius old town.

It specialises in serving traditional Lithuanian cuisines such as potato pancakes, stuffed potato dumplings, sausage rings, black bread and rye bread and many others. They even offer Lithuanian beer snacks, which are basically big platters of fried bread and cheese for you to nibble on whilst you drink beer.

Every time I walked past this place it was super busy so I think it’s safe to say this is the place to go if you want to experience traditional food in Vilnius. 

Mykolo 4

Mykolo 4 is a family-run restaurant-bistro that serves Vilnius ‘bourgeois cuisine’ inspired by the pre-war gastronomy of noble citizens.

This gorgeous bistro, heavy with wooden beams and brick walls, specialized in dishes inspired by 19th-century traditional recipes.

The availability of seasonal ingredients plays a role in what is served here.

Grey 

With its super chic grey interior and hipster design, Grey restaurant is definitely one of the hippest places to hang out in Vilnius!

Grey was designed to serve as a place in Vilnius where people could find both original and modern cuisine, without the daunting atmosphere that some restaurants have.

Their menu is European-based with traditional and contemporary dishes, and they also offer an impressive array of wine and beer.

Vegan Vilnius

Vegan Vilnius Food Scene

Vilnius is also home to a vibrant vegan food scene, with many restaurants offering delicious plant-based cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch or an indulgent dinner, Vilnius has it all and is an excellent destination for vegan travel.

Most Vilnius food places have vegan options and there are many Vilnius restaurants that are fully vegan too! Here are a couple of my faves…

Rosehip vegan bistro

I loved this place! There is such a great vibe inside the restaurant and it’s very instagrammable too.

I got over-excited and ordered myself an absolute feast of pink hummus, olives, salad and a HUGE beyond meat burger.

I would love to revisit this restaurant again as I am dying to try their vegan ‘seafood’, loaded potatoes, traditional cold beetroot soup and buddha bowls 🤤

The waitstaff here were all so friendly and although the food was served quickly they didn’t rush me to finish, which was nice. 

Culture vegan junk food 

This was another restaurant that looked and smelled amazing every time I would walk past. Unfortunately, it was closed on the day that I had planned to go there so I was heartbroken that I didn’t get to try it.

I will definitely visit Culture if I return to Vilnius as I love good vegan junk food! 

Vegafe – Vegan cafe in Vilnius

At Vegafe, you can expect wholesome meals made from natural ingredients that follow ayurvedic food preparation rules.

They have vegan-friendly options like pies, cauliflower couscous and legume meatballs.

Vegafe also has a selection of brunch options which is an excellent way to start the day.

Casa La Familia – Vegan Pizza in Vilnius

Another restaurant that I ran out of time to try!

Every time I went by, the Casa La Familia restaurant was completely full. Apparently, this is the place to go if you want delicious vegan pizza in Vilnius.

They have lots of vegan and veggie options and most of the veggie pizzas can be made vegan with vegan cheese at no extra cost.

I will definitely book a table next time I go back to Vilnius.

ZATAR falafel & hummus – Vegan Vilnius

If you are vegan you probably know that you can never go wrong with a good falafel. Zatar is the first falafel and hummus bistro in Vilnius.

They have a menu full of vegan options which include some Middle-Eastern specialities such as hummus, baba ghanoush and different types of falafel like the “lemony” or the “double crispy”.

I loved the food and the atmosphere in this restaurant! it was healthy, tasty and cheap.

I had a really nice falafel wrap with hummus, fresh salad and tahini sauce which was very tasty.

Hooligans – Vegan restaurant in Vilnius

Hooligans is all about fun and positivity! I totally love the vibe of this place. Come here for some incredible (and colourful) vegan cakes that taste even better than they look!

Bars in Vilnius

In addition to being a great foodie destination, Vilnius also has some great bars!

I visited in the winter so I really enjoyed ducking into a bar to warm up with a hot mulled wine after the sun went down each day. After all red wine is great for your health 😉

Here are a few of my favourite bars in Vilnius… 

Decantus 

Decantus is an excellent wine bar in the heart of the old town.

I had a really yummy mulled wine here as well as a lovely chat with the barman and a local who were both so friendly and welcoming.

The bar itself is quite small but has a really cosy, relaxed vibe which was just perfect. 

Cafe Montmarte 

This cute little French-themed cafe/wine bar is located on a busy street corner in the old town, which makes it a perfect spot for some people watching!

Cafe Montmarte has both indoor and outdoor seating. I sat outside and watched the world go by with a lovely glass of white wine in my hand. Even though it was the middle of winter, the huge outdoor heaters and blankets kept me feeling pretty toasty and warm. 

Downtown Forest

Ok, so this one isn’t actually a bar per se, it’s a hostel that also happens to have a great bar.

I stayed here during my trip to Vilnius and loved it.

The Downtown Forest bar is open to non-guests as well. In the winter you can curl up in one of the big armchairs next to the fireplace and enjoy a beer.

In the summertime, the outdoor bar is open, where you can sip your drinks out on the deck surrounded by nature in the middle of the city. I particularly loved the cute fairy lights strung between the trees!

Address: Paupio g. 31A, Vilnius 11341, Lithuania

In Vino

I loved this super cute little wine bar. In Vino had a really lovely cosy atmosphere which made it the perfect place to duck in out of the cold.

The wine list is extensive and features wines from all over the world. I particularly enjoyed their selection of Vilnius-made local wines!

Coffee in Vilnius 

Kava tau

My favourite place to get coffee in Vilnius is Kava tau.

This awesome little coffee shop is in a great location close to the Subačiaus apžvalgos aikštelė viewpoint, which has fantastic views across all of Vilnius.

Treat yourself to coffee and a cake or pastry and sit out on the deck. In the summer they have lounge chairs and hammocks too, making this a great spot to relax for a while. 

Map of the best restaurants in Vilnius 

All of the bars, cafes and restaurants that I have mentioned in this Vilnius food guide can be found in the helpful map below. 

Vilnius food tours 

There are several food tours in Vilnius that you can participate in to make the most of Vilnius’ amazing culinary scene.

I highly recommend taking a Vilnius food tour to get an insider’s perspective on Vilnius cuisine and to visit some great restaurants that you may not find otherwise.

Some great Vilnius Foodie tours:

Try this private flavours of Vilnius food tour or for a more hands-on experience why not give this bread baking class in Vilnius a go?

You could also try this traditional Lithuanian cheese-tasting tour:

Tours in Vilnius 

There are plenty of great tours available in Vilnius including a great food tour and craft beer tour. But if you fancy doing something else in Vilnius besides eating (although I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t 😉) I recommend checking out the tours below. 

Where to stay in Vilnius

There are plenty of great accommodation options in Vilnius to suit all budgets. As I mentioned above, I stayed at the Downtown Forest Hostel and had a great time.

I would definitely stay there again if I return to Vilnius and would love to experience it in the summer. 

There are also lots of other great accommodation options in Vilnius, check out a few different options in the widget below.

Summary of Vilnius food guide

Vilnius is a great city for food lovers, with an abundance of excellent restaurants, bars and cafes.

My favourites include Decantus (a wine bar), Blue lotus (an Asian-inspired restaurant) and Downtown Forest (a hostel with a great bar).

Vilnius also has a thriving vegan scene, with lots of great vegan-friendly restaurants. My top picks include Rosehip (a chic bistro) and Holy donut (a vegan-friendly doughnut shop).

I hope you have enjoyed this Vilnius food guide and hopefully found it helpful. Do you have any favourite restaurants in Vilnius that you think should be included in this list? Let me know in the comments below! 

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