Where to eat and drink in Vilnius
Alongside its other baltic cousins, Riga and Tallinn, Vilnius has one of the most underrated food scenes in Europe. The Lithuanian capital serves up a wonderful mix of old and new: from hearty traditional classics like Cepelinai (large potato dumplings), the famous bright pink Šaltibarščiai soup, and half-moon Kibinai pastries, to creative vegetarian cuisine and Asian fusion dining, plus some seriously good cocktail bars. Best of all, you can eat and drink extremely well here without spending much. Here are my favorite places to eat and drink in Vilnius.
1. Vieta- Conscious Vegetarian and Vegan Food
The best vegetarian kitchen in Vilnius, with cocktails worth the detour alone.
Address: Vilniaus g. 23, Vilnius 01402
For the best vegetarian food in Vilnius with a friendly, lively vibe look no further than Vieta. The menu has a bit of everything, ranging from their delicious blue cheese and caramelised onion Panini ( €5.60) or their soy chilli with vegetables (€5) or tofu steak/ soy patty burgers with fries (€6.60). They do some fantastic cocktails here and the ladies who run the place are wonderful.
2. Snekutis
Old school Lithuanian comfort food and cheap beer in the most no-frills setting imaginable.
Address: Šv. Stepono g. 8, Vilnius 01139
If you’re looking for traditional Lithuanian food in a relaxed, unfussy atmosphere accompanied by cheap local beer, Snekutis is the place to go to. Choose from a range of hearty local classics like the favourite Cepelinai -large dumplings prepared with a mixture of raw and cooked potato dough filled with pork and then soaked in a sour cream and bacon sauce ( €4.90 for a big portion), bright pink chilled borscht soup aka Saltibarsciai whichis a beetroot soup served in summer with boiled potatoes or boiled eggs ( €1.50 for a small portion)or try their cured cheese or potato pancakes served with sour cream ( €5 for a big portion) – so many delicious food options at amazing prices.
3. Busi Trecias
A family-run basement brewery where dark beer and local food go hand in hand.
Address: Užupio g. 9, Vilnius 01200
Another great option for cheap tasty Lithuanian food in a simple unfussy bar packed with locals, is Busi Trecias. If you’re interested in more dark and also sweet flavoured beers, this family run bar with a brewery in the basement has a good selection of affordable tasty beers.
4. Pinavija Cafe & Bakery
Chic, pastel-perfect bakery serving the best Kibinai pastries in the city.
Address: Vokiečių g. 4, Vilnius 01130
The pastel perfect Pinavija is a chic family run bakery with an excellent range of sugary and savoury treats to satisfy you. One of their signature products is the ‘Kibinai’ pastry which originates from the Karaite ethnic minority in Lithuania. The half moon pastry which reminded me a lot of a Cornish pasty or a Pastizzi is traditionally filled with mutton or beef but in Pinavija they have a number of savoury (vegetarian too) and sweet options.
5. Panama Food Garden
A stunning greenhouse restaurant in the hip Žvėrynas district, where Asian fusion meets Vilnius garden vibes.
Address: Vykinto g. 17a, Vilnius, 08117 Vilniaus m. sav., Lithuania
Suituated in the hip district of Žvėrynas, Panama Food Garden with its seasonal menu and beautiful greenhouse where guests can dine ( Very popular for weddings ) feels like a bit of an oasis in Vilnius. Star of their menu are their delicious Asian fusion seafood dishes and their tuna steaks are fantastic too. They are very popular for brunches too. Book a table in advance: it can get busy here, especially around lunch and weekends.
6. Etno Dvaras
Four centuries of Lithuanian culinary tradition
Address: Pilies g. 16, Vilnius 01123
Etno Dvaras serves classic hearty Lithuanian cuisine ranging from fried potato dumplings ( €9.55 for 5 pieces ) to kastinys (sour cream butter) served with hot potatoes ( €7.55) or Pork neck roast with roasted potato wedges, cabbage salad, tomatoes and garlic sauce ( €13.95) to hearty soups ( Cold beetroot soup. €5.95 ) and their signature potato pancakes with bacon and mushroom sauce.
Opening: Daily 11am-midnight
7. Halės Turgus
Vilnius’s oldest market by day, one of its best cocktail destinations by night.
Address: Pylimo g. 58, Vilnius, 01136 Vilniaus m. sav., Lithuania
The oldest market in Vilnius, Halės Turgus started life as a hub of fresh local produce but after a 2006 makeover, different vendors moved in and modernised the place. Now it is a lively indoor hub with food counters, cafes, gourmet and local delicacies shops where you can find everything from smoked meats to wheels of fresh farmer’s cheese Varškės Sūris or jars of golden honey and dark, dense rye bread. The market takes on a different vibe at night and is home to some of the city’s best cocktail bars like Halės Mėsainis, Aštriai Aštru, Chaosai and WINGIS with a DJ playing every night on weekends.
The market is also a perfect place to buy some edible souvenirs to take home or gift loved ones. Pick up some local honey, herbal tea, or a beautifully smoked sausage like skilandis.
8. Alchemikas Cocktail Bar
Sherlock Holmes meets master mixologist: quirky, atmospheric, and seriously good cocktails.
With low-lighting and a quirky decor that could belong to Sherlock Holmes’ living room plus friendly mixologists, Alchemikas Cocktail Bar is all about the experience and enjoying classy cocktails in a very classy ambience.
9. Vasaros Terasa
Fourteen years of live music, flea markets, and al fresco drinks make this a Vilnius institution.
Vasaros Terasa (which translates as the Summer Terrace ) has been a prominent fixture of the Vilniuscity life for fourteen years. From live concerts and live DJ sets, to flea markets and outdoor al fresco drinks in the summer – this is definitely a place you shouldn’t miss out when visiting the city.
