Eats

Here I will be sharing one of my biggest passions - love for food. I have a tremendous appreciation for all kitchens and the incredible love and art that chefs are bringing us through food. Although I'm 90% vegan, I have recommendations for all kitchens as 10% I eat ALL food, which is the top 10% of the quality!

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Breakfast and cafes:

• Best breakfast experience in town: Hotel Pacai

• Lavish champagne breakfast, Kempinski hotel Cathedral Square

• Breakfast club on Vilnius str will give you all the options from Acai Bowl to Donuts

• Pinavija bakery, old-school pastry heaven with a hearty breakfast options on Vilniaus Street

• Italala Caffè ,my favorite place for Italian style "cappuccino e cornetto" breakfast, Tuscany stayle, 100% quality

• Pilies Kepyklėlė - atmospheric place for breakfast on historic Pilies Street with some traditional choices for breakfast

• Crustum Bakery, simple and quality cafe con croissant and lots of other bakery options on Vilniaus str

• Hurikan café Gedimino str, a very good coffee, not so sure about the baked options

• G9 shopping mall on Gedimino str -1 fl or 1 fl deli: lots of options: Coffee /bakery, Deli, chocolatery; waffles, bubble tea

• another hotel breakfast 50 meters from the apartment in Novotel

• Strange Love (at the gate of Bernardinai garden) - great OWN ROASTED coffee, take out your coffee for a beautiful morning walk in the adjacent garden!  the combination of good coffee and a pleasant environment is unusually strong at Strange Love at the entrance to Bernadine Park!

• Taste Map (Čiurlionio g. 8) -a bit off the old town, but worth the visit, it has excellent coffee and fresh juice, Taste Map does a line in sweet and savory waffles that will rival the Belgians for fluffy moreishness. Their spinach waffles with smoked salmon, avocado, rocket, horseradish cream, and plenty of dill – are fresh, tasty and good value.

 

Now what is the MUST TRY DISH in Vilnius? it is definitely the Most famous Lithuanian traditional "pink" cold soup Shaltibarsciai (see picture above) You can find it in every Lithuanian traditional food or on any other restaurant menu. See Lithuanian tradition; Here I share some of my favorites of the "pink soup": 

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"LOKYS" most authentic Lithuanian Shaltibarsciai experience. Stikliu str 8

ŠALTIBARŠČIAI SU BULVĖMIS LUPENOSE, Baras „Savičiaus Špunka“ Savičiaus g. 9,

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Super delicious vegan shaltibarsciai in Rosehip Barboros Radvilaites str or Pylimo str

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If you are more courageous - try the hearty king of Lithuanian traditional kitchen - Cepelinai (Zeppelini), all the traditional restaurants will have it!

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Restaurants:

Vilnius restaurants are probably the main attraction here, very high quality and value for money, so please enjoy that.

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MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS (pls google them and call for bookings, they are all within walking distance from the apartment):

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New and fresh favorite: MOTIF  (Didzioji str.) modern European restaurant with live music, won't tell you more, you have to try!

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14 Horses in Senators Arcade - Excellent innovative farm-to-table eating, probably the best in Lithuania of the kind.

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Another top fine dining experience in the country is Nineteen18 also in Senators Arcade, but it needs advanced booking!

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Stebuklai close to Cathedral: One of the best restaurants in Lithuania winner for many years, two locations: recently renewed and opened next to Stebuklai Cathedral and old location next to the parliament: Stebuklai Parlamentas. Good for grill and & bar, seafood, very good steak, 

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Gastronomija in the Boksto Str is the ultimate gourmet experience. Just the space alone deserves a visit! when weather is nice book the garden table for the ultimate Vilnius old town view and experience!

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Brussles Mussles, Vilnius str 17, excellent choice of mussels, and seafood but also vegan dishes, just opposite side of the same street as Jogailos apartment, enter Centro Pasazas at Jogailos 4 and you will see the restaurant in the lobby of this business center. 

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Downtown FoodHall and Kino deli on Smetonos str (2 mins from the apartment) A must to explore Food court with endless local and exotic kitchens to try out and you can take all your meals to the adjacent coziest cinema in town - KinoDeli  https://www.downtown.lt/!

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Pinavija Bakery on Vilnius str offers some very healthy choices during the day as well as a hearty breakfast.

Italian: 

d'Antonio, Vilnius street - fine dining - a must if you crave true Italian food.

Trattoria da Flavio Totoriu str - authentic Italian, very good friend Flavio is the owner and has a passion to bring the best of Italy to Vilnius

French:

Balzakas, Saviciaus str

San Germain, Literatu str

Sheakspeare Hotel restaurant

Pranciskonai, Traku str - small cozy small eatery/food bar, amazing French kitchen

Le Mans - new French hotpot in Uzupis (old town), very atmospheric and cozy.

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Peruvian:

Pachamama, Gedimino av. - a great place for dinner club DJ vibe, amazing garden

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Asian:

Bizzare, Pylimo str

Blue Lotus, Labdariu str

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Michelin star worth experience:

Heji restaurant and champagne bar (see the picture)

Indulge in a culinary journey like no other at Heji, Vilnius's newest gastronomic

hotspot! Discover a fusion of traditional Lithuanian flavors with a modern twist,

meticulously crafted to tantalize your taste buds. From vibrant sushi rolls to savory

grilled delights, every dish at Heji is a masterpiece. Join us and elevate your dining

experience to extraordinary heights!

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Indian inspired

Gaspar's, Elegant little fine dining restaurant with wonderful food and friendly service. Chef Gaspar Fernandes comes from Goa in India, and the Indian influences are hinted at with a light touch.

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Sushi:

Narushi, Pylimo str. Small and cozy Japanese restaurant known for its exquisite sushi.

Sushimasters Totoriu str. - very close to the apartment, good quality

Rise, Gedimino av. - old favorite, great summer rolls as well

I hate Sushi, Zverynas - great walking destination for summer in green Zverynas

Manami - close to the apartment in Vilniu str is also ok'ish if all else is closed (on sundays)

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Best Pizza:

Uzupio Pizza, Paupio 3, old favourite, genuine, warm, and welcoming, 

Mauricio pizzeria, Didzioji str

Bonacoso Vilnius str

Jurgis ir Drakonas Pylimo str

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Seafood:

Selfish, Vilnius street, best mussels or oysters or Tuna steak, You need to try their self-imported French sparkling Crémant wines.

Zuvine, Didzioji str. used to be the prime fish restaurant and is still good:)

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Lithuanian traditional:

Stikliai Tavern - The most Traditional Lithuanian cuisine in Vilnius: try Cepelinai Dish!

Ertlio namas - A must - Best in classic historic Authentic Lithuanian food old tow, fine dining, ertlionamas.lt 

"LOKYS" most authentic Lithuanian food experience. Stikliu str 8

Etno Dvaras on Pilies Street, a bit touristy but indeed very authentic and affordable Lithuanian kitchen, The menu shows where in the country the local specialties come from. Here, of course, you should try cepelinai and :)pink soup

Grey, Pilies str: good relaxed modern Lithuanian kitchen with a view to the cathedral stylish and modern. The menu at Gray has a broad appeal with pastas, salads, gourmet burgers and roast lamb and manages to suit almost everyone.

Dziaugsmas - Vilniaus str 28: Super modern Lithuanian kitchen  dziaugsmas.com

Amatininku uzeiga Didzioji str- Classic of the classics Lithuanian food - next to Mauricio’s

Belmontas, Lithuanian food Mecca in nature, nice walk by the river after dinner, about 10min in a cab, mainstream food but still worth it for the vibe, www.belmontas.lt/

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Vegetarian/vegan: 

Rosehip, Barboros Radvilaites str or G9 shopping mall or Pylimo str , absolutely the best vegan food

Vegacafe on Totoriu str,

SOMA cafe, Bazilijonu str

Urban Garden, Basanaviciaus str.

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Vilnius food hall: Paupio Turgus (see my Vilnius walking tour blog post)

If you can’t decide what you want to eat and fancy trying a little bit of everything, head east from the old town along the river to Vilnius’s very own food hall. Paupio Turgus is a bright, airy, atmospheric space with stalls selling everything from pizza to peri-peri chicken and from paella to poké bowls. Because we were after shareable finger food, we plumped for stuffed arancini (which went excellently with a glass of Cava from the bar), fried sushi rolls and chicken yakitori skewers. You can easily while away at least three hours on a Sunday afternoon, and not to be the only ones – Paupio Turgus was buzzing with kids, dogs, and their (paw) mums and dads.

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Also  - what to see a movie and have a great food experience at the same time - head to Kino Deli located in the Downtown Food Hall, you get all you want to eat and can enjoy it in the cozy little movie theatre!

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Other exotic restaurants that will not disappoint (see my blog!)

 

Mexican

Casa Peligrosa All Saints st. 5, Vilnius

El Gato Negro Naugarduko st. 12, Vilnius

La Capital, Saltoniškių st. 7C, Vilnius

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Japanese tavern

OÍSY IZAKAYA Trakų str. 2-2, Vilnius

 

Central Asian

Kinza Naugarduko st. 14, Vilnius

 

Indian

Sue's Indian Raja, Odminiu str. 3, Vilnius

 

Korean

Tamago, Mindaugo str. 16 - 50A,

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Bars and cafes:

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For my favorite cafes - see the majority of Breakfast options!

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Cat cafe, 200m from the apartment Gedimino pr. 

Cat Cafe Vilnius fits the vibe perfectly.  One part hip cafe and one part unabashed cat haven, this light, bright and airy space is hitting all the right notes.  

often you find them fully booked so make a reservation on the phone while standing in the lobby, a system so advanced you can even select your own table!

The space feels brand spanking new and is furnished with a spare and uncluttered Scandinavian style.  Balancing the lean, it is nicely decorated with cat-themed art and cozy pillows while 40's big band music added a light-hearted touch.

The menu is very extensive, you can eat lunch-style dishes of pasta and sandwiches. 

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AND NOW TIME FOR DRINKS!!!!

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Taurès Wine Bar - Natural wines and Lithuanian cheeses at Taurès
natural wine bar Taurès. Try a lovely red Aglianico blend, with a platter of Lithuanian cheeses. 

 

Augustas & Barbora Love Story Café
The most famous Lithuanian love stories (look it up!) are Augustas and Barbora, and they certainly understand romance. Think trailing pink roses absolutely everywhere, plush pink velvet upholstery, idyllic green trelliswork, and pretty-as-a-picture pastries. It can be a warming glass of gluhwein, or fancy cocktails - you will come out of the aptly named Love Story Café feeling thoroughly pampered.

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Nick & Nora
On the same street as Augustas & Barbora, you’ll find Nick & Nora. Go figure. Think it of a different type of romance, Nick & Nora is a slick lounge bar with Absinthe-green walls, low lighting, and leather seating that feels ever-so-slightly reckless. Try a smoky Old Fashioned, or order a quince Negroni. Both drinks feel fitting for their circumstances: grown-up, sophisticated and highly boozy.

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Drops Bar
Speaking of Negronis,  sample another (plus a Daiquiri) at beer and cocktail bar Drops. They also have craft beers. Drops is an inviting venue, although the music can be a little loud for those of us over the age of 40.

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Kitas Kampas
A cozy, bare-brick, cave-like bar at Kitas Kampas theatre. You wouldn’t even know there’s a theatre from the outside (apparently it’s in the basement) but at ground level, the bar is definitely worth a visit, even if you’re not seeing a show. Even if you have a couple of glasses of Crémant and some olives, they will be top-notch and served in a very atmospheric location.

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Now back to the Party neighborhood - just around the corner from the apartment:

You are staying very close to the mecca of Vilnius nightlife: Vilnius str and Islandijos Street, I will leave you to explore the bars and pubs by yourself - there are no bad ones. it's just the time is not enough to try out everything.

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Vilnius/Isladijos street triangle is decadent with best bar/restaurant/pub /club choices, everything ranging from:

stylish Sanatorija with great gin coctails, to

booming Bardakas great spot for late night dancing

sexy night club Materialiste to dance away till dawn,

to alternative Opium,

cozy Alchemikas or

buzzy Pianoman

Elegant champagne bar Sampanerija

 

Another cool street to check out s is buzzy Saviciaus street bars

 

Other cools bars:

 

Nomadai on Didzioji str - state of art cocktails, Ask for Jingle Bingles Shots;)

Distileria is an old classic on Vilnius str

Sptritz Summer Garden is a cool yard on Pilies street

Dot miss Pisco Sour in Pachamama garden bar even if you dont eat there.

Check out  Halles Market at Night (Hales Turgaviete) buzz at nigh - with bars amid cloer market traders stalls, late-night food and music.

Peronas is an alternative bar for time travel - literally on the rails of the rail station

 

Clubs:

Absento Fejos - posh

Materialiste - late night dance off

Pabo Latino - Cuban style club

Kablys - alternative

 

Pubs:

Craft and Draft

rePUBlic no 4

Gringo Pub

Beer Library

 

For jazz lovers:

 

Jazz Cellar 11

Tamsta Club  - for an overall nice live music club

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https://www.govilnius.lt/visit-vilnius/bars-nightlife/the-nightlife-triangle-of-vilnius

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Another great way to explore and book the restaurants in Vilnius is through this site https://www.meniu.lt/catalogue/best-average-score