What makes a dish authentically Lithuanian? Well, it’s largely the work of centuries of different cultures creating an array of dishes. What would you like today? The country’s famous potato dumplings with meat called cepelinai, fancy food reminiscent of a noble feast, modern Lithuanian cuisine, or the staples that every Lithuanian grandmother has perfected over the years? The options are impressive and the flavours might surprise you, even if you’re a true foodie who thinks they’ve tasted it all.

Embrace the country’s recent culinary heritage

Even though potato dumplings (cepelinai) were first made in Lithuania just a little over a century ago, locals still call it the most popular traditional dish. If you want to try this local star, head to Stikliai Tavern, which is a part of the prestigious Stikliai complex. If you’re hungry at night and want to satisfy a craving for something Lithuanian, visit Amatininkai, which is located right next to the Town Hall. 

For a more rustic experience, head to the heart of the Old Town to the Gabi to taste some traditional potato dishes or snacks with beer. If you’re into taking a walk after dinner, visit Belmontas to try traditional dishes in a restored authentic inn and finish things off by exploring the Pavilniai Regional Park afterwards. Do you want to taste the history of Lithuanian cuisine, which has even become famous in New York? You can do so at the oldest market in Vilnius, the "Halės Smokehouse", where history and flavor meet in one sandwich – the famous pastrami, created by the Lithuanian-born immigrant Sussman Volk.

Feast like a noble

Traditional Lithuanian cuisine is more than just potatoes, and the variety you can find will have you celebrating every day with a feast! Dine like nobility while tasting authentic game dishes at Lokys, one of the oldest restaurants in Vilnius. The chef at Ertlio Namas will delight you with a tasting menu of historical cuisine from the 13^th to 19^th centuries. Their menu is put together with the help of historians and changes every two months.

Award-winning modern Lithuanian cuisine

At the restaurant Džiaugsmas, recognised as the best restaurant in Lithuania in 2018 and 2019, Chef Martynas Praškevičius offers a simple, yet extraordinary cuisine. You’ll be surprised to discover how familiar Lithuanian products can seem new and different. Experience the pleasure of a tasting dinner at one of the country’s best restaurants, Nineteen18. Its kitchen experiments with historical traditions and has a slow food philosophy. Another restaurant, Gaspar's, the winner of the title of the best Lithuanian restaurant in 2023, invites you to a culinary journey where great food, devotion to culinary heritage and passion become an unforgettable emotional experience. Meanwhile, MOMO Grill, will enchant you with its playful simplicity and elegance, where the palette of flavours of different seasons will take you on unexpected gastronomic journeys, leaving you pleasantly surprised.

Try Lithuanian flavours in modern drinks!

Nick & Nora - right in the heart of the city, on one of the most ornate streets, Stiklių street, located in the city centre, you’ll be taken on a journey through an early 20th century atmosphere, where skilled bartenders prepare cocktails that blend the classic with the modern. Imagine your favourite drinks enriched with Lithuanian spices: from the rustic charm of Lithuanian quince to sweet and sour pears, birch sap, honey and juniper. Here, every sip becomes a journey through eras and flavours, where the details of Lithuanian cuisine blend seamlessly with much-loved classics and bold innovations.

Imagine visiting your long-lost Lithuanian grandmother

Lithuanian grandmothers are like any other; they’ll stuff you with food until you can’t move. Drop by the legendary Sultiniai to get some stuffed buns or try their Chicken Kiev. For lunch on a budget visit one of the canteens that will take you back in time; Montuotojas in Naujamiestis is one of the most famous. Be sure to bring some cash with you because bank cards are not accepted. For a super filling dinner, go to Šnekutis – it’ll feel like you’re visiting the entire family at once.

Experience Lithuanian culture at a National Dinner with a Folk Show

Life experiences will make your travel memories last forever. If you only have a few days to spend in Vilnius and want to taste Lithuanian meals and experience something unique, look no further than the folk dinners organised by feelZcity. Participants are able to select three meals of their choice from the special national cuisine menu, and listen to a live concert put on by a folk band. You will definitely find potato dumpling with meat, cold beetroot soup, curded cheese, and desserts like šakotis and skruzdėlynas. Make sure to accept this invitation to taste Lithuanian delicacies, discover new flavours and get yourself loose with some dancing!