6 hotspots in Vilnius, an unexpected foodie city

Vilnius may not be the first city that springs to mind when you think of top culinary destinations. But take note: that perception is about to change. With the launch of the first Michelin Guide for Lithuania in 2024, the announcement of the Gault&Millau Baltics list in 2026 and an annual Baltic Gastro Summit, the city is emerging as the culinary hub of the Baltic region.

A new generation of Lithuanian chefs no longer draws inspiration solely from international trends, but instead young chefs refer back to their roots, choose local produce, regional specialities and use rediscovered family recipes. At the same time, the Lithuanian government is investing heavily in positioning Vilnius as a culinary destination. Food Inspiration visited the city and has compiled a list of six hotspots.

Café de Pacai

Set in a historic building in the centre of Vilnius, Café de Pacai forms part of a hotel and gallery of the same name. The focus lays on high-end patisserie and refined sweet treats. For example, there are various trompe-l’oeils on offer: tartlets shaped like an object, a piece of fruit or a special figure, which look incredibly lifelike. There is, for instance, a yuzu cheesecake shaped like a yuzu fruit and a peanut tart shaped like a peanut.

Habits

Habits is a lunch and brunch spot that wouldn’t look out of place in London or Amsterdam. The menu features breakfast classics with international influences. These include croissants filled with pistachio, waffles with fried egg and chanterelles, and cheeseburgers served on croissant buns. The menu also features all sorts of trendy matcha drinks.

Nineteen18*

Nineteen18 is a fine-dining restaurant in the centre of Vilnius. The restaurant’s name refers to the year in which Lithuania declared its independence. Chef Vita Bartininkaitė uses local, seasonal ingredients for the menu. According to the chef, luxury lies not in exclusive ingredients, but in simplicity, quality and attention to the product. In 2024, Nineteen18* was awarded a Michelin star. In the 2026 guide, Vilnius has four starred restaurants and six with a Bib Gourmand.

14 Horses

Located in the centre of Vilnius is 14 Horses, the more accessible sister restaurant to the Michelin-starred Nineteen18. At 14 Horses, everything revolves around local produce. Chef Justinas Misius works with flexible menus centred on produce from the restaurant’s own regenerative farm. This has earned the restaurant a Michelin Bib Gourmand. The Scandinavian-inspired interior is calm and understated, whilst the dishes stand out for their bold flavours and surprising combinations.

B'ARN Bistro

Chef Arnas Petronis describes his kitchen as small, but his ideas as big. At B'ARN Bistro, the cooking focuses on local ingredients, with influences from Japan, Thailand and Mexico incorporated into the details. The concept centres on shared dining and has been awarded a Bib Gourmand. The open kitchen and compact restaurant create an intimate atmosphere.

Burro Bar & Bistro

Whilst many restaurants in Vilnius deliberately focus on Baltic flavours, Burro Bar & Bistro brings a Mediterranean touch to the Old Town. The menu features fresh pasta, seafood, steaks and flatbreads, complemented by an extensive wine list. The concept centres on familiar dishes, high-quality ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere. Guests can visit for lunch or a full dinner. A particular highlight is the special butter and bread menu, where guests can choose from focaccia, ciabatta or brioche, paired with various types of butter, such as buckwheat or seaweed butter.