Capital and largest city of Lithuania, Vilnius is full of things to do and see. With a very well preserved old town, many parks… And many restaurants!
But not all of them are equal if you are looking for something authentic Lithuanian to eat. That’s why we invite you to read the rest of this article.
What are the best typical restaurants in Vilnius?
Are you preparing a trip to the capital or are you already here and would like to find the best places to enjoy the local cuisine during your stay? We have selected for you the 10 best typical restaurants in Vilnius to enjoy authentic, traditional and tasty meals.
1. Ertlio Namas
Ertlio Namas has the particularity of serving the cuisine that was served to the nobles in another era. You will have the privilege of tasting a historically refined cuisine, brought up to date by talented cooks.
The building, decorated with elegance while remaining sober, is located in the old town of the capital, which adds to the charm of the place. If you want to have a historical and modern meal in a chic setting, go to Šv. Jono st. 7.
2. Lokys
Officially the oldest family restaurant in Vilnius, Lokys opened in 1972. With a strong commitment to Lithuanian culture, the family that runs the restaurant aims to bring a new perspective to the food from the forest.
Immerse yourself in hunter-gatherer gastronomy in this typical Vilnius restaurant. It is located in the heart of the old town, in a building with a medieval setting as old as its recipes, in Stiklių g. 8.
3. Poniu Laime
Poniu Laime is a cafeteria-style restaurant, which makes it less fancy but more affordable than a classic restaurant. That’s not to say it’s not tasty! You will find very good traditional dishes, and surprising desserts. Please note that this restaurant is only open at lunchtime.
Good to know: the staff does not speak English. Can you get more typical than this for a restaurant in Vilnius? You can sit in the nicely decorated lounge, but you can also enjoy the large terrace at Stiklių g. 14.
4. Aline Leiciai
Aline Leiciai is a very good choice if you are looking for a typical restaurant in Vilnius. You will find a good selection of traditional Lithuanian cheeses, soups and salads.
We recommend you to have your meal in the small garden at the back, which offers a peaceful and relaxing setting. It is located in the old town in Stiklių g. 4.
5. Senoji Trobelė
The staff at Senoji Trobelė will make you feel comfortable and advise you throughout your meal.
This family-run restaurant offers typical Lithuanian dishes for a reasonable budget, making it a favorite among locals.
Have lunch in the courtyard for a unique atmosphere. It is located at Naugarduko g. 36.
6. Būsi Trečias
If you want to string together dinner and an evening out in the city, head to Būsi trečias. Here the food is rustic but tasty and hearty, for a cheap price.
Located near the clubs and bars of Vilnius, in Totorių g. 18, it is one of the favorite addresses of local youth, especially for its quality beer. In our opinion, one of the best restaurants in Vilnius.
7. Žemaičių ąsotis
At Žemaičių ąsotis, you can enjoy a very hearty dinner for an unbeatable price. In this small brick building, you will find a very friendly staff as well as a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. You can choose from a wide selection of typical dishes at Naugarduko g. 32-1.
8. Šnekutis
If you haven’t tried Cepelinai yet, you should visit Šnekutis at Šv. Mikalojaus g. 15! Cepelinai is a typical national dish made of potatoes, bacon and cream, which is made to perfection in this restaurant.
You will also find a selection of tasty beers here, which makes it a very popular address among Lithuanians.
9. Etno Dvaras
Etno Dvaras is probably the most typical restaurant in Vilnius. Once past the unpretentious facade, you can enjoy a meal in an authentic old tavern decoration.
To complete the immersion, you will be served by a staff in traditional Lithuanian dress. For a typical experience in the capital, it’s at M. K. Čiurlionio g. 55.
10. Bistro 18
Bistro 18 is a typical Vilnius restaurant offering a rather high quality cuisine, but still authentic. The service is smiling and pleasant. The establishment has a good wine list to match your dishes.
It is located in the heart of the old town, in a building with a refined interior decoration and standing. You can find it at Stiklių g. 18.
Enjoy the best places in Vilnius
Now you know our selection of the 10 best typical restaurants in Vilnius, for an authentic and decidedly Lithuanian meal. If you want to discover more about the city, or you prefer sweet and savory, be sure to check out our article on the best brunches in Vilnius.