At first glance, the food in Vilnius, Lithuania perplexed us. Gelatinous potatoes, chewy pigs’ ears and cold pink soup didn’t sound all that appetizing.
Despite our initial lack of enthusiasm, our interest was piqued by its peculiarity. Vilnius food is utterly unique and an exceptional part of the local culture…and we had to get a taste of it.
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The gastronomy in Vilnius is best characterized as being meat focused and carbohydrate heavy. The humble spud is the shining star – but bread, pasta and pastries are also prominently featured.
Pickled vegetables make appearances – and sour cream and bacon bits are the favorite choice for calorie-laden, flavor-enhancing toppings.
Vilnius Food to Eat on Your Trip
During our visit to Vilnius, we pushed aside our apprehension and jumped right in to sample the flavors.
With a list of must-try dishes and restaurant recommendations, we feasted on an array of delicious (and sometimes bewildering) Vilnius foods.
As it turned out, eating is one of the Best Things To Do in Vilnius – and we are glad we didn’t snub the local flavors!
Based on our personal experiences, we are sharing our top picks of what to eat in Vilnius – plus a suggested spot where you can order each dish.
Because we are also big fans of craft beer, we reveal our favorite bars pouring pints of Lithuanian brew, as well!
#1 Šaltibarščiai Cold Beet Soup
We nearly skipped ordering a chilled bowl of Saltibarsciai – but it would have been a shame to miss out on this Vilnius famous food.
While the bright, Pepto-pink color was off-putting, the taste was a surprising explosion of zingy flavors.
The dish – often referred to as Cold Borscht – is believed to have originated some time in the 18th century when Vilnius was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
Pickled beets are the base for the delightful soup and are responsible for the coloring. The dish is rounded out with tangy kefir cream, cucumbers, hard-boiled egg and heaps of dill.
It’s sometimes served with bread, but we preferred a side of steaming boiled potatoes to dip into the opaque liquid concoction. It’s an oddly enjoyable combination!
Where to Eat Pink Soup
You can get a divine bowl of Saltibarsciai at just about every restaurant in Vilnius – especially in the summertime. That said, we suggest ordering it in an unsuspecting place: Gringo Pub!
#2 Fried Bread with Garlic and Cheese Sauce
The perfect accompaniment to a cold beer – and a firm representative of the carb-loaded Vilnius cuisine – Fried Bread quickly became one of our favorite bar snacks.
Kepta Duona, as it’s called locally, is simple and oh-so satisfying. The basic dish consists of long strips of bread that are fried in oil.
What makes it so fantastic, however, is that they use Black Bread. This dense, dark rye is rich in flavor and has a chewy texture.
Toppings like minced garlic and warm, gooey cheese elevate the little bites of goodness to delectable pieces of yum.
Where to Find the Best Fried Bread
Kepta Duona is served in pubs all around the city and at some traditional restaurants as an appetizer.
We really enjoyed the fried bread from Snekutis. The big portion was topped with garlic and enough cheesy sauce for every tasty nibble!
#3 Kibinai
A savory pastry, Kibinai are little half-moon pockets of dough that are packed with meat and/or vegetables – and we think they are delicious!
Best when fresh from the oven and still warm, we ate Kibinai as a snack on-the-go and as a filling sit-down meal.
The versatile hand pies have long been part of the local Vilnius gastronomy. Their history can be specifically traced to the nearby town of Trakai (also known for its famous island castle).
When the Karaite people settled in Trakai in the 14th century, they brought Kibinai – stuffed with mutton and onions – with them.
In the centuries that have passed, the culinary tradition has evolved into something that is undeniably Lithuanian.
Where to Eat Kibinai
We ate countless Kibinai during our Vilnius trip – even cheap ones from the Lidl grocery store bakery did not disappoint!
That said, the best Kibinai we had were from Senoji Kibinine in Trakai (but they have locations in Vilnius, too!)
We ordered a selection to share as a full meal. The crust was perfectly flaky and the filling robust. Our favorite was the Chicken and Mushroom combo.
#4 Cepelinai
Considered the national dish of Lithuania, it’s practically mandatory that travelers get a taste of Cepelinai while visiting Vilnius.
Originally called Didžkukuliai (meaning Big Meatballs), in the early 1900s, people began referring to the gigantic, dense potato dumplings as Cepelinai (aka Zeppelins).
The moniker stems from their large, oblong shape resembling the German airship…and the name stuck!
The grated potato mixture is typically stuffed with ground meat, mushrooms or cottage cheese. Then it’s boiled (which gives the potato a viscous texture) and served drenched in sour cream and bacon pieces.
We found the consistency to be a bit of a struggle – but then we were let in on the secret of Pan-Fried Cepeliani. Cut lengthwise and sizzled in a skillet, it was much more pleasing to our palate.
Where to Eat Cepelinai
As the most traditional food in Vilnius, any restaurant that serves Lithuanian cuisine will certainly have Cepelinai on their menu.
We got our first taste of the iconic dish at the atmospheric Berneliu Uzeiga Restaurant in Old Town Vilnius.
They offer a Mini-Cepelinai Sample Platter, which is perfect for getting a taste of the different types without going all in. Plus, with six pieces, it’s great for sharing!
The first time we truly appreciated the iconic dish was when we indulged in Fried Zeppelins at the diner-style restaurant, Kavine Cheburekine. With just one bite, we finally realized what all the fuss is about!
#5 Potato Pancakes
Two Lithuanian potato main dishes that we couldn’t get enough of are Potato Pancakes and Stuffed Potato Pancakes.
These are wildly popular in Lithuania and became some of our favorite foods to eat in Vilnius during our trip.
Lithuanian Potato Pancakes – called Bulviniai Blynai – are a combo of grated potato, egg and onion that is then fried in a pan.
While the glorious golden, crispy fritters are hardly unique to Lithuania, they are a mainstay of Baltic cuisine.
In Vilnius, they are usually served with a side of sour cream or mushroom sauce. Sometimes they’re even topped with meat, like bacon or pig’s ear.
Stuffed Samogitian Pancakes – or Žemaičių Blynai – come from the country’s northwestern region.
Made by encasing meat within a ‘dough’ of starchy mashed potatoes, we assimilate these oval-shaped, pan-fried pancakes to over-sized, stuffed croquettes.
Of course, what makes them truly divine is that the piping hot, stuffed pancakes are served with a generous side of sour cream sauce and warm bacon bits.
Where to Order Potato Pancakes
We tried both types of potato pancakes at Etno Dvaras – and they were excellent! The legendary Lithuanian restaurant is well-known for serving authentic food at fair prices.
They have several Vilnius locations and we suggest making reservations so you don’t have to wait to get a table.
#6 Vedarai Potato Sausage
One of the Vilnius food traditions that was spurred out of necessity, Vedarai is a sausage made from – you guessed it – potatoes! (This is the last Vilnius potato dish on our list, we promise.)
Historically, when meat was not available, they stuffed grated potatoes into pig intestines, creating a sort of vegetarian sausage that could pass as a filling meal.
While a bit mushy, the dish is highly regarded for its culinary heritage – so we feel it’s worth giving it a try.
Where to Eat Lithuanian Potato Sausage
We tried Vedarai at Berneliu Uzeiga. Their ‘tavern’ take on this meal wasn’t quite what we expected (as it wasn’t really formed in the shape of a sausage).
That said, when doused in sour cream and greasy bacon bits, we gave it a solid thumbs up!
Žemaičių Asotis and Amatininkų Užeiga are two other restaurants that offer this dish – but we didn’t eat at either one, so we can’t vouch for how they taste. Let’s us know if you do!
#7 Bagels
Finding scrumptious bagels in Vilnius was a surprise to us – but historically, it actually makes sense.
Their origin can be traced to the Jewish communities living within the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the 17th century.
At that time, Vilnius was home to a large Jewish population (the city was often called the Jerusalem of the North) – and fresh bagels were said to be sold from every bakery in town.
Sadly, by the end of World War II, the Vilnius Jewish community had been decimated – and the legacy of bagels was lost.
Within the last decade, however, there has been a concentrated effort to reinvigorate the old tradition – and bagel shops have popped up all over the city.
Where to Eat Vilnius Bagels
You can find bagels at many bakeries and cafes, like Holy Donut. But the place to eat sensational bagels is Beigelistai.
With two locations – Vilnius Old Town and Halle Market – both spaces imitate the casual environment of a cozy apartment. We recommend ordering any combination – nothing here disappointed us!
#8 Ceburekai
Ceburekai was brought to Lithuania by Crimean Tartars in the 14th century – and today it’s still a popular food in Vilnius to eat.
Although Ceburekai has been altered over time (especially during the Soviet era), some chefs are pulling out age-old recipes.
The meat pastry is essentially a deep-fried turnover stuffed with a thin layer of spiced meat and cheese – and, oh my, is it heavenly!
Which Vilnius Restaurants Sell Cheburekai
Locals told us that we could find the best Ceburekai at Kavine Cheburekine Diner – and they were, of course, correct!
Bigger than the plate it’s served on, the savory pastry was just the right balance or meat, cheese and dough.
The space itself is a throwback establishment with counter service that is extremely popular with residents…and a real treat for tourists.
#9 Koldunai Dumplings
Yet another comfort food to try in Vilnius, Koldunai are thin-dough dumplings stuffed with meat or mushrooms.
Like so many other food traditions in Lithuania, this one was likely introduced by Tatars, Karaites, or Jews during the Middle Ages.
Best Place to Eat Vilnius Dumplings
When we saw handmade Koldunai on the menu at Berneliu Uzeiga, we had to order them – and they were definitely on point!
We opted for their signature pork dumplings with wild mushroom sauce, which were positively delightful.
That said, the Koldunai with game meat and dried mushrooms, which are named for Count Tiškevičius, are the more traditional style.
#10 Pig’s Ears
Alright, full disclosure: We were not that excited about eating pig ears. But, as we were on a quest to try traditional Vilnius food, we ate them anyway.
There are two standard ways to prepare pig ear in Vilnius: Strips or whole. As a bar snack, the unconventional pork part is smoked, then sliced into strips and served with mustard.
Alternatively, it can be boiled, braised or fried whole and served as a main meal (usually with some sort of potato side, of course!).
Places that Serve Pig Ears
We had this regional delicacy at Snekutis – and opted for the Pig Ear Strips. While the flavor was deliciously smokey and the meat tender, the cartilage was…not so pleasant.
The brittle texture is supposed to stand in contrast to the tender meat, but we found it weirdly contradicting, rather than complementing.
We ended up separating the meaty portion from the cartilage, which was probably sacrilege, but at least we enjoyed it!
#11 Rye Bread
As a typical food that is so common, we almost didn’t include Rye Bread on this list. A staple of Vilnius local cuisine, it can be eaten with main meals and as a snack or appetizer.
We already mentioned rye as the key ingredient to making Lithuanian Fry Bread, but a slice is good on its own, with butter or cheese spread or as part of a sandwich.
It’s also often served alongside salads or meats – and it even used as a bowl for hearty soups.
Best Places for Rye Bread
We purchased the most intensely flavored, dense rye bread from the Tymo Market. The vendor had baked it that morning and it was still warm from the oven. Delish!
We didn’t get around to trying it as a bowl, but the Thick Wild Mushroom Soup served in a Rye Bread Bowl at Etno Dvaras looked amazing!
#12 Forest Mushrooms
With vast forests and a conducive environment, mushrooms thrive in Lithuania. Deeply rooted in the culture and cuisine, fungi are prominent fixtures on menus (and a superb Vilnius vegetarian option).
Foraging for mushrooms is not only a source of food (and for some, income), but a leisurely pastime for locals. We even heard mushroom hunting humorously called the national sport of Lithuania!
They are used in a plethora of savory dishes – from soups to sauces to fillings for dumplings.
Best Foraged Mushrooms
Freshly foraged forest mushrooms are one of the top things to eat in Vilnius during the autumn – and the best place to find them is at Halle Market.
During our trip, chanterelle mushrooms were abundant. After buying some from a vendor, I used this recipe to whip them into a simple meal at our Airbnb. I enhanced the sauce with sour cream and bacon bits, because when in Vilnius…
If you don’t have a kitchen or freshly picked mushrooms are out of season, you can still find plenty of earthy fungi dishes on restaurant menus year-round.
#13 Lithuanian Cheese
Even after all of the heavy Vilnius meals, cheese was one of the local food indulgences that we couldn’t resist trying.
Lithuania is known for producing both hard cheeses and curd cheeses (which are commonly used in dumplings). The most famous hard cheese is Dziugas by Žemaitijos Pienas.
Made from summer-grazing cows, ripened to the sounds of classical music (yes, really) and complete with a legendary tale, this gourmet aged cheese absolutely overachieves!
Where to Sample Lithuanian Cheeses in Vilnius
The best place to go is straight to the source: Cheese Džiugas House. The café creates cheese-based confections and sells packaged hard cheeses, as well.
The Gourmet 36-month matured Hard Cheese is the clear winner for its pungent aroma and crunchy calcium crystals. We are still drooling for more!
#14 Baked Goods
In the name of research (wink wink), we waded into the arena of Lithuanian confections, too.
Sakotis – or Tree Cake – is considered the national dessert. Cooked on a rotating spit, which creates spiky ‘branches’, the festive cake is mild with a sweet and buttery taste.
While Sakotis is a luxury dessert, Tinginys chocolate loaf is an everyday sweet. The name translates to Lazy Cake, due to the fact that it doesn’t need to be baked at all!
The chocolatey log contains cocoa, butter, condensed milk and crushed cookies. Rich and divine, it almost has a fudge-like consistency, but with crunchy bits of cookie.
Another dessert that we absolutely loved are Grybai – Lithuanian Mushroom Cookies. Not made of fungi at all, the spiced cookies are assembled and decorated to look like mushrooms.
Incredibly cute – and a perfect Vilnius souvenir or gift – Grybai cookies are scrumptious, as well.
Our Favorite Vilnius Bakeries
For the most delectable and decadent cakes and freshly prepared artisan sweets headed to the local bakery.
Kmynine Kepykla has a few different locations (we like the one in Uzupis best) – and their pastries and cookies are irresistible!
That said, the unassuming Pyragine Bakery near the beautiful Church of Saints Peter and Paul, is a hidden gem for visitors!
#15 Gira
A traditional Lithuanian ‘soft drink,’ Gira – or Kvass – is the national beverage. Historically made from leftover rye bread (go figure), the drink is rich and sweet (or sometimes slightly sour or acidic).
It’s often consumed as an alternative to beer or sugary sodas – and is said to have health benefits (like vitamins and probiotics).
Where to Drink Gira
Everywhere! This beverage is so popular that you can pick some up from the grocery store, order it with your meal or drink it at a pub.
Etno Dvaras serves their own homemade variety and the Gira at Kavine Cheburekine is popular, too!
#16 Vilnius Craft Beer
The city has a thriving craft beer scene – and we bar hopped our way around town to get a taste of local brews.
Lithuanian craft brewery, Dundulis, employs age-old methods to make exceptional modern craft beer. They are, far and away, our favorite brewery in Lithuania.
That said, there are a number of microbreweries in the country that churn out remarkably hoppy pale ales and sensational stouts and porters.
Best Vilnius Bars for Craft Brew
Spunka serves as a taproom for Dundulis – and they have three unique locations in Vilnius!
The tiny Spunka in Uzupis has a very local vibe and we loved having an early evening pint in the rustic interior or on the square when the weather was nice.
Etmonu Spunka is a buzzing spot later at night and Saviciaus Spunka is right in the heart of Old Town (with a really cool 15th century basement).
The upscale Alaus Biblioteka is a chic space made to resemble a library with an extensive selection of creative beers.
Nisha, Local Pub and Devinke are dedicated craft beer bars. They all have rotating taps and loads more in bottles and cans, so you’re sure to find something to wet your whistle!
The family owned Busi Trecias – the first microbrewery pub in Vilnius – serves their own limited range of locally brewed beer – along with Lithuanian bar snacks.
We already mentioned Snekutis as a great place to eat, but they have a superb line up of craft beers, as well. Sveikinimai (cheers)!
More Vilnius Foodie Spots
We have highlighted our top picks for the best food in Vilnius – but we have a few more foodie tips for travelers.
Vilnius Food Markets
A great way to immerse yourself in regional cuisine is to peruse the products at one of the city markets.
Hales Turgus is a bustling bazaar near the train station. Housed in a 1906 hall, it’s known for farm-fresh produce, butchered meats and casual eateries. It’s even a stop on our Free, Self-Guided Vilnius Walking Tour!
The Tymo Flea Market hosts a Thursday Farmer’s Market that is top notch! We believe it’s the best place to buy organic vegetables and home-baked breads.
On the north side of the city is the wide-ranging Kalvariju Market. Here, you will find fresh fruits, local dairy goods, heaps of meat along with inexpensive clothing, hardware supplies and furniture!
Specialty Lithuanian food shops – like Dalu and Senamiesčio Krautuvė – are phenomenal places for unique goods.
We marveled over all the products at Dalu in Uzupis. They sell everything from ‘Carrot Coffee’ to high-quality prepared meals to kombucha on tap.
International Fare
The Vilnius food culture extends beyond traditional fare. In fact, you will find a slew of international restaurants serving smash burgers, pizza and sushi.
The stylish Senatoriu Pasazas Food Court is a fun spot to sample a variety of food and wine (although, it is a bit pricy).
Vilniaus Street is a pedestrian lane with tons of bars and an array of international cuisine – from Italian to Belgian to Mexican.
Map of the Best Restaurants in Vilnius
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Vilnius map below.
Start planning your trip to Lithuania! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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