Vilnius is the capital and largest city of Lithuania, on the Neris and Vilnia rivers. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town, one of the largest medieval centres in Eastern Europe, mixes Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches with the bohemian Užupis district and a growing craft-beer and restaurant scene.
Lithuanian cooking is built on potatoes, rye bread, pork, dairy, beetroot and freshwater fish, with Polish, Jewish, Karaite, German and Russian influences. Staples are cepelinai potato dumplings, šaltibarščiai cold beet soup and kugelis. Vilnius also has a growing modern scene: the 2026 Michelin Guide Lithuania awards stars to Demo, Džiaugsmas, Nineteen18 and Deep Roots in the city. Prices in EUR with USD at 1 EUR = 1.15 USD.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Vilnius.
Cepelinai
Potato dumplings filled with meat, served with sour cream and bacon sauce
Where to try: Etno Dvaras, Bernelių Užeiga, Neringa
Price: €8-14 (~$9-16)
Šaltibarščiai
Cold pink beet soup with kefir, served with boiled potatoes
Where to try: Neringa, Etno Dvaras
Price: €5-8 (~$6-9)
Kibinai
Karaite baked pastries filled with lamb or beef
Where to try: Halės Market, Trakai
Price: €3-5 (~$3.50-6)
Kugelis
Baked potato pudding with bacon
Where to try: Etno Dvaras
Price: €6-10 (~$7-12)
Rye bread with smoked cheese
Dark rye bread with smoked local cheese
Where to try: Halės Market
Price: €3-6 (~$3.50-7)
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
European
Italian
Lithuanian Craft Beer And Snacks
Lithuanian Pub Food
Lithuanian Street Food
Modern Asian
Food tours & tastings in Vilnius
Eat your way through Vilnius with a guide.
Browse food experiences in VilniusWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Kibinai and bakery snacks
Pastries and breads sold in the market hall
Find it at: Halės Market, Pylimo g. 58
Pilies Street snack stalls
Summer stalls selling pretzels and sausages
Find it at: Pilies g., Old Town
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Halės turgus (Halės Market)
Covered market hall of 1906 with cheese, smoked meat, baked goods and cafes
Hours: Check the market's page; stalls vary
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping 5-10% is customary for table service
Lunch is often cheaper than dinner
Book Michelin-listed restaurants weeks ahead
Cards are accepted almost everywhere
Many restaurants close one weekday; check hours online
- Vegetarian
- Traditional menus are meat-heavy; larger venues offer vegetarian plates, and potato pancakes and šaltibarščiai are meatless.
- Halal
- Few halal venues; fish and vegetable dishes are safest.
- Gluten free
- Rye bread and dumplings contain gluten; grilled meats and potatoes are generally safe. Confirm with staff.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | €8-15 (~$9-17) per meal | Halės Market and casual pubs |
| Mid-range | €18-35 (~$21-40) per meal | Old Town taverns such as Lokys or Etno Dvaras |
| Upscale | €90+ (~$104+) per meal | Michelin tasting menus at Džiaugsmas or Deep Roots |