Lithuanian restaurants in Europe
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Kurpiai
It is quite incredible really: this Old Town jazz club with cobbled terrace and dark old-world interior has been around for years, opening its doors way before all the postindependence bars and restaurants mushroomed. Yet it remains not just the best place to eat in Klaipėda, but one of Lithuania's best bars too. (Hell no - it's the best.) A Klaipėda legend, not least because of 'Lithuanian Louis Armstrong' Kango and his amazing sax life, Kurpiai is the spot to come for funky live jazz nightly while sampling tender, juicy steaks and fish dishes. It heaves at weekends so get in well before 21:30.
reviewed
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Kibininė
This green wooden house with Karaite kitchen is the spot to munch on traditional Karaite pasties called kibinai (a meat-stuffed cushion akin to a Cornish pasty that is served with a bread-based drink similar to gira). But beware that first bite - scalding-hot juices pour out. The pretty garden with lake view is particularly peaceful and a hole in the wall doles out meat- or veg-stuffed kibinai to take away.
reviewed
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Kybynlar
There is a definite Turkic feel to Trakai's other Karaite-driven restaurant, where piping-hot pastries are likewise cooked up alongside a predominantly meat-based fare. The writing on the wall in Arabic is native Karaim, a language belonging to the Kipchak branch of Turkish languages and spoken as mother tongue by 535 people worldwide.
reviewed
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Miesto Sodas
Trendy Miesto Sodas has a cool club, Siena in its basement and a varied menu. Sip on fresh carrot or beetroot juice and pick from wok-fried BBQ spare ribs, a T-bone steak, cold berry soup or a typically Lithuanian herring filet in the company of marinated red onions, sour cream and baked potatoes. Service can be snail-slow.
reviewed
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Vila Adona
Vast manicured terrace gardens front this majestic villa, draped in flower boxes. Service is slick (earpieces ensure waiters stay in touch with the kitchen) and a menu in full colour suits every gastronomic mood.
Opening hours listed are for the high season; note that many places don't open in winter.
reviewed
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Trobelė
Drinkers and diners soak up a beer-garden atmosphere at this informal restaurant where kids run riot on swings, slides and cars while grown-ups munch smoked pigs' ears, boiled pig's leg and the Lithuanian like.
Opening hours listed are for the high season; note that many places don't open in winter.
reviewed
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Kolonada
This renovated late-1920s music hall propped up by a line-up of classical columns oozes atmosphere. Indulge in a terrace lunch with river view or sip apéritifs at dusk against a backdrop of local jazz (Friday), blues and rock 'n' roll (Saturday) or classical music (Sunday). A fireplace hangs inside.
reviewed
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Arkos
This eating-drinking joint in a brick cellar caters to all. Whether you want a simple beer with deep-fried garlic bread sticks, a teatime pancake or dinner, you'll be sure of a tasty time. Service can be slow but the detailed scenes of rural Lithuania painted on the walls provide distraction.
reviewed
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1925
Sunk down from Basanavičiaus, this old wooden house provides relief from the main-street madness. Cuisine is simple and its back garden with church view is the least Disneylike you'll find.
Opening hours listed are for the high season; note that many places don't open in winter.
reviewed
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Seklytėlė
This delightful wooden house is painted a cheery canary yellow and cooks up homemade Lithuanian food in a quaint flowery garden. Granny-knitted rugs are provided for nippier evenings.
Opening hours listed are for the high season; note that many places don't open in winter.
reviewed
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Boogie Woogie
Interior designers adopted a definite Disney approach at this enormous tavern with elaborate water garden out back. Cuisine is Lithuanian with a generous pinch of European.
Opening hours listed are for the high season; note that many places don't open in winter.
reviewed
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Anikės Teatras
Just about the only restaurant with a terrace truly plump on Teatro aikštė, this theatrical dining spot with lavish interior is a Klaipėda must-dine. European is served in the teatras; Lithuanian in the adjoining kuršiai.
reviewed
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Tores
Mountain lodge-style Tores has good food and atmosphere, but the main reason to come is for the stunning panorama of Gediminas Castle and the Cathedral across Vilnia River valley. Take it all in from the outdoor patio while sipping Švyturys pints.
reviewed
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Bernelių Užeiga, Old Town
If it's rustic Lithuanian cuisine served by fair maidens in traditional dress that you're after, then this twinset of wooden country inns in the middle of town is for you. Another branch is in Donelaičio (Donelaičio gatvė 11).
reviewed
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Čili Kaimas
A chain it might be, but Čili Kaimas deserves recognition on two counts: (a) for its smoked ears, potato pudding and other hearty Lithuanian fodder (b) for its atmospheric setting in a great Soviet-era cinema.
reviewed
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Avilys
Sharing the same terrace as Senieji Rūsiai, Avilys is an award-winning brewery that serves unusual beers to a discerning crowd. Dining - reason itself to come here - overlooks the street or is underground.
reviewed
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Presto
The food is nothing to write home about, but Presto punters don't seem to care. The terrace on the main drag proffers fine church-dome and people-watching views against a tasteful backdrop of jazz and blues.
reviewed
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Senieji Rūsiai
Hands down the tastiest street terrace at which to dine, drink and soak up Old Town, this candlelit 17th-century cellar grills great meats and serves a funky chicken filet with fruity curry sauce.
reviewed
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Delano
This big basement cafeteria-style eatery is a great place for budget travellers to fill up on greasy Lithuanian food. It's reminiscent of Lido in Latvia, only cheaper and not as good.
reviewed
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Pėda
A stylish cellar adjoining an art gallery (entrance around the corner), this old-timer is ideal for light evening snacks, sweet-centred blyneliai and live jazz at weekends.
reviewed
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Amatininkų Užiega
This perfectly located spot is a great place to sample country Lithuanian fare or grab a steak in the wee hours of the morning, and meet a random character or two at the bar.
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Žemaičiai
Of the many brick-walled, old-style Lithuanian theme restaurants in Vilnius, this institution, famous for its pigs trotters, offers the most authentic Lithuanian experience.
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Keta
There is no mistaking you're in provincial Lithuania at this rustic restaurant where traditional cuisine is served in a folkloric setting. Note the old weaving loom.
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Kapitonas Morganas
Come to Captain Morgan's jolly pirate ship to meet happy punters busily eating European fodder, drinking local beer and merrymaking on a great street terrace.
reviewed
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Retro
Discerning diners seeking fine art and sculptures to view while they dine should not miss this hybrid art gallery- restaurant.
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