Vilnius Restaurant Tips by HORSCHECK Top 5 Page for this destination

Cili Pica

Cili Pica is a popular Lithuanian chain of pizza places. The first one was opened in Vilnius in 1997 and nowadays you find them in about 10 cities in Lithuania.

They offer meals for all times of the day and are specialised in - you won't believe it - pizzas, which come in various sizes and uncountable variations. The pizzas are not outstanding but always yummy enough to pop in one of their restaurants.

We visited a Vilnius' branch of Cili Pica in August 2011. I ordered a medium sized Pizza Turismo (16,99 Litas) and a Svyturys beer (5,99 Litas). Although all Lituanian Pizza chains are pretty much the same, for some reason Cili Pica is probably my favorite one.

Address: Cili Pizza, Mindaugo gatve 11, Vilnius

Comparison: about average

Directions: Cili Pica can be found at more than 15 locations all around Vilnius. We visited the branch in the Maxima Supermarket at Mindaugo gatve 11. Other restaurants can be found at the streets Gedimino 5 and 23, Didzioji 5, Savanoriu 7 and Konstitucijos 7A.

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Pizza

Website: http://www.cili.lt/

Uzupio Kavine

We visited the Uzupio Kavine twice. The first time in August 2006 and the second time in August 2011.

It has a large riverside terrace and is said to be the only restaurant with river views in Vilnius. The terrace also offers a perfect view of the mysterious mermaid that sits in a niche in the wall on the opposite side of the river. On warm summer days it can be quite crowded here.

During our first visit we only had a few drinks and a bread snack here, but really enjoyed the atmosphere by the river.

In August 2011 I opted for the chicken Kiev style (27 Litas) and a Svyturys beer (6,5 Litas). Our meals were tasty and service was friendly.

The interior of the restaurant is kept in a red brick simple style. They even sell Uzupis merchandise here (e.g. T-Shirts with the Uzupis constitution).

Address: Uzupio Kavine, Uzupio g. 2, 01200 Vilnius

Comparison: about average

Directions: The Uzupio Kavine is located in the arty district Uzupis just behind the bridge when coming from Vilnius Old Town.

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Pizza CanCan

On our first day in Vilnius in summer 2011 we arrived at around 19:30 h at our hotel. We then just wanted quite quickly something for dinner. Only 5 Minutes on foot from our hotel we found a large Maxima supermarket with two Pizza restaurants.

We decided to check out the Pizza CanCan, as we have never given it a try on our previous trip to Lithuania.

Pizza CanCan is another Pizza chain with several branches in Vilnius. They offer a large range of Pizzas, which come in three sizes. Apart from that the menu lists a selection of local and international dishes.

I opted for a small Classic Pizza (11,99 Litas) and a Svyturys beer (5,99 Euro). The pizza was a bit tasteless, but still okay. Our waitress was quite friendly and spoke good English.

Address: Pizza CanCan, Mindaugo gatve 11, Vilnius

Comparison: about average

Directions: Pizza CanCan can be found at several spots all around Vilnius. We visited the branch in the Maxima Supermarket at Mindaugo gatve 11. Other restaurants can be found at the streets Pylimo 24, Gedimino 24, Gedimino 37, Ukmerges 282 and Savanoriu 247.

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 3

Theme: Pizza

Website: http://www.cancan.lt/

Alaus restoranas "Aula"

Aula is a Lithuanian beer restaurant which is located in the former premises of Vilnius University. On summer days a small outdoor terrace is available as well.

During our summer 2011 trip we once had a lunch break here and took a seat on the outdoor terrace to enjoy some people watching. The interior of the restaurant is still well worth seeing as it consists of several vaulted rooms.

The menu offers a mixture of Lithuanian and international snacks and dishes, as well as a large variety of drinks especially beers. I opted for the tradtional meat dumplings (15,90 Litas) and a small local Utenos beer 4,00 Litas). This was just perfect for our lunch break.

Address: Alaus restoranas "Aula", Pilies g. 11, Vilnius

Comparison: about average

Directions: The Alaus restoranas "Aula" can be found at the pedestrianised Pilies gatve, right in the heart of Vilnius' touristy old town.

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.aularestoranas.lt/

Coffee Inn

On our very last evening in Vilnius in summer 2011 we chose Coffee Inn for a drink as they have free
WiFi. Coffee Inn is a cafe chain with several branches in Vilnius. They seems to be very popular with the younger crowd.

All sorts of hot and cold drinks are on offer and have to be ordered at the counter. The drinks come in paper or plastic cups. In addition a variety of snacks is available as well.

I had a yummy hot cacao for 4,50 Litas. The WiFi internet connection was fast and smooth.

Address: Coffee Inn, Pilies g. 3, Vilnius

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: We visited the Coffee Inn branch at Pilies gatve 3, right in the heart of Vilnius' touristy old town. Other branches can be found at the streets Gedimino 9, Gedimino 52, Traku 7, Didzioji 40, Saltoniskiu 9 and Konstitucijos 7a.

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Coffeehouse

Trattoria Da Antonio

The Trattoria Da Antonio is a sister restaurant of the Restaurant Da Antonio, which opened in 1999 in the street Vilniaus gatve.

One evening we went to the Trattoria for dinner and sat down at one of the tables on the wooden outdoor terrace. These tables are just perfect for people watching in the pedestrianised street Pillies gatve.

The interior of the Trattoria is kept simple, but homely. Red white checkered table cloth seem to be a typical detail of the place.

The menu offers a wide range of pizzas as well as delicious pasta and meat meals. I opted for the Pizza Salami and a big Svyturys beer. I was more than happy with my dinner, which came to 22,90 Litas (about 6,90 Euro; 2006). I especially enjoyed people watching.

UPDATE 2011:
During our second visit to Vilnius in August 2011 we realised that the Trattoria Da Antonio has closed down, but two restaurants of the Da Antonio chain still exist in Vilnius. One at Vilniaus gatve 23 and one at L.Stuokos-Guceviciaus gatve 1.

Address: Trattoria Da Antonio, Pillies gatve 20, Vilnius

Comparison: about average

Directions: The Trattoria Da Antonio is located in the very heart of the pedestrianised old town.

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Italian

Website: http://www.antonio.lt/

Restaurant Zemaiciai

On our first evening in Vilnius in August 2006 we were quite hungry as we had had a busy day involving a long bus ride and had been settling into our B&B accomodation.

One of the first Lithuanian restaurants that drew our attention was Restaurant Zemaiciai, which due to its central location probably is a bit touristy. They have a little outdoor terrace on the pavement and the interior is an underground network of ancient catacombs.

The menu offers many traditional Lithuanian dishes as well as international cuisine. I ordered roast pork on a spit with boiled rice and my friend opted for the borscht with meat off the bone and a hot boiled potato. Borscht is a traditional East European beetroot soup.

The meals were delicious, but service was a bit slow. The bill was 46,50 Litas (about 14 Euro, 2006) and included two drinks. This is still cheap for west European standards but already a bit on the pricey side in Vilnius.

Address: Zemaiciai, Vokieciu gatve 24, 01130 Vilnius

Comparison: about average

Directions: Restaurant Zemaiciai is located at Vokieciu gatve, which is one of the streets with many restaurants, pubs and cafes in the touristy heart of Vilnius.

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.zemaiciai.lt/

Spyros Metaxa

One warm late evening we were in need of a sweet treat. By chance we came along the Spyros Metaxa which still had one free table in the outdoor sitting area.

It is a Greek restaurant which opened in 2004 as a sister restaurant of Liutu Vartai (Lion Gate).

I can't really comment on the food as I only had an ice cream dessert called "Hidros". It consisted of various scoops of ice cream decorated with frozen strawberries.

The ice cream was delicious and the table perfect for people watching. So what more to expect from a warm summer holiday evening ....

Address: Spyros Metaxa, Pilies gatve 5, 01123 Vilnius

Comparison: about average

Directions: Spyros Metaxa can be found at Pilies gatve 5; just in the touristy heart of Vilnius' old town.

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.liutuvartai.lt/

Mambo Pizza

Pizza chains are quite popular in the Baltic states. Mambo Pizza is one of them and said to be among the better ones. They have a few branches in Vilnius.

We once went to their restaurant on Gedimino prospektas for a late lunch. Unfortunately the restaurant was quite busy with local people, but on the other hand this is a good sign for the quality of the food.

They have a wide range of Pizzas and some other standard meals. The menu is available in English.

I opted for the weekly special which was a Pizza "Italy" and a Coca-Cola for only 11,90 Litas (4 Euro; 2006). The Pizza came on a wooden plate and was really delicious.

Address: Mambo Pizza, Gedimino prospektas 37, 01109 Vilnius

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: This branch of Mambo Pizza is located on Gedimino prospektas, just in the middle of Vilnius' busy city centre.

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Pizza

Website: http://www.mambo.lt/

Balti Drambliai

The Balti Drambliai (White elephant) is said to be one of the few completely vegetarian restaurants in Vilnius. It seems to be popular among the younger crowds; even members of various internet communities like www.hospitalityclub.org have their get-togethers here.

One evening we went to this place for dinner with Vilnius' well known VT member Raimix. He recommended the Balti Drambliai and we really enjoyed our time there.

It is located in brick cellars which date back to the 17th century. The indoor decoration is kept simple and consists of many indian style ornaments. They also have a nice outdoor terrace in a backyard.

You can select among vegetarian dishes ranging from Indian cuisine to traditional Lithuanian meals. They also have a vast selection of teas. I opted for a Svyturys beer and one of the daily Indian specials called "Dienos Sabdzis". It was a mix of vegetables served with rice. The food was delicious and prices were average.

Address: Balti Drambliai, Vilniaus g. 41, 01119 Vilnius

Comparison: about average

Directions: The Balti Drambilai can be found at Vilniaus gatve 41, towards the northwestern edge of Vilnius Old Town.

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.baltidrambliai.lt/