Vilnius with Locals tour guides recommend: bars and restaurants

Blog created at Last updated May 12, 2026

Visiting Vilnius for the first time? Or perhaps returning? Don't miss our handpicked bars and restaurants. You can't fully enjoy our walking tours on an empty stomach.

For recommended ACTIVITIES click here

 

TOP TRADITIONAL LITHUANIAN CUISINE RESTAURANTS IN VILNIUS

traditional Lithuanian dishes: cepelinai, saltibarsciai, beer, fried breadVilnius with locals tours photo

  • Šnekutis € (Šv. Mikalojaus str. 15) - big portions, affordable prices and a good beer selection. Pub vibes.

  • Grey €€ (Pilies str. 2) - nearest after finishing the Free Vilnius Walking Tour. Both European and Lithuanian cuisine.

  • Būsi Trečias €€ (Totorių str. 18) - generous portions, high-quality food, a delightful beer selection, and a spacious, uncrowded summer garden create the perfect pub atmosphere.

  • Gabi €€ ( Šv. Mykolo str. 6) - lovely summer garden and a mix of Lithuanian and European cuisine. Close to all the main sightseeing places, yet somewhat hidden from the bustle of the streets. . 

  • Etno dvaras €€ (Aušros Vartų g. 2) - a famous chain restaurant that you might have already noticed in the heart of the Old Town! A very big meniu of Traditional Lithuanian cuisine. The restaurant on Aušros vartų str. is less crowded and has a large outdoor space.

  • Lokys €€€ (Stiklių str. 8) - a medieval restaurant located in a 15th century cellar at the heart of Vilnius old town. Among other treats, you can order  dishes with game meat.

  • Žemaičių ąsotis €€ ( Naugarduko str. 32-1) - Convenient if you want to visit Naujamiestis district and Open Gallery or after 'Vilnius from '90 to now' tour. Local dishes almost as good as our grandmothers make.

Wondering what Lithuanian cuisine dishes to try? Check out our suggestions on what to eat in Lithuania.

 

BUDGET FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS LOVED BY LOCALS IN VILNIUS

 

  • 7 fridays € ( 2 locations: Pilies str. 11 and Pylimo str. 9a) - loved by students and professors since it has a reasonably priced lunch menu (on weekdays from 11:30AM to around 2PM).

  • +++ € (Vilniaus str 39) - a place which proudly maintains its goal of keeping prices as low as possible. European cuisine, available in few different locations.

  • Grill London € (Vokiečių str 9) - serves European cuisine, you combine your own plate from the meniu: main meal/meat + garnish + salad + sauce.

  • Senoliu tradicija € (Gedimino av. 17) - a canteen, available only during working days for lunch until 4pm. Homemade food, European and Lithuanian, a very local experience!

 

VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN VILNIUS

 

  • Berneliu uzeiga (Pilies str 10) - vegan zeppelins (cepelinai) are available here. The rest of the meniu is not vegetarian!!!

  • Agni Food (Augustijonu str 2) - very cozy atmosphere, located inside of Yoga Ashram. The food is a mix of local and Indian flavors.

  • Radharanė €€ (Gedimino av. 32) - inspired by Indian cuisine. Good location if you are exploring historical sights in Gediminas avenue/after the Soviet Tour.

  • RoseHip Vegan bistro €€  ( Pylimo str. 22D) - features as many as 7 types of burgers, also known for its’ Budda bowls.

  • Sweet Love Caffe €€ (Totorių str. 3) - both vegetarian and vegan dishes, smoothies, very lovely interior!

  • Colibri €€  (Barboros Radvilaitės str 7) - international vegetarian and vegan cuisine

 

Jewish (Litvak) cuisine

 

  • Baleboste € (Pylimo str. 58) - authentic Jewish (litvak) cuisine, kosher style. Great pastrami bagels. NB! Doesn't work on Mondays.

 

BEST COFFEE IN VILNIUS OLD TOWN 

 

  • Coffee1 ( Užupio str. 9 ) - loved by our tour guides. Small family business with their own chocolate and ice cream brand. 

  • Eskedar Coffee Bar (Pilies str. 26) - somewhat bohemian place in the heart of Vilnius old town. You come for the coffee and stay for the company. 

  • Italala cafe ( Vokiečių str. 1) - coffee brewed by Lithuanian barista champions. Also known for Italian desserts and interesting seating arrangemen

  • Coffee Circus Piano (Mesiniu str 3) - a great coffee place and convenient location to take a break in case you're exploring the Jewish ghetto

PASTRIES/DESSERTS

 

  • Kiras (Totorių str. 7) - known for its VEGAN desserts and delicious hot sandwiches and above all for its’ vibes. 

  • Pleassurie (Sv. Stepono str 22) - a healthy approach towards pastries! Gluten free, sugar free and other alternatives available here, few locations in the city.

  • Sūrio Džiugas namai (Ausros vartu str 3) - unique place where you can try the famous local hard cheese brand 'Dziugas' and the different desserts made with the cheese!

  • Poniu laime (Stikliu str 14) - you have probably already seen the nicely decorated cafeteria. If not, go and find it! Famous for the delicious sweets as well as a spot for Instagram pictures.

  • Pinavija (Vilniaus str 21) - a very cute interior and great quality cakes!

 

VILNIUS PUBS YOU MUST VISIT

Lithuanian beer and fried bread in Vilnius Vilnius with Locals photo

  • Rūsio aidai (Savičiaus str 10) - one of the authentic local bars where you can try some really good quality Lithuanian mead.

  • Alaus biblioteka (Trakų str. 4) - a true library of tastes! Perfect for people who understand and appreciate beer. And very knowable staff will keep you informed of all the latest beer trends. 

  • Špunka ( 3 locations around the old-town: Etmonų Špunka , Savičiaus Špunka, Užupio Špunka) - these bars are a must  if you’re looking for local vibe and local beers. It's a place built on its regulars and has a strong community atmosphere.

  • Local Pub (Trakų str. 13) - a great selection of craft beer is available, including gluten-free options and a few ciders as well. You'll definitely meet plenty of locals there!

  • BIX bar (Etmonu str 6) - a legendary pub - one of the first in Vilnius! Still has some of the old atmsophere and great local chill vibes.

Want to learn more about Lithuanian beer? Check this blog post: 5 things you need to know about Lithuanian beer.

 

FINE DINING

 

  • Protėviai (Odminių str 3) - seasonal Lithuanian ingredients and heritage recipes come together here in a fresh and creative way.

  • Ertlio namas (Sv. Jono str 7) - a memorable dining experience where Lithuania’s culinary history is brought back to life with creativity and care.

  • Senatorių pasažas (Dominikonų str 11) - one of Vilnius’ most vibrant culinary spots, bringing together seasonal ingredients, local producers, and creative dining. You will find some great restuarants located there, including Nineteen18 and 14Horses

  • Džiaugsmas (Vilniaus str 28) - is known for inventive seasonal cuisine that highlights local produce with a modern Scandinavian touch.

  • Gapar's (Pylimo str 23 - 3) - a cozy and vibrant spot where creative dishes combine European ingredients with subtle Indian-inspired flavors.

 

PLACES TO SOCIALIZE / VILNIUS NIGHTLIFE

 

  • Lukiskiu kalejimas 2.0 (Lukiskiu skg 6) - The Lukiskes prison has become the heart of current cultural life in Vilnius with great concerts, movie nights, flea markets and some cool bars! Tours in the prison itself are also available.

  • Naktinė Halė ( Pylimo str. 58) - dance the Fridays and Saturdays away in one of the oldest markets in Vilnius! A different variety of food (like pastrami sandwiches or mexican cuisine) and drinks are available all night long. If you stay long enough, you can already buy breakfast from a local farmer. It's very convenient. 

  • The Nightlife Triangle of Vilnius (Vilnius & Islandijos str.) - the main nightlife area of Vilnius. Filled with a variety of different clubs and cocktail bars, this street becomes one big party. 

  • Estradà (Vilniaus str. 22-3) - small, independent cultural venue that hosts experimental music and innovative events, with a focus on creating an intimate and diverse space for emerging artists. Estradà operates as a coffee shop during the day and transforms into a bar and performance space in the evening.

  • Loftas (Švitrigailos str. 29) - the most active cultural venue in Lithuania. The best live gigs, events, performances, conferences, parties till dawn. No surprise their motto is “One place - lots of action”.

 

Make sure to share you most favorite pick from the tour on instagram and tag us too @vilniusfreetour !

What do you think? Did we miss something? Let us know and we will update our recommendations on bars, restaurants and other things to do in Vilnius.