Eating your way through Vilnius can be a hearty throwback to Finland; expect abundant berries, potatoes, and beets. Let’s not forget, lots and lots of pickles. Products made for harsh climate in the north can be filling, but traditional Lithuanian cuisine – similar to that of Latvian and Estonian – traces back to German and Polish roots.

First things first, stumbling upon a warm cup of joe every morning won’t be a challenge. Coffee culture in Vilnius is especially prominent, thanks to the city’s dense student population. On one single street in Old Town, there can be as many as five coffee shops. Each exudes a different vibe with unique décor.

Additionally, bacon-flavored food items seem to be a local trend. Bacon ice cream, smoked bacon schnapps, bacon-flavored wheat crisps…can all be found in various eateries. For fans of these salt-cured pork, it might just be time to expand your taste buds even more.

Arguably the best restaurant in Vilnius, Ertlio Namas celebrates historic cuisine that dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries. In those eras, dukes and duchesses believed “you are what you eat,” hence diners will find neither pork nor chicken on the menu since they were considered weak animals, particularly chickens were consumed solely by farmers during this time.

Upon arrival of each plate, a waiter explains the history and story behind every exquisite dish. With either 4 or 6-course set menu available, it’s clear that Ertlio Namas is meticulously intentional by integrating the past and present in an upscale setting while remaining true to Lithuanian heritage.

Named by St. Michael the Archangel, or patron of the people, as well as the alley which the restaurant is located; Mykolo 4 is a family-run institution featuring 19th century bourgeoisie cuisine in Vilnius. The interior space is classically elegant which pairs beautifully with a drink menu full of exclusive wines (like the traditional white fruit berry wine) and a house special: natural mead – honey fermented alcohol from ancient times. Don’t forget to try fried pig ears, dumplings, and beet ice cream.

A famous stop for traditional Lithuanian cuisine is Senoji trobelė where you’ll want to load up on potato pancakes, cepelinai (potato dumplings,) and cold borscht (beet root soup.) The cottage-like restaurant welcomes patrons with an airy outdoor patio, wander inside and you’ll camp at one of many wooden tables and chairs that transport an authentic dining experience to a snowy winter night by the fireplace, sipping on local beers and pungent brandy.

Situated in the heart of Old Town, Etno Dvaras is a favorite among tourists but it’s also simply a cozy spot not only with easy access to most landmarks, but its menu also showcases Lithuanian classics: herring, fried breadsticks with cheese dip, beet root soup, wild mushroom soup in a bread bowl, blood pudding…and much more. Just the potato dumplings alone, there are 14 options available to choose from: fried, with meat, meat-stuffed…just to name a few.

This is now a vital stop for travelers. Known as a pub serving real beer, Šnekutis’ kitchen also serves up delicious Lithuanian dishes: potato dumplings, fried cod, pig ears and feet. At night, the bar/restaurant turns into a buzzy spot, especially for foreigners eager to taste a wide variety of craft beers. From a cold IPA to a darker stout, Šnekutis is where you can take endless cherry shots with friendly bartenders.