The warm season and gastronomy make an inseparable duo, inviting diners to swap indoor restaurant spaces for outdoor terraces. To experience the city pulse, guests often choose tables in squares or main streets. However, sometimes a greater degree of privacy is desired, best provided by terraces hidden inside the inner courtyards, which radiate mystery and an even greater sense of cosines. What's unique is that many restaurants in Vilnius's Old Town and Užupis neighbourhood have such secret outdoor spaces, all surrounded by charming old buildings. But do you always know which ones precisely?

In this Tablein guide review, you'll find Vilnius restaurants with idyllic inner courtyards, perfect for a romantic dinner, gatherings with friends, or personal and business events.

Restaurants in Vilnius with cosy courtyard terraces

Stikliai
Gaono g. 7, Vilnius

With a history dating back to 1987, Stikliai is a fine dining restaurant rated by the Michelin Guide. Here, gourmets experience subtle luxury, refined flavours, and a high level of service.

The Stikliai menu invites guests to enjoy European cuisine with Lithuanian accents, prepared using French techniques. The chef emphasizes local produce, so most of the fresh vegetables, fruits, berries, and herbs come from the restaurant’s own natural farm.

Moreover, the restaurant is located in the hotel of the same name, featuring UNESCO-protected Vilnius Old Town courtyards. The large secluded yard accommodates 100 guests, while the smaller one comfortably hosts up to 60 people. These unique green oases are perfect for wedding ceremonies, buffets, dinners, or any other private celebrations. The always-blooming Stikliai courtyards welcome guests for various events during the warm season, from early May to the end of October.

Imperial
Subačiaus g. 2, Vilnius

Located in Vilnius Old Town, Imperial is a fine dining restaurant offering guests experiences steeped in classic elegance. Its interior features gold-inlaid American walnut, crystal chandeliers, Versace tableware, and French crystal glasses. Moreover, meals are served at tables adorned with tablecloths, while the waitstaff provides attentive service only dressed in white gloves.

Imperial menu showcases refined haute cuisine, including fresh oysters from the French coast, foie gras, and marble beef steaks. Next to this selection, there are modern Lithuanian dishes as well as masterpieces made according to historical recipes found in Lithuanian nobility archives.

This restaurant is part of the five-star Imperial Hotel, which also includes a cosy, flower-decorated courtyard nestled among the Old Town streets. During the warm season, guests can celebrate personal events or host business gatherings in this charming outdoor space.

Elven
L. Stuokos - Gucevičiaus g. 7, Vilnius

Led by the famous chef Adomas Jegnoras, Elven is a Michelin restaurant in Vilnius that invites guests to explore a new world of gourmet sensations with exceptional seafood dishes that can surprise even the most advanced diners. The experience here begins with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients brought to life through the chefs' knowledge and creativity. By combining traditional techniques with innovative ideas, they create truly unique flavours. Moreover, each dish aims to be visually appealing, with every step – from the initial cut – carried out with care and attention to texture, colour & presentation.

Elven is beloved not only for unique flavour diversity but also for its cosy atmosphere. The restaurant, located in a traditional Old Town building, beautifully contrasts the ancient walls with its clean lines, natural materials, subtle colour tones, and elements of nature. During the warm season, Elven also invites guests to its stylish courtyard, providing a tranquil refuge between the city's bustle.

Džiaugsmas
Vilniaus g. 28-19, Vilnius

Established by the talented chef Martynas Praškevičius, Džiaugsmas is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Vilnius. Opened in 2017, it continues to impress the ultimate gourmands with its exceptional and ever-changing menu until this day.

The concept of this local produce bistro runs around the freshest seasonal ingredients sourced from farmers personally known by the chef. Thus, only the rhythm of nature dictates what may appear on the restaurant's plates, leading to a menu that changes almost daily. Another unique feature of Džiaugsmas? All dishes are made for sharing, and the hosts also suggest pairing them with natural wines.

All year round, the restaurant welcomes guests in stylish indoor spaces, but if you visit during the warm season, head straight to the rooftop terrace! Overlooking an inner Old Town courtyard with historic buildings and elegant rooftops, this outdoor space provides a perfect setting to elevate your gastronomic experience to a brand new level.

Botanist
Didžioji g. 26, Vilnius

Located near Town Hall Square, Botanist is a colourful restaurant famous among locals and visitors alike for its Mediterranean & Latin American cuisine blend, as well as the impressive cocktail menu.

Guests here can savour a range of masterfully crafted flavours, from shareable appetizers to dishes like octopus in black shrimp broth, aged Argentinian entrecote, or monkfish with blue potatoes. Looking to relax? Choose from over 40 types of cocktails, including both classic and signature mixology.

What's more, is the atmosphere that easily elevates the delicious food & beverage experiences, inspires heartfelt conversations, and promises newly created memories. The interior reflects history, while the famous Botanist courtyard, hidden between buildings, captures the idyllic charm of Vilnius Old Town. This outdoor space suits gatherings with friends, tasting dinners, DJ nights, and personal or business celebrations.

Briusly
Islandijos g. 4, Vilnius

Briusly is a well-loved restaurant that has been introducing Vilnius residents and city visitors to Asian flavours already for two decades. The repertoire here features shareable appetizers, salads, traditional soups, sandwiches, Donburi bowls, Wok masterpieces, curries, and sushi – whatever dish you think of, it will likely be on the menu. Additionally, Briusly offers a wide selection of cocktails, ranging from classics to the latest trends. Food or drinks – everyone can find what they want most!

You can always sit inside Briusly, but during the warm season, the most desired spot is the restaurant’s inner courtyard. This cosy, colourful space combines the playful atmosphere of Old Town walls, idyllic creeper plants, and checkered floors into a unique open-air setting. The courtyard also hosts various events.

Meat Lovers
Liejyklos g. 8, Vilnius

Located in the Old Town of Vilnius, Meat Lovers is a restaurant, as the name suggests, sharing its dedication to meat enthusiasts. What's the concept here? To showcase the genuine meat flavours without chasing trends or temporary fads. The restaurant's uniqueness also comes from the hosts' commitment to providing not only flavour but also quality. Thus, all products come to the kitchen exclusively from trusted Lithuanian farmers and craft producers.

The food repertoire here features dishes inspired by both European and American culinary traditions. From steaks, roasts or ribs to schnitzels, sausages, and burgers – every meat lover will find their favourites here. However, the menu also includes vegetarian options, allowing guests with different dietary preferences to enjoy a meal together.

Meat Lovers welcomes visitors to its indoor space year-round. However, if you visit in the summer, do not miss the chance to enjoy your meal outdoors. During the warm season, the inner courtyard offers an idyllic restaurant terrace, where sun umbrellas provide cosy shade on especially hot days.

Vanille Lounge
Vilniaus g. 29, Vilnius

Found in the heart of Vilnius, Vanille Lounge is a bar-restaurant with a lounge concept that allows guests to relax and enjoy their time well into the evening. From the atmosphere and drink menu to the European cuisine, everything here comes thoughtfully.

Visitors dining here can enjoy classical and modern dishes showcasing the contemporary approach to food. By expertly selecting ingredients and highlighting their natural flavours, the chefs aim to create a menu that aligns with Lithuanian dining traditions. Moreover, the restaurant kitchen uses only local produce as well as exceptional foreign ingredients, all for creating perfect flavours, much like a vanilla blossom.

Guests can always enjoy their dining inside. However, during the summer, it’s worth trading the cosy indoor spaces for the pleasant outdoor area! During the high season, Vanille Lounge opens its doors to a lush courtyard terrace, where more than 120 people can sit at the tables.

Gurmanai
Užupio g. 30, Vilnius

Gurmanai is a genuine food restaurant in the Užupis neighbourhood, where highly experienced Chef Dainius Špakauskas invites guests to feel like at home. Here, diners can enjoy top-quality food, unique & refined flavours, and a cosy atmosphere.

What can you expect for appetizers at Gurmanai? Choose from crispy homemade duck rolls, seared salmon sashimi, spicy trout tostadas, beef tataki with yuzu-miso cream, and other menu offerings. Looking for something heartier? Enjoy forest mushrooms in a coconut-teriyaki sauce, Togarashi beef cheeks, Mojito lamb rump steak, or dry-aged beef sirloin in a peppery truffle sauce – each dish will surely surprise even the most seasoned foodies. For those seeking even more unique experiences, various tastings are also available.

The restaurant’s stylish setting suits a variety of occasions. However, in summer, you might prefer to spend more time outdoors. That’s why Gurmanai offers a cosy terrace in the charming Užupis courtyard, open throughout the warm season!

Offerings at Vilnius restaurants may change. View the latest menus here.