The Iberian Peninsula is the geographical homeland of Spain and Portugal, enchanting visitors not just with its beauty of nature, cultural authenticity, and charming atmosphere, but also with distinctive gastronomy. Deep-rooted culinary traditions, the use of the freshest ingredients, skilful flavour combinations, and alluring aromas – that's where the magic lies!
Fortunately, discovering this charming authenticity and indulging in a vacation-like gastronomic experiences is easily done right here in Vilnius! So, follow Tablein guide's recommendations for must-visit Spanish and Portuguese restaurants that will impress even the most discerning food enthusiasts!
El Mercado
Didžioji str. 3, Vilnius
El Mercado, situated right in the heart of the Old Town, is a gastronomic space that radiates the energy of a Spanish market. Much like in Spain itself, there's a never-ending buzz! Experience culinary mastery, intoxicating aromas, and a lively atmosphere: to truly feel the charm, dine in the restaurant or gastropub, and explore the gourmet shop!
El Mercado menu showcases the boldest flavours of Spanish cuisine, certain to captivate even the pickiest gourmands. Your dining experience can commence here with legendary tapas, served both cold and hot. Would you like oysters with green lemon air, sturgeon caviar-topped shrimp carpaccio or charred vegetables in almond sauce? Perhaps you'd savour slowly cooked Iberian meat soup, cod doughnuts, roasted squid, legendary patatas bravas, or chorizo sausages simmered in apple cider? And, these are just some of the legendary Spanish appetisers served at El Mercado!
Later on, hearty dishes may take a centre stage, with options ranging from gourmet paella to impressive meat, fish, and seafood delicacies. You can indulge in dishes like Iberian pork cheek with truffle millefeuille, beef cuts accompanied by duck liver, a plate of grilled seafood, mussels in creamy sauce, or Basque-style fish – all allowing you to experience Spain anew right here.
PULPO Tapas Bar
Stiklių str. 16, Vilnius
Just as the name suggests, PULPO Tapas Bar is a Spanish tapas restaurant, that weaves gourmet tales of the sunny region into every bite. Nestled cosily on a narrow Old Town street, it invites guests to enjoy food and experience the southern spirit, all in a vacation-like ambience.
Guests are welcomed here by a menu filled with iconic Spanish appetisers, perfect for sharing, tasting, enjoying. From the crispy pan con tomato bread to corn snacks, cod or chorizo croquettes, patatas bravas, padrón peppers, fried chupadedos olives, tiger prawns al ajillo, tempura squid, and Iberico spare ribs – no matter your choice, you won't be disappointed! Raw delicacy enthusiasts will also appreciate the curated selection of oysters, sashimi, and tartare.
While PULPO Tapas Bar focuses on tapas, the menu also offers salads, soups, and main courses to enjoy, such as classic gazpacho, the legendary octopus a la gallega, or beef steak.
California
Subačiaus str. 2, Vilnius
California is a legendary restobar in Vilnius that has been delighting guests with its unique fusion of Spanish and American cuisines for over a decade. Diners here are greeted by a unique USA-inspired interior, which beautifully contrasts with the fresh and light Mediterranean choices found on the menu.
Spanish cuisine takes centre stage here. Gourmet tapas, soups as well as main courses: the emotions they evoke may be even more enhanced by their pairings with choices from the sommelier-curated wine list.
Whether you opt for delicate oysters, classic pimientos de padrón peppers, jalapeño doughnuts, roasted chorizo-olive tapenade, tiger prawns al ajillo, or chorizo cooked in wine, each choice will mark the beginning of a gourmet journey.
As your gastronomic adventure at California continues, you can further explore Spanish flavours that range from Basque seafood soup to Pollo flamenco chicken with an almond crust and seafood platter. However, if you desire a truly dynamic dining experience, consider pairing Spanish tapas with the exciting discoveries of American cuisine!
Galo Do Porto
Aušros Vartų str. 11, Vilnius
Galo Do Porto is the sole Portuguese cuisine restaurant in Lithuania, captivating food enthusiasts with its impressive gastronomy for over a decade. Here, southern flavours blend seamlessly with an authentic atmosphere, and the genuine love for Portugal from the owners creates experiences that even the pickiest diners truly appreciate.
The menu at Galo Do Porto expresses a deep respect for authenticity, offering guests the chance to savour traditional Portuguese dishes. From bacalhau or beef cheek doughnuts to stuffed squid, home-marinated Portuguese sardines, tuna tartare, and duck breast with port wine glaze, delicious appetisers mark the beginning of an unforgettable culinary journey.
For the main course, expect a diverse range of gourmet choices, including fish, seafood, poultry, and meat delicacies. Whether you choose traditional espetadas skewers, celebrated cataplana stews, a shrimp skillet, wine-braised ox tails, pulled dried cod, a seafood platter, roasted octopus, or chorizo sausages, each option will instantly transport you to Portugal!
Menu items at restaurants may change, so check here for the latest offerings.