Šaltibarščiai, better known as cold pink soup, is a legendary Lithuanian cuisine dish that receives varied attention from foreigners. Some are intrigued by its intense colour, while others express doubt. Yet, this dish contains nothing but the freshest natural ingredients, coming straight from the farmers: all the magic lies in the unique synthesis of beetroots, cucumbers, dill, onion chives, and kefir, all topped with a sliced boiled egg. Always served cold, this pink soup is so refreshing that every Lithuanian enjoys it often during hot summer days.
Are you interested in trying traditional Lithuanian pink soup? Do you want to know which restaurants in Vilnius serve their best versions? Today, some chefs follow the most traditional recipes, while others pleasantly dive into improvisations, giving šaltibarščiai new unexpected flavours. Whether classical or modern, every option is worth every foodie's attention.
As pink soup is a true gastronomic hit in Lithuania, follow Tablein guide's recommendations to discover the best restaurants in Vilnius for šaltibarščiai and get acquainted with their prices.
Šaltibarščiai: a must-try Lithuanian pink soup in Vilnius restaurants
Dine
Gedimino pr. 35, Vilnius
Dine is a modern à la carte restaurant in Vilnius that aims to elegantly showcase the magic of European cuisine through a Lithuanian perspective. The refined menu welcomes guests with seafood, fish, meat, and vegetarian dishes, each made with seasonal delicacies and their unique combinations. Quality here is a prime wheel as sauce-making, butter-churning, bread-baking, and meat-smoking happen all on-site. Another distinctive feature of the restaurant is the expert pairing of dishes with beverages, as Dine takes pride in having one of the finest wine lists in Lithuania.
Price: Pink soup with lightly fermented cucumbers and quail eggs – 10 Eur
Stiklių taverna
Gaono g. 7, Vilnius
Stiklių taverna is an elegant Lithuanian cuisine restaurant that prioritizes traditional recipes and the quality of ingredients. Moreover, the chefs' passion for cooking gives an unexpected touch to familiar flavours. Every dish is refined down to the smallest detail, so this becomes a place where foreign guests choose to acquaint themselves with Lithuanian cuisine. Whether it's the perfected menu of authentic dishes, interior decorated with straw mobiles and linen, 17th-century cellar, outdoor terrace open during the warm season, or concerts by a folk ensemble – all showcase the hosts' determination to represent Lithuanian traditions at the highest level.
Price: Pink soup – 9 Eur
Brussels Mussels Stadium
Rinktinės g. 5, Vilnius
Brussels Mussels Stadium is an iconic Belgian-style restaurant in Vilnius that amazes guests not only with its food flavours but also with the exceptionally extensive selection of speciality beers from Belgium. What's more to it are the stylish spaces, large outdoor terrace, and the atmosphere created by DJs on weekends. So, whether it's a lunch meeting, brunch, special occasion dinner, or a family gathering, every visit to this restaurant becomes an assured choice. And, most importantly, the Belgian menu also includes classics of Lithuanian cuisine.
Price: Pink soup with Belgian fries – 7,5 Eur
California Bar & Restaurant
Subačiaus g. 2, Vilnius
Located in the heart of Vilnius Old Town, California Bar & Restaurant is a unique restaurant that invites guests to celebrate life by tasting champagne, enjoying fresh oysters, and discovering the legendary flavours of Spanish & American cuisines. However, special attention here is given not only to world gastronomy. California Bar & Restaurant also offers the opportunity to enjoy Lithuanian dishes, adding even more charm to the experiences under the Californian sun. Time-tested flavours, a well-curated beverage list, an elegant atmosphere, and a cosy outdoor terrace - perfect for all occasions!
Price: Pink soup – 7 Eur
Neringa
Gedimino pr. 23, Vilnius
Restaurant Neringa is the living legend of Vilnius, treating guests to impressive gastronomy followed by a unique atmosphere for over six decades. In the past, it was frequented by old bohemians and intellectuals, while today this place attracts food enthusiasts seeking quality experiences. The menu here offers a chance to enjoy modern culinary masterpieces as well as time-tested nostalgic dishes, maintaining their authentic recipes up to this day. Adding to the experience, live piano melodies during lunch hours and music evenings on Fridays & Saturdays lift the charm of the Neringa restaurant even more.
Price: Pink soup with roasted potatoes – 7 Eur
SMOKE by Chef the viking
Sporto g. 11, Vilnius
SMOKE by Chef the Viking is the true BBQ house in Vilnius, where every bite of good meat reveals itself with an impressive palette of melting flavours in the mouth. And it's no wonder, as the cuts here come only from the best Lithuanian farmers and are prepared by smoke & fire professionals. Steaks, pulled beef or pork, ribs, sausages, burgers, sandwiches, meat platters, perfect for sharing: all BBQ dreams come true in this place. Although the Vikings prioritize meat, lighter options like various salads or refreshing cold soups are also available to enjoy.
Price: Pink soup – 4-7 Eur
Veranda
Kęstučio g. 39, Vilnius
The Veranda salon-bar, a popular restaurant in the Žvėrynas neighbourhood of Vilnius, has been treating both locals and city guests to its unique garden-like ambience followed by refined culinary interpretations for almost two decades. Inspired by European flavours, the menu here offers a variety of dishes, prioritizing natural ingredients as well as seasonal vegetables sourced from Lithuanian farms. Alongside culinary discoveries, a musical atmosphere fills the air, with each weekend at the Veranda salon-bar crowned by live jazz music.
Price: Pink soup with roasted potatoes – 7,9 Eur
Backstage cafe Naujamiestis
T. Ševčenkos g. 16h-9, Vilnius
Backstage cafe is a unique speciality coffee haven, opening doors to the unexplored world of black gold. Here, guests are invited to acquaint themselves not only with the rich flavours of the highest quality coffee but also with various methods of its preparation. Moreover, visitors have the opportunity to discover global trends of this beverage, masterfully curated by the hosts. While Backstage cafe prioritizes coffee culture, the food menu here is equally impressive, offering a creative gastronomic journey inspired by the most delicious international cuisines.
Price: Pink soup with mint and roasted potatoes – 6 Eur
Kavinė NACIONALINĖ
Gedimino pr. 4, Vilnius
Nacionalinė is not just a café located in the Lithuanian National Drama Theater, but also a gastronomic space treating to creatively revealed global flavours. And most importantly, the culinary geography here, ranging from Lithuania to Italy, Spain, Germany, or Japan, becomes even more unique amidst the ambience of art. As the hosts say, their signature dishes are roasted chicken bone broth, homemade empanadas with various fillings, Kyiv-style chicken, and beef Stroganoff vivant, yet it's worth trying every item on the menu. Not an exception is the cold pink soup, to which roasted beetroots give an even more intense flavour.
Price: Pink soup with roasted beetroots – 6,5 Eur
The House – Vilnius
Vokiečių g. 24, Vilnius
Welcoming guests in the centre of Vilnius, The House is a restaurant where every food enthusiast easily finds their favourites. It's no wonder, as gourmet experiences are crafted here by following the original chef's recipes and prioritizing quality ingredients. Such a concept perfectly unfolds on the food repertoire, featuring a generous selection of traditional, ethnic, as well as exotic dishes. Moreover, The House always welcomes four-legged friends who can enjoy bites from a specially tailored dog menu. Next to gastronomy, diners find cosy spaces, bar culture, and a relaxed atmosphere, all for a memorable experience here.
Price: Pink soup with roasted potatoes – 4,49 Eur
Rotonda
Barboros Radvilaitės g. 6A, Vilnius
Nestled at the foot of Gediminas Castle, Rotonda is a cosy park restaurant that breathes new gastronomic life into the legendary ice cream parlour walls. This place enchants some guests with a nostalgic atmosphere, while others are drawn to modern spaces and contemporary European cuisine. Therefore, after pleasant walks through Vilnius Old Town or Bernardine Garden, all guests find their idyll here. Moreover, every family member is welcome at Rotonda, where the youngest diners can choose from a special children's menu and enjoy entertainment, while the four-legged visitors are always provided with a bowl of fresh water.
Price: Pink soup – 6,5 Eur
Pušynė Food on Fire Vilnius
Nemenčinės pl. 37, Vilnius
Surrounded by the pine trees of Nemenčinė, Pušynė is a distinctive nature restaurant inviting guests to discover time-tested but newly interpreted flavours. The menu here is dominated by gourmet grill dishes, including not only high-quality meat or fresh fish of the day but also options for vegetarians. What's also intriguing is that various edible plants grow within the territory of Pušynė. From aromatic herbs to flowers or wild plants, they also appear in dishes creatively crafted by the chef. Unique flavours, whispering pine trees of Vilnius, and a warmly crackling fire - time spent in this restaurant always becomes unforgettable.
Price: Pink soup with young potatoes – 6,5 Eur
Prices and pink soup options at restaurants in Vilnius may change, so check here for the latest offerings.
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