Gone are the days when vegetarians were limited to choosing basic salads or settling for side dishes typically accompanying meat courses. Today, the situation has completely changed. Restaurants in Vilnius indulge vegetarians with expertly crafted masterpieces that provide both fine dining experience and unique flavours from exotic cuisines.
Even places primarily focused on meat dishes now include meatless options on their menu. And yes, these culinary delights can confidently be compared with the high gastronomy scenes of London or New York.
So, wondering where to find the most exclusive vegetarian dishes? Check out this list of must-visit restaurants in Vilnius, perfectly catering to vegetarians!
Fabrikėlis
Pasakų str. 9, Vilnius
Fabrikėlis is much more than a mere restaurant; it stands as a creative food lab devoted to modern Baltic regional cuisine. By exclusively prioritising seasonal produce from Lithuanian farmers, the majority of whom cultivate organic farms, guests here are treated to a selection of local flavours, both familiar and innovative.
The restaurant's menu changes with the seasons, while gastronomic creativity seamlessly intertwines with aesthetics. Most importantly, guests can enjoy diverse choices, including fish or meat dishes and vegetarian delicacies.
Strawberry soup paired with horseradish, basil, and feta. A mushroom basket complemented by porcini-coffee filling. Broccoli in cherry tomato sauce. Tomato delicacy with red peppers, blueberries, and hot peppers. The creativity here shines through in the subtlest details and the perfect harmony of ingredients, creating a sensation worth experiencing for every vegetarian food enthusiast.
Džiaugsmas
Vilniaus str. 28-19, Vilnius
Restaurant Džiaugsmas, being recognised as one of the best restaurants in Lithuania for years, is a creative space of the country's brightest chef, Martynas Praškevičius.
Here, guests are treated not only to modern gastronomy. The place also offers a dynamic culinary experience: the menu reflects micro-seasonality by shaping food choices based on the freshest produce, which may vary almost daily.
While this bistro takes pride in its meat and fish delicacies, it also warmly welcomes those with alternative dietary preferences to discover their own joy here.
Artichokes in pine-nut cream; dumplings with mascarpone, spring vegetables, and egg yolk sauce; tomato delicacy complemented by cheese, raspberries, and pistachios; cauliflower with pistachio cream and burnt butter – these gastronomic delights are just a glimpse of what can be expected on arrival, as the selection of vegetarian dishes at the restaurant changes constantly too.
Da Antonio
Vilniaus str. 23, Vilnius
Da Antonio is the Meschino family restaurant, cherishing modern Italian cuisine for nearly three decades.
Here, local farm products seamlessly blend with imported ingredients from Italy and skilful combinations of different cooking techniques lend dishes an exceptional elegance of flavours. The creative processes in the restaurant's kitchen are taken care of by the long-standing chef, Dmitrij Babenko, who not only unveils the brightest colours of Italian culinary art but has also perfected the recipe for pasta dough.
Even though the fine dining menu is rich in various meat, seafood, and poultry dishes, there are also unmissable choices for vegetarians. What should you try when you come here? The Italian burrata appetiser served with smoky eggplants, onion jam, datterini tomatoes and hazelnuts, as well as fresh truffle-topped homemade tagliolini!
PACAI
Didžioji str. 7, Vilnius
Stylish, history and elegance-radiating restaurant PACAI is an exceptional oasis of haute cuisine in the Old Town of Vilnius. Located within the hotel of the same name, it subtly tells the stories of the aristocracy during the Baroque era.
The meticulously crafted menu of this fine dining restaurant beautifully captures the harmonious blend of seasonal wild elements from the Baltic region, locally sourced farm produce, and the freshest gourmet ingredients. The array of choices is diverse, bringing delight to both omnivores and guests with specific dietary preferences.
Within the gourmet menu, vegetarian dishes take the spotlight, enchanting even the most omnivorous palates with their refined tastes. Craving a delicacy to kick off the evening? Indulge in a mushroom basket accompanied by a mushroom emulsion. In search of novel flavour discoveries? Savour the grilled leeks enhanced with caramelised onions and pistachios. And for a satisfying chef's masterpiece? Enjoy the cauliflower prepared with walnuts and a vegan demi-glace sauce.
Telegrafas
Universiteto str. 14, Vilnius
Located in Grand Hotel Vilnius hotel, restaurant Telegrafas offers an exceptional gastronomic experience in the heart of Vilnius, next to Cathedral Square. Combining culinary masterpieces, professional service, elegant environment, and breathtaking views through the windows, it provides the perfect opportunity to indulge in an international level of fine dining.
The refined menu presents a variety of options, ranging from fresh oysters or delicate caviar paired with champagne to high-quality meats and diverse seafood dishes prepared using different techniques.
Here, every guest is given special attention, ensuring that gastronomic delights also await vegetarians. Craving a snack? Try the gourmet Pecorino tartlet with young zucchini, truffles, and fennel-apple sauce. If you're in the mood for something heartier, opt for the chef's special dish – a skilfully prepared cauliflower steak accompanied by cauliflower textures, miso, mint oil, and smoked green grapes.
Kinza
Naugarduko str. 14, Vilnius
Located in the Naujamiestis district, Kinza is a restaurant of Central Asian cuisines that has been cherished by Vilnius residents and city guests for a decade. The emphasis here is put on authenticity, ensuring that only the ingredients and techniques from the longstanding culinary traditions of the represented lands make it onto the plates. The gastronomic heritage in this restaurant shines through the expertise of the kitchen masters, the use of original spices, and the sourcing of the highest quality products from Lithuanian farmers.
For Central Asian cuisine enthusiasts who prefer vegetarian options, Kinza is a true gastronomic paradise. It's challenging to select just one meatless dish that deserves the biggest attention because they are all exceptional. The menu offers a variety of unique meze options, ranging from baba ganoush, hummus, and tabbouleh to suzma, muchamara, kailia, or kimchi. It's so good to enjoy them with on-place baked bread!
Additionally, the restaurant delights with authentically prepared vegetarian pilaf, pumpkin-filled manty, roasted eggplant with tahini sauce, and falafels that are probably the best in city.
La Capital
Saltoniškių str. 7C, Vilnius
La Capital is a restaurant in Vilnius offering a unique Mexican culinary experience. Here, traditions unfold in the bright lights of contemporary culinary art that is skilfully juggled by Mexican chef Alexis Hernández Maldonado.
At this restaurant, guests are invited to explore the undiscovered flavours of even the most famous Mexican dishes. Guacamole, tortillas, tostadas, ceviche, pescadillas: all the popular delicacies here are interpreted with originality, creativity, and a gourmet touch.
La Capital menu offers a wide selection of fish, seafood or meat dishes while also catering to vegetarians and vegans with their favourites. The talented chef encourages these diners to rediscover a seemingly ordinary ingredient: cauliflower, infused with a touch of Mexican tradition. Thus, as a satisfying snack, the Vegan Ceviche is worth indulging in, featuring roasted cauliflower and sweet potato duo, complemented by citrus tiger milk, matcha sauce, and cilantro. For the main course, the Coliflor Rostizada is a must-try, consisting of roasted cauliflower served with chickpea puree and matcha sauce.
Užupio picerija
Paupio str. 3, Vilnius
Užupio Picerija is a legendary haven of Italian cuisine, delighting the residents of Vilnius and city guests with authentic Italian flavours for two decades. Whatever gourmet dream you might have, it's very likely to come true here!
Vegetarian Italian cuisine enthusiasts absolutely must visit Užupio Picerija: dining at this restaurant equals a journey to Italy, with a diverse selection of antipasti, salads, pizzas, pasta, ravioli, gnocchi, and desserts.
Everything is worth trying here, but the pizza remains the restaurant's most highly recommended dish. Not only because of the quality ingredients or taste, but also of its status! The pizza in Užupio Picerija is certified by Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana as made according to all authentic Neapolitan traditions.
Pizza offerings? From classic to gourmet! Yet, most importantly, both vegetarians and vegans can find their favourites here.
Justa Pasta
Vokiečių str. 20, Vilnius
Justa Pasta is a restaurant that welcomes guests with modern interpretations of traditional Italian dishes, artfully paired with natural wines.
The menu here is diverse and reveals a charming palette of gourmet delights, also friendly to vegetarians. Enthusiasts of quality appetisers will quickly find their favourites, as will devotees of homemade pasta or ravioli.
When dining at Justa Pasta, it is highly recommended to begin with their unique focaccia, crafted following Neapolitan traditions. Beyond that, the gourmet journey is entirely up to you! The restaurant offers a range of vegetarian options, including artichoke in truffle sauce, stracciatella-covered baked eggplants, hot halloumi cheese served with caramelized pears and maple syrup, as well as homemade truffle-stuffed ravioli accompanied by stracciatella. So, savour, discover, and enjoy!
Casa Peligrosa
Visų Šventųjų str. 5, Vilnius
Casa Peligrosa is a restaurant dedicated to Mexican cuisine, receiving applause from both locals and city guests. Here, the culinary traditions of Mexico are modernly interpreted, and the vaults of a centuries-old monastery give the place its exceptional character.
The restaurant's menu is created for tasting, sharing and enjoying. It features expertly prepared appetisers, gourmet tacos, exquisite main courses, and impressive desserts – each choice brings the joy of gastronomic discoveries. Wish to get even closer to Mexico? Embark on a colourful journey with Margaritas, Micheladas, and Mezcalitas!
Vegetarians are welcomed at Casa Peligrosa with a palette of choices that vary from silky guacamole and vegetarian tacos to a corn crème brûlée, perfectly complementing the evening. However, the real highlight here is the sweet potato main course served with a special mole negro sauce, pomegranates and fresh vegetables. It's a masterpiece that the owners recommend to everyone, even non-vegetarians.
MO bistro
Pylimo str. 17, Vilnius
Nestled within the premises of the MO museum, the artistic MO Bistro promises a truly unique culinary experience. The ambience sparks creativity, which the kitchen professionals showcase flawlessly: the menu, drawing inspiration from local products, features an array of original flavour combinations, with well-known ingredients taking on gourmet roles.
What sets MO Bistro apart is the chef's exceptional attention not only to fish or meat dishes but also to vegetarian options. A must-try highlight on the menu? The miso-glazed roasted cabbage, garnished with hazelnuts and caramelised butter!
For those who prefer not to eat meat or fish, MO Bistro offers a true weekend brunch paradise in Vilnius. How about indulging in overnight-soaked oats served with pears, plums, walnuts, and dill oil? Perhaps you'll be tempted by chickpea pancakes, accompanied by kefir cream, fermented beets, and a poached egg? Or, maybe your choice would be pearl barley porridge with fermented celery root, mushrooms, pickled onions, and kale crisps? The best part is that these gourmet Lithuanian farm-to-table delicacies are just a glimpse of all vegetarian brunch menu options.
Menu items at restaurants may change, so check here for the latest offerings.