Vilnius invites everyone to experience the rebirth of Lithuanian cuisine at this year’s highly anticipated Gastronomy Week 2024, taking place from November 4th to November 10th. The festival gathers some of the nation’s top chefs, who will present “Lithuanian Flavors”-themed tasting menus showcasing the best of Lithuanian culinary heritage alongside innovative twists on traditional ingredients.
This autumn, Vilnius welcomes food lovers and culinary enthusiasts to join in celebrating the 14th Lithuanian Gastronomy Week. This year’s event pays homage to the country’s culinary history while emphasizing modern techniques and creativity. With “Lithuanian Flavors” as the central theme, the festival shines a spotlight on the skill and creativity of local chefs, several of whom received recognition in The Michelin Guide Lithuania 2024.
Michelin-awarded and recommended restaurants, including Nineteen18, 14 Horses, Stikliai, Stebuklai, and Fabrikėlis, along with other esteemed Vilnius establishments, will participate in this year’s Gastronomy Week. Guests can expect exclusive menus that blend traditional Lithuanian ingredients with innovative, contemporary culinary techniques, creating a memorable exploration of flavors rooted in Lithuania’s culture and history.
With over 58 restaurants in Vilnius participating in this year’s Lithuanian Gastronomy Week 2024, along with many others across Lithuania, visitors have an exciting opportunity to explore diverse tasting menus that celebrate Lithuanian culinary heritage, innovation, and locally sourced ingredients.
Highlights of Gastronomy Week in Vilnius
Michelin-Starred Dining at Nineteen18
Awarded a Michelin star in 2024, Nineteen18 invites guests to experience the flavors and traditions of Lithuania. Led by head chef Andrius Kubilius, Nineteen18 uses locally sourced ingredients prepared with both traditional and modern techniques. Each dish tells a story of Lithuania’s culinary past, brought to life in a fine dining experience.
Historic Lithuanian Cuisine at Ertlio Namas
At Ertlio Namas, head chef Tomas Rimvydis brings noble Lithuanian cuisine to the table, inspired by Lithuania’s historic estates. Highlights include dishes like homemade bread with beets, pheasant with apple and rowanberry sauce, and a unique pear dessert with Jerusalem artichoke ice cream, each creatively reinterpreting Lithuanian culinary traditions.
Nordic-Lithuanian Flavors at PACAI
Located in a restored noble mansion, PACAI offers an elegant dining experience with head chef Goda Juknaitė blending Nordic and Lithuanian flavors. Using local ingredients like caraway and dill, menu highlights include venison tataki with lingonberries and smoked trout doughnuts, emphasizing the seasonal diversity of Lithuanian cuisine.
Seasonal Creations at Telegrafas
Telegrafas, featured in the 2024 Michelin Guide, showcases autumn flavors through chef Justinas Kapkovičius’s creative use of seasonal ingredients. Dishes such as Jerusalem artichoke with King Oyster mushrooms and a chocolate dessert with black currants and beets highlight both traditional and modern techniques.
Jewish Culinary Heritage at The Beigel Shop
During the festival, The Beigel Shop will highlight Jewish influences on Lithuanian cuisine through a guided tour titled “In the Footsteps of Jerusalem of Lithuania.” This includes a tasting dinner with traditional Jewish-Lithuanian dishes like forshmak (chopped herring), Challah bread, and bagels, believed to have originated in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
Throughout Gastronomy Week, each restaurant will feature fresh, local produce and showcase Lithuania’s unique fusion of culinary history and modern innovation. This exceptional event offers food enthusiasts from near and far the chance to experience the finest of Lithuanian cuisine in Vilnius.