Must-see restaurants in The Baltic States

  • Nineteen18

    Vilnius

    Helmed by renowned chef Matas Paulinas, this is one of Lithuania's most memorable dining experiences. The pared-down decor contrasts vividly with the…

  • NOA

    Tallinn

    It's worth the trek out to the far side of Pirita to reach this top-notch waterside restaurant, which consistently backs up its elevated reputation…

  • Halės Market

    Vilnius

    Traditional market stalls mingle effortlessly with on-trend cafes at Halės Turgavietė, one of the city's oldest food markets, staffed by Russian traders…

  • Kuur

    Western Estonia & the Islands

    The name means 'shed', but this delightful harbourside restaurant easily confounds any low expectations that name sets. Smoking its own fish, welcoming…

  • Wunderland

    Latvia

    This bamboo hut is one of the best places on the coast to revel in the summer beach vibe. Right on the beach, it's a surfer hang-out where you can hear…

  • Moksha

    Kaunas

    Moksha reels you in with ambient, plucked-string music, chilli-spiked aromas and personable service. The young hotshot chef from Kerala cooks everything…

  • Saula

    Vilnius

    Lithuanian staples find elegant expression at this contemporary cellar restaurant: herring with dill foam, duck drizzled with blackcurrant and buckthorn…

  • Panorama Gourmet

    Vilnius

    Vilnius' best food court, inside the eponymous shopping mall, is a favourite haunt of local foodies. Standout offerings include steaks by Bučeris, Gan Bei…

  • Etno Dvaras

    Vilnius

    Yes, this is a chain. Yes, the cutesy 'Lithuanian countryside' theme is over the top. But we love this temple to Lithuanian stodge with all our hearts…

  • Uoksas

    Kaunas

    There's an organic quality to the decor – lots of plants, chairs covered in faux lichen – the menu changes according to the seasons and chef Artūras…

  • Retro

    Western Estonia & the Islands

    The menu at this stylish little cafe-bar is deceptively simple (mainly burgers, with a few wraps, soups and seafood dishes thrown in), but Retro's kitchen…

  • Sweet Root

    Vilnius

    Led by the seasons, Sweet Root pairs locally sourced ingredients – pike and nettles, beetroot leaves and chanterelles – and presents them in a smart…

  • Ieti

    Kaunas

    The chef here has a light and sure touch, and a flair for ingredient pairings that sees mostly locally sourced meat and fresh produce transformed into…

  • 36.Line

    Jūrmala

    Popular local chef Lauris Alekseyevs delivers modern twists on traditional Latvian dishes and fresh seafood at this innovative restaurant occupying a…

  • Romnesa Ignalina

    Lithuania

    On the western outskirts of Ignalina, Romnesa really delivers when it comes to creative Lithuanian cuisine. The Old Testament–thick menu features such…

  • Šturmų Švyturys

    Vilnius

    Serving only wild-caught fish (eel, bream etc) from the Curonian Lagoon, this nautically themed restaurant feeds you whatever happens to be fresh on the…

  • Aparjods

    Latvia

    The namesake hotel's popular restaurant serves an excellent range of Latvian and European specials made with locally sourced ingredients. Service is…

  • Balzac

    Vilnius

    This faithfully français bistro serves classic French dishes in an elegantly distressed setting: melt-in-mouth duck confit with lentils, tournedos de…

  • Momo Grill

    Klaipėda

    This tiny, modern, minimalist steakhouse has an equally minimalist menu. There are three appetisers (beef tartare, burrata mozzarella salad and green…

  • Konditoreja Daigas

    Latvia

    Set back off pedestrianised Liepājas iela, this small one-woman bakery has fabulous baked goods at amazing prices. In between customers, the baker can be…

  • Monai

    Klaipėda

    As Klaipėda's go-to place for on-trend Modern European cuisine, Monai's serves classic pairings of ingredients (scallops with pea puree, pike-perch with…

  • Vila Komoda

    Lithuania

    Found inside the intimate boutique hotel owned by renowned Lithuanian chef Martynas Meidus, Palanga's best restaurant is also in Lithuania's top five…

  • Monte Pacis

    Kaunas

    Not only do you get to dine amid 17th-century baroque splendour, but you get to feast on the creations of chef Rokas Vasiliauskas, a member of the new…

  • 5 Taškai

    Lithuania

    A snug wooden cottage hides a thimble-sized restaurant consisting of just three tables. As an Italian restaurant, it's a model of its kind: the short menu…

  • Cēsu Maize

    Latvia

    This tiny craft bakery is always warm, humid and redolent with the scents of freshly baking bread. Hearty loaves made with whole grains and rye are close…

  • Ali Šokoladinė

    Vilnius

    There's a designer boutique feel to this place, where customers are as likely to sip a coffee or glass of wine beneath the crimson splashes of…

  • Cafe Imbir

    Latvia

    Resplendent in white, this city-centre cafe has a couple of tables out front on the street. Inside you'll find excellent coffee, daily specials, light…

  • Kārumnieks

    Latvia

    Buy a treat for your stroll along the waterfront or just escape the drizzle in the warm confines of this old family-run bakery known for its tasty cakes,…

  • Ku Kuu

    Western Estonia & the Islands

    Occupying the elegant 1889 Spa Hall from which it takes its name (Ku Kuu is short for Kuressaare Kuursaal), this is Saaremaa's loveliest dining room. The…

  • Bona Lounge

    Lithuania

    With mostly unobstructed views of the castle, Bona has the best sunset seats in town. The ubiquitous kibinai (Karaite pasties) aside, the short and sweet…

  • Leja

    Lithuania

    There's a touch of the belle époque about Leja, from the rococo-style armchairs to the chandeliers and the mellow tinkling of the background piano. The…

  • Alaus Kelias

    Lithuania

    Next to the Rinkuškiai Brewery, the town's best and most popular restaurant is all heavy wooden beams, stone walls and beer hall ambience. You can get 15…

  • A-Petit

    Lithuania

    There are many things to like about this bistro: the appealing garden setting and mismatched furniture, the friendly staff and a menu full of expertly…

  • Mr Biskvīts

    Latvia

    Mr Biskvīts' candy-striped lair is filled with delicious cakes and pastries, but it's also a good spot for a cooked breakfast, a lunchtime soup or…

  • ManGi Hot Dogs

    Kaunas

    Minimalist decor, hot dogs made with Angus beef and topped with imaginative toppings, plus Dutch fries, oyster shooters and the finest Lithuanian craft…

  • Hapsal Dietrich

    Western Estonia & the Islands

    A reboot of a famous, early-20th-century Haapsalu bakery-cafe of the same name, Dietrich is clearly a labour of love, with elements of 1920s and 1930s…

  • Siļķītes un Dillītes

    Maskavas Forštate, Avotu Iela & Grīziņkalns

    If exploring the fish stalls at the Rīga Central Market puts you in the mood for some excellent fresh seafood, you're in luck. Right next to the fish hall…

  • Kolm Sibulat

    Tallinn

    A judicious hand in the kitchen respectfully reinterprets the cuisines of China, India and Southeast Asia, scattering European staples such as schnitzel…

  • Raimond

    Western Estonia & the Islands

    Named for Estonian composer Raimond Valgre, this is the Hedon Spa & Hotel's night-time fine-diner. At the rear of the complex, opening onto the beach, it…

  • Gyoza

    Vilnius

    All clean lines and edgy contemporary art, this thimble-sized, charcoal-and-crimson dumpling bar serves five types of moreish gyoza (Japanese dumplings)…