Although the centre of Vilnius is jam-packed with restaurants serving up a wide range of cuisines from middle-eastern and Indian to traditional Lithuanian, the vast majority of eateries tend towards the standard Eastern European fare of stodgy dumplings, meat chops and dairy-covered potatoes, with an increasing number catering to tourists with traditional Lithuanian fare such as cepelinai, koldunai and blynai, in faux-folksy surroundings. They can be as far from vegan and vegetarian-friendly as you can get.
However, like many other major cities, the vegan restaurant scene in Vilnius is booming, with a number of places in the old town now heaving with meat-free options, especially in the area concentrated around the University. So, if you’re looking for some meat-free dining in Vilnius, here are a few of my favourite vegan and vegetarian spots.
GYVAS Baras
GYVAS Baras is a 100% vegan restaurant nestled away close to the university district. Originally started in 2015 as a Vegetarian cafe, it quickly switched to a fully vegan menu to become Lithuania’s first all-vegan cafe after just a few months. On an evening the restaurant has a slightly hip ‘dive bar’ feel, albeit a dive bar that is adorned with posters advertising pro-vegan slogans.
They offer a huge range of burgers with everything from faux fish and chicken to tofu, seitan and portobello mushrooms, However, the menu is changed fairly often, meaning you will always find a new appetizer or starter to try. The bar is also well-stocked with a great selection of Lithuanian beers.
Zatar Falafel and Hummus
Zatar Falafel and Hummus is a bright and modern middle-eastern restaurant located down the wide boulevard of Vokiečių g. in the heart of the old town. Although the menu predictably focuses on – you guessed it – falafel and hummus, they do have a few different options for how you can have it served; salads, pitas, and wraps as well as a range of different hummus and sauce options.
Rosehip Vegan Bistro
Who said that Vegan cafes have to be all hippy designs or new-age chic? Rose Hip, possibly my favourite veggie eatery in Vilnius, bucks that trend by being awash with electric pinks and incredibly Instagrammable neon signs. Although Rosehip can be a little more pricey than most of the other places on this list, this stylish restaurant is definitely worth it for their delicious tofu burgers, Asian Salad and tofu quinoa Buddha bowl. They also offer a great selection of local craft beers.
Vegafe
One of the city’s most popular and enduring veggie spots, Vegafe has two locations in Vilnius’ city centre; one just a short walk from the Rotuse (City Hall Square), and another a little closer to the Neris, but just a five minute walk away from Cathedral Square on Totorių, which is quickly becoming a hub of great vegetarian restaurants in the city.
Although Vegafe isn’t strictly vegan, they work on ayurvedic principles, meaning that, as well as avoiding meat or fish, eggs, margarine, broth cubes, mushrooms, yeast, gelatine, garlic and onions are also missing from the menu. Any dairy that is used is locally sourced and comes directly from the farm. This doesn’t mean that the menu is boring though, as the menu offers a range of cuisine such as Indian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Tibetan and more Western dishes. The pasties and momos both come highly recommended.
Chaika Cafe / Chaika Cafe No. 2
Chaika is a quirky tea room & cafe selling cakes, tea, and freshly roasted coffee from the excellent Crooked Nose Roasters. They offer a variety of plant-based milk, as well as a range of fully vegan desserts. Although the vegan cakes may be what get you through the door, the Soviet Kitsch interior will have you coming back with its turf-covered walls, communist-era tableware and retro trinkets.
Vieta
Ironically located next to the ‘Meat Lover’s Pub’, Vieta is a small, kitsch vegetarian restaurant serving simple, vegetarian food, normally to the sound of hip hop beats blaring from the sound system. Its cosy atmosphere and proximity to the University make Vieta very popular with local students.
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Hope to enjoy a group walking holiday in Vilinus in 2022,with emphasis on friendship and vegetarian cuisine and local craft beers after an enjoyable days walk and various attractions.