(9 June 2026) – The Michelin Guide has published its restaurant ratings for Lithuania for the third time. In total, the 2026 Michelin Guide for Lithuania recommends 44 restaurants, including five one-star establishments, eight that have been awarded the Bib Gourmand for their high-quality cuisine offering excellent value for money, and three that are part of the ‘Mindful Voices’ community.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, said: “Of the three Baltic states, Lithuania has the liveliest and most dynamic restaurant scene. This is reflected both in the number of new entries this year and in the awarding of two new stars. The ten new recommendations cover a wide range of culinary styles – from Lithuanian cuisine to Japanese and American, as well as French and Italian influences – ensuring that both locals and visitors have a wide choice. The awarding of two new stars also underlines the high quality of the country’s gastronomy. Together with the three existing one-star restaurants, all of which have retained their awards this year – one of them under new culinary leadership – this represents a huge boost for the Lithuanian restaurant scene.”

One star

Stars are awarded to restaurants that offer outstanding cuisine. Five universal criteria are taken into account: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavours, the mastery of cooking techniques, the chef’s personality – as expressed in their cuisine – and, equally important, the consistency of quality both across the entire menu and over time. Two new restaurants have been awarded a star for 2026: one has been promoted from the general selection, whilst the other is included in the Guide for the first time.

‘Deep Roots’in Vilnius is newly included in the selection with one star. The name reflects the restaurant’s entire philosophy, in which concepts such as ‘home’, ‘connection’ and ‘roots’ shape the experience. The highly original and flavourful dishes surprise and delight in equal measure; they are inspired by chef Andrius Kubilius’s childhood memories – in particular, his great-grandmother’s recipes. The dishes are served with detailed explanations, and many of the ingredients come from the restaurant’s own farm.

“Red Brick”in Radiškis, which was already part of the selection, has also been awarded a star. The restaurant is situated in a beautiful barn in the middle of a sprawling working farm (around 700 hectares) – wonderfully secluded and about an hour’s drive from Vilnius. Here, produce from their own crops and livestock is used. The refined dishes are skilfully balanced; head chef Ignas Damanskas carefully incorporates numerous Asian influences without overpowering the main ingredient. His vegetable dishes are particularly noteworthy.

All three restaurants, which were awarded a star in the very first guide, have now retained this accolade for the third year running.

Bib Gourmand

The ‘Bib Gourmand’ award – named after the Michelin Man, whose official name is Bibendum – recognises restaurants that offer high-quality food at excellent value for money. One restaurant is receiving this award for the first time.

“Pievos”is situated in the picturesque spa town of Birštonas on the riverbank, 30 km south of Kaunas. It is a charming little spot that combines a flower shop, a café and a cosy restaurant. The team runs the restaurant with genuine warmth and care; this – together with the lush greenery – creates a wonderful, local atmosphere. The cuisine is dictated by the seasons: the bright, colourful dishes are not only a visual delight but also taste superb. Alongside guests enjoying a full meal, you’ll always find plenty of regulars popping in for a coffee and a slice of cake from the display.

This brings the total number of Bib Gourmand restaurants in the area to seven, all of which have retained their awards for another year.

Special Awards

The Michelin Special Awards recognise outstanding individuals who, thanks to their boundless passion and great skill, turn a restaurant visit into an unforgettable experience.

• Young Chef Award – Ignas Damanskas from“Red Brick”in Radiškis: Ignas Damanskas joined “Red Brick” as head chef at the end of 2025 and immediately caught the eye of the MICHELIN Guide inspectors. His philosophy fits perfectly with the ethos of this restaurant, which is closely linked to its own farm – and is also a member of our “Mindful Voices” community – whilst bringing with him experience from top-class restaurants. Although he is a native of Lithuania, his culinary approach is cosmopolitan and incorporates a variety of international elements. He serves some of his dishes personally, and his enthusiasm is palpable when he talks about the inspiration behind them. It is therefore no surprise that “Red Brick” has been awarded its first MICHELIN star under his leadership.
• Service Award – Paulius Žekonis from“Nüman”in Kaunas: “Nüman” is one of those restaurants where guests feel at home from the very first moment. The service team exudes a relaxed calm whilst always keeping everything under control; the staff take the time to chat and really get to know their guests, without neglecting efficiency in their work. Their personalities contribute to the wonderful atmosphere, and guests feel that they would still be remembered even if they returned in a few weeks’ time – which will most likely be the case.
• Sommelier Award – Ignatij Semionov from‘Saint-Malo’in Vilnius: To complement the French classics on the menu at ‘Saint-Malo’, sommelier Ignatij Semionov presents a selection of over 400 French wines. In addition to numerous top winemakers, producers and châteaux – including mature Bordeaux wines – the range includes more than 30 wines by the glass as well as a special selection of wines that pair particularly well with oysters. Despite his young age, Semionov possesses in-depth expertise and a great passion for his craft; he also stands out for his friendly and enthusiastic manner. As one of the most accomplished sommeliers in the Baltic region, his approachable manner and broad horizons lend both depth and lightness to the wine pairing experience.
• Award for New Opening of the Year – Rokas Vasiliauskas from SIJA in Kaunas: SIJA, one of Lithuania’s newest openings, opened its doors in December 2025. After training abroad, head chef Rokas Vasiliauskas returned to his homeland to open this charming restaurant together with his partner Greta Rutkauskaitė. The restaurant is a labour of love for the couple, and the passion they have for this place is palpable to every guest; the MICHELIN Guide inspectors were impressed by the warm welcome, the natural service and the affectionate farewell. Vasiliauskas’ visually striking, modern Lithuanian dishes are rooted in the country’s cultural heritage and inspired by his childhood memories.