The MICHELIN Guide Arrives in Lithuania

Michelin is pleased to announce that Lithuania is the latest gourmet destination to be joining The MICHELIN Guide family. The largest of the three Baltic States, it will complete the coverage of the region by joining the existing Estonian and Latvian restaurant selections.

The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors have been exploring Lithuania extensively, in pursuit of the country’s best restaurants, including, amongst other regions: the port city of Klaipėda, located where the Danė River meets the Baltic Sea, and whose Old Town boasts wonderful 18^th Century wood-framed buildings; Trakai, a town set within the historic National Park, where the spectacular 14^th Century Trakai Island Castle sits at the centre of Lake Galvė; the elegant city of Kaunas, located at the confluence of the Neris and Nemunas Rivers, and renowned for its medieval fortress, cathedral, gothic spires and impressive Modernist architecture  (recently included in the UNESCO World Heritage list); and, of course, Vilnius, the historic and evocative capital city characterised by a stunning mix of Gothic, Renaissance, Classical and Baroque architectures.

On their travels, the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors have sampled both classic and modern dishes, ranging from those with native roots, to those with French, Italian and Indian influences; from a delicious bagel in the market to exemplary tasting menus showcasing the finest local and seasonal produce. Preserving plays a key role, be it meat, fish or vegetables, which are kept and used during the cooler months, while whole beasts and ingredients are increasingly being used from nose-to-tail or root-to-tip.

The first Lithuanian restaurant selection of The MICHELIN Guide will be unveiled during a special event, to be held on 13^th June 2024 at the Pirkliu Club in Vilnius.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guides, commented: ”With the launch of the Lithuania Guide, we are proud to complete The MICHELIN Guide selection for the Baltic Countries, providing a comprehensive resource when it comes to top-quality dining experiences in this region. This new selection will shine a light on the uniqueness of Lithuania’s restaurants, promoting the country’s talented chefs and embracing their passion, creativity and respect for local culinary traditions. Our Inspectors are currently finalising the first selection, which we look forward to sharing with food-lovers from around the world.”

The arrival of The MICHELIN Guide in Lithuania is supported by The Ministry of Economy and Innovation, whose Minister Aušrinė Armonaitė said: "Lithuania excels on the global stage, not only for its historical heritage and lush, green landscapes but also for its authentic culinary experiences now recognised by The MICHELIN Guide. This recognition, woven into the rich tapestry of our culture and celebrated alongside Vilnius’s 700^th anniversary and Kaunas’s UNESCO-listed modernist architecture, underscores our unparalleled blend of culture, nature and culinary excellence. It extends an open invitation to explore the depth of Lithuania’s unique identity, offering discerning travellers a comprehensive experience that seamlessly marries quality with tradition and innovation."

The MICHELIN Guide Methodology

The MICHELIN Guide was created in 1900 by the Michelin tyre company to support the growth of automobile mobility. Since then, it has remained loyal to its original mission: to settle in gastronomic destinations, to guide international travellers and local foodies to the best restaurants, to highlight world culinary scenes and to promote travel culture.

The restaurant selection of The MICHELIN Guide Lithuania will be made independently by the anonymous Michelin Inspectors, following the Guide's historical and global methodology.

Only the quality of the cuisine offered by the restaurants will be assessed by the Inspectors, according to the Guide’s 5 international criteria:

• The quality of the produce

• The mastery of cooking techniques

• The harmony of flavours

• The personality of the chef as expressed through the cuisine

• Consistency, both across the entire menu and over time

The MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Selection

The MICHELIN Guide conveys its restaurant reviews through an extensive system of distinctions, which are awarded to particularly special restaurants within its full selection. The most famous distinctions are its globally renowned MICHELIN Stars, which are awarded to restaurants offering the best culinary experiences. One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants for ‘high-quality cooking that is worth a stop’, Two MICHELIN Stars for ‘excellent cooking that is worth a detour’ and Three MICHELIN Stars for ‘exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey’.

Alongside the coveted Star ratings, the selection also includes the popular Bib Gourmand category – a distinction awarded to restaurants that provide good quality food at a great price – as well as the MICHELIN Green Star, which is awarded to role-model restaurants who commit to taking a fully sustainable approach to gastronomy.

The full restaurant selection of The MICHELIN Guide Lithuania will be available exclusively in digital format – alongside all the other global restaurant and hotel selections – on the MICHELIN Guide website and free mobile app.