MICHELIN Guide Lithuania 2026: Two New Stars Shine in a Growing Culinary Destination

The MICHELIN Guide has unveiled its 2026 selection for Lithuania, confirming the country’s steady rise as one of the Baltic region’s most exciting gastronomic destinations. This year’s guide recommends 44 restaurants, including five awarded One MICHELIN Star and eight recognised with a Bib Gourmand for offering exceptional value.

Two New Restaurants Earn a MICHELIN Star

The biggest news from this year’s selection is the addition of two new One-MICHELIN-Star restaurants.

In Vilnius, Deep Roots enters the guide directly with a Star. Chef Andrius Kubilius creates highly original dishes inspired by childhood memories and family recipes, combining bold flavours with ingredients sourced largely from the restaurant’s own farm.

Meanwhile, Red Brick in Radiškis is promoted from the Main Selection to One MICHELIN Star. Located on a vast working farm outside Vilnius, the restaurant showcases estate-grown produce in refined dishes that subtly weave in Asian influences. Under chef Ignas Damanskas, Red Brick has quickly established itself as one of Lithuania’s most compelling dining destinations.

The country’s three existing Starred restaurants all retain their distinction: Demo, Džiaugsmas and Nineteen18, all located in Vilnius.

Pievos Receives New Bib Gourmand

The Bib Gourmand category, which highlights restaurants offering outstanding food at moderate prices, welcomes one new addition for 2026.

Located in the spa town of Birštonas, Pievos combines florist, café and restaurant in one charming space. Seasonal ingredients take centre stage in colourful, flavour-driven dishes that have made it a favourite among both locals and visitors.

The remaining Bib Gourmand restaurants all retain their awards: Augustin, B'ARN Bistro, El Gato Negro, 14Horses, Gaspar’s, Le Travi and Nüman.

Eight New Additions to the Main Selection

Beyond the Starred and Bib Gourmand restaurants, eight establishments join the MICHELIN Guide Lithuania Main Selection:

Buff On, Elēno, OMAKASE by Vaidas Užgerys, Saint-Malo and Skóg in Vilnius; SIJA in Kaunas; and Monist and Palanga in the seaside resort of Palanga.

Their inclusion reflects the increasing diversity and quality of Lithuania’s restaurant landscape.

Special Awards Celebrate Hospitality Excellence

Alongside its restaurant distinctions, MICHELIN also honoured four industry professionals with Special Awards.

Young Chef Award goes to Ignas Damanskas of Red Brick, whose farm-focused cuisine helped secure the restaurant’s first Star.

The Service Award is presented to Paulius Žekonis and the team at Nüman in Kaunas for creating one of the country’s most welcoming dining experiences.

At newly selected Saint-Malo, Ignatij Semionov receives the Sommelier Award thanks to his impressive programme of more than 400 French wines and his approachable expertise.

Finally, the Opening of the Year Award is awarded to Rokas Vasiliauskas, chef-owner of SIJA in Kaunas, which opened only in late 2025 and has already made a strong impression on MICHELIN inspectors.

Mindful Voices Launches in Lithuania

A new development for 2026 is the launch of Mindful Voices, MICHELIN’s editorial platform highlighting hospitality professionals who are redefining sustainability and responsible practices.

Three Lithuanian chefs have been selected for the inaugural community: Ignas Damanskas of Red Brick, Rokas Vasiliauskas of SIJA and Tadas Eidukevičius of Demo. Each was recognised for a strong commitment to local sourcing, sustainability and innovative approaches to reducing waste.

Lithuania Continues Its Culinary Rise

With two new MICHELIN Stars, a fresh Bib Gourmand and a growing number of ambitious restaurants, the 2026 guide confirms Lithuania’s position as one of Northern Europe’s most dynamic food destinations. The latest selection not only celebrates culinary excellence but also highlights a new generation of chefs shaping the future of Baltic gastronomy.