Significant changes are underway at one of Vilnius’ Michelin-starred restaurants. “Nineteen18” is turning a new page as Andrius Kubilius steps down and Vita Bartininkaitė returns to lead the kitchen.
Significant changes are underway at one of Vilnius’ Michelin-starred restaurants. Nineteen18, located in the restored Great Hall of the Vainai Palace in the Old Town, is entering a new phase as chef Andrius Kubilius departs and Vita Bartininkaitė returns to lead the kitchen.
February 14 marked Kubilius’ final day at Nineteen18, closing a five-year chapter that helped shape the restaurant’s identity and reputation. Under his leadership, the restaurant earned international recognition, including a Michelin star, a place among LaListe’s 1,000 Best Restaurants in the World in 2023, fourth position in the 30 Best Restaurants in Lithuania ranking, and 96 points in Falstaff's Restaurant Guide Nordic 2025.
Now the restaurant temporarily closes for a short break. In mid-March, Nineteen18 will reopen with a renewed vision led by Vita Bartininkaitė. Known for her work at Pas Mus, Bartininkaitė returns as head chef, bringing a fresh creative direction while maintaining the restaurant’s strong connection to local ingredients and Lithuanian culinary heritage.
Meanwhile, Andrius Kubilius is preparing to launch a new restaurant project at the historic complex of buildings Trakų g. 14 in Vilnius, scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2026 (with initial communication pointing to early April).
Since its opening, Nineteen18 has positioned itself as more than a fine dining destination. Its name references the year 1918—a pivotal moment when the Baltic States re-established themselves as modern nations—a historical connection the restaurant has continuously explored through gastronomy. The cuisine has long focused on rediscovering local traditions, forgotten ingredients and ancient techniques, interpreted through contemporary culinary methods.
With a Michelin-starred kitchen beginning a new creative direction and another high-profile restaurant set to open under Kubilius’ leadership, the coming months will mark a period of transition for one of Vilnius’ most recognized fine dining addresses.
