The Michelin Guide returns to Lithuania for the third time: new ratings will be announced in June
On June 5, Vilnius will host the Michelin Guide awards ceremony, “Exclusive Celebration: Welcoming the Third Selection,” during which the third selection of Lithuanian restaurants will be presented and the latest ratings announced.
“Lithuanian gastronomy is currently experiencing one of its most significant periods of growth – it is becoming an increasingly important part of the country’s tourism and international image. The growing attention from international critics shows that Lithuania is increasingly seen as an attractive gastronomic destination. Ratings such as the ‘Michelin’ guide not only raise the country’s profile but also contribute to the growth of tourism,” says Minister of Economy and Innovation Edvinas Grikšas.
The intrigue of the third Michelin selection
The second edition of the Michelin Guide in Lithuania, published last year, demonstrated the consistent growth of the country’s gastronomy scene. Four restaurants retained their single stars – “Demo”, “Džiaugsmas”, “Pas mus”, and “Nineteen18” – while a total of 37 restaurants were included in the Michelin Guide’s list of recommended places.
This year’s selection promises even more excitement. On June 5, it will become clear whether the restaurants have managed to retain their stars, and whether new ratings will appear on Lithuania’s gastronomic map, potentially further strengthening the country’s position on the international stage. The entire restaurant community is eagerly awaiting these results.
Andrius Kubilius, the chef at “Deep Roots” and former head of the restaurant “Nineteen18” – which was awarded a Michelin star for several years in a row – says that the arrival of this guide in Lithuania is important not only for already established restaurants but also for a new generation of chefs.
“For young chefs, the arrival of Michelin stars in Lithuania sends a very clear message: their hard work, long hours, and attention to even the smallest detail are meaningful and can be recognized at the highest global level without having to leave Lithuania. This undoubtedly lends the profession immense prestige. Working in the kitchen is no longer just a trade or a service-oriented job – it is a career that demands a high level of professionalism, creativity, and discipline, with a clear and very tangible peak,” says A. Kubilius.
Lithuanian cuisine – in the international spotlight
Recent years have shown that Lithuanian gastronomy is rapidly strengthening its position in the international market. The country has been recognized by “Falstaff,” one of Europe’s most influential gastronomy guides; a Lithuanian team participated for the first time in the prestigious “Bocuse d’Or” culinary competition; and the “Baltic Gastro Summit” held in Vilnius brought together regional professionals for discussions on the future of the sector.
According to A. Kubilius, the attention given by the Michelin Guide highlights not only the achievements of individual restaurants but also the broader maturity of Lithuanian gastronomy.
“Lithuanian gastronomy has already moved beyond the stage where we blindly copied Western European classics or Scandinavian trends simply to cater to international tastes. Today, we can offer the Michelin Guide our authenticity – forest bounty, fermentation traditions, a multicultural heritage, and local products presented through the lens of modern techniques. We no longer break the rules just for the sake of rebellion – we simply have enough self-confidence to show who we truly are,” says A. Kubilius.
According to him, the arrival of the Michelin Guide has served as a kind of confirmation that Lithuania’s gastronomic ecosystem has come of age. This maturity is driven not only by the talent of the chefs, but also by the entire supporting chain – farmers, suppliers, the growing curiosity of diners, and ever-higher expectations for quality. As a result, Lithuania is increasingly seen not just as an interesting regional discovery – it is becoming an independent gastronomic destination that travelers can visit for the restaurant culture itself.
“The international attention on Lithuanian gastronomy is increasingly reflected in the market itself – restaurants are more boldly defining their direction, seeking their own unique style, and creating exceptional experiences. The Michelin Guide is becoming one of the most important benchmarks of quality in this process – it not only helps assess the level of restaurants but also strengthens confidence in Lithuania as a gastronomic destination,” says Olga Gončarova, director of the public institution “Lithuania Travel”
The latest Michelin Guide ratings will be announced at the “Exclusive Celebration: Welcoming the Third Selection” ceremony, which will take place on June 5 in Vilnius at the LTG “Saulė” hall.