On Thursday, Michelin launched its Lithuanian Guide, awarding the country’s first stars to Džiaugsmas, Nineteen18, Pas Mus, and Demo restaurants. The Michelin Green Star for sustainable gastronomy was also awarded to Red Brick.
On Thursday, at a ceremony held in Vilnius, it was announced that several dozen Lithuanian restaurants have been included in the prestigious Michelin Guide.
Four restaurants were also recognised in the Bib Gourmand category: 14 Horses, Le Travi, Numan and Gaspar’s. The Bib Gourmand Award distinguishes restaurants that offer refined cuisine at an affordable price.
The Michelin Service Award for exceptional service was also awarded to Gaspar’s.
Kamilė Bartusevičiūtė from the restaurant Pacai was awarded the Best Sommelier award.
The Young Chef Award went to Tadas Eidukevičius from Demo.
“This is a historic moment for both Lithuania and the Michelin Guide,” said Elisabeth Boucher-Anselin, the Guide’s Communications Director, at the start of the event.
Other restaurants included in the guide are Amandus, Apvalaus Stalo Klubas, Arrivée, Augustin, Da Antonio, DIA, Dine, Elven, Ertlio Namas, Fabrikėlis, Farmer & The Ocean, Gastronomika, HeJi, Justa Pasta, Momo Grill, Mona’s Grill, Monai, Monte Pacis, Pacai, Protėviai, Red Brick, Somm, Stebuklai, Stikliai, Telegrafas, Uoksas, and Vila Komoda.
Huge investment
The Economy and Innovation Ministry has said earlier that Lithuania paid over 1.5 million euros, not including VAT, to be included in the guide.
Under the three-year contract, Michelin inspectors are to visit Lithuania repeatedly, which may result in improved ratings for existing restaurants or new ratings for other establishments. Part of the money will also be used for advertising the country.
In 2023, Max Cekot Kitchen became the first Latvian restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star.
Meanwhile, two Estonian restaurants – NOA Chef’s Hall and 180 by Matthias Diether – were each awarded a Michelin star in 2022. In 2023, the latter received its second Michelin star.
The Michelin stars are internationally recognised hallmarks of culinary excellence.
According to the Michelin Guide, one Michelin star is awarded to restaurants “using top quality ingredients, where dishes with distinct flavours are prepared to a consistently high standard”.
Two Michelin stars are awarded “when the personality and talent of the chef are evident in their expertly crafted dishes; their food is refined and inspired”.
Finally, three Michelin stars – the highest award – are given “for the superlative cooking of chefs at the peak of their profession; their cooking is elevated to an art form and some of their dishes are destined to become classics”.
In addition, Michelin Green Star is an award “which highlights restaurants at the forefront of the industry when it comes to their sustainable practices”.
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