BEST BALTIC Kaunas

Having gained experience abroad, Chef Rokas Vasiliauskas returned to his home city to open this delightful restaurant with his partner Greta – and their pride is palpable. The exterior exudes a back-to-nature feel thanks to its pale green colour scheme and blonde wood furnishings, and this natural approach extends to the cooking too. Jars of preserved ingredients line the walls, and they keep their focus on Lithuanian ingredients – you won’t find any citrus fruits, pepper or olive oil here. Dishes play on childhood memories and local heritage, and the creative interpretations of classic dishes

You’ll be surprised how busy this formally laid restaurant in a residential spot can get, but the experienced team cope well with the numbers – among which there are many returning guests. It sits within a tardis-like building, which also houses meeting rooms, and is smartly decked out with fine glassware and crockery. The menu is one of the most eclectic around and offers everything from a burger to fine steaks, with the popular daily specials including the likes of freshly caught fish. There really is something for everyone here.

In this chic, smartly furnished restaurant, things are both relaxed and lively at the same time. The team are pursuing their vision of redesigning Lithuanian cuisine and work with modern techniques following a Nordic style. Ingredients come mainly from the Baltic region, although there are some exceptions, resulting in dishes like beetroot taco with seabass ceviche, pickled onion and coriander or grilled veal chop with chive butter, grilled tomatoes, potato and ghee butter mash. Choose from the concise à la carte or order the tasting menu in advance to sample the full range of the kitchen’s ta

This unique, special occasion restaurant sits in the heart of the city, in a 17th century former Dominican monastery. Modern art decorates the garden and the good-sized terrace really comes into its own in the summer months, while inside it’s intimate and relaxed, with lovely original fittings and just nine tables. The cooking is unashamedly French, with modern overtones and flavour to the fore. For the full experience, opt for the tasting menu, whereupon you'll enjoy around four hours of culinary delights. Desserts are a highlight and, at weekends, they sell delicious homemade bread and crois