The growing potential of Birštonas gastronomic tourism

Lithuanian gastronomy has been rapidly strengthening its positions in recent years

A few years ago, Lithuania was rarely mentioned in the context of world gastronomy, and today the country is evaluated by the most important gastronomic guides - MICHELIN Guide, Falstaff, Gault&Millau and Bocuse d'Or. Lithuania has been participating in the MICHELIN Guide selection for the third year in a row. In 2024, 34 restaurants were evaluated in the guide, in 2025 - 37, and this year - already 44. In two years, the number of restaurants included in the prestigious guide has increased by almost 30 percent, and Lithuania has five restaurants rated with MICHELIN stars.

Starting this year, Lithuanian restaurants, cafes, street food places, hotels and other gastronomic objects are also rated by one of the most influential European gastronomy and travel publications, Falstaff. The Gault&Millau guide, whose regional office is established in Vilnius, will soon start operating in the Baltic States. Internationally recognized restaurants can today be found in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Birštonas, Palanga and Radviliškis, Ukmergė district. This shows that gastronomy is becoming an important reason to travel throughout Lithuania and contributes to strengthening the regional economy.

The potential of gastronomic tourism is also confirmed by recent studies. A survey of foreign tourists conducted by "Keliauk Lietuvoje" showed that 78 percent of visitors cite the desire to taste Lithuanian dishes and drinks as one of the most important reasons for choosing Lithuania. This is more than exploring nature, which was indicated by 74 percent, or exploring culture, which was chosen by 72 percent of those surveyed. 95 percent of tourists rated the experience of traditional Lithuanian cuisine as good or very good, and 91 percent rated restaurants and cafes positively.

Gastronomy in Birštonas – as one of the tourism destinations that create added value

Birštonas resort has many places that are recommended for gastronomic experiences. Those who want to experience the authentic spirit of Birštonas are recommended to visit the restaurants "Kurhauzas" and "Old Town Grill" located in historical buildings.

The restaurants "Pievos", "Moon", "Harmony Birštonas", "Gurmė istorijos", "Namų restoranas", "Eklektika" and the gastrobar "Esė" will invite you to an exceptional gastronomic experience. Here, taste the produce of local farmers and seasonal favorites, for example, at the restaurant "Pievos" - the chef's baked wheat sourdough bread with grated tomatoes and Portuguese sardines from Birštonas region farmers, and at "Gurmė istorijos" - fresh mango kapotini with shrimp and avocado.

When you want to slowly enjoy the views of nature and food, stop by Lajos Bistro, Vasara Birštonas, Saulės terasa, Birštonas Natur Camp, SUN Gastrobar & Lounge and Seklytėlė. Don't miss the opportunity to taste refreshing new dishes on the terrace of Lajos Bistro – summer cocktails and venison tenderloin with blackcurrant and red wine sauce.

If you are looking for a place for a family lunch or a meeting with friends, "Audenis", "Skonių sistės", "Sala", "Susitikims Birštonas", "Pušynė" and "Birštono Skveras" will provide a cozy atmosphere.
If you want a quick and tasty snack, stop by "Bir.Bur.Bar", "Kaltas" or "Sultona uzkandinė", and for a sweet moment - visit "Ledų alėja" and "Mažoji Italija".

For those who want to not only taste but also learn about food, it is worth participating in the educational program "Dzūkiškos vaišės" with a tasting of Lithuanian mead, trying out Dzūkiško bando cooking, or embarking on a gastronomic route.

We invite you to follow the restaurants' social media accounts - this way you will be the first to know about tasting dinners and gastronomic evenings.

All information about gastronomic places in Birštonas: Catering

Information prepared based on the "Travel Lithuania" press release and information from the Birštonas Tourism Information Center