Five Lithuanian restaurants awarded Michelin stars

VILNIUS - Five Lithuanian restaurants have been awarded Michelin stars this year, with three retaining their status and two receiving the accolade for the first time.

The third edition of the Michelin Guide Lithuania was released on Friday.

Ninteen18, Dziaugsmas and Demo maintained the stars they earned last year. They were joined by Red Brick and Deep Roots, which were awarded their first stars, Michelin said on Friday.

The restaurant Pas mus, which closed earlier this year, has lost its Michelin star. Its chef, Vita Bartninkaite, has moved to the restaurant Nineteen18.

The Bib Gourmand award, which recognises good value for money, was granted to Pievos, Augustin, B'ARN Bistro, El Gato Negro, 14Horses, Gaspar's, Le Travi and Numan.

Individual honours included the Young Chef Award for Ignas Damanskas of Red Brick, while Ignatijus Semionovas of Saint-Malo was named best sommelier. Paulius Zekonis of Numan received the Service Award, and the Opening of the Year award went to Rokas Vasiliauskas and the restaurant Sija.

Economy and Innovation Minister Edvinas Griksas said investments in promoting the tourism and hospitality sector are paying off, noting that the Michelin ratings confirm the progress of Lithuanian gastronomy and the high level of its chefs.

Olga Goncarova, head of the national tourism promotion agency Lithuania Travel, said the Michelin recognition crowns an exceptionally active and successful period for the country's culinary scene.

Lithuania's partnership with the Michelin Guide costs between 450,000 and 500,000 euros per year, according to Lithuania Travel.

The list of establishments recommended by Michelin experts in Lithuania also grew this year, with eight new additions: Buff On, Eleno, Monist, Omakase by Vaidas Uzgerys, Palanga, Saint-Malo, SIJA and Skog.

They join the existing recommended list which includes Alba Bistro, Amandus, Apvalaus Stalo Klubas, Arrivee, Da Antonio, DIA, Elven, Ertlio Namas, Fabrikelis, Farmer & The Ocean, HeJi, Justa Pasta, Kristoforas, Momo Grill, monai, Monte Pacis, MOTIF, PACAI Restaurant, Proteviai, Somm, Stebuklai, Stikliai and Uoksas.