Four in Vilnius restaurants "Demo", "Joy", "Nineteen18" and "Pas mus restaurantto be rated with one star in the prestigious Michelin guide, the compilers of this prestigious publication announced in Vilnius on Thursday.
One star is awarded to restaurants for "high-quality food that's worth a stop on the drive through."
"I'm just going crazy," said chef Tadas Eidukevičius from "Demo" at the event, who also received the young chef award.
Gaspar's, 14 horses, Le Travi and Numan restaurants were awarded in the Bib Gourmand category. This designation recognizes catering establishments that offer quality food at a great price.
The Michelin Green Star, awarded for sustainable operations, is awarded to the Red Brick restaurant.
A total of 34 Lithuanian restaurants entered the Michelin guide. In addition to the above, these are Amandus, Round Table Club, Arrivée, Augustin, Da Antonio, DIA, Dine, Elven, House of Ertli, Factory, Farmer & The Ocean, Gastronomika, HeJi, Justa Pasta, Momo Grill, Monai, Monte Pacis,Pace", "Ancestors".
Red Brick, Somm, Pupuklai, Stikliai, Telegrafas, Ooksas and Vila Komoda also appeared in the guide.
None of the Lithuanian restaurants received two or three star ratings, which are given to even higher-class cuisines.
Evalda Šiškauskienė, head of the Lithuanian Hotel and Restaurant Association, told BNS that the inclusion of the country's catering establishments in the Michelin guide will have a very positive impact on tourism and will attract wealthy visitors.
The Ministry of Economy and Innovation previously told BNS that, in order to be included in the Michelin guide, Lithuania paid over 1,5 million. EUR without value added tax (VAT).
A three-year contract was signed for this amount, during which Michelin evaluators will repeatedly visit Lithuania and possibly raise the rating of restaurants or give an evaluation to a new restaurant. Part of the money will also be allocated to the promotion of the country.
In November 2023, Michelin awarded a star to the Latvian restaurant "Max Cekot Kitchen", and to the Estonian restaurants "NOA Chef's Hall" and "180 by Matthias Diether" each star was awarded in the summer of 2022.
Authors: Augustas Stankevičius, Goda Vileikytė, Saulius Jakučionis
