Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
Šakotis is the Lithuanian spit-roasted tree cake: layered dough cooked over an open flame on a turning spit, with spiky branches and a dramatic dome shape.
Šakotis (sometimes spit-cake) shares roots with the Polish sękacz and the German Baumkuchen. Lithuanian wedding tradition makes šakotis the centrepiece dessert at any major celebration, and the cake holds special status at Christmas markets. At Pinavija in Vilnius the šakotis is baked traditionally and sold by the slice or whole. The largest known šakotis was baked in Druskininkai in 2015 at 3.6 metres tall.
3 editor picks for Šakotis in Vilnius, ranked by editorial score. All Vilnius signature dishes · Šakotis across every city.
Pinavija on Vilniaus is a family-run Lithuanian bakery cafe known for hot kibinai pastries, šakotis tree cake and brunch in a softly-French Old Town corner.
TipIndoor seating fills early on weekends. A šakotis to-go travels home well in checked luggage.
Pinavija on Vilniaus is a family-owned bakery cafe known for hot kibinai pastries, šakotis tree cake and a brunch menu in a softly-French Old Town corner.
OrderA mutton kibinai with mustard, then a slice of šakotis.
TipIndoor seating fills early on weekends. The exterior bench seating runs along Vilniaus in summer.
Etno Dvaras on Aušros Vartų cooks dishes certified by the Lithuanian Culinary Heritage Fund in a warm cavernous cellar with street-level windows.
OrderCepelinai with bacon-mushroom sauce; pair with a šaltibarščiai cold beet soup.
TipTouristy but real: every dish must be at least 100 years old by Heritage Fund rules. Pilies branch is upstairs of Lokys.
Šakotis makes more sense with someone from Vilnius explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Guided tour · 2.5 hours
A food tasting tour shows you that Lithuanian food extends much further than potato or meat dishes. You will indulge in Lithuanian snacks and beverages, which, for the...
Private tour · 2h 30m
Discover the world of wine with a professional sommelier. Taste at least 4 wines, learn about grape varieties, and enjoy a light snack to complement the tasting.
1 hour
Relax in a private spa room in Vilnius and soak in handcrafted oak tubs filled with warm beer extracts. Enjoy unlimited fresh local beer or traditional kvass throughou...
