cozy vilnius

 Cozy Vilnius

I have been told that once Lithuania was liberated from the communist occupation, the first people to franchise their businesses are now quite wealthy.  I imagine the person who owns Double Coffee is one of these wealthy citizens.  Double Coffee is a chain diner/café that you can find on any street in Vilnius.  It is good, reliable and cheap food and drink plus they serve breakfast all day long, which is a rare find.  And they offer free ‘internetus’.  There are several of these types of restaurants in Vilnius, because if it were void of chain restaurants the tourists would starve to death in the streets with their fanny packs full of unused litas and we’d have an international melt-down. 

 These 3 pizza joints are within 100 ft of each other on Gedimino Pr., seriously!

'Kaimas' means 'country'

Besides several chains of mediocre to crappy pizza restaurants (‘Cili Pica’, ‘Pizza Jazz’, ‘Mambo Pizza’, ‘Can-Can Pizza’, et al), there is a family-style restaurant called ‘Kaimas’, which means ‘country’.  Of course, they serve the traditional dishes and some poorly made international dishes as well, all for low price.  The main draw for this chain is the caged rooster (for that authentic country feel) and the servers’ uniforms (medival bar wench).  One place at the other end of the spectrum that is not a franchise (but should consider becoming so) is ‘Guru’, which serves beautiful and tasty salads and healthy yogurt drinks for the equivalent of around $ 8-10 (USD).  The décor is hip and clean and the menu is tourist-friendly. 

 

Outside of the chains you will find a wealth of privately owned ‘baras’, ‘kavines’ and ‘restoranas’ that serve a range of dishes to varied crowds.  I would estimate that you have a 7 out of 10 chance of randomly walking into a decent place with a nice atmosphere and reliable food.  What I have not seen much of is specifically international restaurants.  There are several Italian style restoranas, but I have only seen one Indian place and no Chinese take-out.  (addendum – found a Chinese restoranus, no take-out, and a Mexican place just opened near the convent, owned and run by ‘Real Mexicans’…it’s not bad, tried it, could be the eastern European lovechild of Rosa Mexicano and Jose Tejas)

 

One of the more upscale restoranas, ‘Cozy’, is owned by a Dutch-Lithuanian, and comes with high accolades from me.  I celebrated my 34^th birthday here – it wasn’t my first time there and certainly won’t be my last.  The seating reflects the name of the restoranas, with velour banquets and high, sturdy tables.  The food is totally international and very well made and fresh.  The sandwiches are great, as are the entrees.  The atmosphere reminds me of an eastern European version of a hip, new NYC hotspot: subtle beats in the background, soft lighting, beautiful diners and young, artsy wait-staff.  My party went on almost 3 hours and consisted of 8 guests drinking wine, beer, champagne and vodka.  The event was topped off with a lovely cherry and chocolate cake (not provided by Cozy) and the Lithuanian version of ‘Happy Birthday’.  All of this cost around $250 (USD).  You just can’t beat that!

(even the ladies' toilets are cozy)

‘Cozy’ is located at Dominiku Gatve 10, at the intersection of Sv. Ignato Gatve.  Reservations required for large parties.