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Chagin was an enigmatic, 19th-century Russian architect who moved to Vilnius and designed and lived in the building where this restaurant is today, as well as the austere, grandiose blocks surrounding it. Apart from two tables by the glass-fronted entrance, most of the Cagino is a stoney cavern below ground. It’s a suitable venue for earthy, authentic Russian dishes like pelmeni, pancakes, cows’ kidneys and soup in a bun. All should be washed down with a few hundred grammes of imported Russian vodka.
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So [name]d to distinguish it from the more proletarian Da Antonio Trattoria (20 Pilies St), this classy restaurant has really set the standards for Italian cuisine in Vilnius. Its mission is to remind the Lithuanians that there’s far more to Italian food than their much-beloved pizza, which has quickly become the national fast food. OK, Da Antonio boasts more than 30 varieties of pizza, but there’s also delicious pasta dishes, including a sumptuous lasagne.
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Finjan is the pioneer in Vilnius for good, well-priced Middle Eastern food in a very relaxed atmosphere. Edge carefully to your table in the small, but cosy dining room past the gyrating bellydancers and the sabre-armed chef at the serving hatch. Order the delicious hummus as a starter or side dish and aromatic chunks of shoarma or falafel with lashings of spicy sauce. The desserts, such as vanilla mousse, are also excellent. When you leave, your head will be swimming with exotic delight.
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Times have changed since Vilnius bragged about the coming of its fi rst sushi restaurant, which quietly disappeared following accusations of ineptitude. Kabuki is more like the real thing, a confi dent, informal and fun eaterie upstairs at the Helios entertainment centre. This is pricy, quality fi sh. You can also ask for a private room with a karaoke machine either for a group, or to practice alone without embarrassment.
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A recent addition to Vilnius’ vast Chinese culinary rostrum, the Kinija is, despite its unimaginative [name] (Kinija means China), a welcome one. Ignored by the tourist guides but embraced by the locals, it’s a lively spot, sumptuously decorated with expensive or[name]ntation including vases that are taller than you or me. This is Chinese food as it should be.
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