Bernelių užeiga Smuklė — Restaurant in Kaunas

At the end of our Monday exploration of Kaunas—specifically on August 11th—the perfect moment came for a late lunch or an early dinner. This time, we had a clear goal: to taste something typically Lithuanian. Our choice fell on the restaurant Bernelių užeiga Smuklė, which boasted over 2,000 Google reviews with an average of 4.5 stars and promised an authentic gastronomic experience in a traditional spirit.

The restaurant welcomed us with a shaded outdoor terrace, protected from the sun by large umbrellas. The entire space was furnished in a genuinely rustic style, with wood playing the leading role. The atmosphere of a traditional countryside tavern was absolutely perfect, and we felt as though we had stepped into a living ethnographic museum where the exhibits could actually be touched.

The staff contributed significantly to the overall impression. The waitresses were dressed in tasteful, simple folk costumes, which only enhanced the sense of authenticity. This thoughtful detail complemented the restaurant’s concept beautifully, one that prides itself on the most faithful possible representation of Lithuanian hospitality and tradition. One simply felt here as if visiting Lithuanian friends in the countryside.

For my starter, I ordered the legendary cold soup, šaltibarščiai. Its iconic pink color, created by beetroot and kefir, was an experience in itself. After several hours in the sun, it turned out to be an unbelievably refreshing taste sensation. The fresh flavors of dill, cucumber, and spring onion made it the perfect summer dish—both filling and cooling at the same time.

As the main course, nothing could follow except cepelinai, the national treasure of Lithuanian cuisine. These giant potato dumplings, shaped like zeppelins, are made from a mixture of raw and cooked potatoes, giving them their distinctive texture. They were filled with minced meat and made for a truly hearty and substantial dish.

The cepelinai came with a generous portion of sour cream and were topped with crispy bacon cracklings and onions, known as spirgučiai. This was a proper calorie bomb, the kind that could reliably prepare you for a long winter—even in the middle of August. Flavor-wise, it was an absolutely unique experience.

We complemented the entire meal with a refreshing homemade lemonade, which perfectly balanced the richness and heaviness of the two traditional dishes. It wasn’t overly sweet, and its fresh taste matched the rustic character of the food beautifully. Just like the food, the drinks were made with care and an emphasis on tradition, something we greatly appreciated.

Our visit to Bernelių užeiga turned out to be a truly fantastic culinary moment. It was not just about the food, but about a comprehensive cultural experience that presented Lithuanian cuisine to us in its purest form. If you want to taste the real Lithuania in Kaunas, this restaurant is an absolute must—and we can recommend it without the...

Disappointing experience despite good food.

We came to this city especially to visit this restaurant. We hadn’t planned to come here, but after reading about the place, we decided to make a special trip just to try the local food and see the beautiful traditional interior. We were really looking forward to it — and that’s why the experience was so upsetting.

When we arrived, one of the waitresses asked us to wait for a table. We parked nearby and explained that we didn’t have much time, so we just wanted to know how long the wait might be. She pointed out a table that would likely be free in a few minutes, and we agreed to wait — no problem.

But then another waiter came, took the menus from us without a word, and led us to a table in the yard. The weather was cold and it was uncomfortable to sit outside. He didn’t ask if we were okay with it, even though we had been waiting specifically for a table inside. What made it even more confusing was that there were plenty of free tables outside — so we couldn’t understand what we had been waiting for.

He gave us menus in English, but my mother had initially taken a Lithuanian one, which she preferred. I told him that, and he did bring it back, but by then we didn’t need it anymore. What made us feel especially bad was that all the other people sitting outside seemed to be foreigners. It felt like we were treated differently just because we weren’t local. We spoke English with the waiter, my mother knows Lithuanian, and we spoke Ukrainian between us — but still, the attitude felt cold and dismissive.

Later, when we went inside to wash our hands, we saw that people who had arrived after us were sitting at the table we had been waiting for. That was the final disappointment.

The food itself was really delicious — that’s the only reason we’re giving any stars at all. But the way we were treated ruined the experience. We came here with joy and curiosity, and left feeling upset...

If you're looking for an authentic Lithuanian culinary experience, look no further than this amazing place! From the moment you step in, you're greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the hearty and delicious food on offer.

One standout dish that I had the pleasure of trying was the boiled baked potatoes cake with mushroom sauce. This dish is a true testament to the rich and comforting flavors of Lithuanian cuisine. The potatoes were perfectly cooked, with a delightful balance of softness and crispiness. The mushroom sauce added an extra layer of richness and depth, making each bite a delightful experience that left me wanting more.

But the boiled baked potatoes cake with mushroom sauce was just the beginning. The menu is filled with a variety of traditional Lithuanian dishes, each one more tempting than the last. From savory meat dishes to hearty soups and stews, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The ingredients are fresh and locally sourced, ensuring that each dish is of the highest quality.

The service was also top-notch. The staff were friendly and attentive, always ready to offer recommendations and answer any questions. They truly went above and beyond to make sure that my dining experience was enjoyable.

Overall, this place is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the flavors of Lithuania. Whether you're a local or a tourist, you'll be treated to a memorable meal that showcases the best of Lithuanian cuisine. I can't wait to go back and try more of their...