Amandus — Restaurant in Vilnius

. So here's some about a place I would deffinitely recommend - @amandus.restaurant! It's not just a place to eat, it's an unforgettable experience with full service, magical atmosphere and delightful food and beverages. I first tried chef's Deividas Praspaliauskas dishes in „1Dublis“ restaurant like 5 smth years ago, then again couple years ago in „Dublis“ and now in „Amandus“. And it doesn't matter under what name he's standing, I would follow anywhere they move. Official food stalker. 😂 And so about the experience itself. Chef greets his guests by the door, and leads to the cozy hall in the basement. It all starts with a glass of prosecco, housemade fresh bread and tasty snacks, following with a personal explanation of every dish and drink, from chefs or sommelier. They explain the ingredients, as sometimes you have no clue what's on the table. It looks like edible art, but you are happy to know what you're eating. Sommelier brings best drinks according to a dish you're having and gives all information about the flavours and region where it came from. It makes an unforgettable experience of special attention to you personally, which is very appreciated. It is definitely one of the best restaurants experience you might have in your life and I am more than happy to have such a high quality place in my home town Vilnius. Fresh produce, chosen by the season of the year, or just by a theme of the month. Dishes are being changed every now and then, so you always get new flavours and could try something new and special. Full dinner is made of 3 side dishes and snacks, 3 main dishes and 1 delightful dessert. +1 glass of aperitif, 3 glasses of wine with main dishes and 1 stronger and sweeter drink with a dessert. Food brings you memories from childhood, punches you with a surprise and makes you ask „What's that note of a flavour?“. It makes you drool a bit when you first see the art they brought and when you try it - close your eyes because of unexpected flavours and enjoyment. It's worth every moment, time and money spent. Perfect for birthday gift if you collect moments together, perfect for unforgettable experiences you'll want to repeat, perfect for inner self, just to please yourself with quality and good food. . . . #amandus #amandusrestaurant #vilnius #finedining #dinner #placestovisit #placeoftheday #travelstagram #city #nightout #bff #happybirthday #bestrestaurants #restaurantstory #foodie #foodporn #restaurantsofinsta #instarestaurant #instafood #wheretoeat #placestoeat #dinnerideas...

In moments when I am not paying much attention to anything, my mind often wanders to food, and to the best restaurants I have ever been to. And then I often think of Amandus. On 25 August, my partner and I had dinner in the restaurant for the fifth time. We don’t live in Vilnius, but whenever we visit, one of the first things we do is check if we can get a table at Amandus.

Our latest dinner just confirmed what we already knew. It is exceptional, it always has been, and it gets better every time. The dining room is cosy and comfortable. The staff are charming to a fault and the food is easily in the one or two Michelin star range. The whole experience is masterfully curated by Chef Deivydas, and each course is finished off on the pass in front of the whole dining room. It is a beautiful, clean touch which is entirely befitting of the restaurant. There are no airs and graces or pretension here, just a transparent dedication to exceptional dining.

It is difficult to pick a highlight on this tasting menu as it is all incredible but here goes: in the amuses bouche, the arctic char in charcoal bite is wonderful, as are the traditional amandus breads, one with seeds, the other beetroot. The beef stew with potato foam stands out as well.

In my experience, there is a tendency for fine dining establishments to phone in their red meat main courses. Not here. Here they spray it with oil and set it on fire (or just flambé a bit) at the table. The prep obviously ran deep to give such flavours, but the fire effect wakes up the herbs on the plate, releases the aromas, and makes you want to dig in before you even remember you have cutlery.

And then the hedgehog in the fog dessert, which is not too sweet (there’s enough sweetness in the paired monbazillac) and covered in liquid nitrogen ice cream. I got a touch of salt in amongst the apple, white chocolate and vanilla flavours, but that could be my imagination.

Deivydas and the team, the sous chefs and sommeliers, are brilliant at what they do. It is an absolute pleasure to eat in Amandus, as it was the first time we went when it was in a hotel basement in Vilnius old town, and as it is now, in its more settled home in Užupis. In future, when the tyre guys come to Lithuania, I think we will be seeing Stars. In the meantime, Amandus remains my favourite pound for pound restaurant...

I've been waiting for so long, To step inside Amandus door. Embark on a journey of flavour, For all the memories to savour.

In a romantic atmosphere, I begin with outmost care. Eight masterpieces to follow, Eight wonders, none leaves hollow.

You only taste extraordinary, A pallet divine and clean. Staying local, staying true, Every moment just for you.

Oh, enjoy, just adore, It's a journey, it's splendour. Let it take you, take you far, Engrave a spot in your heart.

I loved my visit to Amandus. It started with a lovely welcoming drink, followed by the most exquisite starters. The amazing catfish mousse and the gazpacho! The bread and whipped brown caramel butter, which is divine. The crackers are the perfect vehicles for the local hummus. When you meet the "Stranger in the night", this is the moment when you learn to love. Perfect combination of onion jam and I believe bao. The passion continues strong with "Burning love," mashed potatoes in its finest form.

Followed by the absolute wonder of a combination of trout tartar. Next came the absolute star, the mushroom soup. This is a pure masterpiece. It was all a soul could want. It brought warmth, umami, and well-balanced tastes and textures. This is the dish I gave my heart to.

The following lamb was something that was not for me. And all the desserts that came lacked in my view the balance, but they were curious and created so much interest. The elderberries with perfect bourbon vanilla. The vanilla sauce was perfection, yet the berries did not balance for me. The three chocolates dessert was a wonderful play, yet the mango confused me with all the different flavours of the chocolates, and I got lost.

All in all. Go explore. it's worth it. Deivydas is an artist, and you will find a place in your heart for his and...