Etno Dvaras — Restaurant in Vilnius

the one star on service does not reflect the effort every "front of the house" individual makes to run this place -- for literally running aimlessly is what i saw them do. effective coaching will have them servers genuinely smile and be efficient. the first night i visited, it took 14 minutes for someone to "greet" a group of frustrated patrons, who knows how many had already left. at minute 14, i was just told to go downstairs. gorgeous place for sure, yet i had no clear idea as to where to go. after a couple minutes a lady just pointed to a table and asked that i sat there. no hello, nothing. i completely panicked, as i saw people left-and-right staring around as if something was about to happen. OBVIOUSLY, they were busy. hence, the coaching idea. after almost twelve minutes i finally get a menu. again, no hello, no offers of any kind, nada. ten minutes went by, i left. 🙃🙃 that sense of abandonment is what i could see from other patrons who managed to order, but had not yet received their drinks or food.

i gave it a second chance the following day. again, all i could see was unnecessary running. what could have helped was a little smile here and there and, to see them not waste so much time going by a table and leave empty handed. when my delicious food finally arrived, it was just dropped on the table, like it was a bag full of heavy books. no smiles, no offers, nothing! so sad. i asked for hot sauce. a firm "no, sir. we don't have hot sauce." instead i was told they may have sweet chilly sauce, the type used in thai food. okay, i can try it. big mistake, but it was better than no sauce. surprise: i was charged for it. no big deal on the charge, but etno should be best prepared with such requests. they cater to an international clientele. however large or small, the charge for a side of sauce was insulting.

in all, impressed by my hotel's concierge suggestion (she insisted i try her favorite restaurant) but not with etno's style of service. food was ok and could have tasted better if delivered with a smile. and by the way, they don't need to come up with a life story while smiling and presenting food. all necessitated is common sense. they don't need to run. they...

Review: Etno Dvaras, Lithuania Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

A delightful amalgamation of traditional Lithuanian gastronomy and authentic cultural experience, Etno Dvaras deserves a solid four-star rating. This enchanting spot successfully brings forth the essence of Lithuanian heritage, providing not just a meal but a truly immersive experience.

One cannot miss the charm and warmth of the rustic interiors, a clear nod to the country's rich history and traditional architecture. The atmosphere is comforting and welcoming, setting the stage for the culinary journey that ensues.

The menu is a love letter to Lithuania's robust and diverse food culture. Each dish is prepared with a sense of respect for the traditional cooking methods and an unwavering commitment to flavour and quality. While every item on the menu is worth trying, their cepelinai (traditional potato dumplings) is an absolute must-try, transporting one directly to the Lithuanian countryside.

The service was friendly and efficient, enhancing the overall dining experience. The staff was knowledgeable about the menu, ready to recommend dishes and share stories about their origins, which added a unique touch to our visit.

One minor point of improvement could be the speed of service during peak hours, which could be a bit more prompt. However, given the overall quality of the food and the unique cultural experience, this is a small matter that did not significantly detract from the experience.

In conclusion, Etno Dvaras is a rare gem that beautifully preserves and presents Lithuanian culture and cuisine. It's a must-visit spot for anyone wanting to sample the delights of traditional Lithuanian cuisine in an authentic and warm setting. I'm giving it a well-deserved four-star rating and will certainly revisit it...

This was recommended by our tour guide. The prices seem to be okay as well. The place kinda looks like a maze when you go in, but the unique structure in there is fascinating.

There is a huge queue to get into this place. Wait time is about 30 mins. Definitely worth making reservations.

Ordered some traditional food. This place is definitely understaffed. Initially, the waiters appeared a bit rude but could be due to being busy. The one who came to get the bill was really nice.

I don't remember the exact names of the dishes we had.

Potato Sausage - The look of it may not be nice, but it tasted good. However, some sauce should be given as it is a bit too dry to eat just by itself.

Traditional Potato filled with meat - This we got one with the traditional sour cream sauce and the other with mushroom sauce. Both sauces were quite good. But I personally prefer the sourcream sauce. When it comes to the Potato me and my friend bith didn't like the texture of it. The potato is made to be like a like a rubber or gooey texture. It wasn't giving g the most ideal taste to eat.

Mushroom soup - This was really good if you like mushroom soup. Didn't eat the bread as we were too full after all the food. (Yes the soup came the last. Weird but true)

Icre Cream Shake - I do love a good milkshake but this probably was the worst I have ever had. Do not ever buy this. It is super watery. Also felt like I'm drinking...