Eat & Drink

Tio Bigotes Ispaniškos Empanados

A tiny Old Town takeaway on Rūdninkų street serving some of Vilnius's best empanadas — crispy, artisan-quality dough around a wide range of fillings, with warm owner-led service.

Updated Jun 20262 min read·2 sections
A cobblestone street in Vilnius featuring outdoor cafe seating under green Carlsberg umbrellas next to historic European buildings.
The short version
  • Authentic empanadas with crispy, artisan-quality dough and flavourful fillings.
  • Exceptionally friendly, often owner-led service.
  • Great value for a quick, satisfying snack in the Old Town.
  • A cosy, pet-friendly spot best suited to takeaway — seating is very limited.

Empanadas in the Old Town

Tio Bigotes sits at Rūdninkų g. 8 in the Old Town and is widely credited as Vilnius's first dedicated empanada spot, baking Spanish-style empanadas to authentic recipes. The secret is in the dough — artisan-quality, crisp yet tender — wrapped around a wide range of fillings. Diners single it out as a must-stop for some of the best empanadas in the city, and the warm, welcoming service, often from the owners themselves, makes the experience even better.

The line-up runs from classic beef and chicken to tuna and a popular goat's cheese with caramelised onion, alongside vegetarian and sweet options. Two empanadas make a more filling meal. It is a great-value, quick bite rather than a sit-down dinner.

Good to know

The space is very small with limited seating, so it is best treated as a takeaway — though the atmosphere is overwhelmingly positive and the spot is pet-friendly. Opening hours and the current empanada selection can change, so check the venue's own channels before you go.

Best for
a quick, great-value empanada to go.
Tip
order at least two empanadas for a fuller meal; seating is minimal.
Guide notes· Last reviewed

We keep big-picture advice stable (routes, neighborhoods, pacing). For time-sensitive details like opening hours or ticket rules, double-check official sources close to your travel dates.