Karčma 1863

What to expect

Karčma 1863 feels like a spot lost in time — a cozy, family-run restaurant in the historical heart of Vilnius built around authentic Belarusian cuisine and the spirit of the 1863 Uprising. The menu offers modern interpretations of traditional Belarusian, Lithuanian, Polish and Ukrainian dishes, a reminder of how entwined the region's cooking is. The signature here is draniki, customisable potato pancakes the kitchen invites you to build into 'the draniki of your dreams'.

Beyond the plate, the venue serves as a genuine cultural hub for the Belarusian diaspora, hosting concerts, community meetings and master classes. The atmosphere is warm and personal, the staff friendly and multilingual, and there's a charitable salad on the menu where you set your own price. It's the kind of place where many diners say they feel right at home.

• Signature dishes: draniki, borscht and cold borscht, duck, ribs
• House-made drinks: nalewka/nastoiki tinctures, sbiten, mead, kvass
• Individual dishes roughly €6–€16; pet-friendly

Good to know

The horseradish nalewka is a particular favourite among regulars, and the duck can be cooked to your preference, so it's worth asking the staff for their recommendations. Because the room is intimate and popular, it pays to book ahead for dinner and weekends. Prices stay reasonable for the quality and the experience that comes with them.

Karčma 1863 sits in the Old Town within easy reach of the main squares, making it a natural dinner stop after a day of sightseeing. It is also listed in our Eat & Drink venues directory, where you'll find opening details and contact information.