Beautiful European country where you can eat Michelin-star meals from £45

This European country may not have been on your radar before, but with flights from £29 and affordable Michelin-star food, it might be about to make its way to the top of your list.

Flights to Vilnius begin at £29, which now means that it's possible to soak up Lithuania for less, and that's before you even get started with their Michelin-starred food selection, from £45. This means you can spend your money on a whole new cultural experience for the same price as London's cheapest tasting menu, typically costing over £100.

This comes at a great time for any food lover, as the launch of the MICHELIN Guide Lithuania 2025 has just happened. The guide offers four one-star restaurants, eight Bib Gourmands, and 25 recognised venues. Many of these culinary champions are conveniently within walking distance of Vilnius' charming Old Town.

Not to mention, Lithuania recently held its first-ever Bocuse d'Or national final, a prestigious biennial world chef championship, further proving itself as a serious spot when it comes to fine foods. Competing for the highly regarded national title were three top Lithuanian chefs: Augustinas Bimbiris-Butkus from DIA, Nikita Gerasimovas of Amandus, and Gabrielius Zajec, who was named the national winner.

This celebration of a new guide is set to help the ever-growing profile of Lithuania within the international food scene. With multiple daily direct flights from major UK cities to Vilnius, getting you there in under three hours, the country offers the ideal gastronomic getaway and city break rolled into one.

Four Vilnius restaurants have retained their coveted MICHELIN Stars, including Demo, Diaugsmas, Pas mus, and Nineteen18. Meanwhile, the Bib Gourmand list, which recognises exceptional food with great value, has doubled in size since the last, adding yet another four Vilnius-based spots. Augustin, B'ARN Bistro, El Gato Negro, and Kristoforas will all be joining the ranks.

On top of that, two new restaurants were added to the list of MICHELIN-recommended venues: MOTÍF, which is based in Vilnius, and Alba Bistro in Klaipda, adding to a roster of 25 restaurants in the country. These tasty dine-out spots span areas such as Vilnius, Kaunas, Trakai, and the surrounding beautiful countryside.

Lukas Savickas, minister of Economy and Innovation, commented on the country's culinary progress, saying: "This is a strong example of how consistent effort, investment in quality, and creativity can translate into real economic results. Despite challenging geopolitical and economic conditions, our restaurant sector continues to show resilience and the ability to generate added value, all while strengthening Lithuania's international profile."

Gastronomic tourism is on the rise, and more and more people are seeking out spots that prioritize their taste buds when they travel. These landmark events have helped elevate Lithuania's profile on a global scale and are also presenting new opportunities for tourists to visit and indulge in a Lithuanian culinary experience.

While you're visiting the largest and capital city of the country, Vilnius, there's plenty more to explore outside of its Michelin menus. If you're a fan of beautiful architecture, you will not be bored, as the area is known for its diverse styles and eras, from the neoclassical design of Vilnius Cathedral to the Gothic St. Anne's Church, and it's all best seen with an expert walking tour.