Ponių Laimė

April 7, 2009

Many many years ago—in 1997 to be exact—when I first came to Lithuania Ponių Laimė was on Gedimino prospektas I remember it for its pink and red interior, grand piano, clean, free toilets (a rarity at that time in Lithuania) and delicately decorated cakes. Together with Hanna, my Finnish classmate at Vilnius University, we would skip our afternoon conversation course to spend the afternoon drinking coffee.

These days, Ponių Laimė is in the heart of the Old Town, on the corner of Stiklų gatvė and Gaono gatvė. Affiliated with Stiklai Hotel, it occupies a smaller space than it did in my student days, but it retains all its original charm. Colorful wall paper, ornate mirrors and (reproductions of) period furniture make for a cozy and elegant interior, though the grand piano is gone.

Step inside and you’re greeted by a large glass case of cookies, cakes, tarts, torts and creams. Treats can be ordered to go or enjoyed there.  They also have a small cafeteria menu of pancakes, meats, salads and soups. On a sunny day, take your tray outside to one of the sidewalk tables and watch the tourists go by.

It IS a popular spot with tourist groups, and if you spot a long line inside, I recommend you take a walk and come back later. But when the crowd dies down, the service is quick and pleasant. A great place to sit quietly and write some postcards—especially on a rainy day!

Stiklių 14, Vilnius, Tel. +370 5 264 9581

Filed under: Food & Drink,Lithuania,Traveler Tips

Tags: cafe, cake, coffee, food, Lithuania, Lithuanian, restaurant, Vilnius