What connects 100 centimetres, Vilnius Old Town, and Italian hospitality? The answer is UN MÈTRO—a café nestled in the Lithuanian National Museum of Art, where Italian culture meets local charm and history.
Unlike local bars and cafés, UN MÈTRO brings an Italian social-hub concept, serving coffee in the morning before transitioning to aperitivo. But that’s not all. Picture this: top-notch espresso, a curated selection of Italian wines, carefully chosen nibbles, and more, all in premises rich in art and history.
Behind the café-bar are co-founders Matvei and Francesco, two visionaries who seamlessly blend both cultures while embracing their role as ambassadors of the Vilnius Old Town. Here, hospitality comes naturally, and every guest is welcomed with the warmth of a place that feels like a little corner of Italy.
The inception of UN MÈTRO
UN MÈTRO pays tribute to Tito Livio Burattini, a 17th-century Vilnius-based inventor often described as the “Leonardo da Vinci of the North”, whose ideas contributed to the development of the universal unit of length, the metre. A mint operator in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania who also produced shilling coins known as boratinkas.
After hearing the story of Tito Livio Burattini and the connection between the name of the length unit and Vilnius, the founders of UN MÈTRO were genuinely surprised, as it felt like such a unique and overlooked piece of the city’s history. From the start, it wasn’t clear how all the dots would connect, but the owners knew it was a story worth telling.
“Naturally, when we heard that the Lithuanian National Museum of Art was planning to open a café on its premises, everything clicked into place. The location gave the idea a natural home: an Italian-style café-bar where you could stop for a morning coffee and return for a glass of wine in the evening,” reflects Matvei.
The project brought together two people from quite different backgrounds: Matvei, director of the Museum of Illusions in Vilnius, and Francesco Di Marco, a well-known sommelier who has called Vilnius home for over 20 years. As they began exchanging ideas about what the space could become, a shared vision quickly emerged. Just a few months later, in March 2026, UN MÈTRO opened its doors.
Bringing Tito Livio Burattini back to life through Italian hospitality
“We wanted to bring together the spirit of Vilnius and Italian culture in one place. And who could represent that connection better than a Venetian who lived and worked in the capital almost 350 years ago?” shares Matvei.
Tito Livio Burattini was a man of remarkable curiosity and many talents: a physicist, Egyptologist, engineer, and inventor. From designing flying machines to minting shilling coins known as boratinkos, which circulated across Lithuania for decades, his curiosity knew few boundaries. Among his many pursuits was the search for a universal system of measurement—an idea that would help shape the concept of the metre as we know it today.
“We also want to acknowledge the Vilnius Old Town Rotary Club (Senamiesčio Rotary Club), whose members have played an important role in bringing Burattini’s legacy back into the spotlight. They initiated the monument dedicated to him near Gediminas Castle, and their efforts have been an inspiration for us.”
According to Matvei, Tito’s personality perfectly reflects the spirit of Vilnius Old Town: historical yet curious, creative, full of unexpected discoveries, and constantly evolving. These are also the qualities the founders wanted to bring into UN MÈTRO.
“His story runs through the café’s interior. You can find reproductions from his book Misura Universale, printed in Vilnius, alongside texts about his life, ideas, and inventions. We wanted the space to reflect the mind of an inventor—a place where history, curiosity, and creativity naturally come together.”
Bringing an inventive mindset into everyday café details
“Like Tito, we believe curiosity means being open to unusual ideas, trying new things, and not being afraid to experiment. We like to question even the simplest things and ask ourselves: why not do it differently?” says Matvei.
One example is UN MÈTRO’s unconventional menu, designed as a newspaper. It’s meant to be read and enjoyed over a cup of coffee, rather than simply glanced at and put aside after ordering.
Photos courtesy of Milda Vysniauskaite
Another example is the wine list, which they’ve named Chodkevičių rūmų rūsys—the cellar of the Chodkiewicz Palace. “Francesco imagined what the wine cellar of this building might have looked like 200 years ago. What wines would the noble family have kept there? Would they already have been drinking Italian wines? We like to imagine that the answer is absolutely yes!”
“This is exactly the kind of experimentation we enjoy—taking history, adding a little imagination, and turning it into something people can experience today. In a way, that’s our interpretation of Burattini’s spirit: staying curious, connecting different worlds, and always looking for a new perspective.”
What to expect upon your first visit
“First of all, UN MÈTRO is a place where people come together, enjoy carefully selected drinks, and have heartfelt conversations. Whether it’s coffee in the morning or wine in the evening, the idea remains the same: a good drink, a welcoming atmosphere, and good company,” says Matvei.
The menu brings together traditional Italian and Lithuanian snacks and desserts. Expect panini with mortadella, tuna, or vegetarian fillings, meat and cheese platters, and Venetian-style cicchetti—small sandwiches and bites that are a staple of Venetian food culture. And, of course, there’s tiramisu and gelato, which are among the guests’ favourites.
When it comes to coffee, UN MÈTRO follows the traditional Italian approach, serving Grand Caffè Paulista, a long-established Italian coffee brand. Espresso and cappuccino are undoubtedly the most popular orders. Come 4 pm, wine usually takes centre stage, although a glass of Prosecco or a mimosa on a Sunday morning is also a familiar sight.
As Matvei puts it: “I think the people who feel most at home at UN MÈTRO are those who love Vilnius Old Town, appreciate culture, and have a certain curiosity about history, art, and creative ideas. But above all, it’s simply a place to meet friends, enjoy a drink or two, and spend some quality time together.”
Housed inside the Vilnius Picture Gallery, the café enjoys a particularly special atmosphere. It’s a lovely spot to stop after visiting an exhibition, settle in with a drink, and discuss what you’ve just seen. Many museum employees also drop by daily, making UN MÈTRO feel like a natural extension of the building’s cultural life.
Let’s talk Italian wine
“Our wine selection is exclusively Italian, with a focus on grape varieties native to or traditionally grown in Italy. Francesco has created a wine list that takes you on a little journey across the country, covering its northern, central, and southern regions. If you’re looking for an introduction to Italian wines, I think UN MÈTRO is a great place to start,” says Matvei.
“We also wanted to keep the prices accessible. Wine shouldn’t feel complicated or intimidating. Whether you prefer a Primitivo or a Chianti Classico, a simple, refreshing white, or something more complex, there should always be something to suit your taste. And, of course, we can’t forget the bubbles! We also have a rosé that became incredibly popular this summer. Something between red and white can be a very interesting choice.”
“One of our favourite discoveries is Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a white wine from a small Tuscan town. It has a surprisingly rich character, with different layers of flavour, ranging from fruity to nutty notes. It’s a wonderful example of just how diverse Italian white wines can be,” he adds.
But perhaps the most interesting part of UN MÈTRO’s wine experience is Francesco himself. Often found behind the bar, he’s something of a walking wine encyclopaedia. Simply tell him what you like, and he’ll introduce you to something new, explain where it comes from, and probably share a few stories along the way.
Beyond the everyday selection, the team also organises monthly wine tastings, each dedicated to a different part of its extensive collection. As Matvei explains: “Sometimes we focus on white wines, sometimes reds, sparkling wines, or a mixture of styles. It’s another way to discover Italian wine, learn something new, and, most importantly, enjoy the experience.”
UN MÈTRO’s very own newspaper
Another detail that makes UN MÈTRO stand out is its very own monthly newspaper. It brings together stories from everyday life behind the bar, alongside articles about drinks, wine, food, and all sorts of other things the team finds interesting. And, of course, no proper newspaper would be complete without crosswords, horoscopes, and even a little advertising.
“We wanted to create something people could enjoy beyond simply looking at the menu. Something to read over a morning espresso, share with friends, or even take home. And you don’t have to order anything to get a copy. If you’re passing by UN MÈTRO, you’re always welcome to stop in and pick up the latest edition. It’s completely free!” says Matvei.
Tastings, gatherings & private events
Monthly wine tastings are one of UN MÈTRO’s main ways of introducing guests to the world of Italian wine. Kept intentionally intimate, each session welcomes around 15 guests, sometimes fewer, creating plenty of room to ask questions, exchange impressions, and enjoy a more personal experience.
“Each tasting lasts around two hours and is hosted by Francesco. You don’t need any previous wine knowledge to join. He starts with the basics of wine tasting before taking guests through the history of winemaking, different production methods, grape varieties, and what makes each wine unique. Most importantly, he helps people understand their own preferences and discover what they actually enjoy drinking,” explains Matvei.
Upcoming tastings and events are announced on UN MÈTRO’s Instagram, the café’s main communication channel. You can also find the event calendar in the monthly UN MÈTRO newspaper.
Beyond regular tastings, the café is also available for private events. A separate room accommodates up to 28 guests, making it an inviting setting for birthdays, Christmas gatherings, or other special occasions. And with December already filling up, those considering a festive get-together might want to book ahead.
Neighbourhood favourites
Located in the heart of Vilnius Old Town, inside the historic Chodkiewicz Palace, which today houses the headquarters of the Lithuanian National Museum of Art, UN MÈTRO comes with a certain responsibility, Matvei explains. The surroundings already set an incredibly high standard, and the founders see it as their task not only to respect it but, hopefully, to contribute something of their own and make this beautiful place even better.
For Matvei, running a café and bar in a UNESCO-protected Old Town is about more than simply managing a business. It’s also about representing the city, its history, and the modern Vilnius that continues to grow and evolve.
The founders hope they’re doing their part well. Through their blend of Lithuanian and Italian cultures, appreciation for the best things history has given us, and curiosity about rediscovering and sharing those stories with guests, they want UN MÈTRO to remain a small but meaningful part of the city’s cultural life.
For them, the beauty of Vilnius Old Town lies precisely in this connection between past and present: history isn’t something to admire only from a distance. It’s something to experience, reinterpret, and enjoy every day–even over a simple cup of espresso or a glass of wine.
Where to find us
For reservations, the best way to reach UN MÈTRO is by phone at +370 603 51817. As they’re not particularly active online, face-to-face encounters and genuine conversations are preferred.
Guests are always welcome to drop by, even just to say hello, pick up a fresh copy of the monthly newspaper, or have a little chat. After all, that’s exactly what the founders love about running a place like UN MÈTRO.
For those who prefer to stay connected online, you can find the café on Instagram at @unmetro.vilnius, where the team shares updates, upcoming wine tastings, and event announcements.
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