Chef Vaidas Užgerys
Chef Vaidas Užgerys is the first Lithuanian chef to compete in the World Sushi Cup Japan and has dedicated more than 15 years to mastering Japanese cuisine. In 2026, his restaurant, Omakase by Vaidas Užgerys, earned a place in the Michelin Guide Lithuania’s list of recommended restaurants, reflecting his commitment to exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and authentic omakase dining.
From First Recipes to the Omakase Philosophy
For some people, a passion for food begins in restaurants. For Vaidas Užgerys, it began in his family kitchen. As a child, he enjoyed helping his mother prepare meals for the family, making soups, pancakes, waffles, and cakes. It was during those early years that his curiosity for flavors first emerged, along with a desire to understand how simple ingredients could be transformed into memorable dishes.
His professional journey began after completing a two-year culinary training program. For his internship, Vaidas chose an Asian WOK restaurant, which later became his first workplace as a chef. The bold flavors, distinctive sauces, and unexpected ingredient combinations of Asian cuisine immediately captured his interest and eventually led him to explore the world of Japanese gastronomy.
The Journey into Japanese Cuisine
In 2010, Vaidas began his career in the world of sushi in Lithuania. After a year of experience, he had already mastered the fundamentals of sushi preparation. However, it was only after moving to Norway that he truly realized how much more there was to learn.
There, he had the opportunity to work alongside Michelin-starred chefs, one of whom later became a World Sushi Champion. Working in high-level professional kitchens allowed him to experience the true philosophy of Japanese cuisine – respect for ingredients, precision in technique, and a constant commitment to improvement.
It was during this period that Vaidas developed the professional values that continue to guide his work today: using only high-quality ingredients, maintaining a delicate balance of flavours, and never compromising quality for speed or convenience.
Experience in the World of Omakase
One of the most significant milestones in Vaidas’ career was his time working in an Omakase restaurant, where he was selected by the head chef to become his right-hand man. There, he deepened his knowledge of fish and seafood preparation, mastered advanced butchery techniques, refined his presentation skills, and gained a deeper understanding of the omakase philosophy.
This experience not only strengthened his technical expertise but also taught him how to create a dining experience as a complete culinary story, where every course has its purpose and place within the journey.
Today, Vaidas leads the Omakase Vilnius dining experiences, where he is able to express his creativity while interacting directly with guests. According to him, this is one of the most rewarding aspects of omakase dining – guests witness the entire preparation process, while the chef has the opportunity to see their reactions and emotions unfold in real time.
Philosophy
Although the culinary journey is never an easy one, Vaidas believes that true mastery can only be achieved through continuous learning, dedication, and a constant desire to improve.
A quote that has stayed with him throughout his professional career perfectly reflects this mindset:
"Live your life, love your food."
Ready for an Exceptional Culinary Experience?
Reserve your Omakase dining experience in Vilnius and allow the chef to surprise you with a unique culinary journey.