Fresh from the Baltic Sea.
If you’re not expecting much from dining out in Riga, you can’t be more wrong thanks to a new wave of chefs carving out a space for New Latvian cuisine. Not to mention, easy access to the Baltic Sea allows incredibly fresh seafood that go straight from the ocean to dining tables. Enjoy your food journey through the capital of Latvia, here’s our pick for top restaurants in Riga.
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3 pavāru restorāns “Tam labam būs augt”
One of the most creative meals in Riga is right next to Jacob’s Barracks, called: 3 pavāru restorāns “Tam labam būs augt,” which translates to 3-cook restaurant “It will be good to grow.” The delightful meal begins with the wait staff arriving at the table, splattering colorful sauces on top of a placemat. The table essentially transforms into a canvas of vibrant stripes, or a creative dipping sauce for the bread. The six-course menu highlights modern Latvian cuisine, opt for a refreshing beet salad followed by a rich ostrich tartare. The drink menu also showcases Latvian ciders, this is simply the best meal in the city.
Max Cekot Kitchen
Chef Max Cekot and architect Natalia Suyetin are the husband/wife team behind Max Cekot Kitchen by altering an old wood factory into an elite garden-to-table restaurant located just outside of Riga. Most of the produce and ingredients used in their dishes are directly grown from their garden, as they push the boundaries of experimenting even edible flowers, replacing them with spices. The 9-course seasonal and tasting menu is the chef’s elegant journey through the Baltics. The interior design embody the owners’ vision of a recycling ideal, in addition to using pieces made by local artisans.
Barents restorāns
Barents has definitely made its own splash in the fine-dining scene in Riga with a stylish cocktail bar and a tranquil patio when the weather warms up. Its creative menu highlights zero waste efforts and a sustainable approach. You’ll get to taste fresh seafood from local fishermen, produce sourced from independent farmers.
The open kitchen allows the exciting chef’s table. Don’t miss the wine list with a wide range of bottles from smaller producers.
Ala Pagrabs
Ala Pagrabs is a cavern showcasing the largest selection of Latvian beers. There’s quite a few unique blends of moonshine. For the adventurous drinkers, try garlic flavor, or horseradish is quite lovely as well. It’s also a restaurant serving traditional Latvian foods like smoked ham, cheeses, garlic rye bread, kotletes (meatballs,) pork and pearl barley stew…and many more dishes that you can typically only find in the countryside. On certain nights, there’s folk dancing for tourists.
Riga Central Market
Europe’s largest market happens to be in Latvia. Riga Central Market is a feast for the eyes and stomach. A foodie haven to eat, browse and shop. There are 5 pavilions that cover 72,300 square meters (778,000 sq ft) of space by the sea and it hosts the livelihood of more than 3,000 traders. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the market’s structures also boast both Neoclassicism design and Art Deco style.
Here, you can sample glorious amounts of fish, particularly herring. Want to bring home some caviar? You’ve come to the right spot!
TAILS
Located in Art Nouveau district, TAILS is a buzzy seafood restaurant separated in two areas: dining room and Raw Bar. Note that you’ll taste local fish with unique taste due to their textures and flavors change from being age for days days to weeks. Don’t miss the Dry-aged tuna steak or dry-aged fish platter.
Molberts saldējums
Delicious gelato doesn’t solely belong in Italy. Have you tried Latvian ice cream? If not, head on over to Molberts, which translates to “easel” in Latvian. All flavors are made from natural and local ingredients, additionally the cones are made from homemade waffles. Besides trying flavors that you wouldn’t usually go for (like rhubarb,) it also features vegan flavors. Pints are prepared in small quantities, packed in glass jars so they can be either reused or returned.
Kolonade. Our Stories…
Another popular seafood restaurant in the city is Kolonade which can be found near the Freedom Monument with the view of Bastion Hill. Crabs, scallops, sturgeon caviar are featured on the menu. If you’re not a fan of seafood, there’s also Venison Steak and beef tongue. Though the items are the menu aren’t completely Latvian and leans more an international flair, the ingredients are caught locally. Plus, nothing beats the view of the gorgeous park with large windows so you can opt for either outdoor or indoor dining.
boo / the burger, ēstuve
Fast food ain’t all that bad, especially when you’re looking to try local eateries that instantly satisfy hungry travelers on-the-go. In Riga, boo / the burger is all about its smash burgers made with wet-aged Latvian beef. If meat isn’t your jam, it also offers vegan and gluten-free options for those who need them. Pair your burger with either truffle fries or champagne. What’s not to love?
Rozengrāls (Vinarium civitatis rigensis)
If you’re a fan of Medieval Times restaurant franchise, then you’ll appreciate Rozengrāls – a Medieval restaurant in Old Riga. Since the location is a former wine cellar, the wait staff dresses in the attire from 12th century, while the entire restaurant is dimly lit by candles. The throwback décor starts from its massive banquet hall to the chains attached to the bathroom stalls. Though overpriced, it is an experience for those who are traveling with children or a large group of friends.