The best restaurants in Riga in the old town. Latvian cuisine in Riga restaurants

Our columnist Victoria Dim visited the capital of Latvia, compiled her top list and took recommendations from local residents.

Riga gastronomy has gone far from popular in Soviet time local oil sprats and sweet balm. Here, more and more preference is given to Latvian cider and cheeses. Farmers and hunters diligently supply restaurants with dairy products, vegetables and meat, so shouting about locality in a decent establishment is no longer comme il faut: everyone has it. The chefs are completely returned from internships in Michelin restaurants, city stars and enterprising guys. Dishes are prepared amusing, portions are generous, prices are not beaten on the wallet. Leave, we have already drawn up the route!

Morning, coffee and cafe

ROCKET BEAN ROASTERY
Address: Miera street 29

Star coffee roasters have set up a whole laboratory, so if the word "specialty" is not an empty phrase for you, turn off the beaten tourist routes here. From 9 am every day for € 7.9 guests get unlimited access to buffet. Coffee is not included in the price, but it can be brewed in any conceivable way. The kitchen is run by creative chef Arturs Tashkans, who has trained many times in top restaurants in Europe. As a souvenir, you can take a pack of branded Magic Pussy grains with you.

• Chemex 6 €
• Espresso 2 €
• Cappuccino 2,5 €
• Breakfast buffet 7,9 €

RIITS
Address: Dzirnavu Iela 72

The owners have their own quail farm, so you don’t have to worry about the quality of egg dishes. Sit on pillows and order a signature omelette from the oven. It is served in fiery hot earthenware, which retains heat for a long time, allowing you to enjoy the Baltic leisurely. During the day, you should try the Latvian sprat appetizer accompanied by local drinks from the bar list. The cuisine is simple but delicious.

• Coffee without milk 2 €
• Cappuccino 2,8 €
• Oven baked turkey omelet 4 €
• quail soup 7 €

MRFOX
Address: Dzirnavu iela 34A

This is a trendy healthy food cafe, where you are not ashamed to look even far from a healthy lifestyle. Only open for breakfast and lunch. The menu builder allows you to create your dream dish: choose protein from tofu to corn-fed chicken breast, side dish and vegetables, sauce. It turns out more than two hundred combinations. There is always a crowd here, so I recommend taking a box of blissful food with you and having a picnic in the nearest park.

• Vegan pancakes 6 €
• green smoothie 3 €
• Cappuccino 2,5 €

Modern and affordable

ST.PETRUS
Address: Skārņu 11

Restaurant right in the center of the tourist life of Riga with modern kitchen without frills. St.Petrus has taken a comfortable position between bistro and finddining. On one side of the scale was a special grill menu with an original white burger for € 16.80, on the other - a tasting set of 5 courses with excellent wine accompaniment for two for € 89. The burger should not be neglected, everything is perfect in it: the crunch of buns with reduced flour content, fat content of butterfish, sourness and slight pungency of cucumbers marinated in kimchi. A glass of Chablis is perfect here.

• Traditional herring on beetroot cheesecake 7,5 €
• white burger 16,80 €
• Black dumplings with zander and red caviar 16,50 €
• Mousse from chokeberry with buckwheat biscuit and ice cream 9 €

3 PAVARI
Address: Jacob's Barracks, Torna iela 4

A restaurant with two chefs is already banal. Whether business three! In September 2011, it was founded by well-known chefs in Latvia, including TV star Mārtiņš Sirmais and honored chef Ēriks Dreibants. A visit to 3 Pavaru is not just a trip to a restaurant, it’s a whole “experience” when a gastronomic show unfolds with a bewitching drawing of sauces on tables in puffs of steam from seething liquid nitrogen. In general, a whole bunch of aesthetic pleasures is provided here.

• Salted cod fillet, fennel yogurt, kombu, horseradish sauce 11,9 €
• Scallop soup, asparagus oil 11,9 €
• Trout fillet, red cabbage puree, root vegetables, mustard sauce 16,5 €
• Dome of Valrona chocolate, king orange, zira 9,9 €

FERMA
Address: Valkas iela 7

Ferma is located in a green area next to the Viestura garden with a serious culinary school. Teachers prepare, not students. Academicism manifests itself in perfect cut salads, and in thoughtful hooliganism of product combinations. What is one spinach soup worth, playing with the piquancy of blue cheese and the caramel sweetness of baked white chocolate. And the Baltic herring, our own, or a signature dessert made from cottage cheese, similar to chocolate-covered cheese from childhood, touches and causes an attack of nostalgia.

• Blue cheese pie with hazelnuts and garden greens 9,6 €
• Spinach cream soup with blue cheese and baked white chocolate 7,2 €
• Baltic herring breaded with herbs, mashed potatoes, spinach and onions 10,5 €
• Specialty dessert made from cottage cheese, white chocolate with mountain ash and bread 7,4 €

High style

VINCENT'S
Address: Elizabetes iela 19

The restaurant is living history. More than 20 years of fame, the annual Grand Prix of the Latvian restaurant top, the TripAdvisor Walk of Fame, the best sommelier in Europe and Africa in the team. You can go to Vincent's only once in your life, but you must go. To leave in memory the amazing experience of enjoying food and wine, take a memorable photo, post it on Facebook, so that in 10 years you will smile at the reminder of this day.

• Grilled reindeer saddle, mushrooms, root vegetables, red wine gravy 32 €
• Grilled monkfish fillet cauliflower, bere blanc from oil with algae 31 €

MUUSU
Address: Skārņu iela 6

A fabulous restaurant dangerously close to the tourist center occupies a charming "ginger" house. The external cuteness and openness of the team hides a very serious complex cuisine. First, it's beautiful. Secondly, on weekdays they make a business lunch of three highly artistic dishes for 20 euros. A great opportunity to appreciate the outstanding ability of Latvians to make a stylish presentation of good portions.

• Minced beef tenderloin, beetroot, parsley aioli, yolk and mustard gel, anchovies 11 €
• Dark chocolate cream truffle, cocoa, milk, coffee, cold raspberries 7 €
• steak from beef tenderloin, potatoes, onion puree with mustard 24 €
• Grilled duck breast, apples in white wine, apple and red currant puree 19 €

BIBLIOTĒKA NR. one
Address: Terbatas iela 2

In Biblioteka Nr. 1 is worth taking the 9 course tasting menu, which is constantly changing. And of course - accompanied by wines, because the restaurant card is marked by the prestigious Wine Spectator rating. You never know what to expect, but it won't be boring.

Edgar Elbergs, one of the leading bartenders in Riga, talks about wine places:

“I am glad that now in Latvia there is a growing interest in all high-quality alcoholic beverages: they drink more wine, they brew craft beer, they make excellent ciders. The quality of local drinks is improving every year, although it still suffers from instability. There are a lot of everyday wine places in Riga, I recommend only the most interesting ones.”

MOLTTO WINE&GRILL
Address: Ģertrūdes iela 20

The bar is run by the president of the Latvian Wine Association Janis Kalkis. Here is an excellent selection of natural and biodynamic wines, in addition, there are many side positions. Drinking turns into a fun game thanks to frequent wine casinos.

MODERNISTS
Address: K. Barona 31

Stunningly stylish and beautiful champagne bar with snacks opened recently. The authors are a well-known design bureau, which is probably why the place immediately won the love of the creative cluster of Riga. It has an absolutely unique atmosphere, plus a dynamic wine list and menu.

EASY WINE
Address: Audēju iela 4

As the name implies, everything here is as simple and democratic as possible, without snobbery. The bar has an automated system "Enomatic": guests pour themselves wine from taps. The number of milliliters in a serving is determined by each individual. So you can afford to taste completely different wines. By the way, almost next door there is an Easy Beer establishment - the same system, only with craft beer.

Anastasia Blokhina, director of the Riga Biennale of Contemporary Art, talks about bar life in Riga:

“The city has quite a stormy drinking life. Especially, of course, in summer, when there are several dozen open-air music festivals in Riga and Jurmala. In winter, everything is clear - in dark and cold times, you just move from bar to bar by taxi. In the summer it turns into an exciting quest around the city. It is especially good to drink in the Kalnciems quarter, where on Saturdays there is a market of local designers and street food. Now local beer is especially popular, as well as organic wines made from apples, rhubarb, or, for example, chokeberry. Well, balm, of course, is an indispensable tool for adding to tea in winter.

COD ROBATA GRILL BAR
Address: Terbatas iela 45

Bar at Japanese restaurant, they make, perhaps, the best “Bloody Mary” in the world with hints of smoked meat, as well as many interesting signature cocktails, for example, Lychee Tea Punch on vodka. Great food, interior, presentation.

BAR XIII
Address: Strēlnieku iela 1A

Bar XIII is reminiscent of London's private clubs. Very small bar, literally five tables. Bartenders mix great cocktails original recipe. It is worth trying Sparkling Rhubarb based on gin and rhubarb.

MO: RESTBAR
Address: 11 Novembra 9

Establishment with Asian cuisine and noble cocktail perfect serve — special attention not only to taste, but also to the serving of drinks. Here you can feel a special author's approach to everything.

LEFT DOOR BAR
Address: Antonijas iela 12

The bar team is very strong, all the guys are winners of many international competitions. Their renovation of the classics is absolutely enchanting, and among the branded ones it is worth noting the Rico cocktail on two balms with red wine and coffee.

Photos: Victoria Dim, some of the photos are provided by institutions.

Our first restaurant in Riga was designed to satisfy my curiosity about Latvian cuisine. My husband doesn't care, the main meat, preferably a good, beef, bloody steak: And I, as always in new cities and countries, wake up horses. And now, take out and put me a Latvian dish. What they have there - pearl barley, beans, peas, potatoes, rye bread - it doesn't matter, the main thing is to be unusual!

The restaurant caught my eye immediately. Home, I would say, a peasant interior. Lovely, smiling and helpful waitress girls. Peasant utensils, simple, coarse dishes. In my opinion, they fit very well into the Latvian legend of the restaurant - the province. All in all, the restaurant was great.

In order to understand what Latvian cuisine is, we took a tasting set (as the Latvian Cuisine Tasting Set was called) - chopped herring with potato salad(in fact, it turned out to be pancakes with chopped salmon), bread and butter (whipped cream with nuts and dried fruits), pea soup with smoked pocherevka (soup with cracklings), black peas with smoked ham (the most unusual dish from what we ate) and beef stroganoff (well, stroganoff is quite "unusual" :)).

Nothing restaurant-military, everything is home-style, simple and satisfying. Came out full and happy. My horses calmed down right up to Vilnius :) We didn’t taste Latvian cuisine anymore. The only thing I regret is that I didn’t try the Latvian dessert from rye bread.

Moloney's pub

Our second dinner in Riga took place in an incredibly fun and friendly pub atmosphere, reminiscent of the atmosphere of an Irish pub. Football was played on TV on the wall, at the bar counter the local population was loudly discussing some news. Guinness advertising flags hung around the hall, and I ordered my favorite Leffe.

The husband was happy with the masculine assortment of dishes and chose pork ribs with french fries and salad. I opened the easy menu sea ​​dish- mushli, oh, sorry, mussels, such ordinary standard Baltic mussels :) Delicious!

Dinner was great. My mushli were excellent. Fresh, well cleaned, not overcooked, and a generous portion! Already ate so ate from the heart, with pleasure. To the credit of the pub, they even brought me some water with lemon in a bowl for my hands. Here!

My husband was also very pleased with his ribs. I was even going to come here the next day to "pidobidat" (like, have a bite to eat) :)

And the final result of the dinner was also quite "delicious" - about 22 €

Restaurant Domini Canes

Right next to St. Peter's Cathedral, opposite the famous Bremen Town Musicians, within the walls of the Seta Convention, in 2009, a small, but remote, Domini Canes restaurant settled. A relatively young restaurant, but the fame of it crossed the borders of Latvia a long time ago. Hundreds of tourists deliver news about this amazingly pleasant place in Riga to different parts of the world, leave reviews about it on the Internet.

It turned out to be very difficult to get into Domini Canes - each table is booked up to a minute. Even our standard trick - to come for a late lunch - did not help. The restaurant is only open in the evening. It's good that we planned a visit to this place in advance and came here on the first evening in Riga. This gave us a chance to get to the restaurant at the "closing" of Riga. It turned out that on Monday morning we were able to squeeze into the ranks of the lucky ones only on Wednesday.

Wednesday evening was full of anticipation. We were waiting for a cozy medieval interior with light strokes of Provence, smiling and sympathetic waiters, a guy and a girl (for a moment it even seemed to me that we were served by a husband and wife), light twilight, a table for two and dancing glare of lit candles. Romance!

I made a huge mistake - before dinner I cracked a cake with coffee, so I absolutely did not want to eat. It was really uncomfortable in front of the waiters. But then I saw the menu...

The menu of the restaurant is not large, but the eyes ran wide. I wanted to try everything at once and not overeat :)

We chose chanterelle soup - just a masterpiece of world cuisine! Oven-cooked pork ribs with baked potatoes, cherry tomatoes and spinach. Butterfish with mozzarella vegetable pillow with some gratin (crisp on the fish. Yum-yum!). And among other things, we were served with wine, while we were waiting for our order, bread with butter and olives.

Guys, this is incredible! First of all, everything is delicious. I would even say that with a claim to the author's cuisine. The portions are not large, but everything is so exquisitely served, so beautifully decorated that it’s impossible to eat quickly. Second, the atmosphere romantic dinner, leisurely conversation, wine... During the whole dinner, I never thought about WiFi. What WiFi?!

Prices are not biting, but a little higher than in other Riga restaurants. Believe me, it's worth it!

Tea&Coffee

On the last day in Riga, a magnificent dinner awaited us (we didn’t know that it would be magnificent, but we already guessed), so we decided not to have lunch in the afternoon, but to have a snack. The snack was postponed, postponed and postponed almost until dinner. But they still went to a cafe with WiFi, checked mail, worked a little, drove teas, tasted cake and just relaxed.

This cafe turned out to be the "Tea&Coffee Garden" coffee shop. Nice quiet place, literally for 4 tables. I can't say that the cafe is very cozy, an ordinary cafe with a wall of living greenery, vaguely reminiscent of a garden.

The waitress girl with a smile fulfilled all our tricks, oh sorry, whims. She warned that the tea was very hot and helped with the choice of a cake.

Cosy? I don't think so. Calmly? Definitely!

Riga from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Riga.

• Tours for the New Year around the world
• Hot tours around the world

Riga is a very beautiful city. Its Central District has preserved a whole complex of old, very old and very ancient buildings that do not leave anyone indifferent. At the same time, Riga has always been a “big brother” in its small Baltic family. Compared to Tallinn or Vilnius, this city really gives the impression of a metropolis. It rages, has fun, attracts thousands of tourists, imperceptibly makes them fall in love with itself, forcing them, if not to stay for a day or two, then at least to come here again.

Divided by the wide 500-meter river Daugava, Riga will forever remain in the heart with its Art Nouveau facades, large green parks and cozy little bars, where the minutes pass unnoticed by the crackling and flickering of candles.

Surprisingly, this city combines its toy historical center, as if descended from medieval engravings, bright nightlife and prosperous catering business. The lavish beauty, timeless elegance and irrepressible fusion of old and new in Riga has such a powerful charm that it can only be perceived to the accompaniment of the famous Black Balsam of Riga.

How to get to Riga

When planning a vacation in Riga, the first thing to do is to decide on transport. There are several options, and the choice depends on the total duration of the trip. If this is a weekend tour, then it is better to go by plane. Direct flights connect Riga with Moscow and St. Petersburg. Residents of other regions will have to plan their route with a transfer.

In addition, there are bus and train connections. Trains from Moscow and St. Petersburg run once a day, there are a few more bus trips. The latter are preferable in all respects - tickets are almost half the price, and time costs are reduced by 3-6 hours.

Search for flights to Riga

Districts of Riga

As you might guess, the most popular among tourists is the Central District of Riga. Here, on a tiny square, most of the sights of this Baltic city are concentrated, the main of which is considered to be Old Riga. Since the area itself occupies only 3 square meters. km, we can say with certainty - per 1 sq. km there are 3-4 museums. In addition to the cobbled streets of the Old Town, the Dome Cathedral and the museum dedicated to the history of the Latvian capital are also of interest.

Do not ignore one of the most historically and culturally significant buildings - Riga Castle, as well as museums of the History of Latvia and Foreign Art. In terms of lodging, rooms in most hotels in the city center are not cheap, however, if you are only here for a couple of days, it is still worth staying here.

Budget accommodation options can be found near the Central Station.

Of the remaining 5 administrative districts of Riga, Vidzeme suburb and Ziemel district deserve special attention. The first of them houses the Latvian Ethnographic Museum. In addition to an extensive exposition, it is also interesting for unusual excursions conducted by guides in national costumes. It is also worth a look at the Riga Motor Museum, where you can admire vintage cars and motorcycles. The Ziemel region is great for outdoor recreation. It contains Lake Kisezers, Mežaparks with numerous recreational areas and the Riga Zoo.

Transport

Public transport in Riga is well developed: there are many bus, trolleybus and tram routes. The former cover all districts and suburbs of the city, and the latter converge in its center. Tickets can be purchased from drivers, the fare is 1.15 EUR. In addition, there are unified travel tickets in Riga - e-tickets. An hour of travel in transport will cost 2.30 EUR. If you plan to move around the city a lot, you can load the map with right amount trips (up to 50). The passes are sold at customer service centres, ticket machines and online. Prices on the page are for November 2018.

There are temporary tickets in the city that allow you to make an unlimited number of trips on all routes of the city during the day (5 EUR), 3 (10 EUR) or 5 (15 EUR) days. This fare payment option will save you money if you plan to visit all the sights of the Latvian capital.

In addition to the main city transport, minibuses also run in Riga, and on weekends there are also night buses. Since transportation is carried out by another company, general travel cards do not work in them, tickets must be purchased separately. However, the fares are the same, and you can pay for the fare with the driver.

There are many taxis in the city, and all of them are official and equipped with meters. They are distinguished from ordinary cars by yellow numbers and light shades on the roof. Despite the fact that there are no private traders in Riga at all, it will not be difficult to find a taxi at special parking lots. In addition, the car can be ordered by phone, the call is free.

In most cases, credit cards are accepted for payment. However, it is better to check with the driver about the presence of the terminal before boarding.

Different rates apply depending on the time of day. Night trip will cost 20% more. The prices for transportation from different companies are about the same. You will have to pay about 1 EUR for landing, the cost of 1 km is from 0.35-0.80 EUR.

When traveling around Latvia in your own car, you must have driver's civil liability insurance. "Antiradar" is prohibited in the country: before entering it will have to be removed. A pedestrian in Latvia is always right - he must certainly give way.

Maps of Riga

Rent a Car

Guides in Riga

Cafes and restaurants in Riga

There are many cafes, restaurants and bars in the Latvian capital, the general price level is quite high, especially in the central part, but inexpensive establishments can also be found.

Many of them have promotions - business lunches, meals of the day, etc. You should take a closer look at them - the savings can be very significant.

For those who want to taste Latvian cuisine, there are authentic restaurants in the Old Town. The cost of lunch or dinner varies from 20 to 40 EUR. The menu includes milk and bread soups, a wide variety of herring dishes, boiled potatoes, gray peas, black pudding and much more. From drinks it is worth paying attention to local beer. However, it is better for beer lovers to go to a beer house, there are also a lot of them in the city - English, Irish pubs and German bars, where you can taste famous foreign and local varieties.

The Lido entertainment complex located in the city center is especially popular among tourists. Decorated in an ethnic style, it attracts attention with its own mill and brewery, as well as entertainment for children and adults. There is a bistro, cafe and restaurant, which are distinguished by a varied menu and quite affordable prices (average bill from 5 EUR).

Per delicious breakfast For great coffee, head to one of the many coffee shops. A light snack will cost 4-5 EUR, a rather hearty lunch - 10 EUR. In addition, there are restaurants in Riga that offer guests dishes of Italian, Caucasian, Chinese and other cuisines of the world, as well as inexpensive pizzerias and kebabs (lunch from 5-6 EUR).

Entertainment and sights of Riga

Riga is a relatively small cozy European city. Despite this, visiting all the sights and museum expositions can take several days, or even a week. Of course, most of them are located in the historical center of the city, but there is also something to see on the opposite bank of the Daugava and the outskirts of the city.

The unique atmosphere of the Middle Ages reigns in Old Riga with its cobbled streets and squares, ancient churches and architectural diversity.

Once in the Old Town, first of all go to the Town Hall Square. In addition to the Town Hall itself, you should pay attention to the famous House of the Blackheads - one of the most interesting buildings in Riga from an architectural point of view. In the center of the square, the statue of Rolonda stands proudly - a symbol of economic and political independence. A little further away stands one of the oldest buildings in the city - St. Peter's Church with a high spire, visible from almost anywhere in Old Riga.

If time permits, be sure to go up to the observation deck of the church. From a height of 72 m, a beautiful view of the historical center of the Latvian capital opens up.

Nearby is the Dome Square, which is considered to be the heart of Old Riga. Its main attraction is the famous Dome Cathedral - a real symbol of the city, which has incorporated features of various architectural styles. Inside there is a huge 25-meter organ, its sound is considered one of the best in the world.

If you're lucky, you can get to a concert of organ music, which are often held in the temple.

Museums

Although most of the museums in Riga are located in the central part of the city, even the longest vacation will not be enough to see them all. Therefore, we advise you to carefully study and choose the most interesting expositions for yourself.

The famous Riga Castle houses two museums at once - the National Museum of the History of Latvia and the Museum of Foreign Art. The latter is one of the largest art collections in the country, containing samples of ancient painting and sculpture. The Historical Museum presents exhibits dedicated to the life of Latvians from ancient times to the present day.

In connection with the large-scale reconstruction of the old building, the Museum of Foreign Art has already moved to the premises of the Riga Stock Exchange, and the historical exposition will soon be moved.

Within the walls of the ensemble of famous old buildings "Three Brothers" is the Latvian Museum of Architecture. Although its collection contains more than a thousand items, there is no permanent exhibition, exhibitions are held in the halls, regularly replacing each other. Also of interest is the Latvian National Art Museum, which presents paintings, drawings and sculptures from Latvia, Russia and the peoples of the Baltics.

5 things to do in Riga

1. See real antiques at the Flea Market in Latgalit.
2. Find all the styles present in the architecture of the Old City.
3. See frames from your favorite films on the most cinematic street in the USSR - Jauniela.
4. Admire the evening Riga from the observation deck in St. Peter's Church.
5. Get to a concert in the Dome Cathedral and hear the magical sounds of one of the most majestic organs in the world.

Riga for children

For most tourists, Riga is the cobblestone pavements of the Old Town, ancient architecture and other medieval surroundings. However, a completely different picture opens before the young guests of the city. The Latvian capital has everything for children to leave with a whole bunch of bright emotions and new impressions.

The city has many entertainment centers and amusement parks, the most popular of which is considered to be Lido. It won the love of Rigans and guests of the city thanks to the variety of entertainment for children and adults, as well as quite affordable prices. Another interesting place is Peak Nick Park, which has many attractions for guests of all ages.

Riga has everything necessary for the children to leave here with a whole bunch of new experiences.

The Riga Zoo is especially popular. The well-groomed green area contains more than 3 thousand animals, among which there are exotic ones - lions, giraffes, pandas and many others.

Be sure to check out the Riga Circus, located not far from the Central Station in one of the oldest circus buildings in Europe. You can get both to the performances of local artists, and to tour performances of famous bands. No less interesting program is offered by the Latvian Puppet Theatre. The repertoire is dominated by productions of favorite children's fairy tales - "The Three Little Pigs", "Alice in Wonderland", "Doctor Aibolit" and many others. Performances are in Latvian and Russian.

Another place that will definitely not leave any child indifferent is the Laima Chocolate Museum, opened by the famous confectionery factory. The exposition will introduce children to the history of the cocoa bean and the technology of making their favorite delicacy.

July

August

September

October

november

December

The climate of Riga is temperate continental, and due to its location on the Baltic Sea, it is quite warm and humid. Choosing the time for a visit to the Latvian capital, you need to be guided by the purpose of the trip. If clean Riga beaches are a priority, it is better to go from mid-July to mid-August, at the very height of the beach season, towards the end of summer, the cool breath of autumn is already clearly felt in the city.

The end of spring or the beginning of autumn is more suitable for sightseeing holidays. At this time, the weather in Riga is warm, there is little rainfall, however, at the end of May the city is especially charming, and there are not so many tourists yet. At the same time, winter Riga is also popular among vacationers. There are no particular colds here, and bright lights and Christmas markets charge with positive and create a New Year's mood.

At almost every step in Riga you can find a restaurant or cafe with Latvian cuisine on the menu. Some institutions keep traditional recipes, others prefer modern variations classic dishes. A nice feature of Riga restaurants is that the cost of dinner in good location will be lower than in other European capitals. Most of the establishments where you can order traditional Latvian dishes are located in the Old Town and its surroundings.

Restaurants in Old Riga

There are many restaurants and cafes in Old Riga where you can try National dishes Latvia.

Restaurant 1221

Restaurant 1221 is open to its guests daily from 12:00 to 23:00. This exquisite establishment is located in an old building at Jauniela 16. The menu offers various dishes of European, Latvian cuisine and a wide selection of wines.

Here you can try traditional dishes local cuisine:

• Herring fillet with cottage cheese and boiled potatoes.
• cabbage soup from sauerkraut with pork ribs.
• Gray peas with smoked bacon.
• Blood sausage made from game and apples.
• Bread and cranberry parfait with berries and vanilla sauce.

You can have dinner at the 1221 restaurant for 40-50 euros.

Read more about dishes of national Latvian cuisine.

province

Not far from the Town Hall Square at Kaļķu 2 you can find a small cozy restaurant Province. Thanks to the original design of the premises, the atmosphere of an old Latvian village reigns in it.

Here you can appreciate the variety of tastes of Latvian cuisine using the restaurant's tasting menu for 26 €. For this price, the client receives a full 5-course meal:

• Chopped spicy herring.
• Pea cream soup with pork belly.
• Latvian stroganoff.
• Gray peas with smoked meats.
• Bread soup with cream, dried fruits and nuts.

You can try the restaurant's tasting offer or other dishes from its extensive menu daily from 10:00 to 23:00.

Piejura

Piejūra ("Seaside") pub, located on Kaļķu 2 street, opens its doors from 12:00 to 23:00. Its interior features dark wood, ship's ropes, helms, compasses and other marine-themed attributes. This creates the impression of being in the cabin of an old ship.

In the menu of the institution you can find Latvian, and.

You can compare the cuisines of the Baltic States with the help of a separate tasting menu worth 22 €. It includes 6 dishes:

• Lithuanian appetizer of herring and potatoes.
• Cabbage stewed with barley and pork.
• Bean soup with smoked meats.
• Potato "Vederai".
• Estonian drink made from kefir and cereals.
• Rye bread dessert with cranberries and cream.

Of the dishes of Latvian cuisine, one can distinguish vegetable salad with curd cheese and honey-mustard dressing, pork knuckle in beer sauce blood sausage with lingonberry sauce, traditional rye bread desserts. The average bill is 20-25 €.

Zila govs

On Livu Square at Meistaru iela 21, the Zilā govs (“Blue Cow”) restaurant is located, named after the Latvian mythological creature. In the atmosphere of a medieval tavern, you can try a variety of meat and fish meals for which this establishment is famous. Ecologically used for their preparation. clean products purchased from local farmers.

Here you can try:

• Pork fillet marinated in quince.
• Muscovy duck breast with wild berry sauce.
• Boar fillet with pearl barley and rhubarb sauce.
• Rainbow trout with baked tomatoes.
• Baked flounder with fennel and celery.

You can visit the restaurant any day from 11:00 to 24:00. Dinner here will cost 35-40 €, Rigacard holders will receive a 10% discount.

On the Town Hall Square at Rātslaukums 5, you can find the Salve restaurant, decorated in a classic style. Salve in translation means "Welcome", and this greeting fully reflects the friendly atmosphere that prevails in the restaurant hall. Here guests are offered dishes of urban Latvian cuisine, which differs from the traditional one.

Herring tartare, pork ears with sauerkraut, pumpkin cream soup and duck breast with mashed vegetables and beans. Dinner here costs an average of 30-35 €. You can also try 2 types of tasting menu for 29 €. The restaurant is open from 12:00 to 23:00.

Restaurant Walter

At Walter's restaurant at Miesnieku iela 8, visitors can experience the hospitality of a Latvian countryside.

A special atmosphere is created here due to the simple but cozy interior and friendly service.

A distinctive feature of this restaurant is the use of exclusively local products. Therefore, the establishment's menu changes depending on what seasonal products Latvian farmers can offer. The naturalness and freshness of the products are emphasized by the way they are served: dishes are served not on plates, but on stands made of natural materials (wood, stone, ceramics).

The famous chef Valters Zirdzins constantly creates new original dishes, including:

• Rabbit liver pate with pear salad.
• Pike perch fillet with cauliflower and Jerusalem artichoke puree.
• Homemade chicken with potatoes and mushroom cream.
• Braised lamb with red cabbage and eggplant.

The average bill for dinner is 30-35 €. On weekdays from 12:00 to 16:00 you can take advantage of the offer of the day - 2 meals and a drink for 6.9 €. The restaurant's opening hours are daily from 12:00 to 22:00.

Zvejnieka dels

Restaurant Zvejnieka dēls (“Son of a fisherman”) is located at Kaļķu iela 2. In a classic interior, you can enjoy dishes from the freshest fish and seafood every day from 11:00 to 23:00.

Of the variety of dishes, the chef of the restaurant especially recommends trying:

• Solyanka from the Baltic fish.
• Fried lamprey with horseradish and beetroot cream cheese.
• Smoked taimen fillet with cauliflower and yogurt sauce.
• Catfish fillet with chanterelle sauce.

The average bill in a restaurant is 30 €.

A popular place for recreation among local residents and guests of the capital is the Egle recreation center, which can be found at Kaļķu iela 1a.

A good-natured atmosphere reigns here, conducive to tasting local dishes to the sounds of Latvian songs.

At the long wooden tables, located in the open air, there is a place for the largest company. enjoying delicious food and fresh beer, here you can watch performances of popular Latvian bands. Grilled pork ribs, salted Baltic herring and specially marinated meat are very popular among visitors to the recreation center.

Dinner on the outdoor terrace will cost an average of 20 €. You can visit here from May to September, as the establishment is closed during the low tourist season.

Restaurants outside the Old City

Despite the fact that many cafes and restaurants are located in Old Riga, establishments with national cuisine can be found in other parts of the city.

Entertainment center LIDO

At Krasta iela 76, there is a favorite place of recreation for the inhabitants of Riga - the entertainment center LIDO. The total area of ​​the recreation center is about 5 hectares, on which there is an amusement park, a playground, a main building and a parking lot. For the construction of the main building of the LIDO center, special Latvian fir trees were used. It is considered the most beautiful wooden frame in Europe.

To the services of hungry guests - a bistro on the 1st floor of the building, a restaurant on the 2nd floor and a beer cellar located in the basement. In the bistro you can taste delicious local dishes, in the restaurant - gourmet snacks and wine, in the cellar to drink fresh beer brewed in our own brewery.

Lunch in a bistro costs 5 €, in a beer pub - 6 €, in a restaurant - about 15 €. The recreation center is open to everyone from 11:00 to 23:00. You can get to it by tram number 3, 7, 9 or by bus number 12.

More information about the entertainment center Lido.

Pie Kristapa Kunga

Pie Kristapa Kunga is an original 2-storey restaurant stylized as a medieval castle.

In addition to traditional Latvian dishes, its menu includes European and Russian cuisines.

There are traditional dishes here such as gray peas with smoked brisket and herring fillet with hot potatoes. The "hits" of this restaurant are:

• Grilled turkey fillet with berry sauce.
• Pork knuckle with potatoes and stewed cabbage.
• Duck leg with baked apples.

The average cost of a dinner is 20 €. The restaurant awaits guests daily from 11:00 to 23:00 at Baznīcas iela 27/29.

For many, choosing a place to hang out is a real torment. This is due to the fact that there are so many cafes and bars that it is impossible to decide on just one. Even those who know every street of the city face this problem, but what about those who are just passing through it? Many people come to Riga and try to get to know all its aspects in a few days. And this is impossible without tasting the local cuisine. Riga restaurants offer guests a great time and enjoy incredible delicious meals. And if anyone does not know about the coolest establishments in this city, you should read the article below.

Vincent

In every city there is an institution that absolutely everyone knows. There is a place in Riga called Vincent that fits that description. This restaurant is an excellent example of how diligence and the desire to create something very sincere and warm turn into a business project that does not need advertising or unnecessary introduction. For many years this place has topped various ratings and received all sorts of prizes in competitions. Restaurant Vincent is located at the address: Elizabetes iela, 19.

Within its walls you can see a pleasant, warm atmosphere, the perfect work of the staff, attentive attitude to each visitor. The menu of this place is represented by regional cuisine of various wine-growing corners of Europe. Vincent pays special attention to wine: the restaurant has a huge amount of this drink for every taste and budget, and an experienced sommelier will help you choose the right one for the ordered dish. Everything is fine in the institution, but the reviews say that such a pleasure will hit your pocket. Visitors remain delighted with the rest within the walls of Vincent, even if they can afford it not so often.

"Alexander"

Restaurant "Alexander" hospitably opens its doors to everyone who wants to have a great time at the address: Dzelzavas, 69a. This establishment has been pleasing its visitors since 1998, so its walls have already acquired their own history. When developing the menu, we decided not to limit ourselves to only one direction, so in the restaurant "Alexander" you can taste the best dishes international cuisine. Guests speak positively about it, as it is clear that every detail and every movement is aimed at making visitors feel their best. On the territory of the restaurant there is a small terrace, which will allow you to enjoy your meal in the fresh air. Also, many note the opportunity to organize a banquet or a gala event, relying on real professionals in this matter.

"IL Patio"

There are people who are especially fond of one dish or a certain cuisine, and even when traveling they cannot deny themselves such a pleasure. There are many people in Riga who are devoted to Italian cuisine with all their heart and would not exchange it for anything else. They can find their happiness at: Stacijas laukums, 2, in the restaurant "Il Patio". This place fascinates even with its appearance.

The interior is made in the medieval style. Forged gates, brick walls, atmospheric lighting - all this makes the meal more intense and memorable. On the menu you can find the main dishes of Italy, the central of which is pizza. It is cooked in the restaurant "Il Patio" with the most different fillings so every visit will give you a new gastronomic experience. Many note the impeccable work of the staff. The waiters will always help with the choice of dishes, answer all your questions and quickly do their job.

Lido Atputas Centers

Simplicity and conciseness sometimes look much more comfortable and sincere than pretentious, luxurious decorations. For a warm and homely atmosphere, come to Lido Atputas Centrs - a place that deserves to be on the list the best restaurants Riga. The establishment is not very large - it can accommodate only forty people. In the design of the premises, the country style can be traced.

At Lido Atputas Centrs, guests can relax in three rooms, one of which is designed for private conversations and parties. In the restaurant you can taste real Latvian cuisine. Visitors only talk about how delicious the national cheesecakes Burkanu placenis, borscht with sour cream and greens, hare giblets in sour cream sauce. In addition, at the address: Krasta, 76 you can find not only Atputas Centrs, but also a bathhouse, a karaoke club and a billiard room. In such a place you can relax your body and soul, and this is what the creators of such establishments are striving for.

Aleks

Many restaurants in Riga keep a ten-year history. But next to them there was a place for a very young institution called "Alex", which was loved by many visitors. They speak of him only in a positive way, noting his high level of work, excellent cuisine and interesting interior.

Inside the restaurant resembles an old house in a small village. At the same time, guests can find a list of appetizing, modern dishes of international cuisine in the menu. This place is located at: Jauniela, 24.

Le Dome

You can discover a lot of new things by visiting the Le Dome restaurant at Miesnieku 4. The locals called this restaurant a stone restaurant, based on the features of its interior. But appearance of this place takes a backseat when it comes to the kitchen. Reviews about restaurants in Riga can be very different, but Le Dome has always caused only positive impressions.

It didn't take much for such success - only high-quality farm products, modern European techniques and the golden hands of chef Maris Astic. This man has developed a chic fish menu for the Le Dome restaurant, thanks to which more and more people cross his threshold. Cod, sturgeon, herring, pike perch, flounder - in this place you can arrange a real fish feast. And if you add all this with a cozy interior in bright colors, live music and good service, rest in the Le Dome restaurant will seem like a paradise.

Trattoria del Popolo

An excellent choice for any pastime is the Trattoria del Popolo restaurant at Jā a, 8. This place has conquered with its atmosphere and versatility. Inside, visitors are offered a classic interior in light colors with small tables for four people, an abundance of live plants and candles. This setting is suitable for friendly gatherings, as well as for romantic dinners or family evenings.

The menu includes dishes Italian cuisine. Many visitors of the Trattoria del Popolo restaurant noted for themselves the unsurpassed taste of pasta with hare, salad with pears and parmesan, with beans. Not all restaurants in Riga can boast of an interesting entertainment program, but this does not apply to Trattoria del Popolo. The institution regularly hosts cultural events and musical evenings.

"1221"

Some places remain forever in memory as institutions with a unique atmosphere and unique gastronomic masterpieces. Restaurant "1221" in Riga is the corner where you want to spend every free minute. The place is quite small, but the interior is very refined and stylish. But the design of the halls is not the main strong point of "1221". Visitors have long been saying that if you want to discover new flavor combinations, then the only way is to this place. On the menu you can see a variety of dishes, each of which is a unique creation of not just a chef, but a culinary artist Robert Smilga.

Located at the address: Jauniela 16, the restaurant "1221" will forever be remembered delicate taste game and apple blood sausage with cranberry jam, Latvian herring with boiled potatoes and cottage cheese, good beer and wine. Guests note that in such a place you can sit for 40-50 euros, which will seem like a large amount to some, and to others - a fair price for pleasure.