Central Rīga
Creative Latvian gastronomy is showcased in this Vērmanes Park favourite. Expect the likes of home-smoked sturgeon, glazed ox cheeks with blackberries and…
Must-see restaurants in Latvia
Central Rīga
Sample some great cuisine from the Caucasus, which proves that life gets spicier when you go south. Start with an appetiser of pickled vegetables – the…
Central Rīga
Step down a few steps – just metres from St Gertrude Church – to some of the freshest fare in Rīga. Local and seasonal produce dictates what's on offer,…
Ķīpsala, Āgenskalns & Torņakalns
This renovated brick former chalk factory has a stellar position right on the Daugava River on Ķīpsala. Whether you're in the dining room with the front…
Latvia
In the morning you'll see croissant and coffee addicts hanging around outside the door waiting for this tiny place to open. A queue inevitably forms as…
Central Rīga
Although right in the centre, this place feels like you've discovered a warm tavern in the middle of nowhere. Complete with a tiled stove, this wooden…
Abava River Valley
The best lunch option in the area, this welcoming wood house offers tastings of the local cider and wine (you'll have seen the vineyards in the…
Latvia
This big cafe offers genuine cafe culture with tables on a wide terrace overlooking the main pedestrian zone. (Or rise above it all on the roof deck.)…
Latvia
The 'Cat's House' has a long CV: cafeteria, bakery, cafe and nightclub. Get a tray and load up on cheap Latvian fare or get one of the good coffee drinks…
Maskavas Forštate, Avotu Iela & Grīziņkalns
Rīga Central Market now has a food court, and it's somewhat upscale. Over 20 stalls cook up fare from around the world, including sushi, pho, pasta,…
Old Rīga
The bentwood chairs are just one traditional detail at this old-time cafe. The coffee is excellent and the baked goods fresh; get anything with rhubarb…
Old Rīga
The pick of the Lido litter (Rīga’s ubiquitous smorgasbord chain), this woodsy charmer feels like an old Latvian brewhouse. In summer, the front opens up…
Brasa & Teika
Generations of Rīgans have stopped for a bite at this round-the-clock retro cafeteria where a sign proclaiming 'Brezhnev ate here' would not be out of…
Jūrmala
A very popular restaurant at the Baltic Beach Hotel & Spa, Il Sole has much-sought-after ocean-side seating and a long list of Italian dishes matched with…
Maskavas Forštate, Avotu Iela & Grīziņkalns
This is the place to finally have grey peas: the national dish of savoury stewed beans is scrumptious at this simple and tidy bar/cafe catering to…
Latvia
Pagrabiņš inhabits a cellar that was once used as the town’s prison. Today a variety of dishes are served under low-slung alcoves lined with honey…
Old Rīga
On the ground floor of a boldly coloured 1903 art nouveau building, this corner cafe serves fine coffee and pastries with French flair through the day…
Old Rīga
A Rīga institution for budget travellers and after-hours partiers, this extra-large self-serve eatery stays open extra-late, offering tasty pelmeņi …
Latvia
Sporting rustic decor with a hint of Soviet nostalgia, this cellar restaurant serves Russian pelmeņi dumplings and excellent Russian-style sour vegetable…
Latvia
This polished two-level restaurant with a big and inviting terrace is housed in the city’s old post office. The menu features traditional Latvian…
Jūrmala
Typical of the summer beach cafes, this big place is about 50m back from the high tide line. There are fab sandy views from the huge wooden terrace or you…
Central Rīga
Part of a sleek row of waterside bistros overlooking the Passenger Ferry Terminal and the Daugava River in the Andrejosta neighbourhood, Koya has a large…
Old Rīga
It could still be 1930 in the Old Rīga branch of this popular local bakers. Ponder the huge loaves of traditional bread, then wander over to the display…
Latvia
This old-fashioned cafe serves Latvian favourites (get your grey peas here!) made from local produce. Try a local speciality such as gulbeŝnīki (stuffed…
Latvia
Nail your sweet tooth at this fancy bake shop and cafe. Look for pies, muffins and tarts made with local berries and rhubarb. There are over a dozen…
Central Rīga
From fish and chips to towering seafood platters, every day the line-up changes depending on what sails in on the fishing fleet. This contemporary cafe…
Central Rīga
Savour the cultured Ģertrūdes iela street life on the large shaded terrace at this hip, Italian-style cafe. Have some bruschetta with a glass of wine from…
Southern Latvia
Located in the palace basement, this vaguely formal restaurant serves old-school Latvian fare suitable for a special occasion. Other palace eating options…
Latvia
If you'd rather stick with international standards, rather than venturing into the depths of traditional Latvian cuisine, this slick modern place by the…
Old Rīga
Not only does this tidy little hole in the wall have one of the best URLs ever, it lives up to its name. Staff – far more sober than most of the customers…
Latvia
In a vintage house on the Town Garden, this proper restaurant serves a formal menu of fresh fish and meaty mains. Book ahead in the summer for a table in…
Old Rīga
Tables sprawl across the square at this upmarket but relaxed restaurant facing the rear of St Peter's Church. The bistro-style menu includes fresh seafood…
Central Rīga
This slightly upscale supermarket has an excellent deli section: the perfect complement for your foraging foray at the Rīga Central Market, whether it's…
Latvia
This stylishly designed restaurant – Nordic woodwork with a pinch of Ikea – serves good pizza and fresh Italian classics. The large outside deck in front…
Latvia
Enjoy Latvian comfort food in a leafy park setting. The terrace is a summer delight, while inside there's a vintage vibe with lashings of rural charm. The…
Latvia
Boasting a fabulous terrace overlooking a park, this genteel cafe in an elegant old building serves locally sourced seasonal fare. The menu melds Latvian…
Jūrmala
Sue’s is beloved by locals for its fairly authentic, albeit toned down, South Asian cuisine. Enjoy curries or tender butter chicken amid statues of…
Jūrmala
An excellent small bakery and cafe right in the heart of Majori on the main street. The tables out front are prime people-watching territory.
Latvia
Tucked in the courtyard of a pretty timber-framed German house, this beer garden serves large portions of meat- and seafood-heavy fare.
Old Rīga
Vampires beware – everything at this joint contains garlic, even the ice cream. The menu is pretty hit-and-miss, but no matter what, it’s best to avoid…
