Must-see restaurants in Central Rīga

  • Istaba

    Central Rīga

    Like every other country north of Antarctica, Latvia has TV chefs. Here, the beloved Mārtiņš Sirmais runs an idiosyncratic restaurant that's part…

  • Miit

    Central Rīga

    Rīga’s hipster students head here to sip espresso and blog about Nietzsche amid comfy couches and blond-wood minimalism. Weekday breakfast (8am to 11.30am…

  • Big Bad Bagels

    Central Rīga

    US expats aching for lox or a bacon-egg-and-cheese bagel can get a fix at this real-deal joint. Fresh bagels come with cream cheese or as a sandwich with…

  • Vincents

    Central Rīga

    This toney restaurant has served royalty and rock stars (Japanese emperor Akihito, Prince Charles, Elton John) amid its eye-catching van Gogh–inspired…

  • Food Box

    Central Rīga

    Mismatched tables perch unsteadily on a sidewalk cracked by a lovely old shade tree at this very popular kebab shop. From the pitas to the piquant grilled…

  • Lido Origo

    Central Rīga

    Rīgans of all stripes stop by this bustling cafeteria, just a few metres from the ticket windows in the mall at the Central Train Station. Lido's…

  • Cafe Osīriss

    Central Rīga

    Despite Rīga’s mercurial cafe culture, Osīriss is a legendary stalwart. The green faux-marble tabletops haven’t changed since the mid-1990s and neither…

  • Bibliotēka No1

    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…

  • Aragats

    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…

  • Stockpot

    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,…

  • Fazenda Bazārs

    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…

  • Koya

    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…

  • Zivju Lete

    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…

  • Moltto Grill & Wine

    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…

  • Stockmann

    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…

  • Index

    Central Rīga

    Latvia’s trendier version of Prêt a Manger is a step up from ready-made sandwiches at the grocery store. Black-and-yellow stencil art rocks the walls and…

  • Charlestons

    Central Rīga

    If you’re up to your elbows in pork tongue, Charlestons is a sure bet to get rid of the meat sweats. Lounge around the terraced courtyard in the heart of…

  • Arbooz

    Central Rīga

    We'd call this tiny place sweet even if it didn't make these light fruity cupcakes and meringues – just for its looks. You might be able to occupy one of…

  • Rimi

    Central Rīga

    Supermarket within the Barona Centrs shopping mall.