Rīga restaurants

Rīga's ritziest restaurant has served royalty and rock stars (Emperor Akihito, Prince Charles, Elton John) amid its eye-catching van Gogh–inspired decor. The head chef, Martins Ritins, is a stalwart of the Slow Food…

The stellar trio of chefs who run this show have a jazzy approach to cooking, with improvisation at the heart of the compact and ever-changing menu. The emphasis is on experimentation (leg of lamb with anchovies, an…

It's well worth a quick tram ride (take tram 11 and get off at Mēness iela) to this wonderful eatery for multiple small plates of yumminess. The name couldn't be more accurate, with a menu containing the likes of 'T…

Although right in the centre, this place feels like you've gone a long way and suddenly found a warm tavern in the middle of nowhere. Complete with a tiled stove, this wooden house oozes megatonnes of charm and the …

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 a destination theme (Chicken in Thailand, Prosciutto in Moden…

Owned by local chef and TV personality Mārtiņš Sirmais, ‘The Room’ sits in the rafters above a gallery and occasional performance space. There’s no set menu – you’re subject to the cook’s fancy – but expect lots of …

Rīga’s hipster students head here to sip espresso and blog about Nietzsche amid comfy couches and discarded bicycle parts. The two-course lunch is a fantastic deal for penny-pinchers – expect a soup and a main cours…

Having explored fish stalls at the Rīga Central Market, one might ask: Where do I get it cooked? Well, Herring & Dill, as the name of this grungy kitchen-cum-bar translates, is right here and it'll do the cookin…

Creative Latvian gastronomy is showcased in this Vērmanes Park favourite. Expect the likes of home-smoked sturgeon, glazed ox cheeks with blackberries and potato-truffle puree, and condensed milk fondant with carame…

The pick of the LIDO litter (Rīga’s ubiquitous smorgasbord chain), Alus Sēta feels like an old Latvian brew house. It’s popular with locals as well as tourists – everyone flocks here for cheap but tasty traditional …