Discovering a culture takes time, you need to examine all its facets in order to fully immerse yourself. Gastronomy is obviously an important part of it, and it deserves to be explored… What a wonderful excuse to go to one of the best typical restaurants in Riga selected by us!
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What are the typical dishes of Latvia?
Latvia has a large coastal area, which is why sea products are very present in its gastronomy, especially smoked fish. It is also rich in dairy products and breads, the most famous and appreciated of which is the black rye bread.
Peas, cabbage and potatoes are also widely consumed. Potato pancakes, cabbage soup… These products are often combined with meat, which results in rich and tasty dishes: something to delight young and old alike!
Good to know
You can learn more about Riga through our complete article, dedicated to the best bars in the Latvian capital.
Where to eat local in Riga?
In this article, we share with you our top 10 of the best typical restaurants in Riga, which you can enjoy during your stay. A selection full of flavors that will delight every wallet!
1. Domini Canes
It is certain that many restaurants are jealous of the reputation and popularity of Domini Canes. Combining local dishes and pleasant staff, we warmly recommend this typical Riga restaurant. It is located about 100 meters from St. Peter’s Church, in Skārņu iela 18/20, Centra rajons.
2. Folkklubs
Do you like unique places? Then we recommend you the Folkklubs. Here you can enjoy traditional Latvian cuisine with old-fashioned flavors… in an old wine cellar!
We recommend the meatballs, which are sure to delight you in this typical Riga restaurant located at Peldu iela 19, Centra rajons.
3. Rozengrāls
“Hola innkeeper, take these few ecus and give my steed plenty of oats!” That’s what you want to say when you enter Rozengrāls.
More than a meal, enjoy an authentic medieval experience at this unique Riga restaurant.
Whether you want to have a snack or a real meal, you will find it at Rozena iela, Centra rajons.
4. Restaurant 3
For higher budgets, we recommend the very modern Restaurant 3. The chefs make a point of cooking with the best local ingredients they can find, while offering quality service.
We recommend the six-course menu to fully enjoy the experience. Find it at Kalēju iela 3, Centra rajons.
5. Austrumu Robeza
You have two reasons to visit Austrumu Robeza. First, this restaurant offers affordable and tasty food. Secondly, it’s a themed restaurant totally dedicated to… totalitarianism.
You read that right! Here you can enjoy eggplant with goat cheese and tomato in the company of busts of Stalin, Lenin and Mao. It is located at Riharda Vāgnera iela 8.
6. Melnie Mūki
If you’re looking for great value for money, head to Melnie Mūki in Jāņa sēta 1, Centra rajons. This typical Riga restaurant offers top-notch steaks and a very good selection of wine, all in a refined setting.
Add to that a Jazz atmosphere and a crystal chandelier, and you are immersed in an elegant meal in the old town of Riga.
7. Province
Enjoy traditional dishes in an old-fashioned atmosphere while staying in the old town. In this typical Riga restaurant, we recommend pea soup, which you can accompany with toasted garlic bread if you’re in a gourmet mood.
Take a well-deserved break at this old inn, which you can discover at Kaļķu iela 2, Centra rajons.
8. Entresol
Elizabetes iela 22, Centra rajons is where you will find this typical Riga restaurant. Like Rozengrāls, you can stop here at any time of the day, whether it’s for a coffee or a nice slice of rye bread topped with bacon and pickles. We also recommend ordering from their many Latvian-style tapas: knapas.
9. Kolonade
Enjoy a beautiful setting in this typical Riga restaurant overlooking the city park. You can enjoy modern dishes, elegantly presented and brought to you by smiling staff.
What more could you ask for? Close to the opera house, it is located in a historical building at 26, Brīvības bulvāris, Centra rajons.
10. 3 Pavāru Restorāns
Literally “The restaurant of the 3 chefs“. As the name suggests, this restaurant was founded by three well-known local chefs (Mārtiņš Sirmais, Artūrs Trinkuns and Ēriks Dreibants).
Thanks to its open kitchen, you can watch the chefs prepare typical Latvian cuisine, revisited and improved by their know-how. Find it at Jēkaba kazarmas, Torņa iela 4, Centra rajons.
Discover the best places in Riga
By now you know our top 10 typical restaurants in Riga. If you want to learn more about Latvian culture and the capital in particular, we invite you to check out our selection of must-do activities in Riga. You can also learn more about the city and the best hotels in Riga!
