Riga’s Ten Best Cultural Restaurants

As its name suggests, Riviera restaurant, located just outside Riga’s historic centre, specializes in Mediterranean cuisine. The venue’s philosophy revolves around high-class service, friendliness and a rich menu. Another notable part of its character is the cozy, cottage-like interior with soft colors and glass elements, created by designers from Dizaina Līnija, a respected Latvian design studio. On top of the light interior, Riviera also boasts a beautiful terrace sheltered beneath an Italian-style marquee. Though the menu offers a wide array of fresh snacks and salads, it also features original creations, such as the black cod cooked in Nobu style and served with almond sauce; or the catfish fillet baked with nuts and greens, bathed in a mushroom velouteé sauce.

The hip place to be in Riga, Koya boasts a stunning location on the Daugava River and an unmatched view on the marina. A modern interior, spacious rooms, large terrace and a light breeze blowing in from the river make it especially enjoyable during the summer months. Koya regularly hosts bands and DJs, offering a repertoire that ranges from jazz to house. The menu has international fare with a strong undertone of fusion: most dishes are composed with influence from cuisines and a great deal of sophistication. Staple dishes include mussels from France or Ireland, tuna steak and fried sweet potatoes with rosemary and garlic. Breakfast and brunch options are equally appetizing.

One of the pearls of Riga’s riverside restaurants, Fabrikas Restorans sits on the Daugava shore, opposite the old town. Situated in an old factory building, the venue is highly esteemed by locals and tourists alike. Its classy and romantic décor, occasional live piano music by maestro Uldis Stabulnieks and a no-rush atmosphere make it the perfect location for a relaxed dinner in a stunning setting. On Fabrikas’ menu, you will find a solid selection of international dishes, but French recipes inevitably take the lead with delicacies such as foie gras with artichokes and mushrooms, julienne with mushrooms or freshly sourced seafood. In addition to Fabrikas’ chic and raw interior décor, patrons can enjoy their meal on the summer terrace, which sits directly on the river.

One of Riga’s classic dining spots, Charleston combines two spaces: a cozy tearoom furnished with mahogany touches; and a grand, bright yellow dining hall. Since 1999, it has been known for its classy, warm ambience, Riga’s finest service and high-quality ingredients. Charleston’s claim to fame is its Italian menu, reinvented by head chef Haralds MekÅ¡s, and recomposed using natural Latvian products. In addition to the bresaola served with fresh mozzarella and sweet strawberries, or the caramelized beet salad with cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, also on offer is Riga’s widest choice of BBQ dishes. Marinated from four to 14 hours over alder wood, and topped with several splashes of Charleston’s home-made sauces, these fish and meat delicacies are as succulent as they are delicate.

Named after Luis Buñuel’s famous surrealist film Un Chien Andalou and housed in a former polygraph workshop, Andaluzijas Suns gives the impression of being a cozy continental wine and beer pub. It’s the perfect place to watch a football game over succulent burgers, Tex-Mex plates or Latvian-style chops. Keep in mind, however, that the generous servings make the dishes hard to finish. The friendly, English-speaking staff also offer a wide range of beers, shots and wines. In the summertime, this lively spot blooms with a terrace next to a fancy surrealist fountain in Berga.

Exquisite masterpieces of Latvian cuisine served in a refined, historical environment, are a staple at Benjamins, a fine-dining establishment located close to Latvia’s national university. The restaurant borrows its name from the previous inhabitants of the building, one of the wealthiest families in Latvia, and provides an impressive example of architectural renaissance. Here, dinner can be enjoyed under what the owners promise to be the only Venetian crystal chandelier in the Baltic States, or in one of the other dining halls decorated with detailed stucco, stunning mirrors and restored antiques. The menu presents classic Latvian cuisine with a gentle touch of creativity.

Uzbekistana is the perfect example of a proper Uzbek cuisine, dedicated to presenting Uzbek culture through a variety of honored traditions. Within walking distance from the city center, Uzbekistana is always filled with businessmen and local families. Its universal popularity is down to the food and ambience. Uzbekistana offers filling meals of meat, grilled vegetables, honey pastries or the king of eastern dishes, pilaf, prepared according to the strictest traditional Uzbek recipes and served in the middle of the table by the chef himself. The table settings, décor, prices and service are all great examples of eastern ambience and hospitality.