Rigas Ten Best Cultural Restaurants

The maze of Riga’s tiny streets hides a never-ending trail of treasures for foodies. The food tour across Riga starts in one of the oldest European food markets based in former zeppelin hangars, and finishes in a cozy restaurant or bar on the Daugava river shore or in the old town. Traditional Latvian, Russian and Jewish dishes neighbor with delicacies from Italy or France, for those who know where to look. We explore Riga’s top ten restaurants and cafes.

1. Riviera

Restaurant, Italian, Mediterranean, Vegetarian, Vegan

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.

2. Koya

Koya

Riga Marina | ©Jevgenijs Slihto/Flickr

3. Fabrikas Restorans

Fabrikas Restorans

Daugava Shore, Riga | ©Kārlis Dambrāns/Flickr

4. Charleston

Restaurant, Italian, Seafood, European

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.

5. Andaluzijas Suns

Bar, Cafe, European, Coffee, Tea , Pub Grub, Wine, Beer, Cocktails

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.

6. Benjamins

Diner, Restaurant, European

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.

7. Uzbekistana

Uzbekistana

Chicken Pilaf | ©Alpha/Flickr

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