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Fine Dining Experiences

Riga, Latvia’s capital, is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Between its art nouveau architecture and cobbled old town lanes lies a vibrant food scene that fuses Nordic precision with Baltic soul. Whether you’re seeking a Michelin-starred dinner, a romantic café, or hearty market fare, hopefully this guide will help you navigate the best places to eat in Riga — including where to splurge, where to snack, and what traditional Latvian dishes you simply can’t miss. I’ve recently dined at all of the following and these are my honest opinions.

1. Snatch — Italian Elegance with a Modern Twist

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Snatch brings a slice of modern Italy to Riga’s art nouveau district with its industrial-chic interior and a creative approach to Mediterranean flavours. Expect house made pasta, seafood, and a stellar Italian wine list — all at a Michelin Bib Gourmand level. We started with sharing plates of tuna loin, aubergine and hazelnut salad and pickled vegetables.

For mains we opted for grilled sea bass and grilled beef kebabs which were both bursting with flavour. Neither of us could resist the house special cheesecake made with Gorgonzola which exceeded my expectations and was genuinely the best cheesecake I’ve tasted anywhere. Snatch

2. Kaļķu vārti — Refined Latvian Flavours in the Old Town

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Set in a 17th-century Old Town building, Kaļķu vārti celebrates the forests, rivers, and fields of Latvia with modern flair. Every dish is carefully curated to the country’s seasons. The vibe is elegant, historic and definitely the place for a romantic evening.

We were brought a basket of three types of bread ranging from Latvian dark rye to beetroot rolls served with garlic butter and truffle oil and we nibbled these whilst waiting for our dishes to be prepared. We both enjoyed tiger prawns for starters whilst for mains I opted for beef cheeks served on a bed of mashed potato which was divine and perfect for a chilly evening. Kalku varti

3. Pētergailis — A Beloved Old-Town Classic

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Operating since 1978, Pētergailis has long held its place as one of Riga’s most beloved dining institutions, a restaurant that blends history, charm, and genuine warmth. Tucked away in the heart of the Old Town, the interior is full of old-world character, with soft lighting, polished wood, and a delightful collection of ceramic hens — each one carefully placed along windowsills and shelves. We were shown to a cosy table by a stained-glass window, where colourful light spilled gently across the room, setting the scene for a memorable meal.

The menu balances traditional Latvian influences with thoughtful presentation. The venison stew was deeply flavoured and tender, a comforting dish that perfectly captured the season, while the salmon with dill sauce tasted fresh, and beautifully complemented by its creamy, herb accompaniment. Though we dined at lunchtime and didn’t sample dessert, the cakes and pastries we saw being delivered to nearby tables looked very tempting. Petergailis

4. Māsa — Stylish Modern Dining

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We had the pleasure of dining at MASA the day after it received its Michelin accreditation and it was clear that the staff were quietly proud of the restaurant’s achievement with the newly arrived plaque propped up on a shelf. The minimalist interiors, clean lines and pale wood exuded a calm sophistication although the wooden seats did leave me wishing for a cushion or two. Any minor discomfort, however, disappeared as soon as the food arrived.

The chicken liver pâté was lightly whipped, creamy and perfectly balanced. For mains, both the duck and pike-perch showcased finesse and depth of flavour, confirming why MASA earned its new accolade. Dessert was nothing short of sublime — a pavlova with meringue so delicate it melted in my mouth. With wines by the glass sensibly priced around €8 our dinner was a fitting celebration of Riga’s newest Michelin restaurant. MASA Riga

5. Kolonnāds. Our Stories — Dining with a View

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Nestled in the heart of Riga, overlooking both the majestic Opera House and the iconic Freedom Monument, Kolonāde – Our Stories is a refined restaurant within a charming park setting.

The seasonal menu showcases the best of local ingredients prepared with creativity. My starter of mango and avocado was a refreshing combination and nice and light. Meanwhile, my son opted for a comforting Latvian Solyanka soup which he said was rich and hearty. For our mains, the duck was tender and perfectly cooked whilst the fillet of sturgeon which I tried for the first time, was delicately textured and paired wonderfully with the accompanying seasonal sides. To finish, the raspberry Mille-Feuille was divine: crisp, buttery layers of pastry with light cream and fresh raspberries, the perfect way to end our meal. Kolonade

Cafés & Sweet Treats

6. Black Magic Café — A Spellbinding Stop for Dessert

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Part café, part potion shop, Black Magic Café is inspired by Riga’s famous herbal liqueur — Riga Black Balsam. Here we sipped balsam-infused coffee and sampled handmade chocolates in the atmospheric, candlelit interior. Black Magic

7. Parunāsim kafe’teeka — Riga’s Most Romantic Café

📍 Mazā Pils iela 4

Hidden away in a quiet corner of Riga’s Old Town, Parunāsim feels like stepping straight into a vintage fairy tale. With its, lace-curtained windows and romantic décor, this charming café exuded warmth and nostalgia from the moment we walked through the door.

We ordered coffee and slices of their signature honey cake which was a a multi-layered delight that was very light and tasted delicious. Parunāsim, Riga

Budget-Friendly Local Favourites

8. Riga Central Market — Eat Like a Local

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Set inside former zeppelin hangars, Riga Central Market is one of Europe’s largest. We strolled through the bustling stalls selling smoked fish, local cheese, pickles, and baked goods. Many vendors offer affordable street-food options but rather than this we opted for a gourmet food tour which introduced us to a range of Latvian delicacies including smoked fish, bacon buns, dark rye bread and local beers. Riga Central Market

9. LIDO — Traditional Latvian Comfort Food on a Budget

📍 Multiple locations in Riga

LIDO is a self-service Latvian buffet that’s beloved by locals for its hearty, home-style dishes at great prices. It’s casual, comforting, and a great introduction to Latvian cooking. We popped into one of their branches for a quick meal before returning to the airport. My pumpkin soup served with dark rye bread was piping hot and creamy and I followed this up with chicken kebabs and steamed vegetables. The cafe is licensed with beer and wine available by the glass. For an inexpensive wholesome meal in a family-friendly environment, it’s hard to beat. Lido

Final Thoughts

Riga’s dining scene is as diverse as its history — from fine dining at Snatch to cafeteria style meals at LIDO, each of the restaurants we dined in was splendid in its own way. Fine dining was superb and of a consistently high standard and with prices even in Michelin restaurants considerably lower than back in the UK, eating out in Riga is a joy.

We were guests of Latvia Travel, and as always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.

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