8 Best Restaurants in Riga, Latvia for 2025

Founded, officially, in 1201 as a Hanseatic port city, Riga’s history actually goes back far further. When the Vikings developed trading links with the Byzantine Empire, the Daugava River made what is now Riga a popular stopping off point. Even earlier still, the native Livonian tribe had established dwellings along the river bank.

More recently, Riga – and Latvia’s – history has been even more eventful. 100 years ago, as it is now, Riga was capital of the independent Republic of Latvia. In the years between, it has twice been part of the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic, these two periods separated by three years under Nazi Germany.

Today, Riga attracts over 1.1 million tourists every year. Almost all of them come to admire the beauty of the Old Town, particularly in the run up to Christmas when festive markets line the streets. This alone is reason for a journey to Latvia, but whilst you’re here, make sure you find time to dine in the best restaurants in Riga.

From local Latvian traditional food to the influences of Russia, Türkiye and beyond, this is the ultimate guide to the 8 best restaurants in Riga for 2025.

Getting to Riga

Most visitors to Latvia will arrive through Riga International Airport (RIX). The largest hub in the Baltics, RIX has a comprehensive network stretching across Europe. Long haul destinations are limited to Dubai, and surprisingly, Tashkent. Latvia and Uzbekistan, both former Soviet Socialist Republics, have had surprisingly strong bilateral relations since the break up of the USSR.

Getting to the best restaurants in Riga from the airport is hassle free. Bus line 22 runs frequently from 5 am to midnight. Fixed price taxis and car rental are also readily available. Construction of a brand new rail link between the airport and central Riga began in 2024.

Traveling overland is a great way to see all three of the Baltic countries. Sandwiched between Estonia and Lithuania, traversing Latvia is one of the highlights of a Baltic road trip. Intercity buses also connect Riga with Tallinn and Vilnius.

Where to Stay in Riga

The Old Town is Riga’s biggest draw. With so many hotels to choose from within the UNESCO World Heritage Site itself, there is no better area to base yourself whilst sampling delights from the best restaurants in Riga.

Characterful Riga is always our top pick. The somewhat unadventurous name aside, this gem of a boutique comes with a full service spa and complimentary daily breakfast. The rooms are sizeable and the modern interior quite the contrast to the building itself.

For those who prefer larger, more conventional hotels, Art Deco Hotel Justus will instantly win your heart. If you’re craving a spot of luxury, charming boutique Hotel Dome has a restaurant so good you might never get round to sampling the rest of the best restaurants in Riga.

The Best Restaurants in Riga

1. Rozengrals

Not only one of the best restaurants in Riga, Rozengrals is one of the oldest. Housed in a stunning medieval building in the heart of Old Riga, who’s first known use was as a wine cellar in 1293, the old city walls run right through the restaurant.

The menu is as true to the restaurant’s history as possible. Many dishes are prepared to traditional, medieval recipes, with the menu’s description explaining their origin. Highlights include rabbit stew with prunes, cooked according to a 14th century recipe, and trout prepared as it was served in the 11th century.

As you might expect, Rozengrals has a certain novelty appeal amongst visitors. Critics might dub it a tourist trap, but unlike many such places, I’m a fair believer that Rozengrals delivers on quality. And whilst a meal here is more a one-off experience, it’s one which is worth doing during your time in Riga. Due to its popularity with the crowds, bookings are recommended.

2. Province Restaurant

From the quirky to the anything-but-boring ordinary, Province earns its place as one of the best restaurants in Riga on its food alone. Just around the corner from the House of the Blackheads, Province is the ideal restaurant for sampling authentic Latvian cooking in the heart of the old town.

Just like Rozengrals, Provine are all about tradition. If you’re looking to seek out all the Latvian staples, this is the place to come. If you opt to dine a-la-carte, start with one of the country’s most popular appetizers – Baltic herring served with potatoes and cream cheese. Entrée highlights include home-roasted pork with cabbage and potato pancakes with salted salmon tartare.

For the ultimate Latvian cuisine experience, go for their four course tasting menu. You’ll kick off with a herring appetizer before sampling Latvian black peas with bacon and pork ribs with sauerkraut.

Whilst traditional Latvian cuisine is heavily meat and fish based, Province’s vegetarian menu is extensive. Expect delicious grilled vegetables, baked potatoes and pancakes along with a selection of vegetable soups, made fresh every day.

3. Cappadocia

Taking a break from Latvian fare, Cappadocia brings a taste of Anatolia to the Baltics. In Western Europe, at least, we’re often guilty of having some rather negative misconceptions about Turkish food. Thanks to the so-called “Turkish” kebab houses which sell German-style doner kebabs to late night revellers, we all too often miss truly authentic Turkish delicacies.

Named after one of Türkiye’s most visited, and most beautiful, regions, Cappadocia is the best restaurant in Riga to sample exactly that. Start off with a portion of flaky Sigara Boregi, colloquially known as cigarette rolls for the likeness to Cuban cigars. Then, try some delicious Manti (Turkish ravioli), Urfa (minced lamb) or a Durum kebab.

4. Hacapuri Bistro

As the old saying goes, “every meal in Georgia is a feast”, it is simply impossible to leave a Georgian restaurant without being lethargically full. Hacapuri is Riga’s only Georgian restaurant, and that alone renders it one of the best restaurants in Riga. Georgian cuisine is unrivalled.

Every Georgian meal should begin with khachapuri. A filling oval-shaped bread stuffed with cheese, and often an egg, khachapuri could quite easily be a meal in itself. Follow up with Khinkali, delicate dumplings filled with meat or vegetables before indulging in a hearty Georgian stew.

Round off your Georgian feast with one of the nation’s favorite desserts. Pelamushi, a thick grape jelly, and Medok, a deliciously sweet honey cake are the ultimate indulgences. Naturally, Hacapuri have an endless list of Georgian wines to wash your meal down with and it would be rude not to try some. Georgia, after all, is often considered the birthplace of wine, with evidence of production as early as 6000 BC.

5. AKA Latvian Cuisine

An old town institution, the next of the best restaurants in Riga is true to its name. AKA serves the very best of Latvian cuisine. A short walk from medieval St Peter’s Church, this is the ideal place for an authentic dinner after a history filled day.

Using only fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the menu champions all things Latvian. Start your meal with a cold beetroot soup, the Latvian take on Borscht, before tucking in to a succulent steak, pork stroganoff or Baltic cod.

I should warn: vegetarian options are a little limited. In saying that, I do think their pearl barley porcini risotto makes up for the lack of choice.

6. Old Traditions

Traveling to Russia may be off the cards for most at the moment, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy classic Russian staples from one of the best restaurants in Riga. Old Traditions is homage to Latvia’s Russian past.

If you feel like pushing the boat out, kick off your meal with an exclusive caviar service. Both red and black caviar are available with prices starting from as little as €31 for red. For a slightly less extravagant, but equally delicious starter, try one of their Russian pies.

Seafood aficionados will love the fried sea bass and halibut with mushroom sauce, whilst beef stroganoff and deer ham are the meat highlights. For a true taste of Russia, choose from their Preserving Traditions menu which showcases Russian cuisine of yesteryear.

7. Zula Mediterranean Restaurant & Hummus Bar

If the cold Baltic nights are leaving you yearning for sun, sea and sand, Zula is the Riga restaurant for you. Dishing up the very best of Mediterranean cuisine, Zula is one of Riga’s newest restaurants, having opened just this year.

Expect a mix of Greek and Levantine cuisine with influences from as far south as Spain. Highlights include shrimp in a white wine sauce, falafel, shakshuka and shawarma. If you’re sharing, the Zula Mezze platter is a great way to sample a wide variety of Mediterranean classics.

8. Le Dome

Last, but by no means least, on our rundown of the best restaurants in Riga, Le Dome is one of Latvia’s finest upscale eateries. Located in the glamorous and historic Dome Hotel, this is the perfect place for your final meal in Riga, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion.

Recommended by the prestigious Michelin Guide, Le Dome blends traditional Latvian cuisine with modern European cooking in elegant surroundings. On a warm evening, their outdoor terrace is the perfect spot to enjoy delicious food with sweeping views of the old town.

The menu changes with the seasons. For the best experience, go for their five or seven course tasting menus, both of which can be tailored to vegetarian diets. Wine pairings are available. If you prefer to dine a-la-carte, oysters and hand-dived scallops are Le Dome’s unmissable appetizers. For main course, choose from Japanese A5 wagyu, venison wellington or mushroom truffle risotto.

A Special Mention: Riga Central Market

No foodie exploration of Riga would be complete without a visit to the Central Market. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Europe’s largest market covers 72,300 square meters and attracts up to 100,000 shoppers every day.

The five halls, split into vegetables, dairy, meat, fish and gastronomy offer the chance to taste some of Latvia’s finest, and most traditional foods.

If you’re a foodie like me, I always recommend joining a Central Market food tasting tour. In my opinion, this is the best way to both learn and taste all of the traditional foods of Latvia.

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