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Riga Food & Drink

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Riga | Food & Drink | International

4 Rooms

The European cuisine is tasty and predictably expensive given its location, but the best reason to come here is the interior design, which looks like it was ripped from the pages of Architectural Digest. The service can be excruciatingly slow, but the exposed medieval brick, ancient oak beams and original floor fragments under glass in this historic building will give you plenty to look at while you wait. [...]

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Meistaru 23

tel. (+371) 67 22 56 87

Open 10:00-24:00,
Fri 10:00-02:00,
Sat 10:00-02:00.

Andalūzijas Suns

A long-time favourite of expats and locals alike, The Dog’s dark red interior has been the backdrop for many a weekend revelry over the years, but lately one has to wonder if it isn’t time to give Old Yeller a rest. The service is painfully slow, the prices for average pub meals seem to be a bit steep and the music is loud and outdated. We like Dolly Parton as much as the next guy, but does her folksy voice belong in a supposedly hip and trendy bar?
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Elizabetes 83/85 (Berga bazārs)

tel. (+371) 67 28 84 18

Open 10:00-01:00,
Fri 10:00-03:00,
Sat 11:00-03:00,
Sun 11:00-01:00.

Bestsellers

Although this stylish hotel restaurant can accommodate hundreds of diners, its warm autumnal colours create a cosy atmosphere despite all of the space. The small selection of international food is by no means unique, but the menu itself certainly is. In keeping with its literary theme, each patron [...]

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Dzirnavu 33 (Albert Hotel)

tel. (+371) 67 33 17 17

Open 06:30-23:00,
Sat 07:00-23:00,
Sun 07:00-23:00.

Charlestons

Charlestons is impossible to label. It’s European, yet has a decidedly North American feel to it. The interior, the quality of the cuisine and the professional service scream upmarket restaurant, yet the atmosphere is incredibly laid back and the prices are reasonable. What’s certain is that you’re guaranteed excellent international food from the Jack Daniels pork chop to the teriyaki salmon, which you can enjoy indoors or on its huge courtyard terrace in the summer. A separate bar is also available in front if you just want to have a drink and watch some TV or the fish in the aquarium.
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Blaumaņa 38/40

tel. (+371) 67 77 05 72

Open 12:00-24:00

C.U.T.

This upmarket restaurant located on the ground floor of the Reval Hotel Elizabete specialises in grilled cuisine from tuna steaks and salmon to beef tenderloin imported from the South American pampas. You can also enjoy a light lunch of Thai spiced sea scallops or veal carpaccio in its fantastic op [...]

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Elizabetes 73 (Reval Hotel Elizabete)

tel. (+371) 67 78 55 77

Open 12:00-24:00

If this stylish restaurant, cocktail and coffee bar were located in Old Riga its prices would be prohibitively expensive, but because it’s a bit off the beaten path in a new building on Brīvības its Italian and international cuisine is relatively affordable. Try pizza, sushi [...]

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Brīvības 151 (entrance from Cēsu)

tel. (+371) 67 85 29 94

Open 12:00-24:00,
Sun Closed.

If you’re wondering about the odd Latin name, it probably refers to the Dominican monastery that operated next door in medieval times. Inside this historic house you’ll find a cosy candlelit restaurant decorated in warm beige and brown colours offering delicious international cuisine for astonishingly low prices. Indeed, with the exception of the 6Ls steak or venison stew, all of the main courses can be had for under 5Ls. Breakfast food, pastas and a good wine list are also available.
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Skārņu 18/20

tel. (+371) 22 31 41 22

Open 08:00-24:00,
Fri 08:00-02:00,
Sat 10:00-02:00,
Sun 10:00-24:00.

Esplanāde

If you think that Esplanāde is just another hotel restaurant then guess again. The interior is neutral and can accommodate hundreds of tourists, but the cuisine it serves is simply fantastic. Start with the Italian antipasti platter and move on to delicious mains as diverse as baked sea bass and ostrich fillet in a pomegranate Shiraz sauce. A lunch and dinner buffet as well as a children's game room are also available. [...]

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Elizabetes 55 (Reval Hotel Latvija)

tel. (+371) 67 77 22 11

Open 07:00-23:00

Fīlings

A bowtie wearing maitre d', a new red, white and black interior and live music - what more can you ask for? Really good food and service, actually, which is just what you get in this lively restaurant on Doma laukums. As well as a top breakfast and business lunch spot, it's also a good place to sample affordable Latvian favourites like blood sausage, lampreys and pork knuckle. And later, if you're 'fīling' frisky, the nightclub downstairs let's you swing till the dawn breaks.
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Smilšu 1/3

tel. (+371) 67 22 51 90

Open 11:00-01:00,
Thu 11:00-04:00,
Fri 11:00-06:00,
Sat 12:00-06:00,
Sun 12:00-24:00.

Although the era of the trendy cocktail bar came to a close for Riga with the financial crisis in 2008, this place stubbornly refuses to yield to the times. Order a drink in one of three rooms: a bright grey and red room on the street, a secluded room of niches across from a wall of fine wines or t [...]

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Blaumaņa 5a

Open 10:00-23:00,
Fri 10:00-01:00,
Sat 11:00-01:00,
Sun 11:00-23:00.

Gutenbergs

Now that its top-floor terrace is closed for the season, you can take the steps down to Hotel Gutenbergs’ cosy cellar restaurant. In keeping with the Johannes Gutenberg theme, the menu offers international cuisine as well as dishes that were once popular with Riga’s pre-war Germanic pop [...]

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Doma laukums 1

tel. (+371) 67 81 40 90

Open 12:00-22:00

Hanza Pub

This cosy cellar pub is decorated with old fishing nets, cloth made to look like sails and reproductions of antique maps and lithographs, all in keeping with the nautical Hanseatic League theme. Order international food from pastas and salads to steaks and even prawns next to exposed brick walls or [...]

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Elijas 7

tel. (+371) 67 79 60 40

Open 12:00-23:00

White tile walls, medicine cabinets with brown vials and tinctures, stainless steel bedpans and surgery lamps all create a surreal atmosphere at this bizarre restaurant owned by local doctors. The cuisine is expensive and a beer will set you back 3Ls, but patients are used to outrageous bills from doctors and the long-legged waitresses in nurses uniforms are a major consolation. A cheaper and quicker bistro called the Infirmary (Lazarete) is located right next door.
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Tirgoņu 4

tel. (+371) 67 31 35 30

Open 11:00-23:00

With its rustic wooden interior, ceiling fans whirring high above, American rock music and complete lack of Euro-design, Iguana could definitely hold its own with restaurants in the States. The cuisine on the other hand is a more complex affair – part BBQ, part international fusion. For example, grilled lamb sausages on a bed of Indian curry-mustard rice. Also serves classics like nachos and salads, not to mention cocktails and beer. [...]

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Elizabetes 85a (Berga Bazārs)

tel. (+371) 67 28 50 04

Open 11:00-24:00

Named after a character in a series of Russian novels, this cosy restaurant offers plenty of ambience and a prime location next to the Swedish Gate. The menu is a little pricey (soups start at 4Ls), but it provides a variety of international cuisine from simple steak sandwiches and omelettes to more complex dishes like duck breast or steamed mussels. [...]

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Aldaru 10

tel. (+371) 67 22 42 71

Open 11:00-23:00

Kapteiņa Enriko pulkstenis

Named after a classic 1960s Latvian film, Captain Enrico’s Watch is a cosy bar decorated with antique wooden furniture including its solid tables adorned with ancient termite holes. International food is on offer from salads and beef tartar to pastas and steaks, but don’t overlook appetisers like barbecued chicken wings. A much-coveted chill out room is available in back and Latvia’s tastiest beers, Užavas and Tērvetes, are on draught. [...]

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Antonijas 13

tel. (+371) 67 33 89 73

Open 09:00-24:00,
Fri 09:00-02:00,
Sat 11:00-02:00,
Sun 11:00-24:00.

Its bright white walls, modern interior design, fresh flowers and hanging paintings make one feel as if they’re dining in a trendy art gallery. The wide variety of reasonably priced soups, salads, pastas and main courses are quite tasty, but the serving sizes could be bigger and at peak times [...]

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Pulkveža Brieža 2

tel. (+371) 20 22 24 24

Open 08:00-23:00,
Sat 10:00-23:00,
Sun 11:00-21:00.

Although most people would think twice before paying good money for bad breath, they’ve probably never been here. All of the European cuisine on offer is somehow infused with garlic – even the ice cream is covered with honey-garlic sauce. The dimly lit interior is cosy enough by the bri [...]

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Jēkaba 3/5 (entrance from Mazā Pils)

tel. (+371) 67 21 14 51

Open 11:00-23:00,
Sun 13:00-23:00.

Lage Grill & Bar

Once an Armenian restaurant, Lage still serves generous portions of grilled shashliks (meat skewers) and hinkali (spicy meat dumplings), but it's expanded its menu to include some international food like burgers and fries. If nothing else, it's a great place to enjoy a tasty Užavas draught for only 1.10Ls while waiting for your train to depart. [...]

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Stacijas laukums 2 (Origo Shopping Centre)

tel. (+371) 67 07 30 37

Open 10:00-22:00

Lidojošā Varde

The Frog has a fresh coat of paint, but it's basically still the same expat hang out it's always been. This three-roomed cellar is filled with more than just frogs - though there are lots of them, even in the bathrooms. Eat a big burger, chow on tasty chicken wings, or go healthy with grilled dishes and salads. Although Latvian beer is on draught you can also order a refreshing pint of Guinness.
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Elizabetes 31a

tel. (+371) 67 32 11 84

Open 10:00-24:00,
Sat 11:00-24:00,
Sun 11:00-23:00.

Macaroni Noodle Bar

Although the name would suggest a cheap fast food-style, for lack of a better phrase, noodle bar, Macaroni is actually one of the city’s more stylish restaurants with minimalist décor and comfortable, modern furnishings. The menu offers pastas from around the globe accompanied by various [...]

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Audēju 14

tel. (+371) 67 35 96 65

Open 11:00-23:00,
Fri 11:00-24:00,
Sat 11:00-24:00.

Housed in the brick-walled remnants of a medieval cloister, the Black Monks is a favourite of the most particular and frugal gourmets in town. The one-time personal chef to the previous president has not only created an amazing menu of dishes from across the globe, he also explains the history of h [...]

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Jāņa sēta 1

tel. (+371) 67 21 50 06

Open 12:00-24:00

This trendy cellar restaurant and bar doesn’t seem to have any connection to its odd name, which is a kind of swamp in Latvian. Black tables, grey walls and arty black and white photos of local urban life comprise the décor here and a blackboard lists the day’s menu which offers an [...]

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Baznīcas 37

tel. (+371) 67 27 37 13

Open 12:00-23:00,
Sun 11:00-22:00.

One of Riga’s finest art nouveau buildings has finally been renovated and its ground floor is now home to a stylish restaurant offering both international and Latvian-style food for reasonable prices. Inside you’ll find grey walls covered by periodic art exhibitions, light parquet floor [...]

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Jauniela 25/27

tel. (+371) 67 11 55 44

Open 12:00-23:00

More modern than the Matrix character, this cocktail bar and restaurant in the top floors of the station clock tower offers a funky interior and some of the best panoramic views of the city we’ve seen. The menu is equally appealing to the eye as a photos accompany all dishes listed. The Europ [...]

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Stacijas laukums 2 (Central station clock tower)

tel. (+371) 67 07 30 73

Open 12:00-02:00,
Fri 12:00-04:00,
Sat 12:00-04:00.

Its simple name belies Berry’s sophisticated nature, yet is perhaps appropriate for a restaurant specialising in nouvelle Latvian cuisine and Mediterranean-style tapas. Located on the ground floor of a medieval building that has been converted into one of the city’s top design hotels, O [...]

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Miesnieku 4

tel. (+371) 67 50 90 10

Open 07:00-23:00

Not a beer drinker's hang out, Opium Café’s cutting edge design, including a multi-coloured tile and stainless steel waterfall that actually puts one in mind of a urinal, is sure to please the evening cocktail crowd. The diverse menu offers a wide variety of soups like a pricey seafood absinthe concoction for 5Ls as well as tasty international mains from tuna steaks to chicken fillets. The serving sizes are generous but be prepared to wait a while. [...]

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Vaļņu 18

tel. (+371) 67 21 27 38

Open 11:00-24:00,
Fri 11:00-03:00,
Sat 11:00-03:00.

Pastnieks zvana divreiz

Pastnieks zvana divreiz

Located in the cellar of what is perhaps Riga’s prettiest Art Nouveau building, The Postman Rings Twice is a hip, casual café that looks like a cross between a library and a coffee shop. Enjoy huge mugs of coffee, a full menu of inexpensive international favourites, breakfast food served [...]

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Alberta 13

Open 08:00-23:00,
Sat 10:00-23:00,
Sun Closed.

Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century wooden building, Provansa offers an atmosphere of old world elegance with a Provencal flare and refined international, French and nouvelle Latvian cuisine. A decent wine list is also at your disposal as well as an excellent business lunch special on wee [...]

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Lāčplēša 12

tel. (+371) 29 19 13 22

Open 12:00-24:00

Its minimalist, Scandinavian-style interior of hardwood floors and subtle grey and white tones is only occasionally broken up by illuminated photographs of melting glaciers and rosy arctic sunsets. Icelandic cuisine is curiously absent from the international menu, but perhaps we should be thankful [...]

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Ķīpsalas 20 (Hotel Islande)

tel. (+371) 67 60 80 00

Open 12:00-22:00

When one considers its bright white and green interior, its friendly service and its sunny summer terrace, its name silts or warm is quite fitting. The reasonably priced menu offers a dozen or so salads, breakfast food served all day and a good choice of international dishes from classic Latvian pork chops to pasta, seafood and even vegetarian cuisine. Best of all, a half litre of Užavas beer will only run you 1.80Ls.
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Dzirnavu 39

tel. (+371) 67 33 25 17

Open 09:00-24:00,
Fri 09:00-02:00,
Sat 11:00-02:00,
Sun 11:00-24:00.

Sokrats

Just look for the peach-coloured neo-Gothic building that looks like a castle to find this hotel restaurant serving a variety of international cuisine from upmarket versions of simple dishes like fish and chips to mussels in curry coconut milk sauce. You can peruse the quotes of famous philosophers [...]

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Elizabetes 21 (Monika Centrum Hotel)

tel. (+371) 67 03 19 17

Open 12:00-23:00

Ironically, Sunny isn’t very sunny unless you sit outside and even then you’re in the shade. A minimalist grey interior serves as the backdrop to this hotel restaurant serving a small selection of tasty international cuisine like grilled lamb with juniper sauce. If life is already lacki [...]

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Brīvības 199c (Europa City)

tel. (+371) 67 16 60 15

Open 12:00-23:00

Teātra bāra restorāns

The eclectic interior of this trendy restaurant isn't surprising given its close proximity to the avant-garde New Theatre next door. The furnishings are a mix of modern chic and garage sale bargains which don't match, but that's probably the point. Enjoy a small selection of pricey international cu [...]

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Lāčplēša 25

tel. (+371) 67 28 50 51

Open 11:00-23:00

Vecmeita ar kaķi

Friendly service, daily specials around 3Ls and set just across from the President, life doesn't get much better than this. Keep in mind that the Spinster also offers a full menu of international treats that are often neglected by her patrons. If you take advantage of her cheap beer and alcohol then be sure to watch your head on the way out of this brick cellar.
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Mazā Pils 1

tel. (+371) 67 32 50 77

Open 11:00-23:00

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