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Are you visiting Riga and wondering where to eat? Well, you are in the right place.

I have become well acquainted with Riga. I’ve visited a couple of times, and I always discover new and exciting parts of the city that grab my heart and constantly pull me back. It’s surprising because Riga is quite small, but it never ceases to amaze me.

The last time I visited, I learned how much I could eat and (spoiler alert) it’s a lot. I ate so much that after my trip, I needed a new wardrobe.

Riga is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. It’s a city you can find pretty much any dish your heart desires. Are you craving some deep-fried dumplings? Or a thin-crusted cheesy pizza? Or maybe some fried to perfection crispy fish and chips?

This guide has you covered. These are my favorite places I ate in Riga!

Note: this post may make your mouth water, so proceed at your own risk.

What Traditional Latvian Foods to eat in Riga

If you aren’t familiar with Latvian food, you aren’t alone! I mean, what is Latvian cuisine besides delicious! Well, Latvia was originally a country of farmers and peasants, so whatever was fresh and in season dictated what was served at the table. Today, Latvia still has that same mindset when it comes to their food. They love to eat what mother nature produces.

Latvia gets a lot of their culinary influence from Russia, and therefore, similar to Russian Cuisine, Latvian food is hearty, rich, comforting, and just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. When you visit Latvia, there are a few staple dishes you HAVE to try, and honestly, it would be a crime not to. Here is a list of traditional Latvian foods to eat in Riga:

Rye Bread: Although this isn’t a dish. I wanted to list it because it’s such a prominent food in Latvian cuisine. There are tons of dishes made with Rye bread, and it’s almost impossible to visit Latvia and not try a dish that incorporates it.

Garlic bread: This is very different from the garlic bread you are probably used to at Italian restaurants. This garlic bread is made by frying pieces of rye bread in oil; once it’s crispy, garlic is rubbed on both sides. It’s a typical snack to have with a cold glass of beer and a group of friends.

Rye Bread Pudding: This is a traditional dessert you have to try. The main ingredients are ground rye bread, dried or fresh fruit, and then most of the time, it’s topped with a garnish of thick whip cream. It’s not too sweet and goes perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or tea. Every restaurant will have their take on it, so you might as well test multiple puddings and see which restaurant makes your favorite.

Peas with Speck: This is one of Latvia’s most popular dishes. It’s a stew made from local types of peas, fried onion, and speck (a fatty kind of bacon made from pork belly.)

What Traditional Drinks to drink in Riga

When it comes to drinking in Riga, you won’t have to go far to quench that thirst. These are a few beverages you should try.

Black Balsam: There is nothing more traditional to drink in Latvia than Black Balsam. It’s a dark herbal liquor created in 1700 to cure indigestion, and today, it’s commonly taken as a shot before eating. The recipe to this day is a guarded secret. There are other varieties of the drink that are much tastier like cherry balsam and black currant balsam, but for your first shot, you should try the original.

Kvass: Kvass is a fermented sour drink made from Rye Bread. It resembles beer, but the alcohol content is too low to be considered a beer. It’s sometimes mixed with sugar, birch sap, or berries to make it a bit sweeter.

Moonshine: Horseradish, cranberry, and honey pepper. Latvia takes moonshine flavors to a whole new level. I’ve never been a fan of moonshine, but when I learned about the crazy flavors I could order, I was excited! My favorite was Horseradish. I know I know it sounds weird and gross, but the taste may surprise you. It sure surprised me! Before I knew it, I was taking shots of moonshine with dinner.

Where to Eat in Riga

Best Latvian Food in Riga

Rozengrāls | Rozena iela, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia | $$$

I was super excited when I found out Riga had a medieval-themed restaurant! When I walked into Rozengrāls, I descended a set of dark, uneven steps that brought me to a massive room lit only by tiny candles on each table. I felt like I walked into a 17th-century tavern, or at least what I can imagine a 17th-century tavern would look like.

The waiter was wearing medieval attire and told me that all the recipes they use are original medieval recipes. As I excitedly skimmed the menu, I read items like Braised rabbit with prunes and pine nuts, skewered pig meat, and Stewed veal cheeks. I decided to go with the skewered pig meat, and it did not disappoint.

If you are a big group, I highly recommend sharing a few plates. The struggles of traveling solo!

Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs | Peldu iela 19, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia | $$$

If you are wondering where to eat in Riga for amazing Latvian food, Folkklubs is an excellent choice. This is the first Latvian restaurant I tried in Riga. It’s located in an old wine cellar, and they serve up authentic Latvian recipes that grandma would most definitely approve of. I have tried several different dishes here, and my favorite has been the Latvian meatballs and the rye bread pudding.

If you are feeling a bit adventurous, I recommend trying a horseradish moonshine shot. Trust me; it’s not as bad as it sounds.

Other than that, take in the unique ambiance. I mean, you are eating in a wine cellar! How cool is that?

Province | Kaļķu iela 2, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia | $$

Province is an adorable rustic restaurant located in old town. If you want to mentally escape the city for an hour, this is the perfect place to do that. The atmosphere will transport you to a rural country inn serving up traditional eats like perfectly crispy garlic bread and creamy pea soup. The restaurant was decorated with bouquets of fragrant Lavender and hand made decorations were dangling from the ceiling. I felt like I was back home at my grandmother’s house.

If I closed my eyes, I am sure I could hear my grandmother in the distance whispering “eeeeeaaaat moooorrrrrreee, You’rrrrre tooooo skinneyyyyyyy.” Or that was just my subconscious trying to make me feel better. Whoever it was THE VOICE HAS SPOKEN!

Best Indian Food in Riga

Indian Raja | Skārņu iela 7, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia | $$

I get cravings for curry all the time, but hey, I’m not complaining. Curry is delicious!

Indian Raja is an excellent choice for Indian food! I have eaten here a few times, and it has always satisfied my URGENT curry cravings. They have a delicious lamb korma, and they make one of the best mango lassis I have ever had. They also make a pretty mean tikka masala. It’s centrally located, so if you are knackered from sightseeing, stop here for a filling lunch or dinner.

Singhs | Ģertrūdes iela 32, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1011, Latvia | $$

Another delicious choice for Indian food. Singhs specializes in North Indian Cuisine. I didn’t recognize most of the items on the menu, so it was like a fun little game picking what I wanted to order. With the waiter’s recommendation, I went with the lamb rogan josh, a curry with tender lamb cooked in a spicy tomato sauce and the spicy tandoori chicken wings. It was just what the doctor ordered! And by doctor, I mean me.

Best Russian Food in Riga

Tēvocis Vaņa | Smilšu iela 16, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia | $$

Tēvocis Vaņa translates to Uncle Vanya, and the name fit the restaurant perfectly. It’s a place I could imagine an uncle Vanya living with its homely atmosphere and delicious home-cooked Russian food. As soon as I sat my caboose down, the waiter brought out a shot of horseradish moonshine on the house. I quickly took it, and then I needed no time to look at the menu because this girl looked online and decided what she wanted! I had a strategy!

I ordered the dumplings and beef stroganoff. When the stroganoff arrived, that was the moment hearts formed in my eyes because it was the BEST beef stroganoff I have ever had in my life! (sorry mom)

Apparently, I have been eating beef stroganoff wrong my entire life. I grew up eating it with pasta, but traditionally it’s served with potato pancakes.

The more you know!

Best Italian Food in Riga

Rossini | Dzirnavu iela 31 entrance from, Antonijas iela, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia| $$

Rossini is a cozy restaurant serving up some of the best pizza in Riga. I ordered the Bruchetta, which came piled high with a tomato and avocado mixture and then followed by a thin-crusted Pizza Calabrese. It was perfectly layered with a base of sweet tomato sauce and then topped with spicy sausage, chili papers, tomatoes, mozzarella, and Arugula salad. If you love Italian food, Rossini is a must. I left thinking about how I could hack their brains for their pizza recipe. I guess we aren’t living in the Black Mirror days yet.

Best Georgian Food in Riga

Alaverdi | Grēcinieku iela 8, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia | $$

If you are wondering where to eat in Riga for the best Georgian food, you have to eat at Alaverdi. I have been to Georgia before, and that is where I officially fell in love with the cuisine. I was pumped to discover Riga had a highly rated Georgian restaurant, and to be honest; I thought the food was better than anything I ordered in Georgia.

I got the fried cauliflower salad to start with, which had a mix of lettuce, celery, cilantro, grapes, grilled hazelnuts, and a creamy yogurt-cheese dressing. To drink, I got a compote (a delicious juice made by boiling sweet fruit and water). As a main, I ordered the Alaverdi Khachapuri. Khachapuri is a traditional Georgian cheese-filled bread dish, and it’s as good as it sounds. This one came baked with spinach and an egg.

I never expected Riga to have good Georgian food, but this place exceeded my expectations.

Best Uzbekistani Food in Riga

Restaurant Uzbegims | Elizabetes iela 10B, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia | $$$

This was the first time I tried Uzbekistani food, and I fell in love. The restaurant itself had a unique and colorful atmosphere. There was a muted documentary about Uzbekistan playing on a screen by my table, and since I was alone, I spent the majority of my meal watching it. There were bright and intricately designed rugs on the floor, pictures, plates, traditional clothes, and other knick-knacks were hung on the wall.

This meal was the moment I officially added Uzbekistan to my bucket list. Between the food, atmosphere, and the incredible landscapes showcased in the documentary, I was ready to go!

I recommend ordering the fried meat dumplings and the lamb shashlik. The shashlik was perfectly seasoned and tender, and the dumplings were fried and crispy. I still dream about this meal.

Best Seafood in Riga

Zivju lete | Dzirnavu iela 41, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia | $$

Fish and chips fried to a golden crisp, perfectly cooked salmon, and trays of fresh raw oysters making their way to hungry patrons. I was in seafood heaven! I ate here for lunch one day and arrived an hour after they opened and it was already pretty crowded. Since I was by myself, I had no problem getting seated (A perk of solo travel! I never have to wait for a table.)

I ordered the salmon and oysters; both were incredible. The salmon had a delicious cream sauce poured carefully on top with a side of veggies, and the oysters were raw and plump – just how I like them. I wanted to make it back to try the fish and chips, but sadly never did. If you end up trying them, let me know how they are!

Best Vegan Food in Riga

Green Pumpkin | Grēcinieku iela 11, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia | $$

If you are wondering where to eat in Riga for Vegan food, Green pumpkin is a great choice. It’s conveniently located in old town, close to most hotels and has a tasty menu of dishes to choose from. I have personally tried their burgers, hotdogs, and a few of their appetizers, all of which were really good. I recommend stopping in for lunch when it’s less busy.

Best Fine Dining in Riga

Restaurant 3 | Kalēju iela 3, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia | $$$$

What made Restaurant Three stand out for me was their ecocentric menu. The food served had a strong focus on natural ingredients. I opted for the tasting menu, which I highly recommend. Before each dish was served, The server explained what I was eating and gave me a card with a picture of the main ingredient used, a description of what it’s used for, and the significance it has to Latvian cuisine on the back.

It was an eight-course meal that incorporated different, locally found plants and trees. I left with a newfound knowledge of the local floral and, of course, a stuffed belly. If you are looking to eat somewhere unique and a bit fancy, restaurant 3 is a great option.

You can make a reservation on their website.

Best Burger in Riga

Burger Studio | Ģertrūdes iela 41, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1011, Latvia | $$

I came across Burger Studio on accident as I was roaming looking for something to eat. The ambiance looked warm and welcoming, so I walked in, browsed the menu, and saw that they had a mac cheese burger. I excitedly ordered it with a side of beef fries. The burger came out surrounded by hot, bubbly, melted cheesy goodness. The fries were covered in melted cheese, beef, lettuce, chili dressing, and spring onions.

They had a few other delicious looking burger options like Duck Confit Burger, Brie Cheese Burger, and Chorizo Burger plus a selection of fully-loaded fries. If the picture below doesn’t make your mouth water, then I don’t know what will!

Best Barbeque in Riga

Čarlstons Restaurant | Blaumaņa iela 38/40, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1011, Latvia | $$

I never expected to find a barbeque place in Riga, and I definitely never expected it to be so good. I mean, in the states, we take barbeque very seriously, but Čarlstons wowed me. Firstly, I learned that I have been eating nachos wrong my whole life! The nachos served at Čarlstons were made with crispy potatoes, melted camembert cheese, tomato salsa, roasted onions, and a chive cream sauce. I am definitely going to try and recreate it when I get home. Secondly, Their St Louis ribs were incredibly good. They were smoked for 5 hours, and the meat fell right off the bone. They were served covered in Barbeque sauce, which is just how I like them.

If I finish my ribs with sauce all over my face and hands, it was a good meal.

Beef Eater’s | Krišjāņa Valdemāra iela 75, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1013, Latvia | $$

Beef Eaters is a top choice if you want some good, juicy meat. I tried the pork ribs which were perfectly tender and fell right off the bone (or in my case fell right into my mouth.), and I had the steak sandwich layered with thick pieces of grilled beef, goat cheese, dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, lettuce and homemade mayonnaise with tarragon.

Oh, and ermmm, they also had bulls testicles that I tried. *pause for subtle snickering.* They weren’t too bad, but I probably wouldn’t try them again. If you are looking for a place to eat some high-quality meat at affordable prices, then Beef Eaters is a solid choice.

Best Breakfast in Riga

Street Fries | Riharda Vāgnera iela 18, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia | $$

You really can’t go wrong ordering from Street fries. They have an immense selection of breakfast and lunch options, but their breakfast is fire. They have light and fluffy pancakes, thick Belgium waffles, spicy shakshuka, avocado toast, and delicious burgers. Street Fries is affordable, and the portions are enormous, so be prepared to eat a lot.

Big Bad Bagels | Baznīcas iela 8, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia | $

I would never have expected to find good bagels in Riga, but I did at Big Bad Bagels. They have a list of about ten different bagel sandwiches to choose from, including veggie and vegan options. I have tried the salmon in New York Bagel (lox, red onion, capers, spinach, and cream cheese) and the Bacon in Mexico Bagel (Bacon, spicy guacamole, cream cheese, fried egg). These bagels were just as good as the bagels I have eaten in New York, so if you like bagels, don’t miss eating here!

Big Bad Bagels has two locations, and they are both close to many of the major tourist sites, so it’s an excellent stop for a quick breakfast before starting a busy day of sightseeing.

Best Fast Food in Riga

Late Night Munchies | Peldu iela 21, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia | $$

I won’t lie and say Late-Night Munchies is tasty, but if you happen to be drunk or hungry after a night out, it’s a solid choice. They are open 24 hours and serve up a variety of food, but are mostly known for their pizzas, and burgers. Late Night Munchies has saved drunk Marika from going hungry at 3 am on multiple occasions.

Lido | Peldu iela 21, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia | $$

If you are wondering where to eat in Riga for a quick, but traditional meal check out Lido! Lido is one of Rigas’s biggest chains. It’s buffet-style, and if you are looking for something quick and cheap, Lido is a great option.

Ausmena Kebabs | Skolas iela 12, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia | $

I am no kebab expert, but I do know that this place had the best kebab I have ever eaten, and I have sampled a lot of kebabs over the years. I assumed arriving an hour after it opened would be okay. It would be quick, and then I could go on with my day. I was wrong. It’s was jam-packed. When I was about to order, they told me it would take an hour!

I was in no rush, so I ordered and waited for a table, once my kebab arrived, I face-planted into it like my life depended on it, and it kind of did. People were giving me the stink eye to hurry up, so they could sit.

If you want to try the best kebab of your life, I suggest trying Ausmena but go right when it opens. Or another option is ordering it on the Wolt or Bolt Food apps. No waiting required, and you can make out with it in the comfort of your room.

Best Coffee Shops in Riga

Caffeine | Kaļķu iela 28, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia | $$

Caffeine is a place I fell in love with. They serve the best cheesecake I have ever had in my life. I honestly think they should win an award for the best cheesecake in the world. I obviously haven’t tried every cheesecake, but until I try a better one, this one will have that ranking. It’s rich, creamy, melts in the mouth, and you could easily eat one (or 5) in a single day. Caffeine is a chain and has locations all over Riga.

Parunāsim kafe’teeka | Mazā Pils iela 4, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia | $$

Parunāsim is located down a quiet alley, and they proudly take the title as “the most romantic cafe in Riga,” and I am not surprised. The inside looked like what I would imagine a cafe in Paris during the 1920s looked like. Plush velvet armchairs, tiny wooden tables lit by a single candle on each one, a piano set up against the wall waiting to be played. I had a lovely solo date there where I ate a moist and delicious red velvet cake! If you want to get away from the crowds, this is a great coffee shop!

Best Cafes in Riga

Leningrad Cafe | Krišjāņa Valdemāra iela 4, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia | $$

Leningrad cafe is a cool place to grab some food and/or alcohol. It’s set up to look like a Soviet-era apartment filled with old paintings, books, vintage wallpaper, and antique radios & TVs. I always get the paprika burger when I eat at Leningrad, and it never disappoints! Oh, and it comes with a shot of vodka. If you have enough, you may be transported back to soviet-times.

Best Chocolate in Riga

Black Magic | Kaļķu iela 10, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia | $

For all, you witch and Harry Potter lovers this place is for you! Black Magic was my favorite find in Riga. I should say first off that it’s a bar/chocolate shop. Their specialty is black balsam (traditional Latvian liquor), and they have a cocktail list of drinks made with the traditional herbal liquor. They also have an excellent selection of chocolates you can eat while sipping on a cocktail or while drinking their in-house-made hot chocolate OR They make great gifts for friends and family back home.

I recommend the balsam chocolate cake. It is rich, creamy, moist, and paired with a hot chocolate makes the perfect snack.

Laima | Vaļņu iela 28 Riga, Latvia LV-1050 | $

Laima is Latvia’s biggest chocolate company. There are shops scattered all over Riga, but I recommend visiting the Laima Chocolate Museum to learn a bit about the chocolate manufacturer. Plus you get a discount at the museum store after your visit. If you aren’t sure which Laima products to buy here are a few of my favorites: Mint Zephrs, Piena lāse (caramels) and Vāverīte (crumbled hazelnuts and praline chocolate)

Where to Stay in Riga

The Naughty Squirrel | Address: Kalēju iela 50, Centra rajons, Old, Rīgas pilsēta, LV-1050, Latvia | Price: $

The Naughty Squirrel is a hostel perfect for those wanting to meet people in a relaxed atmosphere. Its walking distance to most of the major attractions as well as restaurants and cafes for all budgets. They offer nightly activities such as pub crawls, movie nights, beer pong, burger nights, and more!

Sherlock Art Hotel: | Address: Mazā Monētu iela 3, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia | Price: $$

If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes, you will love this hotel. You will be transported to bakers street, where Mr. Sherlock himself will be waiting to solve his next crime. I enjoyed staying here. It’s a pretty low-key hotel with not many amenities, but the rooms are elegant and make you feel like you are in a Sherlock Holmes story.

Relais Chevalier | Address: Kaļķu iela 20, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia | Price: $$$

Relais Chevalier is a unique boutique hotel within the heart of Riga. I loved my stay here everything from the helpful staff to the french-inspired rooms & decor, to the beautiful glass atrium, and the fresh breakfast served every morning. You can enjoy views of old town while indulging in some pancakes or a tasty omelet.

For more accommodation choices in Riga, search for hotels below!

I never expected Riga to be such a foodie-friendly city and was pleasantly surprised by the vast array of cuisines available. I think I gained about 30 pounds during my visit, but I can’t complain. It was a delicious 30 pounds. I hope this guide on where to eat in Riga tempted you to visit this incredible city and eat your heart out!

Overview & map of Riga Foodie Guide

Rozengrāls | Rozena iela, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia | $$$

Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs | Peldu iela 19, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia | $$$

Province | Kaļķu iela 2, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia | $$