10 Amazing Coffee Shops and Best Cafes in Riga to Visit in 2024

Looking for some of the best cafes in Riga? You are in the right place! Riga has a lot of cool cafes that you should add to your itinerary.

Riga is the capital city of Latvia and a hidden gem in the Baltic region. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and a blend of medieval and modern influences, Riga offers unique experiences for travelers.

From the aroma of freshly brewed coffee to the cozy atmosphere, Riga’s cafes invite you to savor the local culture. Whether you’re a coffee fan or love a good pastry, this city has something for every palate.

This Riga cafe guide will feature only the best cafes in Riga. Everything from traditional cafes to Instagrammable and hip locations. Affordable options and brunch places are included!

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10 best cafes in Riga, Latvia

Parunāsim kafe’teeka

💴 Price range: €€ | 🍰 Specialty: cakes | ✨Atmosphere: romantic

Need a break and looking for the most Instagrammable cafes in Riga Old Town? Parunāsim kafe’teeka is the place to be. While it claims to be the most romantic cafe in Riga, it comes with a lot of picturesque corners and photo opportunities.

Parunāsim kafe’teeka offers a wide variety of high-quality cakes. If you are in doubt, the friendly staff will help you make your choice and pick the most suitable flavor for your taste buds.

This popular cafe in Riga is located in a cozy alley of Old Town with a few tables out during summer, but the interior inside the cafe is cute and certainly deserves a visit as well. It offers a cozy atmosphere, especially during the cold winter months.

Nearby you will find famous attractions like Swedish Gate and Three Brothers, so you can easily combine these places.

As a Latvian, I know that this is a popular choice for locals and for all the right reasons. If you want to try some of the best desserts in Riga, head to Parunāsim kafe’teeka.

Kūkotava

💴 Price range: €€ | 🍰 Specialty: cakes | ✨Atmosphere: aesthetic

While Kūkotava serves everything starting from pastries and ending with multiple lunch meals, it is famous for the best local cakes in Riga.

The mastermind behind this cozy Riga cafe is a well-known Latvian chef with a deep love for cakes and pastries. Her passion shines through in every corner of Kūkotava and you can see her unique touch in every creation.

Traditional recipes take on a fresh, modern twist at Kūkotava. They’re not just delicious; they’re also presented in a way that’s hard to resist. 

When you step inside this popular cafe in Riga, you’ll find it quite challenging to decide what to order. The options are so tempting that making a choice becomes a delightful struggle.

And for all these reasons, you don’t want to miss Kūkotava. It is truly one of the best cafes in Riga.

Mīkla Bakery

💴 Price range: €€ | 🍰 Specialty: pastries | ✨Atmosphere: modern

If you are looking for the best pastries in Riga in a modern Nordic design cafe, Mīkla Bakery should be at the top of your list of best Riga cafes.

Their best seller almond croissant has stolen the hearts of many, but you shouldn’t disregard local pastries, like cinnamon bun or ham and cheese roll. Basque cheesecake and carrot cake are worth a mention as well.

When it comes to coffee, it is one of my favorite places. It is not easy to find a good quality espresso in Riga, but this place didn’t disappoint. Latte art and matcha are on the menu as well.

When you approach Mīkla Bakery, you might see a long line, but don’t get discouraged, because locals are there to grab a takeaway, so you will get your order sooner than expected. 

Also, if you are staying for a longer time, try their bread – it is made in heaven. After all, it is the best bakery in Riga!

Cruffins

💴 Price range: €€€ | 🍰 Specialty: cruffins | ✨Atmosphere: fancy

This is one of the newest cafes in Riga and it is already famous all over social media. And once you try their specialty – cruffins – you will surely understand the hype.

For reference, cruffin is a croissant pastry baked in a muffin shape. That explains the name, right? Well, did I mention that it is also generously filled with all your favorite creams? Anything from chocolate to berry flavors, but I couldn’t skip cruffin with a pistachio. Yum!

When it comes to design, this place is absolutely beautiful. However, I have to say that it is very tiny. Considering their popularity, it fills up quickly, so you should avoid peak hours. And they sell out quickly, so don’t go before the closing time.

It is located in the heart of the old town, so it can be easily added to your Riga itinerary whenever you feel ready for a snack or breakfast. If you have a sweet tooth, this is truly the best breakfast in Riga Old Town.

Art Cafe Sienna

💴 Price range: €€€ | 🍰 Specialty: cakes | ✨Atmosphere: aesthetic & artsy

As the name suggests, Art Cafe Sienna is an art museum turned into a coffee shop. If that is your vibe, you will want to visit during your time in Riga.

Their cake selection is very limited, but it hits all the right spots. I was also impressed with their tea selection and I have to say that Latvians drink more tea than coffee, so this would be a perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea.

When it comes to prices, it is certainly well above average, however, it is the most beautiful cafe in Riga. And it is filled with art and history, which makes it all worth it.

It is located in the Art Nouveau district in Riga, right in front of the Riga Graduate School of Law. This is one the best examples of Art Nouveau which means that you can enjoy some of the best views as you sip your drink and enjoy your dessert.

Another thing that deserves special mention is the service. You will be truly pampered in this aesthetic Cafe in Riga.

Mārtiņa Beķereja

💴 Price range: € | 🍰 Specialty: pastries | ✨Atmosphere: local

If you are on a budget, Mārtiņa Beķereja is the perfect cafe for you. And if you are not on a budget, it is still the perfect cafe in Riga to try some traditional pastries in a local environment.

This is one of the best places to try cinnamon bun (kanēļmaizīte) or pastry with pop seeds and chocolate (magoņmaizīte). They have a good variety of salty pastries as well. The size is a bit smaller compared to other pastry shops, so you can easily sample two or more.

I remember going to this cafe with my family since I was a kid and you know what is the best part? It hasn’t changed much since then, so the flavors transfer me back to my childhood. Most of the pastries are simple with high quality and locally made ingredients.

You will find multiple Mārtiņa Beķereja around Riga, but this is not a typical chain business, so don’t get intimidated by that. It has simply grown and expanded due to its quality and affordable prices.

Also, if you like to wake up early, this is one of the few places that opens around 7 am, which means you have the perfect excuse to visit one of the best pastry shops in Riga, Latvia.

Black Magic

💴 Price range: €€ | 🍰 Specialty: balsam and chocolate | ✨Atmosphere: historical

Step into the past at “Riga Black Magic,” the top-rated cafe in Riga Old Town where you can find a blend of the finest recipes, enchanting souvenirs, chocolate delights, and a unique interior.

This modern-day establishment’s history is intricately linked with “Riga Black Balsam” and its creator, Abraham Kunze, a pharmacist from the 18th century.

Kunze’s herbal extract, believed to be a cure-all, gained widespread popularity among the townsfolk. There’s a possibility that the very apothecary where Kunze developed his secret elixir existed in the basement of today’s “Riga Black Magic.”

If you don’t know, Riga Black Balsam is a popular national brand with a rich history spanning 250 years. This dark and astringent liqueur, crafted from a blend of 24 herbs, is a versatile delight.

Enjoy it neat, in hot beverages, or as a unique addition to cocktails. The distinctive flavor of Riga Black Balsam complements chocolate treats, and desserts, and even finds its place with coffee or as a soaking agent for candied fruits.

During winter, locals indulge in the warmth of balsam-infused coffee, while summer calls for a drizzle on top of ice cream. So this is your chance to try one of the most authentic cafes in Riga and experience Black Magic the local way.

Kalve Espresso Room

💴 Price range: €€ | 🍰 Specialty: coffee | ✨Atmosphere: modern

If you are a coffee enthusiast seeking top-notch quality, this is truly one of the best coffee shops in Riga. With their in-house roastery, the coffee is consistently fresh, and they proudly offer their own blends. 

While the choice is wide, the barista is there to help you pick the coffee blend for your tastebuds. I loved their ice americano on a hot summer day.

The selection of cakes isn’t vast, but Kalve covers all the classics, from cheesecake to banana bread and carrot cake, along with sandwiches and other pastries. They have multiple vegan options as well.

When it comes to design, it is a simple and modern coffee shop. During the warm months, you can sit outside and enjoy your drink with people passing by.

It is located in the Riga center but further away from tourist attractions. I personally love walking in this area and this could be a good reason for you to explore it as well.

Lūša miltu darbnīca

💴 Price range: € | 🍰 Specialty: pastries | ✨Atmosphere: cozy

Lūša miltu darbnīca is a modern version of Mārtiņa Beķereja. It is a local cafe in Riga that offers affordable prices and local pastries that Latvians have been selling for ages.

Everything is baked inside this tiny pastry shop in Riga, so the smell will welcome you with open arms. If you weren’t hungry, I am sure you will be after entering the cafe.

Coffee options are very limited, so this is a good reason to enjoy a cup of tea. Just like a Latvian would! 

The name translates to Lynx Flour Factory and inside you will find multiple photos of this beautiful animal. Overall, the atmosphere is cozy and it’s a perfect place if you want to chill for some time while visiting Riga.

This Place Doesn’t Need A Name

💴 Price range: €€€ | 🍰 Specialty: brunch | ✨Atmosphere: modern

If you are looking for the best breakfast in Riga that is more than a cake or pastry, head to This Place Doesn’t Need A Name. Their motto is “Breakfast and negronis all day long!” and that sounds like a fun place to be, right?

On the menu, you can find everything from hearty English Breakfast to healthy vegetarian options. And many international dishes that you won’t find in other cafes in Riga. Also, their coffee deserves a special mention.

If you loved their breakfast and want to come back for a different experience, check out their happy-hours deals and try some of their unique cocktails later in the afternoon.

The only downside is the limited space and long waiting time during the weekends and rush hours. This is why I highly recommend that you book a table in advance and preferably visit it on a working day.

When it comes to prices, it is above average. However, that is what you get when you want to visit one of the best breakfast places in Riga.

Further reading for the best cafes in Riga

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Or read more about: Riga | Latvia | Baltics

In conclusion… 

This is the end of the best cafes in Riga and I am sure that you have saved more than one of these places for your next trip to Riga. Where are you going first?

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

Pin it for later and save the coolest cafes in Riga!