Where to Eat in Riga? 10 Best Local Restaurants in Riga, Latvia [2024]

Wondering where to eat in Riga and want to try the local cuisine at its best? You are in the right place because I have gathered the best local restaurants in Riga for your next trip.

Riga is the capital city of Latvia and a popular destination in the Baltics. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and a blend of medieval and modern influences, Riga offers something for every traveler.

The city’s food scene reflects a rich culinary heritage, blending traditional recipes with modern twists. Want to eat like a local in Riga? You are lucky because I am your friend from Riga who knows about all the best places.

This Riga restaurant guide features the best local restaurants in Riga – everything starting from affordable places to fine dining in Riga. Let’s dive in!

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10 local restaurants in Riga, Latvia

Salve Restaurant

💴 Price range: €€ | ⭐️ Rating: 4.5 | ✨Style: traditional 

Salve Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Riga to try traditional recipes and local Latvian cuisine. Located in the historic Blue Guard House within the House of Blackheads complex on Town Hall Square in Old Riga, this restaurant combines elegance with city charm.

Their internationally trained chefs add a modern touch to traditional cuisine. This means that you can discover local flavors through eye-pleasing plates and high-quality ingredients.

On the menu, you will some classics like Latvian herrings, potato pancakes with smoked salmon, black peas with smoked bacon, and multiple traditional soups. Also, rye-bred dessert with cranberry sauce is an absolute must – not your typical dessert, but a very traditional one for sure.

You can also choose a Latvian cuisine tasting menu for 30 euros and savor the essence of Latvian cuisine. Riga Black Balsam included, which is a perfect way to end a hearty meal in Latvian style.

The restaurant has an antique interior and it offers a lovely terrace during warm summer months – directly in the Blackhead Square. Even if you choose to stay on the terrace, make sure you see the inside of the restaurant as well.

“Salve” translates to “Welcome” in Latin, perfectly capturing the spirit of the restaurant—every guest is warmly welcomed to indulge in the local Latvian cuisine.

Lido

💴 Price range: € | ⭐️ Rating: 4.5 | ✨Style: bistro 

If you are looking for cheap restaurants in Riga Old Town or beyond, Lido should be at the top of the list. And yes, it is one of the best traditional Latvian food restaurants in Riga.

The restaurant’s menu offers a diverse choice of Latvian dishes, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From hearty soups and stews to savory meat dishes and fresh fish, Lido has it all.

One of the highlights of Lido is its extensive selection of traditional Latvian desserts. Indulge in sweet treats like honey cake or šarlote (Apple Charlotte). And you certainly must try their famous beer. 

The self-service concept allows you to choose your desired dishes from a buffet-style setup. Yes, it is not a convenient way to enjoy a relaxing meal, but this is one of the reasons behind the affordable prices at Lido.

The restaurant’s interior is warm and inviting, with a rustic charm that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Latvia. Wooden furnishings and traditional decor create a cozy atmosphere, making Lido a comfortable place to unwind after a day of exploring Riga’s attractions.

Lido has grown extensively, so you will find multiple Lido restaurants in Riga. They have expanded even to other Baltic countries. LIDO Alus sēta is located in the old town, while Lido Dzirnavas and LIDO Vērmanītis are other great options near multiple important attractions.

However, if you want the ultimate experience, you should visit Lido on Krasta iela – it is a complex, where you can find many entertainment opportunities depending on the seasons. If you are a family with kids, I can guarantee that you will have a lot of fun, so plan at least a couple of hours there.

Melnā Bite

💴 Price range: €€ | ⭐️ Rating: 4.5 | ✨Style: contemporary

Melnā Bite is one of the best restaurants in Riga Old Town and an ideal location to try local food with a modern twist. It is located in Audēju iela, which is one of the most picturesque streets of the Latvian capital.

The restaurant’s concept is to provide genuine Latvian cuisine presented in a modern and eye-pleasing way. The attention to detail and the quality of the ingredients sourced from local farms are the key to having a memorable meal in Riga.

The menu offers the best of Latvian cuisine, like the cod fillet and the potato pancakes. A good selection of soups such as the Latvian cold soup and the Cream soup with salmon is another reason to visit Melna Bite. Popular international dishes like beef burgers and Spaghetti with seafood are also available.

And don’t leave without trying one of the house sweets. Melna Bite literally means Black Bee, so the first choice should be the homemade honey cake served with honeycombs and homemade ice cream. For an unusual flavor try the Latvian rye bread dessert.

Don’t forget to try a glass of local beer or cider to complete your Latvian food experience. If you don’t drink alcohol, try a glass of Kvass.

Ala Pagrabs

💴 Price range: €€ | ⭐️ Rating: 4.6 | ✨Style: local pub

Wondering where to eat in Riga Old Town? Ala Pagrabs offers a unique experience that covers local cuisine, a wide variety of Latvian beer, a traditional environment, and live music.

Ala Pagrabs is known for its impressive selection of local beers, offering the diverse and flavorful options of Latvia’s craft brewing scene. From light lagers to rich, robust ales, the drink menu complements the hearty food options available.

I am not someone who orders a beer at the restaurant, but I always make an exception for their cranberry beer. If you are not a fan of beer, you should give it a try. However, don’t expect a sweet and commercial version of beer.

When it comes to food, you should try garlic bread and their beer platter. You will find a lot of meat dishes prepared with local seasonal products in a medieval style. Roasted pumpkin is a great option for vegetarians.

The interior of Ala Pagrabs exudes character, with exposed wooden beams, vintage artifacts, and dim lighting that creates a cozy and nostalgic ambiance. It kinda takes you back to the middle age.

One notable aspect of Ala Pagrabs is its commitment to preserving local traditions. The tavern often hosts live folk music performances. After 11 pm the kitchen closes and Ala Pagrabs offers a different experience where people come to enjoy a drink and dance with friends.

So if you are visiting Riga during the weekend and want to experience the best of local nightlife, this is another great reason to visit Ala Pagrabs.

Ezītis miglā

💴 Price range: € | ⭐️ Rating: 4.5 | ✨Style: hipster & cozy

Ezītis miglā is a great place to try affordable and traditional Latvian food in Riga. There are several locations around the Latvian capital including the old town of Riga and the center.

What makes Ezītis miglā one of the best local restaurants in Riga is its budget-friendly prices and the good quality of food. The restaurant is also the ideal spot for just sitting down with friends while drinking some local beer and attending one of the several events available.

The menu is seasonal and quintessential Latvian, the potato pancakes with salmon are an absolute must-try here. Burgers with local meat are also prepared daily. Vegetarian options are available if meat or fish are not your thing.

Ezītis miglā is serving the guests every day and most of the locations are open until midnight, so you can come here for lunch, dinner, or a midnight snack. On Fridays and Saturdays, some locations are open until 5 am. This makes it one of the most popular spots to grab a bite after a night out in Riga!

Rozengrāls

💴 Price range: €€ | ⭐️ Rating: 4.6 | ✨Style: medieval

Rozengrāls is popular for being one of the best local restaurants in Riga. This historic establishment dates back to 1293, noted as the most ancient wine-vault and festival venue of the Riga City Council. Remarkably, the restaurant has preserved its allure over the centuries.

As you probably imagine, the concept of the restaurant is medieval. This makes it not only one of the best places to try traditional Latvian food in Riga but also a spot to have a lifetime experience.

The menu offers several unique dishes such as the poultry liver salad with bacon and almonds or the Catfish fillet cooked following a special recipe. But if you are in for a treat, the “Rozengrāls” restaurant pride is Spit-fired piglet meat cooked by the medieval recipe.

If your diet doesn’t include meat, you can find several vegetarian dishes. The Oven-baked pumpkin with mushrooms and homemade sour cream or the Backed eggplant with bean and herb pate. These are the most popular choices. 

Come here for an unforgettable meal in a medieval setting and see for yourself what makes it one of the best local restaurants in Riga. I am sure you won’t be disappointed.

Andalūzijas Suns

💴 Price range: €€ | ⭐️ Rating: 4.5 | ✨Style: modern cafe

If you are looking for a traditional Latvian cuisine menu with a modern twist, head to Andalūzijas Suns. While the plates are beautifully served, the flavors take me back to childhood.

While their breakfast and lunch menu is great, I want to talk about their seasonal menu that is served during lunchtime on the weekdays. You can find multiple local dishes with a contemporary touch and for very affordable prices. Make sure you follow them on Instagram for all the updates.

Also, I heard many great reviews about their vegan dishes, which are not easy to find in Riga. And it is one of the few cafes in Riga that are dog-friendly. They even have a special menu for your furry friend.

Andalūzijas Suns is located in Berga Bazars, which is a hidden gem in the city center. This modern pedestrian courtyard filled with shops and restaurants offers a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy your meal.

You will find many outdoor tables filling up the courtyard and it is a perfect place if you want to enjoy a lively atmosphere. If the weather is not cooperating, you will enjoy the modern interiors of the cafe.  

Pētergailis

💴 Price range: €€ | ⭐️ Rating: 4.7 | ✨Style: historical

Petergailis is famous for being one of the best traditional Latvian food restaurants in Riga. Since 1978 Petergailis has served generations of locals and tourists looking for a traditional Latvian cuisine menu.

The cooks mostly use products that are grown in Latvia to give an authentic flavor and support local producers. In Petergailis, the atmosphere is both elegant and cozy and you will be welcomed by a caring staff and hundreds of roosters decorating the restaurant.

The menu offers mostly Latvian specialties, with a glimpse of international cuisine. Two popular choices for meat lovers are the slow-cooked beef cheek and the Latvian lamb fillet. Vegetarian options like soups and pasta are also available.

Petergailis is also a great place to try some of the best local beers and ciders or maybe a glass of kvass if you don’t drink alcohol. The Wine list also deserves a particular mention.

Petergailis is the perfect location for a romantic or informal dinner, offering a delightful blend of tradition, flavor, and warm hospitality.

Milda

💴 Price range: €€€ | ⭐️ Rating: 4.4 | ✨Style: traditional 

Milda offers a unique blend of the old taste of Baltic cuisine and a contemporary vision of the catering world, creating an extraordinary mix of elegance, simplicity, and comfort food. Located right in the heart of the old town, this is one of the most popular local restaurants in Riga.

The restaurant’s concept is centered around curating a menu that showcases the best flavors of Lithuanian and Latvian cuisine. With a team of professional chefs, Milda’s menu is continually refreshed with delicious and unique dishes, ensuring a dining experience that is both authentic and memorable.

The prices might be slightly higher than competitors but the fine atmosphere and the quality ingredients make sure that your final experience will be memorable.

At Milda, they take pride in bringing guests the true and rich flavors of the Baltics in an atmosphere that combines tradition with a modern touch.

3 pavāru restorāns

💴 Price range: €€€ | ⭐️ Rating: 4.6 | ✨Style: fine dining 

Last but not least had to be 3 pavāru restorāns, which is my personal favorite when it comes to fine dining in Riga. But unlike other fine dining restaurants in Riga, 3 pavāru restorāns keeps the traditions alive.

The name translates to 3 Chef’s Restaurant which is based on the fact that the restaurant was opened by 3 famous chefs from Latvia. They like to call themselves 3 Musketeers because they started with no investments but with a lot of passion for Latvian cuisine and cooking.

While one of the chefs has extensive experience abroad, another one has a passion for home-cooked meals from the grandmother’s kitchen which is reflected on the menu and creates a unique blend of amazing local products.

Their absolute bestseller is a 6-course tasting menu set, but you can choose something from their a la carte and appetizer menu. The menu is seasonal, so it constantly changes, but you can see the last update and book a table on their website.

When it comes to service, you will be in good hands. You can truly see that the staff is there to take good care of their guests and enjoy what they do. The restaurant has an open kitchen, which means that everything is curated right in front of you.

Keep in mind that the restaurant is open from 5 pm to 11 pm, so it is a perfect place to end your day in the Latvian capital and enjoy the best of fine dining yet local restaurant in Riga.

Further reading for the best local restaurants in Riga

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In conclusion…

This is the end of the best local restaurants in Riga and I am sure that you already found the perfect match for your next trip to Riga. What is at the top of your list?

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.

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