Best Restaurants in Latvia 2026

Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi (Grey peas with bacon)

Latvia's unofficial national dish — dried grey peas cooked with smoked bacon and onions. Hearty, warming, and deeply Latvian. Served at almost every traditional restaurant.

Where to try: Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs, Lido, Province

Price: $6-12

Pīrāgi (Bacon pastries)

Small crescent-shaped pastries filled with smoked bacon and onion, baked golden. The ultimate Latvian snack and an essential part of any celebration. Sold fresh at the Central Market.

Where to try: Pīrāgu Māja (Kalķu iela 11), Riga Central Market bakeries

Price: $1-3 each

Rupjmaize (Dark rye bread)

Dense, slightly sour Latvian rye bread made from 100% rye flour. Denser and more complex than sourdough, it's eaten with butter, cheese, or smoked fish. The best is from artisan bakeries.

Where to try: Riga Central Market bread stalls, Daily Bread bakery

Price: $3-5/loaf

Smoked Baltic Herring (Kīpeļi)

Hot-smoked Baltic herring from the Gulf of Riga with golden skin and rich, oily flesh. Eaten with rye bread and butter. Among the finest fish products in Northern Europe.

Where to try: Riga Central Market Fish Pavilion

Price: $4-8

Rīgas Melnais Balzams (Black Balsam)

Latvia's legendary herbal liqueur made from 24 ingredients including ginger, oak bark, and bitter orange. Traditionally taken as a digestif or mixed with blackcurrant juice. The iconic black ceramic bottle is an unmistakable Latvian emblem.

Where to try: All bars and restaurants, Duty Free, supermarkets

Price: $4-6/shot, $12-15/bottle

Zandarta fileja (Pike-perch fillet)

Pan-fried or baked pike-perch (zander) from Latvian lakes and rivers. Delicate white flesh with excellent flavor, served with seasonal vegetables or dill sauce. The finest freshwater fish in Latvia.

Where to try: Baltā Kaza, Milda, Ferma

Price: $16-25

Tam Labam Būs Augt (3 Chefs)

Open-kitchen restaurant showcasing the best of modern Latvian cuisine with carefully curated drinks. Three renowned chefs collaborate to create innovative dishes using seasonal local ingredients. Intimate dining experience with counter seating overlooking the kitchen.

Torna iela 4, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050

Milda

Cozy restaurant in Old Riga offering modern take on Latvian and Baltic cuisine. Michelin Bib Gourmand award winner for excellent balance of quality and value. Menu inspired by local ingredients and traditional recipes served with creative twist.

Kalēju iela 17, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050

Lido Atpūtas Centrs

Massive Latvian buffet-style restaurant complex showcasing traditional cuisine at affordable prices. Choose from dozens of hot and cold dishes, grilled meats, salads, and desserts. Family-friendly with entertainment areas, brewery, and outdoor terrace.

Krasta iela 76, Latgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga, LV-1019

Riga Central Market Vendors

Various food stalls throughout Europe's largest market offering fresh local specialties. Try smoked fish, honey, fresh pastries, and traditional Latvian snacks. Authentic market atmosphere with locals shopping daily.

Nēģu iela 7, Latgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga, LV-1050

MiiT Coffee

Specialty coffee roastery and café serving expertly crafted espresso drinks and filter coffee. Minimalist Scandinavian design with knowledgeable baristas. Popular with coffee enthusiasts and remote workers.

Tērbatas iela 2, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1011

Ferma

Celebrates Latvian regional products with European cooking techniques. Menu features everything from traditional herrings to locally-grown tiger prawns and premium Latvian beef steaks. Elegant countryside-inspired interior with focus on farm-to-table dining.

K. Barona iela 31, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1011

Baltā Kaza (White Goat)

Fresh culinary gem in Riga's Old Town offering contemporary Latvian cuisine with creative twist. Highlights local and seasonal ingredients presented with modern artistry. Charming intimate setting perfect for romantic dinners.

Peldu iela 19, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050

Province

Cozy restaurant serving homestyle Latvian cooking with emphasis on quality and comfort. Menu features grandmother's recipes made with care. Welcoming atmosphere popular with locals seeking authentic home cooking.

Skārņu iela 6, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050

Pīrāgi

Fresh-baked bacon-filled crescent pastries sold warm from bakeries in and around Old Town. The most beloved Latvian street snack, €0.80-1.50 each.

Find it at: Pīrāgu Māja on Kalķu iela, Central Market bakeries

Smoked fish at Central Market

Hot-smoked Baltic herring, sprats, and other fish sold at the Fish Pavilion of Riga Central Market. Eaten on the spot with rye bread or wrapped to take away.

Find it at: Riga Central Market Fish Pavilion, Nēģu iela 7

Cepti cāļi (Rotisserie chicken)

Freshly rotisserie-roasted chicken portions sold at market stalls throughout Riga. Popular lunchtime street food with fries and sauce. €4-6 a portion.

Find it at: Vistas Brāļi on Barona iela, Central Market food area

Šašliks (Shashlik skewers)

Central Asian-style grilled meat skewers popular at outdoor markets and festivals. Pork and chicken variants with flatbread and pickles. A Baltic summertime institution.

Find it at: Kalnciema Quarter market Saturdays, Riga street food festivals

Freshly baked rye bread

Warm loaves of traditional Latvian dark rye bread from market bakers. The best in the country comes from small artisan bakers selling directly at the Central Market early morning.

Find it at: Riga Central Market Dry Goods Pavilion

Riga Central Market (Rīgas Centrāltirgus)

One of Europe's largest and best-preserved markets in five historic zeppelin hangars from WWI. Separate pavilions for meat, fish, dairy, vegetables, and dry goods. The fish and dairy halls are exceptional with local products not found elsewhere.

Hours: Daily 7:00-18:00

Kalnciema Quarter Saturday Market

Riga's finest artisan farmers market in a historic wooden courtyard on the Daugava's left bank. Local producers sell organic vegetables, artisan cheeses, handmade jams, sourdough bread, and cold-pressed juices. A social event as much as a market.

Hours: Saturdays 9:00-14:00 (year-round, bi-weekly in winter)

Āgenskalns Market (Āgenskalns tirgus)

Historic indoor market hall on the left bank of the Daugava built in 1911 and recently renovated. Local food producers, craft stalls, and a popular food hall with Latvian and international cuisine. Less touristy than the Central Market.

Hours: Tue-Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-17:00