Eastern and Central Europe (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

WHERE TO EAT IN LATVIA 93

Where to Eat in Latvia

There has been a considerable rise in the diversity and

standards of restaurants in Latvia, although Rīga offers the
best variety of eating places. Good food is an integral part
of the culture and the abundance of traditional-style
restaurants in the country attests to the pride that Latvians
take in their national cuisine.

RĪGA

Ķiploku Krogs 

Jēkaba 3/5, LV-1050 Tel 6721 1451 Map C3

True to its name, Ķiploku Krogs, which means “garlic bar”, features garlic in almost every dish, including the

ice cream – the menu even labels those dishes that do not contain any. The results are less gimmicky than might

be expected, with some very exciting choices.

Palete f Δ ) © ̊ 

Gleznotāju iela 12/14, LV-1050 Tel 6721 6037 Map D3

A favourite with both visitors and local people, this cosy restaurant in the Vecrīga hotel serves an eclectic

international menu ranging from Cajun to Italian. There is something to suit most tastes, but seafood is a speciality.

An open fireplace in winter adds to its old-world charm.

Vincent’s Δ ̊ 

Elizabetes iela 19, LV-1000 Tel 6733 2830 Map E2

With celebrity chef Mārtiņš Rītiņš at the helm, Vincent’s has been a staple on Rīga’s restaurant scene since it opened

in 1994 and it continues to attract foreign dignitaries and celebrities who pass through the city. Adventurous

international dishes are offered alongside classy versions of traditional Latvian fare.

FURTHER AFIELD LIDO Atpūtas Centrs : 7 f Δ ) © 

Krasta iela 76, LV-1019 Tel 6750 4420

Part of the LIDO chain of recreation centres, this massive log cabin with an amusement park, ice-skating rink and

live folk music is a tourist attraction in its own right. The buffet boasts over 500 dishes, including traditional Latvian

fare. There is also a sit-down restaurant and a large beer hall.

REST OF LATVIA

GAUJA NATIONAL PARK Aparjods 7 Δ © ̊ 

Ventas iela 1a, Sigulda, LV-2150 Tel 6797 4414

Themed on a farmhouse, Aparjods has a warm interior decorated with sepia photographs and cane and wood

furnishings. Besides traditional Latvian cuisine, it also serves more unusual European dishes, such as snails. It is

popular despite its location outside the town centre.

JŪRMALA Villa Joma 7 Δ ) © ̊ 

Jomas iela 90, LV-2015 Tel 6777 1999

This pastel-coloured restaurant is bright and airy, and considered to be among the best eateries in Jūrmala. The

menu is helpfully displayed outside and includes international favourites such as tuna carpaccio and breast of

Barbary duck. Cocktails are served at the bar.

KULDĪGA Stenders f Δ ) 

Liepājas iela 3, LV-3301 Tel 6332 2703

Housed on the first floor of a former granary, Stenders offers an array of standard Latvian dishes and is very popular

locally for its signature pancakes. The cosy open-air terrace offers beautiful views of the city, particularly appealing

on a summer’s day. Local DJs entertain on Friday and Saturday nights.

LIEPĀJA Ilze f 

Graudu iela 23, LV-3401 Tel 6342 3814

This brick-lined cellar restaurant with arched vaulting and romantic lighting is very popular with locals. It serves

standard Latvian cuisine along with more exotic fare such as chicken wasabi or calamari, at reasonable prices.

There is live music every evening.

PRICE CATEGORIES

Based on the price per person of a

three-course meal with half a bottle

of wine, including cover charge,

service and tax.

 Under 10 Ls

 10–20 Ls

 20–30 Ls

 30–40 Ls

 Over 40 Ls

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