Riga eats with the Baltic on one side and the forest on the other. The five WWI zeppelin hangars of Centrāltirgus, one of Europe's largest markets, anchor the city's daily food life with smoked sprats, rye bread, grey peas with bacon, sklandrausis pies and seasonal mushrooms. Above that everyday rhythm sits a serious modern kitchen scene: JOHN Chef's Hall and Max Cekot Kitchen hold one Michelin star each in the 2026 Guide, Snatch, Shōyu, Milda and SMØR Bistro carry Bib Gourmands, and Pavāru māja outside the city holds Latvia's only Michelin Green Star. Centrs and the Art Nouveau quarter house most of the new bistros and natural-wine rooms, while Pārdaugava, Kalnciema and the once-industrial corners of the Quiet Bay keep the weekend crowd in farm markets, cellar bars and Black Balsam cocktails.

Where to eat in Riga

All 7 restaurants

  1. Milda

    Order Grey peas with bacon and sour cream, the national dish, served generously.

  2. Snatch

    Order The homemade pasta of the day, usually paired with one of the bespoke cocktails.

  3. SMØR Bistro

    Order The chef's set lunch, the Bib Gourmand value lever; pair with the by-the-glass Champagne.

  4. Pētergailis

    Order The grey peas with bacon, the kitchen's anchor dish since opening.

  5. Riviera

    Order The chef's tasting paired with the sommelier's flight; the wine list is the room's loudest argument.

  6. Domini Canes

    Order The seasonal mushroom plate when foraging season hits in late summer and autumn.

Fine dining

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Signature dishes in Riga

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Map of Riga

Every restaurant, cafe, market and bar we cover in Riga, pinned. Click a pin for the page.

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When to come hungry in Riga

Peak food season
May to September for terraces and Centrāltirgus produce, plus late November to December for the Doma laukums Christmas market with gluhwine and piparkūkas.
Local dining hours
Lunch 12:00-15:00 with widespread set menus, dinner 18:00-22:00. Many fine-dining rooms open Thursday to Saturday only.
Tipping
Service is not included by law. Round up the bill or add 5 to 10 percent for good table service, less for counters and bars.

Riga food, FAQ

What food is Riga known for?

Riga's signature dishes include Pelēki zirņi ar speķi (grey peas with bacon), Rupjmaize (Latvian dark rye bread), Šprotes (smoked Baltic sprats), Sklandrausis (rye-crust carrot pie), Pīrāgi (bacon-onion pastry pockets). See our signature dishes chapter for where to eat each.

What are the best food neighborhoods in Riga?

TableJourney editors map Riga by district. Vecrīga (Old Town), Centrs, Centrāltirgus and Maskavas, Quiet Bay (Klusais centrs) are among the strongest for food, each with its own guide.

Where should I eat fine dining in Riga?

Editor picks in Riga include JOHN Chef's Hall, Max Cekot Kitchen, 3 Pavāru Restorāns, plus the full fine dining chapter on TableJourney.

Are there food tours in Riga?

TableJourney covers 5 editor-picked food tours in Riga, with what each shows you and how much to budget.

Does Riga have good vegetarian or vegan food?

TableJourney's Riga dietary chapter covers vegan, vegetarian venues, each editor-picked with what to order and how to ask.