LIDO Vērmanītis is a latvian restaurant in Centrs, Riga.
LIDO Vērmanītis on Elizabetes is the central Riga branch of the Latvian buffet chain, plating classics from a hot counter beside the Vērmanes park.
Signature dishes: Latvian buffet plates, Sklandrausis, Karbonāde
Must order: Build a plate from the rotating hot dishes; the rye-bread soup and karbonāde are the steady picks.
Tip: The faster, less-touristed alternative to the Atpūtas Centrs flagship; pay-by-weight at the till.
Address: Elizabetes iela 65, Rīga, LV-1050, Riga
B Bārs Restorāns on Dome Square in Old Town pairs an all-day European bistro menu with a respected cocktail program, popular for Doma laukums terrace dinners.
Signature: European bistro plates, Cocktail program
Order: Terrace seat in summer with a bistro plate and a signature cocktail; the steak frites is the steady choice.
Tip: Right on the cathedral square so views command a small premium; cocktail list outpaces the kitchen, sit at the bar for the value.
Shōyu on Ausekļa near the Quiet Bay holds a Bib Gourmand for homemade ramen noodles, rich broths and rice bowls in a counter-style room that seats just 20.
Signature: Shoyu ramen, Tonkotsu ramen, Karaage rice bowl
Order: The shoyu ramen, the house signature; pair with the karaage and a Japanese beer.
Tip: Tiny shop, reservations essential. Bowls average €12 to €18; cash and card both accepted.
Folkklubs ALA Pagrabs sits in a historic wine cellar below Peldu in Old Town, pouring 32 taps of Latvian beer and cider with folk music five nights a week.
Signature: Latvian beer flight, Pelēkie zirņi, Roast pork knuckle
Order: A beer flight from the 32 Latvian taps plus the grey peas plate.
Tip: Folk dancing on Wednesdays, live music most other nights. Open until 02:00 weekdays, 04:00 weekend.
LIDO Atpūtas Centrs on Krasta is the flagship of the Latvian buffet chain, a wooden-castle complex serving freshly cooked Latvian classics from open counters.
Signature: Karbonāde, Pelēkie zirņi, Karbonāde rye sandwich
Order: Karbonāde with grey peas and rye bread, a Latvian counter classic for €10 to €15.
Tip: The complex has a beer cellar, a summer fountain garden and a kids' play area; expect crowds at Sunday lunch.
