Where to eat in Riga: 6 must-try food spots you'll love
- Dec 27, 2025
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 25
The short version: Riga's food scene mixes cosy traditional Latvian spots with modern, design-forward cafés and restaurants, all at prices well below Western Europe. Must-tries: fish soup at Baltā Casa, snacks at Riga Central Market, coffee at KŪŪK, and a relaxed evening at Herbārijs. The city is compact enough to build a full food-focused day around, and solo diners will feel just as comfortable as groups.
The Latvian capital impressed me in many ways, the food scene was definitely one of them. From cozy cafes to modern kitchens, Riga has so much to offer, and at an affordable price. Compared to the Western part of Europe, menu prices are must more budget friendly, but lucky for us, this does not mean you have to compromise on the quality or taste of food. So, let's see some of my favourite spots in this city.
Where should you eat in Riga? For coffee and pastries, start at KŪŪK or Cadets de Gascogne. For the best single meal, Baltā Casa's modern take on Latvian dishes is hard to beat. Riga Central Market is the best stop for trying several local snacks at once, and Herbārijs is a great choice for a lighter, plant-filled evening. Overall, Riga is one of the more affordable food cities in Europe without any drop in quality, a rare combination.
Before you dive into Riga’s food scene, it’s worth remembering that great meals are part of travelling slowly and staying grounded. If you enjoy building small moments of calm into your trips, you can download my free Travel Wellness Routine Builder, a gentle resource with simple routines, grounding rituals, and check-ins to help you feel more present and at ease wherever you’re exploring.
One of the things that surprised me most about Riga is just how varied the food scene is, especially for a city that still feels relatively under the radar compared to other European capitals. From cosy, traditional Latvian restaurants to more modern, experimental spots, there is a clear mix of old and new that makes eating your way through the city genuinely exciting. Even if you’re only visiting for a couple of days, it’s worth planning a few meals in advance because some of the best places fill up quickly, particularly on weekends.
What to eat in Riga: Latvian dishes worth trying before you leave
Before diving into specific restaurants, it’s worth knowing a few classic Latvian dishes to look out for while eating in Riga. Latvian cuisine is surprisingly comforting, especially in the colder months, with lots of rye bread, smoked fish, potatoes, mushrooms, and creamy soups. One of the most memorable things I tried was the fish soup at Baltā Casa, which tasted completely different from the fish soups I’m used to elsewhere in Europe. You’ll also notice pickled vegetables (I am a big fan), local cheeses, and fried dough snacks appearing on many menus and market stalls. Even if you normally stick to international food while travelling, I’d really recommend trying at least a couple of traditional Latvian dishes because they’re a big part of what makes Riga’s food scene feel distinct and local.
Best areas in Riga for food lovers to explore
If you’re planning your meals around sightseeing, Riga’s compact layout makes it very easy to explore several food spots in one day. Old Town is ideal for cosy cafés, slower breakfasts, and traditional restaurants, while the Central District has more modern and creative dining options. The area around Riga Central Market is especially great if you enjoy casual food experiences and want to try several local snacks without committing to one big meal. I also found that Riga works well for spontaneous dining, you can wander for a while and still stumble across stylish cafés or restaurants that don’t feel overly touristy.
Why Riga is one of the best affordable food cities in Europe
One thing that genuinely stood out to me in Riga was how affordable the food scene felt compared to many other European capitals. You can have a really good coffee and pastry without feeling like it’s a luxury purchase, and even modern, well-designed restaurants are often much more reasonably priced than similar places in Western Europe. What I appreciated most was that the lower prices never felt like a compromise on quality. The interiors were stylish, the ingredients felt fresh, and service was consistently good throughout the trip. Riga is one of those cities where it’s actually easy to try several different cafés and restaurants in a short visit without completely blowing your budget.
Is Riga good for solo travellers? A note on dining alone in the Latvian capital
If you’re travelling solo, Riga is also an incredibly easy place to dine alone without feeling out of place. Many restaurants have relaxed, welcoming atmospheres, and you’ll often find yourself lingering longer than expected, whether that’s over a glass of wine or just enjoying the slower pace of the city. Although this time I was travelling with a friend, I would not hesitate to return solo to any of these foods spots in the Latvian capital.
KŪŪK
Let's start with some caffeine! This central spot is perfect for a morning coffee and some pastry. The interior is beautiful, and the atmosphere is cozy. You can also work from here, in case you are looking for a remote work spot.
Cadets de Gascogne
Another spot where you can fuel up before a busy day of exploring Riga. I especially loved the big windows of this one, as it is overlooking some of the central part of the city, it is the perfect spot for a slow morning and watching people pass by.
Tips for eating out in Riga as a traveller
A few small things made dining in Riga especially easy during my trip. English is widely spoken in restaurants and cafés, so ordering is rarely stressful, and card payments are accepted almost everywhere. Many places also have a relaxed atmosphere that makes them comfortable for solo travellers, remote workers, or people wanting to linger over coffee for a while. One thing I noticed is that brunch culture and café interiors are surprisingly strong here, Riga has a lot of aesthetically designed spots that feel much more modern and creative than people often expect from a Baltic capital.
Baltā Casa
This was the best food I had in Riga! Baltā Casa is a modern Latvian restaurant offering some well known dishes and also, local, Latvian food. The interior is clean and modern, service is wonderful and the food is simply incredible. We went at dinner time, but you can visit this place for breakfast and lunch too! I think I will definitely come back for more on my next visit.
Herbārijs, kafejnīca
If you are looking for a place with nice interiors and a great view, you will love this food spot! The restaurant is filled with plants, giving it a very cozy and homey feel. The staff were attentive and nice, and the prices were affordable. I especially enjoyed the alcohol-free wine, it was the best I've ever had!
Grand Poet Hotel by Semarah
This hotel restaurant was on my saved food spots list before visiting Riga, but I did not expect what a lifesaver this place would be. You see, to get to the Latvian capital we flew early in the morning from Vilnius, landing at Riga airport at around 6.40am, on a Sunday! So early that there was no way we could check in at our accommodation yet, and there were no cafes open at this time of the day. That's when I figured (and this is a top travel tip if you are in similar shoes) that the Grand Poet Hotel offers a buffet type of breakfast. This was such a blessing, when you're trying to find somewhere to stay on a cold, dark winter day. This price was not as budget friendly as other spots in Riga (€30 per person), but if you have time to kill, it definitely makes sense. The food was amazing, I especially loved the cake options for breakfast! The kitchen of this hotel is known to serve amazing lunch and dinner menus, so I would definitely recommend trying those too, if you have the time.
Riga Central Market
I saved the most versatile one last! This market is a perfect activity to do in Riga, and a way to try different cuisines and local dishes and delicacies. The space if filled with many food stands offering dishes from many parts of the world and also some local bites. You can definitely kill some time here and look around, as beyond food, the market has many other sections such as clothes, fresh fruit and veg, shows etc.
FAQs: Eating in Riga
How much does eating out in Riga cost? Riga is noticeably more affordable than Western European capitals, with good coffee and pastries priced well below what you'd expect for the quality, and even modern, well-designed restaurants coming in cheaper than similar spots elsewhere. It's realistic to try several cafés and restaurants across a short trip without a big budget.
Is English widely spoken in Riga restaurants? Yes, English is commonly spoken in cafés and restaurants across the city, so ordering is generally straightforward even without any Latvian. Card payments are also accepted almost everywhere, which makes dining out easy for visitors.
What's the best food market to visit in Riga? Riga Central Market is the standout choice, offering a mix of local delicacies and international food stalls alongside non-food sections like clothes and fresh produce. It's a good way to sample several Latvian snacks in one visit without committing to a full sit-down meal.
How many days do you need for a food-focused trip to Riga? Even a single full day is enough to build a solid food itinerary, thanks to Riga's compact layout, pastries in the morning, the market in the afternoon, and a proper sit-down Latvian meal in the evening. A longer stay just allows for more restaurants without needing to rush.
A perfect Riga food itinerary for a one-day visit
If you only have one full day in Riga, I’d structure it around food as much as sightseeing because the city is compact enough to combine both easily. Start the morning with coffee and pastries at KŪŪK or Cadets de Gascogne, then spend part of the afternoon wandering through Riga Central Market to sample local snacks and delicacies. For dinner, Baltā Casa is the standout choice if you want a more memorable Latvian meal with a modern touch. And if you still have energy afterwards, Herbārijs is a lovely option for a lighter evening drink or dessert in a cosy, plant-filled setting.
Hope you enjoyed my list of where to eat in Riga, I absolutely loved the culinary experiences that this city has to offer. Riga is the perfect spot to explore the Baltic kitchen and learn more about the local dishes.
