One thing that continually impresses me about Riga is its exceptional café scene. First-time visitors to the city might be surprised to find craft coffee, delectable pastries, and free WIFI at nearly every turn. But with so many outstanding options, how can you choose? After sipping and eating my way across the city, these are what I consider to be the best cafes in Riga.
- A.L.L. Cappuccino
- Art Café Sienna
- Cafeterius Riga
- Conta Coffee
- Crumble Cake
- Kūkotava
- Mīkla
- Mr. Fox
- Parunāsim
- Pietura
- Rocket Bean
- Strada
- Vilhelms Ķuze
- Zvaigzne
Don’t see you favorite? It’s probably on my list of Riga’s best bakeries or included in the cheap eats guide. If not, tell me about it in the comments!
A.L.L. Cappuccino
A.L.L. Cappuccino was the first coffee bar I visited in Riga and, nearly a decade later, it’s still going strong. The towering foam peaks of yesteryear have been replaced with modern latte art, but the coffee is still as delicious as ever.
Art Café Sienna
Art Café Sienna exudes old world charm, with its elegant antique furnishings and courteous waitstaff. The windowsills are stacked high with vintage art books and white gloves are available should you wish to flip through one. Prices here are a little high, but it’s a lovely way to treat yourself after admiring the beautiful Art Nouveaux buildings in the neighborhood.
Cafeterius Riga
Central Riga has become packed with dining options in the last few years. One of my favorites is Cafeterius Riga with its cozy window nooks. I followed the advice of the friendly gal behind the counter and tried the homemade Riga Black Balsam currant cake. I encourage everyone to do the same – it’s fabulous! Quiches, salads, and sandwiches are also available.
Conta Coffee
Conta is the new kid on the block, and a worthy addition to Riga’s coffee scene. The beans come from The Barn, one of the best roasters in Berlin, and the drinks are brewed with the highest standards. Its convenient Old Town location make it the perfect spot for a midmorning sightseeing break.
Crumble Cake
My current favorite Old Town café is Crumble Cake. The charming interior and friendly staff always make me smile. You will want to linger here over a piece of delicious homemade cake, assuming you can find a seat at this popular spot. I recommend the dark chocolate and cherry filling!
Kūkotava
A made-up Latvian word that means “cake place,” Kūkotava is a Riga institution. The café interior has been given an elegant French-inspired makeover, matching the beauty of its wonderful cakes, pies, and pastries. Kūkotava has recently expanded into the space next door, offering salads and sandwiches, though I’ve not tried these yet.
Mīkla
When I asked for Riga café recommendations before my most recent trip back to the city, nearly everyone who responded told me to head straight to Mīkla. And it’s easy to see why. The pastries here are next level! The coffee is also excellent. Mīkla currently has two locations in Riga, and the one of Dzirnavu iela is so popular it might be hard to find a seat.
Mr. Fox
The menu at Mr. Fox proves that food can be both healthy and delicious. Salads and Buddha bowls feature whole grains, organic produce, and I like that you can customize most dishes to suit your tastes. Vegan and gluten-free options are plentiful, though you can also add chicken, fish, and eggs.
Parunāsim
Parunāsim is the self-proclaimed “most romantic café in Riga” thanks to its hidden location and cozy interior. (Look for it down an alleyway, in between the medieval St. Jacob’s Church and knitting shop Hobbywool.) Parunāsim’s luscious pies and cakes pair equally well with cappuccino and Prosecco.
Pietura
Not really convenient to the tourist side of town, Pietura is popular with locals and well-worth seeking out. I was first taken there by a Latvian food blogger and we were both impressed by the fresh food and large portion sizes.
Rocket Bean
Since its grand opening in 2015, Rocket Bean has skyrocketed (see what I did there?) to top café status thanks to its fantastic coffee and bright convivial atmosphere. The coffee beans are sourced from around the world and roasted on site. According to Rocket Bean’s owner, “coffee is like bread: it’s better when it’s fresh out of the oven.” Couldn’t agree more! You can also order excellent food to enjoy with your latte.
Strada
If you are looking for Italian-style coffee in Riga, head to Strada. Beans are roasted onsite and the knowledgeable baristas can make recommendations based on your tastes and mood. Even better are Strada’s desserts – the strawberry cake was so good I considered having another slice!
Vilhelms Ķuze
In 1910, Vilhelms Ķuze opened a confection shop in Riga and soon became one of the city’s largest chocolate producers. While Vilhelms was killed in a Soviet labor camp in 1941, his name – and his chocolate – lives on at the charming Vilhelms Ķuze café. Here you can sample chocolate truffles, marzipan figures, assorted cakes, and pastries in vintage 1930s style. V. Ķuze also has the best hot chocolate in Riga!
Zvaigzne
Planning to visit the Latvian Gallery of Art? Then nearby Zvaigzne Cafe is an excellent stop for lunch or a coffee break. There is usually a salad, soup, and meat dish on the daily menu, along with a tempting assortment of cakes.
Which do you think are the best cafes in Riga?
Save this guide for easy reference!
I wish I had this list a couple months ago…maybe next time!
Yes, the guide books for Latvia are sorely lacking in cafe and restaurant recommendations. I’ve made it my personal mission to try out as many places as possible. Blogging is hard work 🙂
You’ve got some of my favourites in this list – I love to sit outside of Aspara in the summer and All Cappuccino is just so cute and cosy! I’ll keep in mind to check out some others from this list next time I’m in Riga. 🙂
My all time favourite, though, not only in Riga but in the whole wide world is Innocent Cafe in Blaumana iela 34. My “home cafe” last summer was Žanna in Tomsona 2 (just the perfect quiet corner, although I didn’t like their coffee so much :/), I used to spend hours there working as I didn’t really have wifi at home. Other than that I also love some of the places in the “embassy district” if you know where that is. So many great lunch spots, such as MiiT, Caffee Pasedet and Trusis Kafe (there are more but I can’t remember all the names). Plus they post their lunch offers on Facebook every day so I would just pick out my meal at work and run when I had the time.
I miss Riga so much! :'( 😀
Wow, Innocent Cafe is your favorite in the whole world? That’s some praise! I’ll definitely have to check that place out, along with the others you’ve mentioned. I have been to Trusis to try their coffee, which someone else recommended, but I was turned off by the complete lack of baked goods. I can’t drink coffee with out some sort of cake or pastry. I still need to try their lunch offerings. I’ve also been to Miit, but only for their pancake brunch. There’s too many places from which to choose!
Any plans to return to Riga?
I won’t be up north until the second half of this year but when there I always make an excuse to go on a weekend getaway to Riga. I’ll just see where life brings me. Also I’d love to spend new year’s there!
By the way, I remembered a couple more. Check out Piens (also a nice nightlife spot for some sangria) and the Valmiermuiža beer store/bar for some nice Latvian beer.
I’ve been to the Valmiermuiza place – great food in the restaurant and interesting craft beers! I’ll add Piens to my list of places to try soon 🙂
Ooh, I’m definitely bookmarking this post! We might (fingers crossed) be going to Riga this summer and I’d love to try these places out, especially Aspara Tea House – looks like my kind of joint! Lovely. Thanks for this compilation!
Ooh, I do hope you visit! I’d happily enjoy some tea with you at Aspara! Keep me posted on your plans 🙂
Ok, I’m ready to plan my visit!
Just say when! The guest room is ready 🙂
Rigensis was my favorite. I think we were there three times. The peanut desert I got was to die for! I will come back to Riga just for that desert 🙂 I remember Index Cafe, and a place in Old Town where we got chocolate cheesecake. That place was very good but I guess it’s considered a restaurant and not a cafe. Riga has such a wide selection. Here, I think we have one or two and they are not very good. I love Europe!!!!
I’ll definitely be talking about the chocolate cheesecake place in another post!
So many interesting and nice cafes in Riga, I particularly like the look of the Aspara Tea House, it’s such a unique place to stop by 🙂
I love that tea house, such great people watching from those big windows 🙂
I’ve just learned about a new vegan restaurant that is supposed to be amazing. I’ll be sure to include it in my next cafe round-up!
Thank you for this post 🙂 It’s very helpful indeed , sienna caffee is on my wish list , just waiting for the summer when I am back home in Rīga 🙂
All cappuccino is amazing , I went there by a chance and every time when I am in Rīga It’s one of the places I am looking forward to sip a cup of delicious latte 🙂
http://ellinelledaydreams.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/arbooz-kafe-in-riga-and-sneak-peak-into.html
Also you should try fazenda bazaar http://ellinelledaydreams.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/fazenda-bazaar-in-riga.html
I loved it 🙂
Thanks, Elina! Now I’m even more excited to try out Fazenda this week!! 🙂
All Cappuccino seems perfect to me! I am a big fan of skinny latte so I guess I would spend hours there blogging and sipping my coffee…
You’d have good company, Agness! 🙂
Very impressive list, Heather! All of these places look and sound wonderful. My week in Riga last year was far too short, and sadly did not include any of these cafes. I have been to Fazenda for a late night after-theater snack and drink, so cannot say anything about their coffee. If you have any visitors who need to avoid gluten, then do pick up something from ‘Tira Maize’ (http://www.tiramaize.lv/?lang=en). Although not convenient for you, nor a place to hang out, for anyone who cannot eat gluten-free, it’s a fantastic place.
You’ll just have to come back, Daina! 😉
Thanks for the gluten-free tip. I’ve also learned about a new vegan place that I need to try. It would be nice to include some alternative options in my next round up!
Caffienated chocolate milk?! Yes please! I LOVE this post, these cafes are all so gorgeous, and it looks like you really experimented with new foods and beverages at each one! Hard to believe you weren’t much of a coffee drinker before going to Europe!;-)
It’s kind of hard for me to believe, too, considering I now drink coffee nearly every morning 🙂
These places all look rather wonderful Heather. You’ve done a lovely job and where there’s cake, I’m there! I will be in Riga in a few weeks, and I can’t wait!
Thanks, Victoria! I’ll be more than happy to meet you at any one of them 😉
Another handy post. I’m really looking forward to going back to Riga now.
Just wait until I do my restaurant guide! 🙂
I love this! I am so glad you put this list together. I can’t wait to try some of these!
I can’t wait to put together part two!
I’ve started researching for my upcoming trip and your blog is my go-to source for Riga, haha. I’ll probably send you a mail with some questions soon. Could we meet at Rigensis on July 26 or 27 though? 😀
I’d love to meet up, but will be in Sweden on those days. Are those the only two days you’ll be here? And I’ll be happy to answer any of your questions 🙂
Hi there – I am so glad I found your page!! I am doing a 10 day tour of the Baltics with my mother next month and we are doing Helsinki, St Petersburg, Tallin and Riga, found your website very informative as I am so much into food, architecture and the cultural aspects of travel. I have been to 40 countries so far, and I am planning of also starting a blog, along with my soon to be Holistic Nutrition site – however as you say its a lot of work!! Only started instagram so far….. I was also wondering if you have a restaurant guide for Riga? Thank you, Jacqui
Hi Jacqui, I’m so excited for you! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Baltics and think they are a perfect destination for anyone who loves architecture, history and food! I’ve received several requests for Riga restaurant recommendations lately so am planning to share a blog post in the next few weeks, just in time for your trip! If you enter your email address in the “subscribe” box on my website, you’ll receive the new posts in your inbox. (I never send ANY spam or anything other than new blog posts.) Otherwise, be sure to check back before your trip! And definitely let me know if you have any questions about Riga or Tallinn. – Heather
Hi, thank you for a great blog!
I am going to Riga on holiday in late July and was wondering if you have any restaurant recommendations? I’m going with my inlaws so Im trying to find some really nice restaurants 🙂
Thanks!
Hi Christian, I’ve gotten several requests for a Riga restaurant guide so am planning to put one up on the blog in the next few weeks. So definitely check back before your trip! You can also enter your email address in the “subscribe” box and receive new posts in your inbox. (No spam, ever.) I hope you enjoy your trip!