Riga Latvia: Our Favorite Dinner Spot with a Tasting Menu

Our favorite meal of the year came from a restaurant in Riga, Latvia, and after our experience we weren’t surprised to find out it’s in the Michelin Guide.

We didn’t go in blind. We actually found this place on Top Jaw, one of our favorite YouTube travel channels. Here’s why we loved it, and why we think you should give it a try, too.

Seasonal Latvian Cuisine with a Spin

3 Pavāru Restorāns or 3 Chefs Restaurant, which is in Riga’s Old Town, specializes in Latvian ingredients with a modern flair. They offer a seasonal tasting menu (ours was €99 per person) with optional wine pairings for €75, plus premium or non-alcoholic pairings if you prefer. Every dish showcases fresh and local ingredients, and the plating is fun without being fussy.

We loved the blend of upscale and casual in this spot and sitting at the bar was a highlight. You get to watch the chefs work right in front of you while you enjoy the experience – especially the canvas of flavors. (I’m not being flowery here – we literally got a work of art for dipping our homemade bread.)

The chefs prepared colorful sauces directly on parchment paper at the bar. They used ingredients like blackcurrant, pesto, and sea buckthorn in a playful and interactive way that set the tone for the meal.

Our Six-Course Tasting Menu

Try your best not to fill up on the delicious bread and sauces, because the portions are big for a tasting menu. Here’s what was available on our visit:

Goat cheese, watermelon, and mint

I usually refuse to eat watermelon, but this was a unique and refreshing start to the menu. The watermelon and mint were light and summery, but also tasted pickled, which was unusual and welcome. The goat cheese added creaminess without overpowering the dish.

Beetroot broth with a tartelette and cashew cream

We love beets – so we came to the right region of the world. The broth was smooth and flavorful, and the crisp tartelette was the perfect bite (or two) to get the meal going.

Cod with horseradish sauce, fermented blackcurrant, and dill

This dish was light and elegant, pairing delicious cod with tangy elements. The horseradish wasn’t overpowering, and the fermented blackcurrant gave it brightness and balance.

Scallops, pickled cabbage, smoked trout roe, and quinces

This was a standout. The sweetness of the scallops worked perfectly with the pop of acid from the pickled cabbage and smokiness of the roe. This dish offered a great balance of flavors and textures.

The palette cleanser

I wish I wrote down what this was. All I remember is that the ingredients were unusual. The light, icy, and citrusy interlude was perfect before the rich lamb dish that followed.

Spring lamb with wild garlic, potato cream, morel mushrooms, red wine glaze

I tried a lot of dished on this trip to the Baltics that I absolutely loved even though I usually don’t like them. And that was true for this lamb dish. I usually don’t like it at all and would never order it outside of a tasting menu. I was so pleasantly surprised at how tender and full of flavor it was without tasting gamey. I do love mushrooms, and these were perfectly hearty and rich. Also, the potato cream was so unique. It was airy and light and delicious to the last bite (even though we were getting quite full).

Milk mousse, strawberries, basil

This is my favorite kind of dessert: light, not overly sweet, and just a little indulgent. The strawberries were fresh, and the basil added a subtle herbal note that added a little complexity to a classic dessert.

Local dessert wine

We ended with a Latvian cherry liqueur with mixed reviews. One of us loved it, and the other thought it tasted like cough syrup 😊

Our Take

The space is relaxed and stylish, while the food is sophisticated and well executed. The staff were friendly, attentive, and happy to walk us through the courses. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and would love to come back and do it all again.

Riga Latvia: Our Favorite Dinner Spot with a Tasting Menu

Seasonal Latvian Cuisine with a Spin