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Restauran 3 in Riga, Latvia

Close your eyes and imagine the forest.

What do you see? What do you smell? What do you feel? What does the air taste like?

Now open them. And imagine you’re experiencing the forest-inspired 9-course menu at Restauran 3.

From tapioca crisps made with seaweed and black garlic to moose pate with chanterelle mushrooms and spruce tips to a sweet dessert with a chanterelle cream, every dish drew inspiration from the land around us. And so did a presentation that incorporated sticks and river stones, leather and fire.

Come for a unique experience of Latvian cuisine.

meal at restauran 3 Riga Latvia meal at restauran 3 Riga Latvia

meal at restauran 3 Riga Latvia meal at restauran 3 Riga Latvia

meal at restauran 3 Riga Latvia meal at restauran 3 Riga Latvia

meal at restauran 3 Riga Latvia

meal at restauran 3 Riga Latvia meal at restauran 3 Riga Latvia

meal at restauran 3 Riga Latvia meal at restauran 3 Riga Latvia

meal at restauran 3 Riga Latvia

meal at restauran 3 Riga Latvia meal at restauran 3 Riga Latvia

I was lucky enough to eat here twice during my visits to Latvia: once over nine courses and several hours with a good friend and once for a special restaurant week lunch with my partner, Chad. Both experiences were exceptional.

Address: Kalēju iela 3, Riga

Phone: +371 26 660 060

Hours: 12:00 – 23:00 daily.  From 12 to 18, the menu is a la carte. From 18 on, they serve several tasting menus.

Price range: Tasting menus start just under 65 euros.

This restaurant is small dog-friendly, but you should call ahead to confirm.

What (else) to do in Riga

Take a stroll around the cute old town area. Visit the Central Market – a riot of vendors and cafeteria stalls in four old blimp hangers. Book a head massage at the fancy Grand Poet Hotel Spa (ask for Olga). And take a day trip down to Latvia’s pretty, sandy beaches (my favorite spot was Saulkrasti).