On October 22, 2025, the global culinary spotlight once again turned toward Riga as the MICHELIN Guide Latvia 2026 was unveiled during a glittering ceremony at the Latvian National Library. Chefs, critics, and food enthusiasts from across Europe gathered to celebrate this milestone, confirming that Latvia’s dining scene is no longer emerging—it has truly arrived. This marks the third consecutive year that the country has been featured in the prestigious guide, a powerful recognition of its evolving taste, dedication, and innovation in gastronomy.
Riga today is more than just a destination of history and architecture—it’s a hub of creativity, flavor, and cultural identity expressed through food. The MICHELIN Guide 2026 serves as both a recognition of excellence and an inspiration for a new generation of Baltic chefs determined to push boundaries.
⭐ MICHELIN Guide Latvia 2026 — Full List of Starred Restaurants
This year’s edition celebrates passion, precision, and sustainability, honoring restaurants that combine craftsmanship and artistry in equal measure. Inspectors, who visited Latvia multiple times throughout 2025, were particularly impressed by the country’s deep respect for local ingredients and its creativity with seasonal menus.
🍽️ One MICHELIN Star
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Max Cekot Kitchen (Riga) – Retaining its well-deserved star, this avant-garde culinary studio continues to astonish guests with architectural elegance, bold flavor compositions, and meticulous presentation. Its constantly evolving tasting menus mirror the rhythm of Latvian seasons and the chef’s talent for storytelling through food.
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JOHN Chef’s Hall (Riga) – For the second consecutive year, Chef Jānis Zvirbulis and his team earned a MICHELIN star. Their intimate fine-dining concept delivers daring contrasts and subtle textures, reflecting a deep understanding of the Baltic terroir.
🌿 MICHELIN Green Star
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Pavāru Māja (Līgatne) – Nestled in Latvia’s forested heartland, Pavāru Māja exemplifies sustainable gastronomy. Sourcing from nearby farms and foraging daily, the restaurant maintains a near zero-waste philosophy. Dining here is more than a meal—it’s a conversation with nature.
🥂 Bib Gourmand – Great Food at Great Value
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Milda (Riga) – A must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Latvian flavors reimagined with modern flair. The rustic yet elegant atmosphere makes it a favorite among both locals and visitors.
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Snatch Riga – Stylish, vibrant, and Mediterranean at heart, Snatch injects warmth into Riga’s culinary scene with inventive pastas, seafood, and open-kitchen energy.
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Ferma (Riga) – Celebrated for its blend of Nordic minimalism and bold technique, Ferma combines design, precision, and balance—an unforgettable stop for any gourmet traveler.
🍴 Newly Recommended Restaurants
The 2026 guide welcomes five new additions to the MICHELIN recommendations, showcasing Latvia’s growing culinary depth. From inventive bistros tucked away in Art Nouveau courtyards to experimental kitchens fusing Baltic roots with global trends, Riga’s gastronomic map has never been more exciting.
📚 A Short History of the MICHELIN Guide
The MICHELIN Guide began in 1900 as a small red booklet distributed to French motorists by the Michelin tire company. Initially, it included maps, hotel listings, and mechanical tips to encourage travel. What started as a marketing idea soon became the world’s most prestigious culinary award.
By the 1920s, the introduction of stars transformed the guide’s purpose—recognizing not only where to eat but where to experience culinary artistry. Today, MICHELIN inspectors anonymously evaluate restaurants worldwide on consistency, creativity, and quality, setting the global benchmark for excellence.
Beyond the coveted stars, the guide also awards Bib Gourmand for exceptional value and Green Stars for sustainable practices—encouraging chefs to innovate responsibly.
🇱🇻 The Story of the MICHELIN Guide in Latvia
When MICHELIN launched its Latvian edition in 2023, it marked a turning point for Baltic gastronomy. Riga became the first city in the region to receive MICHELIN recognition, catapulting Latvia onto the European culinary stage.
Since then, the country’s dining culture has flourished. Chefs who trained in world-class kitchens abroad have returned to Latvia to open creative, ingredient-driven restaurants. Farmers, foragers, and artisanal producers now play a key role, transforming chanterelles, rye, and sea buckthorn into the pillars of a unique Baltic culinary identity.
Each new edition of the guide inspires local innovation, strengthens hospitality, and draws food enthusiasts from around the world. The 2026 guide highlights just how far Latvia has come—standing shoulder to shoulder with countries steeped in gastronomic tradition.
✨ Why the MICHELIN Guide Matters for Tourism
The MICHELIN Guide’s impact extends beyond the kitchen. Its influence on Latvian tourism has been significant:
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Riga has seen a surge in international visitors seeking gourmet experiences.
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Travel agencies now offer MICHELIN-themed culinary tours.
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Latvian chefs have been invited to major European food festivals, expanding the country’s reputation abroad.
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Boutique hotels and serviced apartments have benefited from increased demand among food travelers.
The guide’s presence has helped position Latvia as a premier destination for experiential tourism, attracting those who value authenticity, creativity, and memorable flavors.
🏨 Where to Stay in Riga — MIRO Rooms Apartments
To savor Riga’s award-winning dining scene in comfort, stay at MIRO Rooms, where boutique design meets homelike warmth. Each apartment features elegant finishes, fast Wi-Fi, and full kitchens—ideal for both short and extended stays.
📍 MIRO Rooms Skolas
Located on Skolas iela 14, just a short walk from MICHELIN-starred Max Cekot Kitchen and JOHN Chef’s Hall, MIRO Rooms Skolas offers free parking, refined interiors, and a tranquil retreat after an evening of fine dining.
🏙️ MIRO Rooms Center
In the heart of Riga, steps away from Old Town attractions and popular restaurants like Milda and Snatch, MIRO Rooms Center provides quiet luxury with excellent soundproofing and air conditioning.
🇫🇷 MIRO Rooms French
Spacious, romantic, and inspired by Parisian design, MIRO Rooms French is conveniently located near Ferma Restaurant. It includes free parking and a fully equipped kitchen—perfect for travelers exploring Riga’s flavors in comfort.
👉 Book your stay now at MIRO Rooms Riga
🌍 Explore More — Top Things to Do in Riga
After delighting in Riga’s culinary gems, discover more of what the city offers:
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Stroll through the Art Nouveau district on Alberta Street and marvel at its stunning architecture.
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Visit the Riga Central Market, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with local produce, pastries, and vibrant life.
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Relax in Vermanes Garden, the city’s peaceful park, or enjoy open-air concerts in summer.
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Experience Riga’s jazz and cocktail scene, where live music meets creative mixology.
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Find hidden gems in Old Town courtyards or sip wine on rooftops overlooking the Daugava River.
Riga perfectly blends old-world charm with modern creativity—a destination where art, cuisine, and culture intertwine.
📊 Evolution of Latvia’s MICHELIN Stars (2023–2026)
|
Year |
One Star ⭐ |
Green Star 🌿 |
Bib Gourmand 🥂 |
Total Restaurants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2023 |
1 (Max Cekot Kitchen) |
1 |
2 |
20 |
|
2025 |
2 (Max Cekot Kitchen, JOHN Chef’s Hall) |
1 |
3 |
31 |
|
2026 |
2 (Max Cekot Kitchen, JOHN Chef’s Hall) |
1 |
3 |
36 |
Every year, Latvia’s culinary map becomes richer and more diverse. With Riga at its center, the nation continues to establish itself as a culinary jewel of Northern Europe, attracting travelers from every corner of the globe.
Riga’s rise on the global culinary stage is no coincidence—it’s a reflection of ambition, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you’re savoring a MICHELIN-starred tasting menu or enjoying a quiet breakfast at a local café, Riga invites you to slow down, savor, and celebrate the art of good food.