Riga boasts one of the most outstanding café scenes in all of Europe, with a dedication to craft coffee and locally-sourced, high-quality food. In my opinion, the Latvian attention to detail rivals that of the Japanese. So it should be no surprise that the capital is also flush with expert bakers. After much taste-testing, I’ve compiled this list of the best bakeries in Riga. Do you have a favorite?
Beze Konditoreja
The display cases inside Beze Konditoreja are filled with pretty confections that are surprisingly affordable; I don’t feel the least bit guilty about ordering two at a time! I especially like the creamy fruit tarts. Cakes and desserts are also available for pre-order should you wish to make your next event a little more special.
Martina Bakery
A local favorite, Martina Bakery churns out high-quality baked goods at affordable prices. Martina is so popular that it can be hard to find a seat in the Old Riga outlet. Take your goodies to go instead and enjoy them on a nearby park bench. I recommend the cabbage piradzini and mixed berry tarts.
Ze Donats
The wildly colorful donuts at Ze Donats are a big hit with my friends and family. The hazelnut cream flavor (lazduriekstu kremigs) is the big winner, but part of the fun is trying the dozens of creative donuts on offer. Don’t limit yourself to just one!
Laci
Historic Latvian bread maker Laci has a shop on Terbatas iela, and the aroma wafting out its doors is irresistible. Inside on the counter, baskets overflow with freshly baked cinnamon buns and savory meat pies. Cases by the door are stacked with pretty pastries and topped with trays of marmalade candy. Sip a latte while enjoying your treats in the back café area, then pick up a loaf of bread to go. Whole cheesecakes and tortes are also available.
Rigensis
Rigensis is the quintessential European bakery. The counter overflows with tantalizing cakes, pies, and pastries while loaves of bread are stacked on shelves. The seating area is surrounded by stone walls with half-timber trim, transporting you to the Middle Ages. Service here can be brusque.
Which do you think are the best bakeries in Riga?
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Yes to Rocket Bean Roastery – The food was delicious, and they even let the kids into the back to watch the beans being roasted! We’re also big fans of Kukotava, except I always walk out with way more than I intended…
Ha! You and me both 🙂
Excellent post! I can’t wait to try some of these next year when I have more free time! Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂
I can’t wait to see what great new places you find next year. It seems like Riga’s cafe scene grows bigger and better every week!
Really good list! I agree with all of those I have been to and am looking forward to those on the list I have yet to visit. Two suggestions for your consideration: Mon Amour on Jana iela in old town and La Kuka on Grecnieku. La kuka allow dogs, too, which Is an added bonus whee I am concerned.
Thanks again for a great and inspiring post!
Thanks for the suggestions, Tina! I’ve just found out that Mon Amour is owned by the cousin of a friend so I’ll definitely be checking that one out. Would you and the pup care to join me at La Kuka sometime soon?
Bagels seem to be popular in the Baltics right now. Two just opened recently in Vilnius, but I wouldn’t exactly compare them to NYC bagels. I hear that a new donut shop is opening here soon. Excited for that!
There was a fancy donut shop in Kaunas, too. It’s nice to see the Baltics are expanding their repertoire! 🙂
Have I been to any of them? They all look and sound wonderful.
You’ve had the chocolate-covered cheesecake at Makonis 🙂
Yet again – a post that makes me want to throw a couple of things in a suitcase, buy a ticket, and spend a week in Latvia! 🙂
You should consider doing that!!
I love visiting different cafeterias when travelling! Even here in Amsterdam I often visit different coffee shops where I taste different coffee. Rocket Bean Roastery would be on my list, for sure!
Rocket Bean should be on everyone’s list! 🙂
Never have been to anyone of these…. But I’ll surely visit all of them one day….. All the cafes are wonderful….. Thank you for sharing such amazing coffee houses in Riga with the addresses too….. And great image work…. Extremely loved the post……
Now that’s something hard to find, a coffee shop/roastery that makes food on the premises that’s good too. More and more it seems, I run into places that farm the food out and it’s not always fresh.
Sounds like Rocket Bean is a real gem to savor.
What’s their specialty brew?
Rocket Bean is definitely a gem! Their specialty brew changes all the time. The waiters will describe the day’s beans in detail so you can select which you’d rather try. Tasty and educational!