On Tuesday, October 22, the Mežaparks Kokaru Hall hosted the MICHELIN Guide Latvia 2026 awards ceremony, where the new selection of Latvian restaurants was unveiled. This is already the third selection of the MICHELIN Guide in Latvia, and it includes 34 restaurants – 27 in Riga and 7 outside the capital.
"Participation in the MICHELIN guide strengthens our country's competitiveness in the tourism and service sector. Today we congratulate the best masters of taste. This is Latvia's selection and the champions of their industry. But it is all based on hard work, so we are grateful to the entire tourism industry, which has created the conditions for us to have these outstanding restaurant teams that have gained international recognition," said Raivis Bremšmits, Acting State Secretary of the Ministry of Economics, at the opening of the award ceremony.
The MICHELIN Guide Latvia 2026 is based on anonymous visits by inspectors, who evaluate the quality of the food, the harmony of flavors, technical mastery, the chef's personality, and consistency over time.
Vita Balode Andrews, representative of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), addressed the audience, emphasizing: "The numbers speak for themselves. According to a restaurant survey conducted by LIAA, 91% of the restaurants included in the MICHELIN guide have experienced a significant increase in foreign guests. 87% have increased their turnover. And the effect is felt not only in Riga, but also in the regions, where interest in gastronomic tourism is growing. This is a long-term investment in our economy. New jobs, more foreign visitors, and a better image of Latvia in the world. Our vision is to move towards starting this MICHELIN mission together with our Baltic colleagues, because together we would definitely be a greater force.
Restaurants and awards included in the new selection
Two restaurants have retained their MICHELIN stars, five restaurants have received Bib Gourmand recognition for their excellent value for money, and three new restaurants have been added to the selection, confirming the growth and international competitiveness of Latvia's gastronomy sector.
Michelin retains one star: JOHN Chef’s Hall (Riga); Max Cekot Kitchen (Riga).
New Bib Gourmand winners: SMØR Bistro (Riga) and H.E. Vanadziņš (Cēsis). The restaurants Milda (Riga), Shōyu (Riga) and Snatch (Riga) have also retained their Bib Gourmand status.
New restaurants in the main selection: The Catch (Riga) and Māsa (Riga).
Michelin Green Star: Pavāru māja — for sustainability in gastronomy.
Opening of the Year Award: Kaspars Barsukovs at SMØR Bistro (Riga).
Young Chef Award: Timofejs Monahhovs at Seasons (Riga).
Service Award: Sergejs Šiporovs and team at The Catch restaurant (Riga).
Sommelier Award: Ivars Kalniņš, Riviera, (Riga).
MICHELIN 2026 list of recommended restaurants:
3 Chefs, 36.Line, Akustika, B7, BABO, Barents, Barents Cocktail & Seafood Bar, Chef’s Corner, COD, Entresol, Ferma, H.E. Vanadziņš, Kest, Le Dome, LOWINE, Māsa (New), MO, Neiburgs, Riviera, Seasons, Stage 22, Tails, TAURO, The Catch (New), Whitehouse, and ZOLTNERS.
Photo: MICHELIN Guide Latvia 2026
