On November 5 of this year, the “Palladium” concert hall in Riga will host a restaurant awards ceremony, during which the latest selection of Latvian restaurants featured in the MICHELIN Guide will be announced and the teams of the featured restaurants will be honored. The event is organized by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) to highlight the achievements of Latvian culinary arts and their importance in attracting international visitors.
LIAA is the MICHELIN Guide’s partner in Latvia. This partnership, which will continue through 2028, includes Latvia’s inclusion in the guide and promotion through its international communication channels. It helps Latvian restaurants reach travelers who choose their destinations in part because of their culinary offerings.
“Latvia can also be discovered through taste. Our chefs are ambassadors for Latvia—in the meals they create, local products and traditions reveal our culture and each chef’s unique style. MICHELIN’s recognition draws the attention of travelers who are willing to travel to another country for a special dining experience to Latvian restaurants. A table reservation can be the start of a broader journey through Latvia—including overnight stays, visits to local producers, and cultural exploration. “The success of Latvian culinary arts strengthens the country’s image and generates revenue for a wider range of businesses,” emphasizes Ieva Jāgere, Director of the LIAA.
The first MICHELIN selection of Latvian restaurants was announced in November 2023 and included 26 restaurants. In contrast, the 2026 guide published last year recommended 34 restaurants—27 in Riga and seven elsewhere in Latvia.
In this selection, one MICHELIN star was awarded to the restaurants “JOHN Chef’s Hall” and “Max Cekot Kitchen.” Five restaurants—“Milda,” “Shōyu,” “Snatch,” “SMØR Bistro,” and “H.E. Vanadziņš”—received a Bib Gourmand designation for their good value in terms of food quality and price. “Pavāru māja” in Līgatne has been awarded a MICHELIN Green Star for its sustainable approach to restaurant operations.
MICHELIN inspectors evaluate restaurants during independent and anonymous visits, taking into account five criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavors, the mastery of cooking techniques, the chef’s personal touch in the dishes, and consistent quality across the entire menu and over time. The selection of restaurants is reviewed annually.
Travelers can combine restaurant visits with exploring local producers, cultural sites, and natural attractions, discovering lesser-known destinations in Latvia’s regions. In turn, the restaurants’ collaboration with Latvian growers and food producers expands market opportunities for local products.
The restaurant awards ceremony will bring together chefs, restaurant teams, professionals from the tourism and hospitality sectors, partners, and media representatives.
About the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA)
LIAA promotes the competitiveness of Latvian businesses, export growth, and the attraction of investment, while also developing the tourism sector and implementing the country’s image policy. The agency acts as the government’s partner in business development—from the initial idea to international markets. With an extensive network of representative offices abroad and regional business centers in Latvia, LIAA helps companies grow and positions Latvia as a safe, innovative, and open country in the global economy.