Restaurants
RESTORĀNS 3 Riga’s most renowned chefs have created yet another cooperative effort that has been given a rather simple name - Restaurant 3. The number three supposedly symbolises the foundation of a proper restaurant: the trinity of the chef, the wait staff and the sommelier. Even if that does sound a bit haughty, the impressive team manning the ovens and frying pans have the goods to back up their claims. Dine on delicious modern takes on international cuisine in a grey, minimalist interior whose floor-to-ceiling windows allow passers-by to see inside and wish they were you.QH/I‑2, Kalēju 3, tel. (+371) 26 66 00 60, www. restaurant3.lv. Open 11:00 - 23:00. (€14 - 20). A
VINCENTS A culinary institution in Riga for over a decade, Vincents has hosted heads of state, captains of industry and stars of the stage and screen including Prince Charles, Elton John and Angela Merkel. Renowned chef Mārtiņš Rītiņš creates an ever-changing menu of haute cuisine cooked slowly with only the best imported and locally grown eco-friendly produce. Naturally, the interior design is also cutting-edge.QB‑3, Elizabetes 19, tel. (+371) 67 33 26 34, www.restorans.lv. Open 18:00 - 22:00. Closed Sun. (€28 - 36). A
RIGA SUNSET LOUNGE Trendy Andrejsala has yet another fancy restaurant and unlike many of its neighbours that you’ll pass to reach Riga Sunset Lounge, this one has a very appropriate name. Located at the end of the waterfront, this thoroughly modern restaurant serves up refined European cuisine and some of the best views of the harbour and yacht marina possible, especially from the rooftop terrace. With a bar full of topshelf spirits and Champagne it’s no wonder that it’s also a great place for a casual drink or some late-night partying to local DJs at the weekend. When Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, its stylish interior is also a good option for a meal.QB‑2, Andrejostas 2-k9, tel. (+371) 25 72 70 21, sunset.lv. Open 12:00 - 24:00, Thu 12:00 - 01:00, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 05:00, Sun 12:00 - 23:00. (€10 - 20). AEW
TAVS BANH MI Riga’s first and only banh mi shop serves Vietnam’s national sandwich with a variety of meat, pickled veggies and other fillings stuffed in a fresh baguette also known as banh mi. A number of noodle dishes are available as well as classic pho soup and exotic teas, coffees and imported fruit juice drinks can also be had. Every dish is accompanied by a bottle of sriracha chili sauce. The small grey space boasts a funky Vietnamese mural as well as a map of the country complete with colour photos of the nation’s most tourist-worthy destinations. Wonderful views of St. Gertrude’s Church might just inspire you to stay for another round of spring rolls.QB‑4, Ģertrūdes 9, tel. (+371) 24 50 47 84. Open 10:00 - 20:00. Closed Sat, Sun. (€4 - 5). AS
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VIETNAMESE
October - November 2016
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