Roman holiday: Italian kitchen in Riga

Restaurant Portofino

This Italian restaurant has found its home comfortably in the quiet center of Riga. It’s hidden from the eyes of strangers by tall chestnut trees planted on both sides of the street. But no matter how hard they try to hide, tables are always booked ahead for one week. 

And it’s no surprise too. Kitchen here is so good that it might just bring a tear of happiness to the eye. Team of the restaurant strictly follows an Italian principle: “la scienza in cucina e l’arte di mangiare bene” which in translation would be “science in the kitchen and art of eating well”. Each meal has been made through a long process of creative experimenting to reach an ideal result. Only after then it’s added to the menu and served to guests. 

Our personal favorite – Tiramisu. Just try it!

Address: Ausekla 7-1, Riga

Portofino

Casa Nostra

If you have ever been lucky enough to eat in a small family restaurant in Italy then the atmosphere inside of Casa Nostra will seem very familiar and satisfying to you.

Restaurant is located inside of an “art nouveau” style building and such a mixture of cultures only helps raise the charm of Casa Nostra. 

Owners of the restaurant – Sandra and Adriano are following closely so that the atmosphere, taste of meals and vine selection is top notch at all times. Many of the wine bottles have been brought here from Italy by Adriano Carlesi personally. There’s only one of each available and all of them come with either a funny, exciting or simply amazing story for how it got to Casa Nostra.

Address: Elizabetes iela 10b, Riga

Casa Nostra

Rossini

Restaurant has gotten its name from a famous composer, author of “Barber of Seville”, “William Tell” and is located on one of the coolest streets of the silent center. Story goes there were only two things which Rossini just couldn’t stand: unprofessionally played music and incorrectly prepared food. Restaurant Rossini is doing everything possible to satisfy the needs of the great composer. 

All of the classic Italian meals are served here: From Risotto to Prosciutto, from Pasta to Caprese. Menu of the restaurant is truly colossal. So much so, that it even makes the process of choosing more difficult in a way.

Address: Dzirnavu iela 31, Riga

Rossini

Let Enzo Out

Let Enzo Out definitely differs from the restaurants mentioned above. It is the first restaurant specializing in pasta in the whole of Latvia!

They offer customers to assemble their own pasta by choosing any of the ingredients offered. Like constructor but with food. You can choose the type of pasta and sauce or perhaps you want none of that and instead go with lasagna for example.

Although pasta is served in simple carton boxes, the restaurant guarantees that this Italian food will help see the world around with a cheerful look that’s full of love and undivided interest. Just like real Italians do.

Address: Barona 11, Riga

Let Enzo Out