So you’ve been googling ‘coffee in Riga’. Well you won’t find it at Starbucks. There are no Starbucks in Riga! The city’s home to a whole host of wonderful local roasters and age old coffee shops. We’re happy to share some of our favourites. All local businesses doing magic.
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Rocket Bean Roastery
The Rocket Bean landed at Miera iela 29, a street loved by locals and guidebook authors, home to the Laima chocolate factory and a series of quirky shops and cafes. It is the perfect complement to the neighbourhood, an injection of Nordic style and atmosphere. Here, coffee is roasted on the spot and brewed as per your wishes from Aeropress to coffee machine. Second outpost at Dzirnavu iela 39.
KURTS Coffee
This little kiosk is on a big mission. KURTS Coffee is a family project run by a mum and dad who want to ensure a decent future for their disabled son. Profit goes toward ensuring Kurts’ daily wellbeing. They’re also supportive of the zero waste movement and offer a 50 cent discount to anyone with their own takeaway cup. Located on the corner of Elizabetes iela and Barona iela at the entrance to Vērmanes Dārzs park.
Kalve Coffee espresso room
The Kalve team returned from Roast Masters 2019 having won second place in the international competition. Their sleek, glass-fronted espresso rooms would fit right in among Melbourne’s coffee houses. Also, try their cardamon buns and pastel de nata! Not Latvian at all, but mouthwateringly good.
Address: Stabu iela 38 and Baznīcas iela 13.
Zvaigzne cafe
Adjacent to a book shop. A nice place to flick through your latest purchase. They also do cakes and healthy lunches. Address: Krišjāņa Valdemāra iela 6
the ned
Specialty coffee and bean-to-bar chocolate. Sleek design. If you’re all coffee-d out, have a spicy hot chocolate! This place has some of the loveliest service in Riga. Address: Mednieku iela 5
Miit
Coffee and bikes is its slogan, but Miit is also a vegetarian’s dream with a daily lunch deal and weekend brunches or pancake mornings. Located at Lāčplēša iela 10.
Innocent Cafe
More often referred to as Illy, Innocent Cafe is “to blame” for Riga’s obsession with brunch, and has been serving one of the finest weekend morning spreads for a fair few years now, accompanied by some of the best Italian coffee. Adress: Blaumaņa iela 34.
Kafija
One of Riga’s oldest operational coffee establishments. Has been in action since the early 90s and retains its original charm. A far cry from today’s sleek brew bars. When I asked for a nuttier flavour, I was offered a flavoured hazelnut coffee. Love it! Riga should do more to keep places like these alive. They give the city a lot of its special spirit. Address: Bruņinieku iela 20.
Monte Kristo
A Riga staple, this classic coffee shop has been around for as long as I can remember, and is still my go-to place for coffee beans – something I like to give as a gift. Life in Riga is a big fan of supporting businesses that have been around for years and don’t just follow trends! Address: Ģertrūdes iela 27.
Liked our suggestions? We’d love if you bought us a cup of coffee in exchange for sharing our tips! Thank you.
