99 Places of
in the Baltics Recommendations of the worlds's best culinary magazine VMG
1-as virĹĄelis
Riga
Vilnius
Tallinn
Interesting Facts 4,000 – 400 – kilometres driven while preparing the book
kilometres walked while preparing the reportages
180 –
270 –
dishes made specifically for the photo shootings
100 –
different designs of plates seen
dishes eaten while travelling around Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia
Hello Good morning Good afternoon Good evening LT Sveiki Labas rytas Laba diena Labas vakaras LV Sveiki Labrīt Labdien Labvakar EE Tere Tere hommikust Tere päevast Tere õhtust Do you have any free tables? LT Ar turite laisvų staliukų? LV Vai Jums ir brīvi galdiņi? EE Kas teil vabu laudu on? Excuse me! LT Atsiprašau! LV Atvainojos! EE Vabandust! Could I see the menu, please? LT Ar galėčiau gauti meniu? LV Vai es varētu saņemt ēdienkarti? EE Kas ma saaksin menüüd näha, palun?
Could we have some still/sparkling water? LT Ar galėtume gauti negazuoto/gazuoto vandens? LV Vai mēs varētu dabūt negāzētu/gāzētu ūdeni? EE Kas me saaksime palun tavalist/gaseeritud vett? What’s the soup of the day?
Thank you!
LT Kokia šiandien dienos sriuba? LV Kāda ir šodienas dienas zupa? EE Mis on päevasupp?
LT Ačiū! LV Paldies! EE Aitäh!
Bon appétit!
LT Mes skubame. LV Mēs steidzamies. EE Meil on kiire.
LT Skanaus! LV Labu apetīti! EE Head isu! I’m a vegetarian. LT Aš esu vegetaras. LV Es esmu veģetārietis. EE Ma olen taimetoitlane. I’m a alergic to nuts/dairy/wheat. LT Aš esu alergiškas riešutams/pieno produktams/ kviečiams. LV Man ir alerģija pret riekstiem/piena produktiem/kviešiem. EE Ma olen pähklite/ piima/nisu vastu allergiline.
We’re in a hurry
How to answer the question: would you like anything else? No, thank you LT Ne, ačiū. LV Nē, paldies. EE Tänan, ei. Yes, we would want some coffee, please. LT Taip, dar norėtume kavos. LV Jā, mēs vēlētos kafiju. EE Jah, me sooviks kohvi, palun.
Icons to learn before opening this book Simple and cosy place to eat
Fine-dining restaurant
Seafood restaurant
Burgers
Experimental cuisine
Mexican cuisine
Grill restaurant
Asian cuisine
Steakhouse
Pizzeria
Vegetarian
Bakery
Russian cuisine
French cuisine
Dessert boutique
Café, coffee shop
Champagne house
Winery
Cocktail bar
Pub or beer bar
Whisky bar
Price range termometer
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€€
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CONTENT
Lithuania p. 21 – Dia p. 23 – Dine p. 27 – Dublis p. 29 – Gaspar’s p. 31 – Ieti p. 39 – Marché de Provence p. 43 – Meridianas p. 45 – Monai p. 47 – Monte Pacis p. 49 – Neringa p. 51 – Panama Food Garden p. 59 – Saint Germain p. 75 – The Gallery p. 79 – Trinity
Latvia p. 11 – Alaus Biblioteka p. 19 – Bambalynė
p. 71 – The Bubbles. Champagneria
p. 25 – Drama burger p. 41 – Meat Lovers Pub
p. 101 – Bibliotēka №1 p. 105 – Domini Canes p. 117 – International SV p. 121 – Kolonāde. Mūsu Stāsti p. 123 – M’archers p. 125 – Melnā Bite p. 127 – Muusu p. 131 – Neiburgs p. 137 – 3 Pavāru Restorāns p. 139 – Restorāns 3 p. 141 – Riviera p. 147 – Valtera p. 153 – Vincents p. 161 – 1221
p. 67 – Sugamour p. 81 – Uoksas p. 77 – Town p. 53 – Režisierius p. 57 – Rise p. 13 – Alchemikas p. 63 – Spiritus
p. 95 – Art Café Kolekcionārs p. 115 – Innocent Café p. 119 – Istaba Café p. 133 – Mio p. 135 – Osiris p. 145 – Trusis Café p. 149 – Vest
p. 33 – Kavos Architektai p. 17 – Amatininkų Užeiga p. 83 – Valgomasis
p. 157 – Zivju Lete
p. 69 – Šturmų Švyturys p. 103 – Cod Robata Grill Bar p. 61 – Sofa de Pancho p. 65 – Stebuklai
p. 37 – King and Mouse
Estonia p. 109 – Folklubs Ala Pagrabs p. 167 – Alexander p. 169 – Art Priori p. 175 – Fabrik p. 177 – Farm p. 97 – Art Café Sienna p. 185 – Kaks Kokka p. 143 – Rocket Bean p. 191 – Kolm Sibulat Roastery p. 193 – Leib Resto & Aed p. 199 – Mekk p. 201 – Noa p. 205 – Ö p. 107 – Easy Wine p. 213 – Ribe p. 111 – Garage p. 217 – Salt p. 151 – Vieta p. 227 – Tuljak p. 155 – Vīna Studija p. 229 – Umami Resto
p. 99 – B-Bārs
p. 113 – Garāža
p. 189 – Kohvik Must Puudel p. 203 – Olde Hansa p. 207 – Pegasus p. 211 – Rataskaevu 16 p. 219 – Sesoon Kalamaja Kohvik p. 221 – Sfäär
p. 215 – Rukis
p. 197 – Meat Market Steak & Cocktail
p. 183 – Gunpowder Cellar
p. 173 – Estonian Burger Factory
p. 179 – Frank Bar p. 195 – Manna La Roosa
p. 231 – Vegan Restoran V
p. 91 – ArbOOz Café p. 225 – Steffani
p. 209 – Pierre Chocolaterie
p. 171 – Babulja p. 187 – Kohvik Moon
p. 181 – Frenchy
p. 223 – Shvips
Alchemikas Here cocktails are at the very centre of attention! Address: Islandijos g. 1, Vilnius LT-01402, Lithuania Website: www.facebook.com/ bar.alchemikas Working hours: Monday–Thursday: 18:00–02:00 Friday–Saturday: 19:00–04:00 Sunday: 18:00–02:00
13
ALCHEMIKAS is undoubtedly one of the best cocktail bars in Vilnius, which is proved by a large number of visitors appreciating both the quality of cocktails, and bartenders’ ability to communicate. Alchemy begins when you look at your cocktail and have no idea what it is made of. However, the taste exceeds all expectations! The must try No 1 is ‘Bloody Mary’. There is a rumour that ALCHEMIKAS offers the best version of this long drink in the city!
14
Panama Food Garden Food resort in the most romantic part of Vilnius Address: Vykinto g. 17A, Vilnius LT-08117, Lithuania Website: www.facebook.com/ panamafoodgarden Working hours: Monday–Thursday: 11:30–23:00 Friday: 11:30–24:00 Saturday: 12:00–24:00 Sunday: 12:00–22:00 Tips: Don’t forget to make a reservation!
51
The restaurant is open in an old house distinguished by its atmosphere and a winter garden in a real greenhouse. Therefore, even in the midst of a snowstorm, you can sit surrounded by plants and enjoy southern cuisine. The kitchen will take you to a gastronomic tour around the world ruled by grilled food.
52
Stebuklai Magic happens in their kitchen! Address: Gynėjų g. 14, Vilnius LT-01109, Lithuania Website: www.stebuklai.com Working hours: Monday–Sunday: 08:00–23:00 Tips: Don’t forget to make a reservation!
STEBUKLAI is a grill, not fine-dining, restaurant with raw bar serving fresh, unprocessed fish and meat. Part of the menu changes four times a year. The restaurant is led by one of the best chefs in Lithuania, Martynas Praškevičius, who does not want STEBUKLAI to be called a fine-dining restaurant. This place, located in the neighbourhood of the Seimas, the Lithuanian parliament, is open from early morning till late. The restaurant is famous for its breakfast, especially eggs Benedict – a dish preferred by common residents and visitors of Vilnius. According to the chef, their key to success is organic eggs and lots of butter. 65
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Town Best breakfast in the city!
Address: Gedimino pr. 26, Vilnius LT-01104, Lithuania Website: www.town.lt
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Working hours: Monday–Thursday: 8:00–22:00 Friday: 8:00–23:00 Saturday: 9:30–23:00 Sunday: 9:30–18:00
TOWN is a modern steakhouse in the centre of Vilnius, famous for their breakfast. If you are visiting this place for the first time, you should try eggs Benedict, pancakes, or granola. However, it is a meat restaurant, so do not miss the chance to try the chef’s specialty offers, such as chuck steak, large steak with bone, and other steaks. The restaurant also offers grilled fish and seafood dishes.
78
Riviera Combination of Italian, Spanish, French and Greek culinary tastes! Address: Dzirnavu iela 31, Rīga LV-1010, Latvia Website: www.rivierarestorans.lv Working hours: Monday–Sunday: 11:00–23:00 Tips: Don’t forget to make a reservation!
141
The restaurant RIVIERA is created following the best traditions of Mediterranean cuisine. It is a very special place, designed in peaceful colours with stone mosaics and southern ornaments on the walls. They have combined Italian, Spanish, French and Greek culinary tastes, which are complemented by their particularly exquisite Mediterranean wine card. The chef and co-owner of RIVIERA, JÄ nis Sokolovskis, is a winner of several international culinary contests. He created the menu from the best products that characterise the specific RIVIERA taste.
142
Valtera Contemporary Latvian cuisine based exclusively on Latvian rural products! Address: Miesnieku iela 8, Rīga LV-1050, Latvia Website: www.valterarestorans.lv Working hours: Monday–Thursday: 12:00–22:00 Friday–Saturday: 12:00–23:00 Sunday: 12:00–22:00 Tips: Don’t forget to make a reservation!
147
Restaurant VALTERA is the first place in Latvia boasting a contemporary Latvian cuisine based only on Latvian rural products, such as milk, vegetables, meat, fish, fruit, and game meat from local farms. The restaurant’s kitchen reflects the Latvian countryside – food is prepared from fresh ingredients, which are available on the market, and is presented not only on plates but also on Latvian wood, ceramic, stone and other natural articles. The chef Valters Zirdziņš jokes that the only non-native products here are salt, pepper, and coffee.
148
Vincents Best restaurant in Latvia! Address: Elizabetes iela 19, Rīga LV-1010, Latvia Website: www.restorans.lv Working hours: Tuesday: 18:00–22:00 Wednesday: 18:00–23:00 Thursday–Friday: 18:00–22:00 Saturday: 18:00–23:00 Tips: Don’t forget to make a reservation!
153
Since its founding in 1994, VINCENTS has become one of the premier gourmet establishments in Eastern Europe. Its reputation has spread far beyond Latvia’s borders, with Prince Charles, Elton John, the Emperor of Japan and Heston Bluhmenthal among a very long list of prominent personalities and famous gourmets who have savoured the restaurant’s haute cuisine. The restaurant offers menus that can be specially compiled for any specific occasion. Restaurant’s chef Martins Ritins closely cooperates with Latvia’s small-scale organic farmers, and purchases recipe ingredients for VINCENTS’ menu directly from the farmers whenever possible. Martins tries to use only the freshest and high-quality products, which means that VINCENTS’ menu changes depending on the season. 154
Alexander The best restaurant in Estonia! Address: Pädaste Manor, Muhu Island, Saare County, 94716, Estonia Website: www.padaste.ee Working hours: 18.03–30.04 Thursday–Sunday: 13:00–15:00; 19:00–21:30 Monday–Wednesday: closed 01.05–31.09 Open every day: 19:00–21:30 01.10–15.10 Thursday–Sunday: 13:00–15:00; 19:00–21:30 Monday–Wednesday: closed Tips: Don’t forget to make a reservation!
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If you want to forget everything and just enjoy the moment and silence, you definitely need to visit restaurant ALEXANDER on Muhu Island. It has been recognised as Estonia’s Best Restaurant for the last three years. The restaurant is a part of Pädaste Manor, a historic 15th century Baltic estate located in an unspoilt nature reserve on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Because of the philosophy of the owners and the unique location, all ingredients here are obtained from the surroundings; the restaurant even has its own garden. This means that you will enjoy only seasonal and local food garnished with regional traditions. God is in the details, and you will – definitely – find it in this place, where every detail has its own meaning. It is said that at Pädaste Manor, the trees and the stones have a voice, so does the wind and so does the water... You just need to take time and hear it out!
168
Art Priori High-level art elegantly combined with excellent food Address: Olevimägi 7, Tallinn 10123, Estonia Website: www.artpriori.ee Working hours: Tuesday–Thursday: 17:00–23:00 Friday–Saturday: 17:00–24:00 Tips: Don’t forget to make a reservation!
In ART PRIORI, high-level art is elegantly matched with excellent food. The restaurant’s interior has been designed using special creative projects promoting the spirit of Gothic architecture, which is a distinctive feature of Tallinn. The place has three separate dining halls – high value authentic pieces of art are exhibited in each of them. The restaurant’s open kitchen is highly modern, boasting an open fire – a grill on which most of Art Priori’s exquisite dishes get their final touch. The restaurant follows the latest Nordic food trends with the major focus on fresh seasonal produce; herbs are grown on the spot and half of the menu consists of vegetarian dishes. The main target is a healthy and harmonious combination on the plate.
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Fabrik Combination of extraordinary tastes!
Address: Vabriku 6, Tallinn 10411, Estonia Website: www.fabrik.ee
Working hours: Restaurant is open Tuesday–Saturday: 12:00–23:00
Tips: Don’t forget to make a reservation!
Kitchen is open Tuesday–Saturday: 12:00–22:00
FABRIK in the Kalamaja District is a combination of extraordinary tastes because their Nordic style menu is spiced up with fresh and rich selection of cakes. The head chef Silver Saa takes care of the respect for traditions, culture, and trends as well as the environment where the food is served. The food preparation process involves different cooking techniques so that the final result would be as versatile as possible in terms of taste, texture, and even appearance. In Silver’s opinion, the most important thing is passion and commitment of all those engaged in food preparation because only this magic combo guarantees flavourful food.
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Leib Resto & Aed Great food is our passion, Estonia is the playground! Address: Uus 31, Tallinn 10111, Estonia Website: www.leibresto.ee Working hours: Monday–Friday: 12:00–15:00; 18:00–23:00 Saturday–Sunday: 12:00–23:00 Tips: Don’t forget to make a reservation!
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In Estonian, the restaurant’s name means ‘black bread’, which is a hint to what you can expect here; remember that black bread is one of Estonian symbols. The place cooperates with local farmers and fishermen. Since most of the ingredients are local, the menu is always seasonal. LEIB is led by two professional foodies – a chef and a sommelier. This place, which is distinguished by its great spirit, is their dream come true. And a piece of friendly advice – book a table in advance because in the evenings LEIB is crowded. 194