Naukšēnu muiža

There are plenty of surprises on offer here, from the sleek, modern look of the room that hides behind the traditional red exterior to the lovely terrace secreted out the back. Wherever you sit, there’s a convivial feel, with the wallet-friendly prices only adding to the cheery mood. The concise menu showcases fresh produce from the region, and this local philosophy extends to the bar, where homemade ingredients feature in the soft drinks and cocktails. The creatively topped flatbreads are perfect for flying visits, while bedrooms are available for those who wish to linger a little longer.

Set on the ground floor of the well-known Post and Telegraph building, this faux-industrial neighbourhood bistro was created by three friends and designed as a place they themselves would like to dine. Tasty, modern dishes are informed by the seasons, with local produce taking the lead, be it pikeperch from nearby Lake Burtnieks or locally reared lamb, while the Latvian char is a real hit. Be sure to ask the team for their advice when it comes to both the food and the wine. Occasional music performances add to the appeal, as does the terrace in the warmer weather.

Three Sisters run this small, remotely set restaurant and each has their role to play: Kerti does the cooking, Triin looks after the service and Kadri tends to the kitchen garden. The playful set menu is a showcase of the area, featuring top quality produce from their garden and farm – such as in the country-style mushroom, potato and sauerkraut – while superb honey from their father’s long-established hives is celebrated in desserts such as honey, apple and milk with sea buckthorn. This is a truly special place where the passion of the team is palpable, as they go above and beyond to care for

The town’s former fire station is now home to this two-part restaurant experience. You start in the bright dining room, where you enjoy a modern tasting menu centred around local produce, accompanied by one of two interesting drinks flights – either a non-alcoholic option or an alcoholic version that includes the likes of cocktails. After dessert, it's then on to the dark, moody lounge-bar for the second part of the evening, where you enjoy a post-meal drink to a relaxing jazz soundtrack. The team run the place with genuine warmth and their cheery nature can't help but rub off on you.

A former maternity hospital on the edge of a rural village plays host to this smart, modern restaurant. Here, you are encouraged to relax in their lovely nature observation garden – a place to sit back, listen and watch – before taking time to really savour your meal. Their raised beds and foraging trips provide the kitchen with vegetables and herbs, while the rest of their produce is locally sourced. The four-course lunch and eight-course dinner are informed by what’s fresh and available each day.

Hotel Lydia welcomed its first guests in 2016, but its story stretches back to the 1800s – and it’s this heritage that inspired both the hotel’s name and that of its restaurant. Lydia Grünmann Hõlm, the founders’ beloved grandmother, is not just referenced here in name though, as it’s her recipes that shape the cuisine, taken from a cookbook she wrote in 1925. That’s not to say that this restaurant is traditional; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. This a smart, modern spot both in looks and style, where the cooking takes on an ambitious, contemporary approach that comprises many different elem

A shopping centre might not be the first spot that comes to mind for a night out, but Joyce – part of the V Spa hotel that adjoins the Kvartal complex – is certainly worth a visit. A large, split-level brasserie with bold modern décor, it comes with a buzzy vibe that grows throughout the day and peaks late at night. Start with a drink in the cocktail bar, then move on to an appealing selection of creative local and Baltic dishes that are not only pleasing to the eye, but pack a punch with their flavours too. The name doesn't refer to a person but to the fact that there’s ‘Joy’ and ‘Choice’ to