Galerija Istaba
Galerija Istaba takes the art of cooking to new heights.
On the ground floor of this central Riga treasure is an enticing little gallery and bookshop. Descend a winding staircase and you enter a brightly eclectic space where amazing meals are conjured up in a kitchen the size of a phone booth.
Instead of a menu, your waiter recites types of meat and fish, and based on this scant information, a feast is brought to the table. The starters are several types of home baked bread, with a series of dips that look as beautiful as they taste.Then come the mains to fall in love with, plus accompaniments that make the table groan - succulent salads, vivacious veggies, and more.
Although drinks and dessert are extra, the bill is still remarkably modest. And the service, attentive yet subtle, prompt yet patient, is simply wonderful. Pictures are included with the menu below, because Istaba deserves it.
Entree:Home baked fruit bread and cabbage-filled pasties with dips - tomato salsa, Creme Fraiche with beets, Creme Fraiche with mustard, whipped cottage cheese with garlic
Main: Slowly sauteed veal cheeks with creamed pearl barley, fresh garden salad, oven-baked potatoes, beets and brocolli
Dessert: Apple pie with peppermint ice cream and Baileys foam
Drink: Malduguns Cilpa pale ale.
Address: Krišjāņa Barona iela 31a (Riga city centre)
Price: €€
Open: Mon-Fri 12:00-21:00, Sat 12:00-18:00, Sun closed