- The inaugural selection of the country’s top restaurants will be unveiled at a special event on November 21st, 2023, in Riga
Michelin is pleased to announce that Latvia will be joining the MICHELIN Guide family as its latest gourmet destination.
The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors have been busy exploring the second largest of the three Baltic States. They have travelled from the capital, Riga, with its UNESCO protected Old Town to charming countryside villages; they have stopped at the coastal cities of Liepāja – set in the west overlooking the Baltic Sea – and Jurmala, which borders the Gulf of Riga. They have also visited inland towns and villages, from Tērvete to Līgatne and Valmiera to Cēsis, in the pursuit of discovering the best restaurants the country has to offer.
The first Latvian restaurant selection of the MICHELIN Guide will be unveiled during a special event, to be held on November 21st, 2023 in Riga.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides, comments:” After much time spent observing and experiencing the development of Latvian culinary scene, we are delighted to add the country to our MICHELIN Guide family. Already well-known for its heritage, coastal and forest sites, in recent years, Latvia has also become a fascinating gourmet destination in Europe. From delicious traditional treats proudly served by casual eateries to creative international cooking offered in contemporary restaurants which rival those of other European cities, Latvia fully deserves this special recognition. With our Inspectors currently finalizing the inaugural selection, we simply can’t wait to share with food-lovers – both local and international – the many hidden gems they have found across the country”.
The arrival of The MICHELIN Guide in Latvia is supported by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia. Kaspars Rozkalns, the Director General of the Agency, says: "Latvia is a destination yet to be fully discovered by many travelers, with four seasons, 500 km of coastline and a thriving business environment.
We are a nation of innovators who embrace experimentation and are always up for a challenge. The opportunity to become the latest destination to be spotlighted by the Michelin Guide is a prestigious honour that inspires us to new heights. Latvian cuisine is renowned for its natural ingredients, unique flavour combinations and exceptional service. The recognition from the Michelin guide would not only put Latvia on the map as a premier destination for gastronomy tourism, but it would also bring attention to the country's diverse culture, nature, and history, with the potential to contribute to the growth of other sectors such as hospitality, travel, and entertainment boosting the country's economy.
The MICHELIN Guide Methodology
The MICHELIN Guide was created in 1900 by the Michelin tire company to support the growth of automobile mobility. Since then, it has remained loyal to its original mission: to settle in gastronomic destinations, to guide international travelers and local foodies to the best restaurants, to highlight world culinary scenes and to promote travel culture.
The restaurant selection of The MICHELIN Guide Latvia will be independently made by the anonymous MICHELIN Guide Inspectors following the Guide's historical and global methodology.
Only the quality of the cuisine offered by the restaurants will be assessed by the inspectors, according to the Guide’s 5 international criteria:
- The quality of the produce.
- The mastery of cooking techniques.
- The harmony of flavors.
- The personality of the chef represented through the cuisine.
- The consistency, both over time and across the entire menu.
The MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Selection
The MICHELIN Guide conveys its restaurant reviews through an extensive system of distinctions, which are awarded to particularly special restaurants within its full selection.
The most famous distinctions are its globally renowned MICHELIN Stars, which are awarded to restaurants offering the best culinary experiences. One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop”, Two MICHELIN Stars for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour” and Three MICHELIN Stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”
Alongside the coveted Star ratings, the selection also includes the popular Bib Gourmand category, a distinction awarded to restaurants that provide good quality food at a moderate price.
The full restaurant selection of The MICHELIN Guide Latvia will be unveiled at a special event to be held in Riga on November 21st, 2023. It will be available exclusively in digital format on all the Guide's interfaces: website, mobile applications and social networks. It will join the global MICHELIN Guide restaurant and hotel selections to be found for free on its digital platforms.
20230926 CP GM DA Latvia FR
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