By Alaric 
If you’re looking for a magical place to dine in Riga, then I would recommend Rozengrāls Medieval Restaurant.
Set in a vaulted 13th-century wine cellar, you can feast like a king or queen on authentic old recipes and honey mead.
The tables are lit by candlelight, the staff dressed to impress and you’ll be lulled by medieval music.
I loved this place so much that I returned twice as the atmosphere and vibes were immaculate.
As someone obsessed with The Witcher and Game of Thrones, I was in my element.
Here is a complete guide to Riga’s Rozengrāls Medieval Restaurant and whether it’s worth visiting.
Rozengrāls – Vinarium Civitatis Rigensis
The full name for this restaurant is Vinarium Civitatis Rigensis which is Latin and roughly translates to ‘Winery of the State of Rigensis’.
This is because the restaurant is set in an ancient wine cellar dating back to 1293 AD.
The main hall is a vaulted room with 4-metre-high arches. It even has a well with fragments of one of the first defensive city walls from 1201.
Five rooms make up Rozengrāls in a medieval labyrinth and every one has been designed with a Middle Ages atmosphere.
You’ll find heraldic flags, armour, thrones, statues and carvings. It’s also entirely lit by candlelight so it’s very dark to set the mood.
It’s perfect for those who love history, medieval or fantasy worlds. It felt like I had been transported through time.
A feast fit for a king or queen
The attention to detail of this restaurant doesn’t stop at the incredible environs.
You’ll be happy to know that the menu has been inspired by ancient recipes that would have graced medieval banquet tables throughout Europe.
You can sample a rabbit stew that was served at the wedding feast of Isabella of Bavaria in the 14th century.
There is an oven-baked duck leg that was a favourite dish of Rene of Anjou and served at tournaments.
I was particularly fond of their baked lamb shank based on a menu served at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth I. It was utterly delicious.
There are also fish dishes that Louis XIV served at boisterous affairs and vegetarian options that were popular after “The Rule of Saint Benedict”.
As a history lover, I was over the moon that all the meals here use authentic traditional ingredients and recipes. It’s truly a feast fit for royalty!
Honey beer
To wash down your banquet, I would opt to try one of their traditional beers on the menu.
They are draft beers made especially for Rozengrāls and a light beer called ‘Vinarium Civitatis Rigensis’ is their signature.
I had a fondness for their honey beer which was similar to a traditional mead and is described as a ‘light’ draft beer.
But, don’t be deceived by its sweetness as it’s quite strong. I was drinking it like fruit juice only to stand up and feel like the floor was moving under me!
If you prefer, they also have a range of wines, champagnes, spirits and soft drinks.
All of their drinks were served in medieval glass goblets with ‘bumps’ on them.
This was very common in fine medieval glassware. Not only did it looky regal, it also stopped patrons from dropping their drinks!
Medieval music and entertainment
While you dine, you can listen to a beautiful soundtrack of medieval music. They often have live musicians and bards who serenade you in the evenings.
Their music is so popular here that you can buy a CD in their shoppe to take home.
Also, you may spot some traditional coin stamping going on outside the restaurant.
Rozengrāls found an ancient matrix for stamping coins during an excavation of the wine cellar.
So, now they make commemorative copper coins from 1293 to take home!
Medieval bar
If you don’t fancy booking a meal in the restaurant or they are fully booked, I would still visit their medieval bar.
You’ll find their cosy tavern at the back of the restaurant through a series of candlelit caverns.
They sell all of the same drinks as the restaurant menu but you can only order light snacks for food.
It’s a great place to go in the evening for a few drinks as the music and atmosphere are both incredible.
Is Rozengrāls medieval restaurant worth visiting?
Yes, a meal at Rozengrāls is almost considered a right of passage in Riga and is not to be missed.
Although most people dismiss themed restaurants as tourist traps, Vinarium Civitatis Rigensis is anything but.
They have put a lot of thought into the medieval atmosphere and the meals are based on authentic royal recipes of the past.
Even if you go for a goblet of beer or wine in the bar, I can assure you it will be a magical experience you won’t forget.
Don’t skip Rozengrāls medieval restaurant in Riga, it’s worth the hype.
How to visit Rozengrāls in Riga
Rozengrāls is named after the quaint cobbled street it’s located on which is Rozena Street.
It’s very close to Dome Square and sits underneath the imposing Riga Cathedral.
The historic centre of Riga is (almost) completely pedestrianised so it’s easiest to approach on foot.
The closest tram or bus stop would be ‘Grēcinieku iela’ beside the Stone Bridge by the Daugava River and then it’s just a 5-minute walk.
Opening hours
Rozengrāls Medieval Restaurant is open every day of the week;
- Monday – Thursday: 12 pm – 11 pm
- Friday – Sunday: 12 pm – 11.30 pm
If you want a more peaceful experience, I would head here for lunch as opposed to dinner.
The evenings are a lot busier but it depends on the type of experience you’d like!
Do you need to book a table?
Rozengrāls is a very popular place to eat and is often fully booked in the evenings, especially at weekends.
I would highly recommend booking a table to avoid disappointment and you can easily do this online.
I was able to walk in both times so it’s possible to dine here without a reservation. But, I was by myself. I can’t say the same for larger groups.
If it is full or you don’t want to wait, you can always visit their medieval bar at the back which doesn’t require a reservation.
Are you looking for more things to do in Riga?
Riga is hands down one of the most underrated cities in Europe and there are so many things to do here on a weekend.
Firstly, I would explore the Old Town to see iconic sights like the House of the Blackheads, St Peter’s Church, Dom Square, The Three Brothers and Cat House.
You can then make your way to the Freedom Monument, Bastejkalna Park and take a walk or scenic boat ride along the river canals.
If you like green spaces, I’d also visit Vermane Park and visit the traditional Tabu Tea House!
The Art Nouveau district is not to be missed and I recommend visiting Alberta Street to spot some incredible architecture.
You can also pop into the Art Nouveau Museum to see the incredible staircase and have tea at Art Café Sienna.
For a great view of the city, you can head up to the Latvian Academy of Sciences observation deck. Then, pop into the historic Market Hall.
If you have extra time, why not book a day trip to see incredible places like Sigulda which is only an hour from Riga by train?
I also loved visiting Bauska Castle and the spectacular Rundale Palace which gave me Bridgerton vibes.
Read more of my Latvia guides
How to spend one day in Sigulda
Visit Latvia National Library – Castle of Light
Black Magic Bar – The best place to try Black Balsam
Save Rozengrāls Medieval Restaurant in Riga for later!
