48 HOURS IN RIGA - ft. 10 of the Best Restaurants & Bars In Latvia's City. Part One.

Should you book a trip to Riga? Watch this film to find out. Riga gets called; Europe’s most underrated city, a little known gem, an unsung hero etc etc. So, we decided to see it for ourselves and hit the 10 best restaurants, bars, and food markets Riga had to offer. We went to an authentic shashlik bar, had experimental dining experiences, and were introduced to the best almond croissant of our lives!
Massive shoutout to famous Latvian Chef Martins Sirmais for joining us and being an exceptional tour guide! Enjoy Part 1 of our time in Riga, Part 2 coming soon 👀
🚨 TOPJAW SS23 is now live! tj.wtf/SS23 🚨
00:00 Intro
00:44 Šašliki Mangaļos, Mores iela 22, Ziemeļu rajons, LV-1034
01:49 Mīkla, Dzirnavu iela 42, Centra rajons, LV-1010
03:25 Riga Central Market, Nēģu iela 7, Latgales priekšpilsēta, LV-1050
05:30 Ceptuve ČAU, Artilērijas iela 44, Latgales priekšpilsēta, LV-1009
08:15 Grand Poet Hotel (Raiņa bulvāris 5/6, Centra rajons, LV-1050)
09:34 3 pavāru restorāns, Jēkaba kazarmas, Torņa iela 4, Centra rajons, LV-1050
12:36 TAILS (Antonijas iela 6a, Centra rajons, LV-1010)
14:59 Boo The Burger (Dzirnavu iela 31, Centra rajons, LV-1010)
16:32 Gimlet (Baznīcas iela 37, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010)
18:55 nosaints | Hidden Bar, Teātra iela 12, Centra rajons, LV-1050
For a discount on your stay at Grand Poet Hoel, use promo code 'TOPJAW' at checkout (valid until 31st May 2023)
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Thank you so much for watching - please like, subscribe, comment & share with a friend!

[@Rokazz2]

Nice to see our brothers Latvians get some appreciation! Come to Lithuania next

[@topjaw]

Thanks! Anywhere specific we should go in Lithuania?

[@Rokazz2]

@@topjaw definitely capital Vilnius. That's where all the action and good restaurants/cafes are. Maybe short trip to Trakai as well to try authentic kibinai food. Quite a few authentic/East European dishes can be tried in Lithuania...just a heads up, it's quite a heavy food

[@foodlovers4ever]

@@Rokazz2 Wowowo, Lithuanians, you have locals making same style content, and you dshow no support, sad to hear that @rokas

[@mikuskokenbergs8853]

@@Rokazz2 Oh, yeah! Vilnius is awesome. Love our Southern Brothers, Lithuanians.

[@aleksisgabliks3881]

A bit late to the party but Mārtiņš is the embodiment of chaotic good energy and somehow fits in Everywhere. Not just in Latvia, he was a host for a food travel program called " kulta ēdieni" and he looked and felt like a local in almost all countries ge visited. From Greece to Mexico and from Norway to Spain.

[@AlNaqbi0]

WAKE UP EVERYBODY NEW TOPJAW CONTENT

[@PokhrajRoy.]

It’s nice to see a Riga based video. Very few channels explore the Baltic hotspots.

[@alidacap4683]

Riga changed so much over the past few years and the gastro scene is so amazing now! How lovely to have it featured in a video

[@topjaw]

It’s remarkable, and changing/evolving all the time

[@IridiumZero]

Everywhere's literally empty and closed down lol

[@HaloFTW117]

@@IridiumZero only according to populist politicians and Russian propaganda. Otherwise, Riga is just getting better and better if you actually go into the city and compare to the craphole that it was during the Soviet occupation.

[@IridiumZero]

@@HaloFTW117 lol yeah sure buddy, not if you actually open your eyes

[@Xenorous_]

Honestly what a vibe the whole episode really embodies the hospitality and personality of the Latvian people!! Plus that swipe transition from the bus was perfect absolutely loved it

[@topjaw]

Wow, this is so great to hear. Thank you!! Our editor Jess is a pro right?!

[@Xenorous_]

@@topjaw 100% felt like a movie!

[@artiseagle]

As a local and your long-time sub, I just wanted to say thanks for such a fun episode! Can't wait for part two :)

[@topjaw]

Thanks Artis, that means a lot! If you think this one is fun....just you wait for Pt 2! 👀

[@Tehryjudah]

Will's filming is top tier! Jesse's personality is Amazing! Good job friends.

[@topjaw]

Thanks so much!! 🙌

[@ceezars1]

I’m going to Latvia in June and looking to visit one of restaurants you been to :) Also Mārtiņš should have invited you to Latvian Pagan celebration in June called “Jāņi” when we celebrate summer solstice. Nothing is more Latvian than that :))

[@topjaw]

Which one you thinking of going to?? Jāņi sounds incredible - maybe we'll get to go one day! 🤞

[@tetris136]

In centr the world is Mountain Jānis and that is in english John - Johnny - Yes and No together is Yasno. Jan Nis - is Light.

[@GREGOHARD]

@@topjaw Celebrations between the 20th of june to the 24-25th of june. Find a good company to join and they will show you the ropes. And prepare for no sleep.

[@nlbhaduri]

Get ready to jump over a fire….(hate the term “pagan”, however, as it sounds rather judgemental. This celebration is authentic to the real indigenous Latvijans and not Christians…

[@iamjcb]

Cause of this video I’m gonna visit Riga.

[@solution777]

So, I see your video and think 'hmm I wonder what Riga is like? As I'm writing this, I'm at the chefs table at 3 Chefs halfway thru the taster menu! So very grateful to you for this video, which inspired myself and my wife to come here. We're at Gimlet last night, what amazing guys! Big Bad Bagel was lunch yesterday and later we're at the Skybar. I'm so in love with this city that I'm coming back next year. So much more to explore and it's all thanks to you!

[@andrisgailitis]

One of the Latvians here! :) :D After watching this episode, I went to the Boo The Burger place and it was awesome. Thanks for exploring Latvia, otherwise I would have never known about some of these palces! :)

[@topjaw]

Insane burgers right!? Thanks Andris 🙌

[@tobymitchell2607]

LOVE that you've featured Riga!!

[@topjaw]

Cheers Toby - we love to go to the less 'typical' spots, where should we go next?

[@Normanabutler1]

Yes!! Burgers and Champagne!! That should become a London breakfast staple! 😜 And OMG those cocktails looked incredible!!!

[@topjaw]

Burgers & Champagne - so simple, so delicious.. but for breakfast!? You're a crazy cat Norman!

[@madisonjones7978]

Always incredibly high quality content from you guys. I love it.

[@topjaw]

Thank you Madison, where do you want us to go next?

[@ThisisAnastasiah]

Hi from Latvia🇱🇻

[@topjaw]

Hello hello 👋

[@evavinava888]

I ran when I saw Latvia 🇱🇻 ❤ 🤩

[@topjaw]

This is what we love to hear 👏

[@martinszupa5820]

I always sad, that people like You bring much more value to Latvia, than many of our deputy. Thanks also to Mārtiņš Sirmais. Every latvian people know him 🙂 Best wishes from Riga

[@Steven-bh3jl]

I went to the central market and that guy at 4.30 still remembers you. He gave me endless samples of his hemp pesto too 😂

[@topjaw]

Hahaha so cool! Glad he gave you the TOPJAW treatment 🙏

[@leadhealthmedia]

The croissant hulk smash was something else 😂

[@topjaw]

Took me so long to get over that....

[@natalijakuzmenkova9855]

Hello from Riga! I have been watching your channel for some time and what a surprise!

[@topjaw]

Thanks so much Natalija, hope we did you proud 🙏

[@karinakaarina]

Riga is such a beautiful and tasty city ❤

[@topjaw]

Couldn't agree more Karina!

[@marco111187]

Hitting it out the park with another amazing video, had a good laugh watching how Martins Sirmais did things. Keep up the great work lead and look forward to seeing more.

[@topjaw]

Oh Marc, Martins is a reealll character - had you heard of him before?

[@katieinwonderland9759]

This popped up in my newsfeed & I'm glad it did- Instant new subscriber! My boyfriend is Latvian & lives in Riga, I'll be quizzing him about these places later. Can't wait for part 2 😊

[@topjaw]

Thanks for subscribing Katie - we have to know, did he crush the quiz?!

[@jebmcdaniels4906]

I send these videos every time they come out to 10-15 people and ask them to do the same because it’s such under rated content. The way you guys shoot the videos makes it fun and interesting kills me every time I talk about it and someone says they don’t know about it. Cheers guys keep it up always great shit from you all.

[@CaribbeanLife101]

Looks like an amazing country. Nice cool vibes. Thanks

[@topjaw]

Truly is, we can't recommend it enough!

[@martaa.b4802]

for living its not amazing, but for visiting it is nice!

[@habibaa]

Always look forward to these videos. Great job guys!

[@topjaw]

Thank you so much!!

[@RB-us6tf]

Riga rocks! Let's go!

[@topjaw]

🤟

[@daxrico266]

I stayed at that hotel on my last visit to Riga. It's definitely one of the better ones I've been to in Europe, especially for the price!

[@topjaw]

Yeah, the value is bonkers. You'd pay 3x the price in London or Paris etc - but that's true of all of Riga really!

[@user-te5vt1xl7r]

LOVE IT!

[@coldnorthadventures5905]

Very cool, love it Riga😍

[@andrewtrandigital]

Amazing content, always great to see the people beyond the plate and hear their story!

[@andyt3343]

Salt on cucumber, da bomb!

[@topjaw]

It's our favourite part too!

[@topjaw]

So simple but so good, how did I not do this before?!

[@quaternio]

This is great! I’ve always had some kind of casual fascination with Riga, Latvia, but have never seen it covered in a compelling way. A lot of curiosity is being satisfied-just leading to greater curiosity, haha. Thanks.

[@topjaw]

I knew so little about it, this trip really scratched that itch. There's so much going on here.

[@viktorradzieta4731]

An episode in Krakow or Warsaw is inevitable.

[@topjaw]

Oh you best believe it's on our list!

[@GreatCityAttractions]

That's a great suggestion

[@RoyalGuthington]

Brilliant, fellas ! Love the direction you are going...keep it up !

[@topjaw]

Thank you mate! We appreciate the support 🙌

[@jacquelinegarrido5799]

Please keep showing these amazing places.

[@topjaw]

That's our plan Jacqueline! Where would you like us to go next?

[@lisajayasekera6430]

This episode was soooooo funny, I loved it. Thanks ❤😂

[@topjaw]

Thanks Lisa!

[@lauramaslovska7287]

Was so nice meeting you guys in Riga ❤

[@topjaw]

Thanks so much for all your help Laura!

[@davebeat]

Those huge cookies the hemp pesto dude in central market does are absolutely amazing.

[@Jules_Miau]

I love Riga! Please check out their neighbours Tallinn, Estonia :) I was born there and love all of the three baltic countries. Worth a visit!!

[@topjaw]

Everyone is pitching TOPJAW in Tallinn!! Any favourite spots to share?

[@louder90]

What an amazing video! 👌 Only been to that first place, so looking forward to trying some of the other ones on my next trip home.

[@topjaw]

So glad we did your hometown proud - you'll have to tell us what you think of the others! 🙌

[@rachelc1171]

This is brilliant. My Grandfather was from Riga and I have always wanted to visit!!

[@topjaw]

Thanks Rachel!! Definitely bump it up your list 🙌

[@Kallel360]

Banging video as always, love it guys

[@topjaw]

Cheers!!

[@aurarivero5842]

So good! 🙌🏽

[@topjaw]

Thanks Aura!!

[@keithss67]

Never had any interest in Riga before. Well done guys ✅

[@topjaw]

Hope you do now! We will be recommending Riga to anyone who will listen haha

[@tomassprieditis]

Very entertaining video, and the quality of the video is amazing. Good job!

[@topjaw]

Thank you so much, be sure to subscribe for Part 2!

[@rachel-shaw]

YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!

[@topjaw]

Thank you Rachel!!

[@stehpires]

Amazing!! Just waiting to watch 48h in Hamburg!! 😍

[@topjaw]

We'd love to go to Hamburg, any recommendations for restaurants/bars?

[@afleming1]

You know, as I was watching it, I thought "jeez, I thought Big Lew and Pickle brought chaos, but this is next level", and then the plot twist at the end...! Coming to defend the title! It's different from the other 48 hours in... and I think it's a triumph. Well done chaps! Riga is so off the beaten path as well. Next up? Europe: Ljubljana; Intl: Montreal

[@topjaw]

Thanks Andrew! I always appreciate your comments as a subscriber of ours for over 6 years!! How do you feel this one is different from oour other 48 Hours In - I'm interested? Montreal would be awesome!!

[@afleming1]

@@topjaw I had like two paragraphs written and then I thought - this should be an e-mail 😅 I'll send it through

[@murphyqs8822]

Me and my friend are visiting Riga next month and this video has definitely hyped us up

[@GreatCityAttractions]

It looks an amazing and exciting city - hope you enjoy your time there.

[@newry12]

Loved it💚🥃

[@topjaw]

Thank you! 🙌

[@fitxstella7969]

Brillant!!

[@arvidssenkans]

Absolutely stunning guys 💥💥💥

[@topjaw]

Thank you!!

[@sivan132]

Class

[@n1ck2211]

Definitely my favorite channel of all time ❤ greetings from New Amsterdam

[@topjaw]

Wow thank you!!

[@babsalabs3984]

Love the vibe of this video. The guy showing you round at the beginning has got the right idea in life. Why buy the food, when you can taste test everything 😂

[@topjaw]

Right?! He's a legend! 🙏

[@mariedreamer3977]

I'm going to Rīga in November ,hope to visit some of these places. Thank you for the video

[@topjaw]

You're gonna have the best time Marie! Stayed tuned for Part 2 for even more recommendations 🙌

[@WengersLeftEyeLid]

awesome stuff chaps

[@topjaw]

Cheers Charlie!

[@lugginnuggins5798]

This was a great episode.

[@topjaw]

Thank you!!

[@johnhansenbristow2900]

Ugh I wish THIS existed when I went to Riga! Such a cool city.

[@martishka19]

Thanks for visiting and showing my country ❤❤❤ its really nice to see and know places i never heard about😂 im latvian but some of those bars/ restaurants i didnt know they exists 😅

[@topjaw]

We loved it, can't wait to come back! Hope you get to try some of the spots!

[@sjdone]

I'm going to the region next month. Nice to see the food scene before my arrival.

[@wwe9100]

you guys are the best!

[@topjaw]

Cheers Seth! We won't let that go to our heads (too much haha)

[@ChokyoDK]

Perfect timing. Im going to Riga soon!

[@topjaw]

What a happy accident - hope these recommendations help with the planning, have an epic trip!

[@ChokyoDK]

@@topjaw Thanks =)

[@VisualTakes]

The video camera work and edits are always 10/10

[@topjaw]

Will & Jess (our editor, not Jesse haha) are a dream team 💪

[@dotConcept]

Damn that "Priekā" sounded very native haha. Crazy good video, you're showing me spots I'll probably end up visiting. Part 2 when?

[@rigastudentsrent7759]

Hello from Riga ❤

[@topjaw]

👋

[@JSunshine1888]

great video!

[@topjaw]

Thanks Johny!

[@NomadMimi]

the naturality of this guy, I can not stop laughing so nice.

[@topjaw]

We spent 5 days laughing - just wait for Part 2!

[@msmagt25]

Oh, boys! Your videos are getting better every day! They are not only entertaining but make me want to book a flight ticket for the spot you are showcasing! 👏🥘

[@topjaw]

Alvaro! Thanks so much, that really means a lot! Definitely book those flights to Riga 👏

[@darrenb8893]

I was NOT expecting to see Lew! It’s great to see him back, I used to follow his Burgergang page!

[@topjaw]

Darren, you're gonna love Pt 2 - it's a whole lot of Big Lew lovin! Don't forget to subscribe to catch it first 👏

[@jackbakermsp]

We love Topjaw a Lat-via.

[@topjaw]

Oh Jack, very nice

[@sabrinastraveladventures4263]

Seriously what an episode 🎉Absolutely Brilliant 😂 I have been meaning to visit Riga for a while! I’ll make sure to try to hit some of these spots Cheers 🥂 Sabrina 🇫🇷🇬🇧

[@topjaw]

Thanks so much Sabrina!! 🙌

[@jameshaddan8538]

Really enjoyed this video boys - thanks! Though still waiting for you two to squirt all over the table 😂 I’m one the way to Lima, Peru in early May to eat at Central…maybe a next stop for TopJaw too?

[@topjaw]

Thanks James! We are desperate to visit so many places in South America, Peru is absolutely one of them! Have the best time, and share your recs!

[@jameshaddan8538]

@@topjaw will do!

[@ttangg55]

the pistachio filled croissant at that Mikla location SENT me 👼 was there a couple weeks ago!

[@topjaw]

The almond croissant set the bar soooo high, I can only imagine the pistachio was equally as epic! 🤤

[@marinegrigorian3447]

Love your show!! I think you should go to Yerevan and Tbilisi !!! You'll have best time and will be pleasantly surprised.

[@topjaw]

We love exploring this part of the world, so they're definitely on list (long) list of next stops ✈️

[@anetas1377]

Top content, as always 🎉 Would love to see you guys visit Poland one day!

[@topjaw]

Us too!! Warsaw or Krakow or elsewhere??

[@anetas1377]

@@topjaw Kraków or Gdańsk!!

[@Monika-gt3zn]

Amazing! You guys have to come to Poland, the gastro scene has changed so much!

[@topjaw]

Thanks Monika! Where in Poland should we visit?

[@edytagrudzien2990]

@@topjaw oh definitely Warsaw!! Every season new restaurants open up, the quality of food is out of this world & each place has its own uniqueness to it ;) Always waiting for new content from you two

[@Sarah-tb5mu]

@@topjaw please do Warsaw and Krakow! I need tipzzzz

[@Roman-rv5mo]

that country is awesome. Great people a wesaome food.

[@topjaw]

Could not agree more Roman!

[@vinjutasrek920]

AWESOME VID

[@topjaw]

Thank you!!

[@garylawrence9347]

Big Lew is back 🙌 can't wait

[@topjaw]

He's back and wilder than ever, can't wait for you to see it. Don't forget to subscribe to catch it first!

[@vov1k542]

Latvia was the best food❤

[@zaigakleinberga1610]

Very fun 48 h😅…can’t wait to go back to my country to explore

[@topjaw]

Thank you!!

[@jonprescott5670]

Your videos are top notch lads! Keep them coming! Have yous ever been to Newcastle?

[@topjaw]

Thanks Jon! We have been there, but we haven't filmed for TOPJAW there...yet!

[@davidbackman8931]

👏👏👏

[@HrMarek]

This video has a strong Anthony Bourdain vibe. Awesome.

[@topjaw]

You might not know it, but this is the highest compliment you could give us!! Thank you!!

[@susandibble3525]

I bloody love you guys 🙏😂🤩

[@topjaw]

Thanks Susan 🙏

[@pete3149]

Great Vid guys! Defo gonna visit Riga after watching this. You guys should visit Krakow, some corking restaurants there

[@topjaw]

You won't regret visiting Riga, we promise. Also Krakow sounds epic, what restaurants should we hit up?

[@pete3149]

@@topjaw Restauracja Starka is great for Polish food experience. Ed Reds and Moo Moo Steak Restaurants are superb

[@user-cr4sm5wj7q]

Cool

[@una1662]

nice to see my hometown! and I hope you make an episode for Tallinn 😊

[@topjaw]

We've had so many recommendations for Tallinn - definitely going to have to go soon!

[@victorlarsson7297]

Love Riga! Next video should be in Stockholm - especially during the summer!

[@topjaw]

Well guess what... Stockholm is coming next!

[@Steven-bh3jl]

Going to Riga this weekend, I need part 2

[@GreatCityAttractions]

Hope you had a great time - it seems a lovely place.

[@Steven-bh3jl]

@@GreatCityAttractions highly recommended. Lovely city

[@StephenJC99]

Great video guys! Just missing the WILL-I-CAM caption, it's the cherry on top 🍒

[@artin13]

Happy that you visited! At least Martins didnt show you his ramen place which sucks

[@denomdemon]

Your chef buddy looks straight up nutty, but in a good way.

[@Fredboiii95]

48 hours in Porto would be awesome :)

[@topjaw]

Correct! Favourite spot in Porto?

[@Fredboiii95]

@@topjaw haven’t been yet ! Going next month 🇵🇹

[@CaptCanuck4444]

Consider doing some Vegan/Vegetarian tours too. That's an increasingly popular niche and will get lots of views.

[@Normanabutler1]

The youngsters with shining eyes......they still believe in a culinary future🤣😂

[@jameshaddan8538]

That part was so funny!

[@topjaw]

Hahahaha Martin - One of Martins' many wild and hilarious lines.

[@HartzPTV]

Latvia visited, now come to Estonia, Tallinn all-around, Pärnu or Tartu for the summer!

[@topjaw]

Any recommendations for spots in Tallinn??

[@HartzPTV]

From bars try Botaanik,Nümf, Kaif (they have both a bar and agaveria) and BrewDog Tallinn for beer. From restaurants I would recommend Kompu, NOA and Fotografiska.

[@Mine-lm4cr]

Just remember the Piragi I’ve done few months ago.Not bad😅😅