On the gastronomic map of Riga “Melnie Mūki” (Black Monks) is one of the few restaurants, that has been running for many years offering classic and relaxing atmosphere with good service to its customers.
Melnie Muki (“Black Monks” in English) is a medieval-theme restaurant located in an ancient building which once was a Dominicans monastery.
Despite its very central location in the heart of the Old Town, which comes together with lack of parking lots and the crowds of tourists, this restaurant is very much loved even by the locals. To find this place is very easy, right next to the entrance there is always a person dressed in medieval clothes who will show you the way and invite you in.
The interior is great, however sometimes might seem not too genuine (for that reason we would suggest you to spend an evening at the “Rozengrals” restaurant, which looks like it’s been sent from by a time-machine from the past. But food in general is very tasty, with quite a good selection in the menu.
The menu itself is represented by various meat (of course) and fish dishes cooked in a very Medieval European and Latvian styles, accompanied by soups and salads. Portion sizes are are also quite good, and if it happens that you can’t finish your meal, don’t be shy to ask the waiter to pack the ordered pudding to take it home.
The chef Aivis Auziņš – a young, creative, talented and ambitious cook – is something that Melnie Mūki can be proud of. In spite of the fact that there is no lack of classic European dishes on the menu Aivis pays tribute also to the traditional Latvian food in his cooking concept and offers, for instance, potato pancakes with cowberry jam, honey-beer-marinated pork, or rye bread pudding.
Prices are also very affordable, taking into consideration that this place is very much a a tourist attraction.
During summer time, you can get a place on terrace, where live music will help you to experience real charm of the Old Town of Riga.