The number of restaurants in Latvia listed in the international gastronomy publication, the Michelin Guide, could increase in 2026, Jānis Jenzis, head of the Latvian Restaurant Association, told LETA.

He also said he hoped that another restaurant could join the list and be awarded a Michelin star.

Jenzis said that the existing restaurants – John Chef’s Hall and Max Cekot Kitchen, both of which currently hold one Michelin star – are expected to retain their stars this year. He added that he hopes one of them could receive a second star. “These restaurants have deservedly earned their stars and continue to deliver the highest level of quality,” Jenzis said.

Jenzis added that Latvia still has to “grow” to reach the level of three-star restaurants, as this requires major investment in premises, staff, and ingredients to maintain top quality. “It’s a hope for the future, but we are ready for two stars,” he said.

He also noted that the inclusion of Latvian restaurants in the Michelin Guide is valuable publicity for the country, serving as an important tool for promoting gastronomic tourism and a signal to new players in the sector that Latvia operates at a global standard.

As reported, the Michelin Restaurant Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, October 22, where Latvia’s best restaurants will be announced, the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) informed LETA.

Last October, 31 Latvian restaurants were included in the Michelin Guide.

Michelin stars are awarded to restaurants offering exceptional cuisine, based on five criteria: quality of ingredients, harmony of flavors, mastery of techniques, the chef’s individual expression, and consistency across the menu and over time.

Source: BNS

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