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Babo: attractive interior and atmosphere

Babo

★ 4.7 · 1,443 reviews Riga Opened 2024

Modern Georgian that hit the Michelin Guide in year one

The khachapuri arrives molten, the khinkali properly broth-heavy, and the kharcho with beef cheeks might be the dish that got Babo noticed. This is modern Georgian cooking, and the dining room fills up fast on Dzirnavu iela.

The interior gets as much attention as the plates, which is rare for Georgian restaurants. Wine here follows its own logic: staff will cheerfully argue there's no dish on the menu it doesn't pair with. Book ahead on weekends, the secret's out.

What guests say

Reviews by Google
  • Indrek-Kristjan Paut 2 reviews 27 July 2026

    We visited restaurant Babo in Riga as a group without a prior reservation and were fortunate to be accommodated smoothly. The overall atmosphere was very pleasant, and the service throughout the evening was attentive and professional. Our server took the time to explain the menu items in detail and even walked us through the traditional way of eating khinkali. We shared a variety of appetizers, including the eggplant rolls with walnuts, Angus beef basturma, crispy nadughi cheese, lamb khinkali, and Adjarian khachapuri. The khachapuri was a highlight—the server mixed the egg yolk into the cheese tableside, which gave it an exceptionally rich and creamy texture. The lamb khinkali were prepared exactly as tradition dictates, with well-seasoned meat and just the right amount of broth inside. For the main courses, we ordered the chicken shashlik alongside the Angus beef and Iberico pork lula kebab. The lula kebab was easily the standout dish of the night; the seasoning and preparation of the meat were exceptional. It was served with freshly prepared pita bread, which complemented the dish perfectly. We finished the meal with the Bird’s Milk dessert and the black currant pelamushi. The pelamushi offered a great balance of sweetness and tartness to end the dinner. Overall, this was one of the most consistent and high-quality dining experiences we have had in a long time. The execution, flavor balance, and service at Babo are top-tier, and the restaurant truly feels worthy of a Michelin Guide recommendation.

  • Andrew Masse 69 reviews · Local Guide 25 July 2026

    Delicious; everything from start to finish. Small changes would make you perfect, IMO: 1. the pita is amazing; it needs to be served with any of the apps where dipping is an option 2. Give us the option of having shashlik in a pita or without. That's it! Thank you for a great meal.

  • Runcis Gardé 28 reviews · Local Guide 2 July 2026

    Dear reader, Runcis Garé has been back on the prowl in Riga. This time, my steps took me to BABO, a Georgian establishment that has been garnering some attention. With the whispers of a new culinary treasure reaching my ears, I found myself wondering: who better to test the rumours than yours truly? Our server, Lauris, was indeed very nice, moving through the dining room with efficiency and a pleasant demeanor. He was, without a doubt, the most memorable aspect of the service. As for the menu, it offers some reliable classics that hit the spot. The hačapuri was satisfying and well-prepared, serving as a solid, comforting start to the meal. The hinkali were enjoyable, offering a familiar and savory warmth, and the fresh bread was a welcome accompaniment. Everything was prepared with competence; it was a tasty meal that satisfied the hunger without needing to be anything more complex than that. The space itself has a certain rustic charm, providing a comfortable backdrop that encourages one to linger over conversation. It was a successful dinner, and I left feeling content with the choice. Sometimes, a simple, well-executed meal is exactly what is required. Till I see you again, my dear reader.

  • Ajeet Khalsa 61 reviews · Local Guide 16 June 2026

    Upon careful inspection, looking for dinner; as I have been touring Georgian restaurants, I stopped in at Babo for a meal, which is a well rated venue. This is a very well run and professional restaurant. Visually quite nice! Skill and good attentiveness to details abound. The beet salad I had was delicious, some tender figs added with the tasty cheese was excellent. The Karcho on the other hand was overly acidic and missed the mark. Tomato based foods need not attempt to cut your gums. Probably, if made as designed it would be delicious, but it was unbalanced and harsh. The cocktail was excellent. The service efficient and pleasant.

  • Costas Pom 290 reviews · Local Guide 6 May 2026

    We were very happy we chose BABO for our dinner. Georgian cuisine is one of my favorites but BABO was even better than that, it's a modern take on traditional dishes. Erything tasted delicious and fresh. My personal favorite was the auberigine starter. Very friendly abd attentive staff. Highly recommended! P.S. It's very popular so you probably have to book

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