Restaurant Monterosso, located in a unique building dating back to the early 20th century in the heart of the Old Town, is not only the first restaurant of high Italian cuisine in the city, but also a true landmark destination that has been offering its guests a consistently high quality of food and mindful service for more than a decade.
The ground floor of the restaurant features two dining rooms and a bar, while the first floor is a spacious and comfortable lounge, which makes the perfect place for holding magnificent celebrations and small private events. In summer, guests can enjoy their time on the outdoor veranda overlooking one of the oldest streets of Riga – Vaļņu Street.
Chefs of the restaurant make dishes according to the classic Italian recipes using only the highest quality products. Monterosso creates a special atmosphere with its noble restrained interior, decorated with antique sculptures and stucco.
The restaurant is located in the building at Vaļņu Street 9, designed by Swiss architect René Gershelman in 1914. The magnificent interior, created in 1930 by the architect Krišjānis Grante, has been preserved in Monterosso to this day.
Originally, this building was home to Reiner’s chess café where virtuosos of this game stopped by. Even grandmaster Salo Flohr, a contender for the title of world champion, played chess games here.
In October 1945, the building at Vaļņu Street 9 was turned into the House of Artists, founded by the artist Ojārs Ābols and music scholar Mark Slutskov. The upper floors of the building housed the People’s University of Culture and a library, and on the first floor there was the Theatrical café, which became a favourite place for the theatrical Bohemia. Galina Ulanova, Kārlis Sebris and Margarita Vilcāne graced this place with their presence. Until the end of the 20th century, the café was a venue for theatrical evenings that gathered art lovers.
Since 2000, the building has been home to the Italian restaurant Monterosso, which cherishes the history of this place.
