H.E. Vanadziņš

The story

H.E. Vanadziņš: Northern-Inspired Modern Cuisine in Cēsis, Latvia | Bib Gourmand

A Taste of Cēsis

In the heart of Cēsis' old town, H.E. Vanadziņš asks a simple, evocative question: "What does Cēsis taste like?" The answers vary—smoky game, wild rose, a memory, a glass of red wine, dark rye bread. Their kitchen turns those possibilities into plates of modern cuisine, grounded in the landscape and seasons of northern Latvia.

The restaurant describes itself as a "Northern-inspired" restaurant and hotel, and that sensibility runs through the space and the food. It is a place where the architecture of the old town and the flavors of the region meet. This approach has earned the restaurant a Michelin Bib Gourmand, an award that recognizes good quality, good value cooking—a fitting nod to a kitchen that prioritizes substance and a strong sense of place.

The Space and Spirit

H.E. Vanadziņš is more than a dining room. It is a small hotel with rooms overlooking Rīgas iela or the inner courtyard, and a venue for private events. The restaurant itself serves dinner on Fridays and Saturdays, with a Sunday lunch service. A courtyard and terrace offer outdoor seating in warmer months, and the building is wheelchair accessible.

The atmosphere is refined but welcoming, designed to let guests "enjoy Cēsis, its architecture, and a Northern-inspired meal." The restaurant's own words capture the spirit: "Thoughts differ. And what does adventure, an unforgettable day, and new experiences smell like? You decide."