KEST was opened in 2020 by one of Latvia’s most talented chefs, Maris Jansons. The fine dining, five-course tasting menu restaurant is located in Cesis – one of Latvia's most charming and creative towns, about 100 km from the capital, Riga. Since the beginning, KEST has managed to help raise the foodie reputation and culture of dining outside the capital with a seasonal menu that brings you to explore well-known territories, as well as something completely undiscovered. “A meal at KEST should be an enjoyable adventure that raises your eyebrows in pleasant surprise, whether you taste something classic or entirely new,” describes the Chef of KEST, Maris Jansons. Over the years, the restaurant has grown a hugely popular drinks pairing program and a medium-sized wine list any capital city restaurant would be jealous of.
Michelin has honored KEST with a special award for its service: “His team (..) impressed The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors with their natural warmth and enthusiasm. Here, the tables are set around a central kitchen, and from this vantage point, Maris oversees everything. His young team is charm personified and achieves the delicate balance of being attentive yet not overbearing. (..)”
Dining in KEST is not just a food journey but also provides an experience of a special concept dinner in two parts. The restaurant is situated within the historic former fire station of the town, and the place kept the most important parts of the station in the restaurant interior – big doors, old lamps, dark room. You start in the bright restaurant, where you dine from a five-course tasting menu made up of modern dishes that keep local produce to the fore – and this is accompanied by an interesting alcoholic drinks flight which also includes cocktails. After dessert, you head to a dark, moody lounge for the second part of your night: a coffee and time spent over a relaxing post-meal drink.
Restaurant KEST is your destination to enjoy a gastronomy journey. Get to know our latest five-course tasting menu and make an online booking on www.kest.lv. We also have a vegan menu, and we adapt meals if you have some special needs. Please make note of it if you need some when making your booking.
