Black Monks — Restaurant in Riga

I visited Melnie Muki in Riga with my couple, anticipating a dining experience to match the rave reviews. However, the reality fell disastrously short of expectations. Upon arrival, the greeting (or lack thereof) was as cold as a forgotten steak in the back of the fridge. A man at the bar ignored us entirely, while a girl, after a disappearing act worthy of Houdini, eventually acknowledged our presence.

The real shock came when she learned of our reservation – her expression screamed regret, as if we'd asked her to solve a Rubik's cube, not simply find our table. The seating arrangement was a culinary minefield, sandwiched uncomfortably between a bustling group and another couple, in a space tighter than a sous chef's schedule.

What's more unforgivable in a restaurant than being ignored? For ten excruciating minutes, we sat unattended, no offer of drinks, no glimmer of service. It was as if we were invisible, or part of the furniture – and not the good kind. In a kitchen, timing is everything, and this was a clear misstep in the dining room dance.

Regrettably, we left, our appetites unsatisfied and our expectations shattered. For a place that's earned its stars, this experience was a culinary eclipse. A chef's mission is to tantalize the taste buds, not test the patience. Melnie Muki, this was a miss that even a good sauce...

First the music confusion. Outside a nice jazz was playing to welcome us in, then inside the music was a strange mix of 60s to 80s rock a little too loud of a fine dining experience.

The staff was helpful and courteous.

The appitizers (Salmon tartar) was very good, but the toast with caviar was mediocre.

The big disappointment was the duck. I order duck breast. First let me state I have eaten and prepared duck the world over and is one of my favourite dishes.

The duck preparation was mediocre but it was not the preparation it was the duck. It was bad and was spoiled. My girlfriend at a piece and said it tasted funny and then when I had it, I spit it out. If you know what spoiled duck looks like and smells like, you know exactly what I mean.

The waiter was very helpful and embarrassed, they deducted it from the bill and offered a free desert. We took the refund and left, I just could not be in there any longer and the lingering taste of spoiled duck made me loose my appetite.

There was only one other guest in the restaurant and she ordered it as well and looked and me and mouthed the word "bad" a nodded.

Please note the staff was helpful, kind, and embarrassed. I felt bad for them, but I thought it more important to notify them politely and privately the food...

The food here was so great we ate here all three nights we spent in Riga! First night we started off with the bread basket and mmm was it delicious! Then we had burgers with french fries, and not only was the burger utterly incredible, but the fries might possible be the best we've ever had! The second night we tried the steak and oh my god, it was amazing! The meat was so tender it just melted in our mouths! We ordered one medium steak and one well done, and let me tell you not all chefs know how to cook a steak well done, but this one was cooked to perfection! Also the service was fantastic, especially Artūrs went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed and more! There were also some younger girls working that we didn't get names of but their service was also great! The third night we came back for some more burgers and somehow both the burger and french fries were even better! Incredible! We finished off our last night with apple strudel and tiramisu which of course also were great! And don't forget to try the local cherry beer! We recommend this place with all our hearts and will definitely come back next time we...