Tipping in Riga, Latvia is an interesting topic. Back where I'm from in the United States, tipping is considered a normal part of eating out. Servers at sit-down restaurants and bars are often paid a very small wage, and are expected to bring in most of their salary through tips. If you do not leave a tip in the United States, the server will be insulted and angry. It's considered a punishment for terrible service to leave no tip.
In Riga, Latvia tipping is a far different situation. The servers seem indifferent to tipping. I have gone out many dozens of times here, and have left various tips. Sometimes I leave no tip at all, sometimes I leave a 5-10% tip, and sometimes I leave a 25% tip. I have not generally noticed any kind of reaction to these various tips from servers.
Plenty of websites suggest leaving a 5-15% tip at sit-down restaurants in Riga, Latvia. I have found that the sweet spot is between 5-10%. If they do a great job, leave 10%. If they do an OK job, then leave 5%. 15-20% is simple too high in Latvia.
NOTE that many restaurants do have service charges here. If that is the case, then leaving no tip is standard. The service charge is essentially a mandatory tip, similar to the 18% imposed on large parties in the United States.
I have talked to various locals, and most of them don't even bother tipping. As a tourist, if you have the extra money and want to show your gratitude, a 5-10% tip seems reasonable in Riga, Latvia.
The reason people do not express special gratitude for an especially big tip may be that it is considered unseemly. The idea is, I do my best at my job, whether I am tipped or not. This is a supposition based on my experience living in the Soviet Union.
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