Eating out with children can either be stressful or fun. It all depends on where you go. Luckily, it's easy to find family-friendly restaurants in Estonia. Many restaurants offer high chairs, play corners, and children's menus. Plus, typical Estonian food focuses on local ingredients, simple flavors, and straightforward preparations —perfect for tiny taste buds!
The Estonian Association of Families with Children issues a badge for family-friendly restaurants that offer a top-notch dining experience for adults, too. This means you won't have to sacrifice quality when you have the kids in tow. Some of the restaurants on their list have also been featured in the MICHELIN Guide and the White Guide Nordic, two prestigious restaurant guides. Let's take a closer look at the 2023 recipients.
Family-friendly restaurants in Tallinn and North Estonia
Several eateries in Tallinn received the family-friendly badge. In the trendy Noblessner district, you'll find Lore Bistro, one of the restaurants recommended in the Estonian MICHELIN Guide. They have a children's menu and a great toy shelf. The kitchen also makes puree for the smallest ones in the family.
In the city center, try Sunday brunches at City Grill House — they have LED drawing boards for children. After the kids get tired of swimming at Kalev Spa, head to Allee and enjoy a meal while looking out over Kanuti Park. Older children will love the French classics at Brasserie 11, especially with surprise performances by ballerinas and other artists.
Close to the ferry terminals, you'll find two good family spots. Restaurant Nero has its own menu and pictures for children to color. On Sundays, they offer family brunches where you can get ice cream, pancakes, and mocktails for kids, cartoons, and more. Ristorante Flavore is a casual restaurant with a calm atmosphere, kid-friendly animal-shaped pizzas, and delicious desserts.
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A favorite dessert among Estonian kids — pancakes and ice cream!
Photo by: Priidu Saart
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A family-friendly meal at Allee in Tallinn
Photo by: Ken Oja
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Rakvere makes for a great family destination. After a day exploring Rakvere Castle, drive a bit further east to Tulivee Beach Restaurant, a family-friendly restaurant with a play corner and special kid's menu.
As you drive from Tallinn to Tartu, make sure you stop at Café Restaurant Ajatu. This restaurant provides a fresh take on a classic dishes, and a feast for the eyes as well with their collection of retro tableware. After lunch, visit the alpacas at Wile Alpaca Farm.
Where to eat with kids in Tartu and South Estonia
In Tartu, try Cafe Truffe — it's known for its cozy atmosphere and comfortable space for children to move around and be active. Café Spargel was praised for its large play corner. Both offer menus that really appeal to kids. Outside of Tartu, head to the Local Heritage Cafe of Juulamõis. This unique eatery lets you try the real flavors of nature, such as fir shoots, berries, and birch sap, and it welcomes families with open arms.
Viljandi is where to go for a restaurant that is both family-friendly and MICHELIN-recommended: Fellin. On the other side of Lake Võrtsjärv (Estonia's largest inland body of water), Ugandi Resto awaits in lovely Otepää.
Culture lovers will want to take their little ones to Seto Tsäimaja in Setomaa. This restaurant is part of the Värska Farm Museum, making it a perfect stop for those wanting to experience true Seto culture.
Top picks for a family night out in Pärnu
In Pärnu, families with children will want to make a beeline for Statka Resto. This newcomer can be found in the Pärnu Beach Stadium. The location is perfect and the kid's menu is fun — plus there's a play corner. For a sweet treat that you can grab and go, head to one of the best bakeries in town, Leivakas. Kids and adults will swoon at the smell of cinnamon buns! Outside of Pärnu proper, you'll find Võrgukuur at the Ermistu Holiday Village. The natural setting is as attractive as the food on the plates.
Family dining on Saaremaa and Hiiumaa
George Ots Spa Hotel Restaurant on Saaremaa was recognized for the third year in a row — it is an absolute family favorite. Särg is sure to please adults and children alike. It earned a spot in the White Guide Nordic for its seasonal menu, and kids will love the outdoor playground.
On Hiiumaa, check out the new Windtower Experience Centre. Afterward, treat yourself and the kids to a meal at Cafe Ruudi before heading out to explore the rest of the island.
The complete list of restaurants to receive recognition from the Estonian Association of Families with Children can be found here.
