The best restaurants in Estonia according to the MICHELIN Guide
Estonia was the first Baltic country to earn a spot in the prestigious MICHELIN Guide. Here's a closer look at the restaurants that made the list.
Following visits by anonymous inspectors, 42 restaurants in Estonia have been awarded a place in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide.
This year, 180° by Matthias Diether maintained its two MICHELIN Stars, NOA Chef's Hall stayed strong at one Star. There are three new Bib Gourmand restaurants: Fotografiska (which kept its Green Star), FUME, and Vesta.
FUME and Vesta also have a spot on the recommended list next to four more restaurants in Tallinn: Café Tempo, Põhjala Tap Room, Riva, and Sadu.
An inside look at 180° by Matthias Diether and NOA Chef's Hall
These two restaurants are the highest-ranked fine dining destinations in Estonia.
Tallinn's MICHELIN Star restaurants
Two MICHELIN Stars: 180° by Matthias Diether, Tallinn
This stylish restaurant, named after the 180° view from its U-shaped open kitchen, occupies a stunning spot in the beautifully renovated Noblessner area.
Originally from southern Germany, Matthias earned his first MICHELIN Star in Berlin with his restaurant First Floor. At 180°, he builds on that experience with a range of unique, ambitious dishes. The MICHELIN Guide notes this is a top-notch restaurant, where the service runs like clockwork and the intricate dishes captivate guests with their flavors and eye-catching presentation. The service is warm and engaging, helping to create a relaxed atmosphere.
Photo author: Lauri Laan
One MICHELIN Star: NOA Chef's Hall, Tallinn
Set within the same striking modern building as restaurant NOA is the stylish NOA Chef's Hall. Here, guests are invited to begin their evening with an aperitif in a romantic lounge offering a splendid view of Tallinn Bay and the Gulf of Finland.
Inspectors were impressed by the creative, boldly flavored cooking, where the chefs pay superb attention to detail and the open fire is used to great effect. Head Chef Tõnis Siigur keeps clients engaged from start to finish, serving complex and highly original dishes. The friendly front-of-house team takes pride in the experiences they help create, and their enthusiasm makes for a delightful evening.
Photo author: Restaurant NOA
What is a MICHELIN Green Star?
This award recognizes restaurants that adhere to the highest sustainability standards, demonstrate innovation and accountability, and meet ethical and environmental standards. These restaurants offer top-notch, eco-friendly dining experiences.
Estonia's Green Star restaurants
Fotografiska is a hip Tallinn restaurant, where every ingredient used from either blossom-to-root or snout-to-tail, while Kolm Sõsarat is run by three sisters in a remote location outside Karula National Park. Their set menu showcases ingredients grown in their garden, reared on their farm, or foraged from the forest.
What is MICHELIN Bib Gourmand?
Everyone knows that a MICHELIN Star is one of the most sought-after awards in the culinary business. Still, not everyone is as familiar with the "Bibs" — short for Bibendum, the actual name of the iconic MICHELIN Man. The Bib Gourmand designation started in 1997 as a way to recognize restaurants offering high-quality cooking at a great price.
FUME, Fotografiska, and Vesta: Estonia's newest Bib Gourmand restaurants
FUME is housed in the bustling Rotermann Quarter. It’s big, bold, and blingy, with an open kitchen, where dancing flames from the Vulcano Gres Grill add flavor to the Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Fotografiska – an existing Green Star restaurant – offers stunning views out over the Old Town. Follow cocktails in the rooftop bar with organic ingredients showcased in highly original dishes – all for surprisingly good value considering both its location and its environmentally aware philosophy.
Vesta brings something a little special to the Estonian dining scene, so while it might be located just outside the city center, the short journey is certainly worthwhile. Set up by three friends, it’s a lively, animated place where everyone is out to have fun; the large, double-sided communal counter is the place to sit.
Estonia's Bib Gourmand restaurants
These restaurants offer high-quality cooking at a great price.
A fine dining experience to remember
Restaurants decorate their plates with the colors of the season and fresh, local ingredients.
Estonia's MICHELIN-recommended restaurants
Estonia's MICHELIN-recommended restaurants (continued)
The 2026 Michelin Special Awards
The Michelin Special Awards are presented to outstanding individuals who, thanks to their boundless passion and exceptional skills, can make a restaurant experience truly unforgettable.
This year's winners are:
Young Chef Award – Gerli Travkin of Fotografiska in Tallinn
Gerli Travkin took over as Fotografiska’s Head Chef in April 2025 and, since then, has been putting her own stamp on the restaurant. Upholding its ethos for a more mindful way of cooking, she focuses on making the natural flavors and textures of locally sourced produce burst through on the plate.
Service Award – Karl-Friedrich Kuusk of Vesta in Tallinn
The charming young service team at Vesta are led by Head Chef Karl-Friedrich Kuusk. They welcome guests with a calm reassurance and make sure everyone is looked after. Whether it’s explaining dishes or recommending wines, they take the time to guide guests through – and their enthusiasm is palpable.
Sommelier Award – Aleksei Pogrebnoi of NOA Chef’s Hall in Tallinn
A good sommelier can elevate not only the food but an entire dining experience – and that’s certainly true of Aleksei Pogrebnoi, who leaves a lasting impression on his guests. His wine pairings are well-judged, and he imparts his knowledge in an informative yet unstuffy way that puts everyone at ease.
Opening of the Year Award – Heinrich Liis of FUME in Tallinn
An exciting addition to the Tallinn dining scene, FUME is a large brasserie deluxe that’s bright, bold, and blingy. The kitchen team offers an appealing range of dishes, with their Vulcano Gres Grill being the focal point. It’s a popular spot, but the service team keeps things running smoothly.
Photo author: UMA Restaurant
How do restaurants earn a MICHELIN Star?
All MICHELIN-recommended restaurants are selected based on the quality of their cuisine, so inclusion in the guide is a testament to quality in and of itself. Only the best-of-the-best are awarded MICHELIN Stars. A MICHELIN Star in Tallinn is the same as a MICHELIN Star in Turin or Trondheim. The decision is not made in isolation; several inspectors dine at the restaurant under consideration before making a decision.
When Inspectors decide whether a restaurant is worthy of a star, they consider the following:
- The quality of ingredients
- The harmony of flavors
- The mastery of techniques
- The personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine
- Consistency, both throughout the menu and over repeat visits
A MICHELIN Star is awarded solely for the food on the plate. This means any restaurant, formal or informal, specializing in any cuisine has the potential to earn a star.
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Last updated
27.05.2026