Unique eats around Estonia

Good eating can be had all over Estonia. Modern Estonian chefs are embracing the concept of New Nordic cuisine — combining high-quality, seasonal ingredients that can be grown or harvested locally with innovative cooking techniques. Many of the restaurants listed here offer something special when it comes to ingredients or presentation.

Tallinn

The capital of Estonia is teeming with restaurants. Everyone can find something here to suit their taste. The local restaurant scene has seen a boost recently with the arrival of MICHELIN Guide inspectors. Estonia is the first country in the Baltics to be recognized by this prestigious international guidebook. There are just too many to name here, so for suggestions specifically in Tallinn, check out our list of the best restaurants in Tallinn.

Tartu

Tartu, the second largest city in Estonia, has caught up in recent years with its exquisite restaurants. Tartu is Estonia's cultural capital and will be the official European Capital of Culture in 2024. Considered the spiritual center of the country, Tartu has one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe and a long student tradition. Nevertheless, here you will find not only wonderful student pubs and hip cafes and bars but also excellent food.

Try blueberry pancakes with bacon and honey in the cozy Café Krempel. Or something more out of the ordinary like chanterelle creme brûlée in the artful and tasteful restaurant Fii. If you tend to prefer vegan or vegetarian fare, then check out our list of the best places for plant-based eating in Tartu.

Island cuisine

Anyone who has already visited one of the Estonian islands knows that everything is a bit more relaxed than on the mainland. But when it comes to the food, you are in for an adventure!

The team at Alexander, Pädaste Manor's gourmet restaurant (and one of the top five restaurants in Estonia according to White Guide Nordic), offers delicious Nordic Island cuisine, inspired by the cooking traditions of Muhu and the surrounding coastal areas. The highlight is the seven-course Islands tasting menu.  

The in-house restaurant of the Georg Ots SPA Hotel (GoSPA) on the island of Saaremaa is known for its delicious Estonian cuisine and its lovingly and artfully prepared plates.

Kala ja Võrk (fish and net in English), located on the island of Hiiumaa, is great for real fish freaks. There's a shop where you can buy fish caught fresh by local fishermen along with smoked, dried, salted, and marinated fish. Have you ever tried a chocolate bar with fish? You can here! A small cafe serving light meals is connected to the shop.

Coastal gems

If you love seaside dining, you don't have to go to an island to enjoy the salt air. Estonia has 3,800 km of coastline to explore, and many fine restaurants to enjoy along the way. 

Restaurant Wicca is located in the beautiful and idyllic bay of Laulasmaa. Here you should try the daily updated variations of the Baltic herring. The plates here are also real artistic highlights. 

Mere 38 is an hour outside of Tallinn in the heart of Lahemaa National Park. The MICHELIN Guide called their dishes "vibrant and full of flavour." They also have apartments available for rent, so you can spend more time exploring nearby.

Bon appétit! Or as they say in Estonia—head isu!