Tallinn is bursting with nice and good restaurants. From cozy restaurants in the center to hotspots in creative districts such as Telliskivi and culinary experiences in Kadriorg and Noblessner port. In this article you will find my favorite restaurants for lunch, dinner, tasting menus, teas and cakes in Tallinn Estonia.
Discover the best restaurants and cafés in Tallinn Estonia
In Tallinn you have a lot of restaurants options and I honestly had some amazing meals and drinks. From cozy restaurants in the center like Pegasus and Rataskaevu 16 to hotspots like F-Hoone in Telliskivi and Lore Bistro in Noblessener port. But there are also high end diners at Mon Repos in Kadriorg and Michelin star experiences at 180 degrees. These are my tips for the best restaurants in Tallinn in Estonia.
Best restaurants in Tallinn old town
Tallinn is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. The old town Vanalinn, consists of two parts, the higher part Toompea hill, the cathedral mountain, and the lower town, separated by a city wall. Tallinn was a Hanseatic city for many years and this can still be seen in the streetscape. In the old town of Tallinn you walk along former city walls, narrow alleys, hidden courtyards and old merchant’s houses. The center gives you the feeling to go back in time and enter the Middle Ages. And of course you will find some great restaurants in this area a well.
Restaurant Rataskaevu 16
The restaurant that didn’t come up with its own name, but just kept the name of the street. Rataskaevu 16is one of my favorite restaurants in the old town of Tallinn. In the summer you can sit outside on the terrace. On colder days you can find a cozy place inside the restaurant. The menu consists of a mix of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes with creative variations. All food here is simply delicious. Don’t forget to taste the homemade dark bread. An Estonian specialty!
Curious about what to do in Tallinn? Check out my travel guide for Tallinn with 35 things to do, sights and tips to discover this city.
Restaurant Pegasus
Pegasus is a nice spot located on a corner of the park near the St. Nicholas church! I had a salmon ceviche, fish soup and special watermelon carpaccio, consisting of fermented watermelon. Very special! A perfect place for lunch in a cozy environment.
Restaurant Tchaikovsky
As the name suggests, music plays an important role here. Restaurant Tchaikovsky is in the list of Estonia’s best restaurants. The cuisine consists of a mix of French influences, Russian traditions and Estonian ingredients. And you will truly experience a dinner in style. In the lovely garden or chique restaurant itself. Restaurant Tchaikovsky is part of Hotel Telegraaf , the kind of hotel that makes me happy. This former post office has been transformed into a luxury boutique hotel, located in the center of the city.
Curious about Hotel Telegraaf? Check availability and current rates for Hotel Telegraaf here. Looking for more hotel options in Tallinn? Here you can find an overview of hotels in Tallinn.
Cafe Maiasmokk
Cafe Maiasmokk is located on Pikk 16 and is one of the oldest cafes in Tallinn. Have a cup of coffee or tea along with a piece of cake and travel back into the old days of Estonia. There is also a small museum and explanation about marzipan. According to Estonian legend, one of the best medicines against love sickness.
Restaurants in Kadriorg district in Tallinn Estonia
Less than 2 kilometers from the old town you will find the Kadriorg Park, known for the Kadriorg Palace. The Russian Tsar Peter the Great had the park and palace built for his wife Catherine I, after he conquered Estonia. It is a wonderful area to take a break, wander along the green promenades and sit on a bench around the swan pond. Especially on weekends, it is a popular place for young and old to gather
Mon Repos
Are you looking for a special place to dine? Then you need to be at Mon Repos. Here you’ll have dinner in a beautiful villa while enjoying delicious food. Highly recommended is the chef’s menu, in which your taste buds are stimulated in 4 or 6 courses. The weather was not too good during my visit but if the sun shines you should definitely sit outside in the beautiful garden. I am sure you will experience a super romantic evening here.
Telliskivi Tallinn
Telliskivi Creative city is a former industrial area in the Kalamaja district and transformed into a creative hub, where many startups and creative companies have found their way. There are trendy stores, art spaces, theaters, street art and many restaurants and coffee bars.
F-Hoone
F-Hoone is perhaps one of the nicest lunch spots in Telliskivi. From the outside it looks like you step into an old train station. Inside there are a few spaces with tables and nice sitting areas. You can have great lunch options here: From delicious bowls to salads, burgers, falafel and couscous dishes. Lots of vegetarian options!
Curious about Telliskivi Creative city in Tallinn? These are my tips for what to do in this cool neighbourhood of Tallinn.
Depoo
Depoo is the food street of Telliskivi. Train cars and containers are the setting for restaurants and food trucks. Especially on weekends, this is the place-to-be and the terraces are packed and there is live music everywhere.
Peatus
Peatus means stop in Estonian. This restaurant is located in two old train wagons that used to run between Moscow and Tallinn. During the day you can go there for a snack and drink. In the evenings there are regular events with live music and DJs.
Reval
Reval café is a nice place for a cup of tea or coffee, with a delicious cake. But you can also go there for a pasta and glass of wine.
La Muu
For the best ice cream make sure to visit the organic ice cream store, La Muu. Delicious!
Balti Jaama Turg – Food Market
This unusual building houses a cool food market with 300 different stores. There is a separate area for fruits and vegetables and meat and fish. And a street food hall with numerous stalls where you can taste and buy everything. This is definitely one of the places to go if you are into food.
Restaurants in Noblessner port Tallinn Estonia
Noblessner port is a cool upcoming district in Tallinn. It used to be an industrial area with 12 submarine factories, built by order of the Russian Tsar in 1912. For years the area was closed to the public. But today the factories house museums, boutique stores and great restaurants.
Lore Bistro
Oh how delicious I ate here! Lore bistro is a fancy but cozy bistro run by the chef and sommelier duo Janno Lepik and Kristjan Peaske. There are several dishes that are best shared so you can taste as much as possible.
Do you want to read more about what to do in Noblessner port in Tallinn? In the next article you’ll find all my tips for this cool Tallinn neighbourhood.
Tallinn Michelin star restaurants: 180 degrees
Looking for a trule culinary experience? Then you need to be at 180 degrees, one of the Tallinn Michelin star restaurants, for an exclusive tasting menu. With 180 degrees, chef Matthias Diether wanted to raise the standard for high end dining in Estonia. And I think he succeeded very well.
Staapli 3 art gallery
Staapli 3 Art Gallery is a little cafe, where you are surrounded by countless pieces of art. And if you find a nice work, you can immeditaley buy it.
SuhKruingel
At Suhkruingel you’ll find the most beautiful and delicious cakes, eclairs and macarons. It all looks really fantastic and it is hard to choose!
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More about Estonia
Did you enjoy reading this article with restaurant tips in Tallinn? Do you want to read more about Estonia? In collaboration with VisitEstonia I made a fantastic trip through Estonia, visiting different sides of the country. On Passport the World you’ll find many travel tips and inspiration for discovering Estonia. Have a look in the Estonia archive with an extensive travel guide for Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, a city guide for Tartu, tips to discover South Estonia and an article with 20 tips and things to do aroud Lake Peipsi and the Onion Route in South Estonia.
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