Discover the Best Estonian Restaurants from Fine Dining to Street Food 2025 II Print
Cover Photo: Ecrin
ecrin.theburmanhotel.com
The Burman Hotel, Rataskaevu 7, Tallinn
Texts: Heidi Vihma
Designer: Aleksander Karu
Photos: Lauri Laan (4,5, 20,21, 26, 29, 35,37, 40,41,53), Ichie Visual, (10,11), Alina Birjuk (31), Marek Metslaid (65, 72, 73,75) private collections.
Publisher:
Our small country is filled with large flavours, exciting and unique eateries. Best Guides has selected the best of the best. No matter whether it is a fancy, fine dining restaurant or the vendor of simple street food, they are all places where we eat, where we invite our friends and acquaintances, and that we are always happy to recommend to foreign visitors.
Estonia has always been a border country both geographically and gastronomically. Like other Nordic countries, we prefer pure and fresh flavours. However, these have been enriched by both our close neighbours the Russians, as well as the Germans, with whom we shared a cultural space for centuries. Yet today, the local flavour palette includes the entire world – we are curious and open to trying new things. The high quality of our restaurants is proven by the fact that, in 2022, several Estonian restaurants came under scrutiny by the MICHELIN Guide. In 2025 two MICHELIN Stars were awarded to one restaurant, one MICHELIN Star to one restaurant, seven others received the Bib Gourmand designation. and three were awarded the MICHELIN Green Star.
Wishing you flavour journeys filled with new experiences,
Katrin Weiss Editor
Heidi Vihma
by Matthias Diether
180 Degrees, a fine dining establishment located in historic Port Noblessner, serves a four- and a six-course tasting menu. The flavour experience is completed by the visual enjoyment provided by the sea view and the kitchen in the centre of the dining room, which is open on three sides. The head chef is Matthias Diether, a Michelinstarred chef from Germany, whose ambition is to raise the quality of the local cuisine to a new level. The taste experience providing culinary brilliance is perfected by the relationship between food and drink.
Oyster Bar in the Heart of Tallinn
The founder of the oyster bar, Anti Lepik, knows the world of oysters inside and out. At Austerium, he shares not only his passion for oysters but also his in-depth knowledge of the oyster world. A renowned international expert and multiple-time world champion in oyster shucking, Anti also has a long career behind him as an executive chef in the maritime industry.
The oyster bar operates as a family business — working alongside the father is his son. Austerium offers the best selection of oysters in Estonia, with every oyster served being a carefully chosen masterpiece. In addition to oysters, a variety of other seafood is offered, along with a curated selection of sparkling and still wines that pair perfectly with the menu.
Classic with a Creative Twist
Écrin draws inspiration from modern European flavors, where innovation meets classical techniques, rare and high-quality ingredients, and top-level professionalism.
Écrin is one of the few fine dining restaurants that welcomes guests throughout the day — from breakfast to lunch to afternoon tea and dinner. The restaurant offers a rich selection of Royal Belgian and Rossini caviar, best enjoyed with special delicacies created by Head Chef Alexey Aleksandrov, whose background includes experience in Michelinstarred restaurants.
The selection of wines, champagnes, and surprisingly teas is truly impressive. An open kitchen and an intimate 34-seat dining room create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Sustainable and Seasonal
Above the Fotografiska Tallinn photo gallery, a rooftop playground awaits — part restaurant, part bar, part garden terrace, and all kinds of unforgettable. With 360° city views and a vibe that shifts with the seasons, it’s where nature, art, and culture meet.
Fotografiska is a bold leader in Estonia’s sustainable food scene, turning humble veggies into rockstars (yes, even beetroot has a wild side). Think plant-powered plates, organic ingredients, zero-waste magic — with a little meat and fish for good measure. The wine? Handpicked. The cocktails? Local legends in a glass. Whether you’re sipping at sunset or feasting with friends, it’s all served with a generous splash of creativity, and a twist of punk.
12–00 Fri–Sat
Bringing Georgian Hospitality to You
Gobi is a traditional Georgian wooden platter that symbolizes hospitality and trust through the sharing of food. At Restaurant Gobi, Head Chef Luka Khinkiladze, who has been part of the Georgian team in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or culinary competition, knows his homeland’s traditional cuisine well but is not afraid to modernize it. The menu features contemporary interpretations of dishes from different regions of Georgia. The restaurant offers refined flavors, beautifully crafted dishes, elegant presentation, subtle and attentive service, a pleasant interior, and the finest Georgian wines. Gobi is the only national cuisine restaurant in Estonia where diners can enjoy a meal at the chef’s table as well.
The founders of the Härg Restaurant are two Estonian meat specialist and grill masters — Enn Tobreluts and Andres Tuule. The menu include the best steaks (included famous dirty steak), slow-cooked meat, seafood, fish, healthy salads and grilled dishes. The kitchen of Härg is now led by the talented and renowned top chef Taigo Lepik – a man whose passion for great food has taken him to the pinnacle of Estonian gastronomy. Taigo has served years as the President of the Estonian Chefs Association and also as the Head Chef at the Office of the President of Estonia. He brings his experience and creativity to Härg’s kitchen to offer you extraordinary culinary experiences. The Härg’s modern interior design makes this restaurant very special and festive.
Fine Dining
Special and Impressive
Its location in Tartu, in the Hotel Lydia, a 4-star superior hotel at the foot of Toomemägi Hill, makes the Hõlm fine dining restaurant very special and impressive. The views from the windows of the modern building of the park and City Hall Square, elegant interior design, rich drink menu and menu designed by head chef Sven Pärn are also special. His dishes combine the historic with the modern: they are inspired by the recipes of the hotel and restaurant owner’s great grandmother, but executed with a modern twist. The open kitchen allows the guests to view the birth of the culinary art. The Hõlm provides the best that Tartu has to offer to lovers of good food. And a generous drink menu created by sommelier Alar Pärn.
The Japanese omakase restaurant Koyo takes its name from kouyou — the Japanese word for the changing colors of autumn leaves — symbolizing a menu that follows the rhythm of nature and changes with the seasons. Koyo offers a 14-course menu, carefully curated each day by Head Chef Kazuto Hokari based on the finest ingredients available at that moment. Every visit is a unique experience — a one-of-akind encounter with the season and the chef`s creativity. The restaurant hosts only up to 11 guests at a time. The interior is minimalist, with guests seated around an open kitchen, where the chef and his team craft culinary experiences rooted in Japan’s long-standing traditions, right before their eyes.
The seasonality of the ingredients and the chefs’ mastery create a truly exceptional experience, guided by omotenashi — the Japanese spirit of hospitality, where every detail is thoughtfully considered.
A restaurant with a fairytale-like garden in the Old Town
Lee refers to the ancestral hearth where life simmered and delicious meals were prepared.Located in Tallinn’s Old Town, Lee restaurant offers elegant flavors in a simple style. The menu is classic but exciting, relaxed and with honest flavors: as much as possible, ingredients are sourced from local farmers and small producers. The best way to experience Lee’s flavors is through the Lee Experience, a taste journey through six courses on sharing plates. The impressive drink program is curated by multiple-time awarded Best Estonian Sommelier, Kristjan Peäske, and his team. Lee’s enchanting summer courtyard is one of Tallinn’s bestkept secrets.
MEAT Resto & Butchery is located just a 15-minute drive from the heart of Tallinn. The restaurant boasts an impressive selection of beef: grilled dishes and steaks are prepared using premium local Estonian meat as well as exotic Brazilian, Uruguayan, and Argentinian Black Angus. The menu also features lamb, pork, and poultry mains, along with the city’s famous Black Angus burger.
The crown jewel of the meat selection is the Golden Brazilian Black Angus Steak — the only one of its kind served in a European restaurant — topped with genuine 24-carat gold.
Beyond meat, the restaurant offers a wide variety of seafood and fish dishes, and as a surprise twist, a three-course vegan menu.
The kitchen is led by Head Chef Aleksei Jerjomin, whose experience includes working in Michelinrecognized restaurants.
During the summer season, a cozy outdoor terrace is open, where guests can enjoy delicious food and cocktails — and occasionally, live entertainment!
The founders of Pull (Bull in English) Restaurant include Enn Tobreluts, Estonia’s most authoritative meat specialist and BBQ master, and therefore there are outstanding meat dishes. Most of the dishes are prepared over an open fire, Enn’s world famous dirty steak, which is cooked straight in charcoal has become restaurant’s signature dish. The menu also includes fish, seafood and vegan dishes. Pull’s team now also includes the talented and renowned Head Chef Taigo Lepik, who has served years as the President of the Estonian Chefs Association and also as the Head Chef at the Office of the President of Estonia. He brings his experience and creativity to Pull`s kitchen to offer you extraordinary culinary experiences. The Pull’s limestone interior design makes this restaurant very special.
Southern Estonia’s Hidden Gem
GMP Pühajärve Restaurant is like a hidden gem in Southern Estonia, located right on the picturesque shores of Lake Pühajärv. Over the years, this restaurant, ranked among Estonia’s best, has won the hearts of many. Head Chef Koit Uustalu focuses on local ingredients and pure flavors in the menu, delivering top-level culinary experiences complemented by a wine selection curated by the Baltics’ Best Sommelier of 2024. In addition to excellent food and drink, the restaurant places great emphasis on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, where aesthetics, nature, and great flavors blend into a seamless whole. The GMP Clubhotel team ensures that each visit is enjoyable and filled with positive emotions.
Tue-Thu 12 - 22, Fri-Sat 12 - 23, Sun 12 - 20, Tennisevälja 1, Otepää
Perched on the sixth floor of the Mövenpick Hotel, Roof offers breathtaking views of Tallinn’s skyline, the historic Old Town, and one of the city center’s most beautiful parks. With its dark-toned interior, floor-to-ceiling windows, and glowing fireplace, the restaurant exudes warmth and elegance. In the summer months, the spacious rooftop terrace invites guests to enjoy both sunlit afternoons and tranquil evenings under the open sky. The restaurant’s Head Chef, Oleg Alasi, has been among the top names in Estonia’s culinary scene for decades. The menu created under his leadership is based on fresh, local ingredients and a focus on healthconscious dining, all accented by the distinctive Swiss flair of the historic Mövenpick brand. Sustainability is at the heart of the restaurant’s philosophy. Every dish is a vibrant, carefully composed work of art — offering refined, harmonious flavors that reflect a deep passion and commitment to the culinary arts.
Lunch Mon-Fri 12.00-15.00, Mon–Thu 17.30–22.00, Fri–Sat 15.30–23.00, Lembitu
Restaurant’s Heart Belongs to French Cuisine.
At Rudolf, you can enjoy a refined interpretation of classic French cuisine, enriched by the head chef Sten Märtin’s skillful use of Nordic ingredients. While the restaurant is deeply devoted to French culinary traditions, they warmly embrace the use of local Nordic produce, grass-fed beef, and venison from local farmers.On weekends, Rudolf pampers its guests with an indulgent à la carte brunch. Additionally, Rudolf’s cocktail menu, crafted by Erik Tammeleht – one of Estonia’s and the Baltics’ finest bartenders – is designed to captivate those with a taste for the extraordinary.
Shang Shi translates to “a royal feast.” True to its name, the menu, service, wine list, and meticulously refined interior of this restaurant are all highly exclusive. Shang Shi offers Cantonese cuisine, blending traditional dishes with a modern twist. The menu is overseen by consultant chef Chee Hwee Tong, the former head chef of the legendary London restaurant Hakkasan, known for his highly acclaimed restaurants across multiple countries. Shang Shi’s signature dishes include dim sum, char siu roasted pork, and the legendary Peking duck – a festive dish that once graced the tables of Chinese emperors.
Inspired by World-Famous Painters
Located in Tallinn’s historic Old Town, Stenhus restaurant has been offering a unique gastronomic experience since 1998, combining art, flavor and history. Crafted by Executive Chef Timofei Monahhov, the menu transforms iconic artworks into masterpieces of flavor - blending art and gastronomy, each dish reflects the essence of a famous artwork. Nestled within the five-star Schlössle Hotel, it combines historic charm with modern indulgence. The restaurant’s stunning architecture and roaring log fires provide a warm and relaxing atmosphere, while the summer terrace in the courtyard offers a gourmet escape in a lush green oasis amid the medieval city.
UMA, the newest restaurant in the Noblessner district, presents Asian cuisine from a fresh and original perspective. Its creators, Kristjan Peäske, Janno Lepik, and Kristo Malm, have been at the forefront of Estonia’s restaurant scene for decades and now introduce an innovative signature kitchen concept. UMA’s dishes do not adhere to any specific national cuisine but instead explore the pathways of exotic flavors. While honoring the spirit of Asia, they defy conventions, playing with tastes and ingredients to reinterpret familiar combinations in new ways. The team has no shortage of imagination, but they also have the experience and balance needed to translate their creative explorations into delicious results.
Vixen wine bar boasts a wide choice of wines from around the globe, including what is likely the largest by-the-glass wine selection in Tallinn. Since the wine bar’s founder, sommelier Jennifer Mitchell, is from California, Vixen also offers the most extensive collection of American wines in Estonia. Naturally, top-quality champagne and caviar also feature on the list of drinks and homemade snacks.
Inspired by traditional steakhouses, Vixen nonetheless offers something a little different: an intimate atmosphere tucked away in a quiet corner of Tallinn’s old town. The menu features premium cuts of meat from around the world, classic starters, fun sides and decadent desserts. The house specialty is Japanese A5 Wagyu beef, prepared tataki-style or as a steak. Cocktails, jazz music and superb service round out the experience.
Restaurant Wicca is located just thirty kilometres from Tallinn in LaSpa, one of the most popular spa hotels near Tallinn. The menu improvises with Estonian food traditions combining the old and the new in unexpected, but always delicious, ways. Restaurant Wicca offers something unique that can seldom be found elsewhere, be it novel flavour combinations or special, yet to be widely discovered, ingredients. All of these are sourced locally from small-scale farmers and producers, as well as from the forests and meadows. Restaurant Wicca head chef Angelica Udeküll also introduces Estonian flavours in her signature TV cooking show.
Italian restaurant Amici is located in the heart of the city, within the Fahle business district — a site rich in history and architecture. Both the buildings, constructed in the former paper and cellulose factory complex, and Amici’s menu reflect a deep appreciation for tradition, rooted in classic Italian cuisine. In addition to beloved pastas, risottos, and hearty meat and fish dishes, the menu features pizzas, light salads, tasty snacks, and delightful desserts. The diverse layout of the space offers comfortable dining for both small and larger groups. Private rooms are available for events, and children can enjoy a fun playroom.
As a representative of a country with a rich food culture, the Bruxx New Belgian restaurant honors both classic dishes and their modernized interpretations. The menu naturally includes waffles and moules frites, along with the famous Belgian fries and the thin, Belgian-style bread, flammekueche. Additionally, there is a rich selection of classic European seafood, fish, and meat dishes, ranging from light salmon tartare to hearty osso buco, all creatively reimagined by the head chef with a modern twist. The open kitchen fosters a sense of trust between the kitchen and dining area, while the dark-toned interior design adds a cozy atmosphere.
A bright and spacious Gallery Café where high-quality gastronomy meets art and literature. Breakfast transitions smoothly into brunch, followed by a light lunch, coffee breaks, and tea time – the Gallery Café is a pleasant place to spend time, whether alone or with friends. The menu features Italian appetizers and lighter dishes, hearty toasts and porridges, English breakfast, and treats and desserts from their own pastry shop. The selection of coffee and tea is larger than in other cafes, and cocktails, mocktails, and wine are also offered. Guests can enjoy books displayed on shelves and constantly changing art exhibitions, with the option to purchase any artwork that catches their eye.
Goodwin, rooted in American experience and traditions, can undoubtedly be considered one of the best places for meat not only in Tallinn but throughout Estonia. It is a paradise for meat lovers, using only the world’s finest marbled beef, sourced from ecologically clean areas in Australia and the USA. The menu doesn’t rely on tricks or gimmicks but focuses on the essentials: the meat, which the staff knows inside and out. Meat does not tolerate amateurism, which is why the steaks are prepared in an authentic Josper charcoal oven. Located near the Viru Gate, Goodwin is easy to find.
Causal Dining
On the edge of the Old Town, nestled in green surroundings, lies Hoov — a place where every detail has been thoughtfully crafted with heart. Head Chef Mark Keerd, recognized by the Michelin Guide, creates flavors that are both pure and masterfully refined. The seasonally changing à la carte and tasting menus reflect the rhythm of nature and are complemented by carefully selected wines and original cocktails. A cozy atmosphere and warm tones provide a pleasant backdrop to the culinary and beverage experience. During the summer, an additional bar terrace opens from 12:00, offering guests the opportunity to dine in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Dining
The excellent choice of flavours at the Joyce restaurant is a delight. The proprietors have discovered that elusive something that makes a good restaurant into an excellent one. The menu creates unexpected harmonies, by passionately combining continents and lands. These result in some of the city’s most exciting flavour games, which are played with youthful fervour. Joyce is focused on two values that are understood around the world: ‘joy’, which results from time spent in good company; and the ‘choice’ of impressive flavours that will please any guest.
Mediterranean-Inspired Cuisine
Koho is situated in the Telliskivi Creative City, nestled within a former industrial area now home to numerous galleries and creative workshops. Staying true to the ethos of the creative enclave, the menu at Koho is innovative, offering Mediterraneaninspired culinary delights infused with delicate Asian influences. Jaanus Koho, the creator and head chef, boasts 20 years of experience honing his craft in the kitchens of top restaurants. Few chefs dare to stake their own name on a restaurant, but Jaanus Koho has boldly done so. His personal touch permeates both the menu and the restaurant ambiance: Koho exudes a laidback atmosphere, genuine hospitality, and distinctive culinary artistry.
Mon-Thu 12-22, Fri-Sat 12-23, Sun 12-21, Telliskivi 60/1, Tallinn, +372
The Kolu Inn at the Estonian Open Air Museum in Rocca al Mare serves traditional Estonian food in an original 19th-century building. The menu is focused on centuryold traditions, but also makes some detours into the present day. As is typical of farm food, the dishes are simple, but prepared with a warm heart and skilful hands. In modern terms, the dishes at the Kolu Inn can be described as the most authentic slow food. The menu includes pork and porridge, sauerkraut, pea soup, and other simple farm dishes that fewer and fewer members of the younger generation still know how to prepare.
On the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage!
Situated in Tallinn’s Telliskivi quarter, Jaanus Koho, who runs his eponymous restaurant there, opened his second establishment, Mere Koho, in the village of Neeme in the spring. With its million-dollar views, Neeme village is just a 30-minute drive from Tallinn and was introduced to the Estonian gastronomic scene by Mere Koho’s predecessor, the restaurant Ruhe, which had been operating for about a decade and where Jaanus Koho was also involved. Mere Koho combines the familiar Mediterranean flavors from Telliskivi Koho with the ambiance of a restaurant building inspired by a boathouse, guided by the motto “simplicity is charm”. During warm weather, guests can also enjoy the salty breeze and sunshine on the seaside terrace. Mere Koho can get quite crowded at times, so it’s advisable to always book in advance.
Mix’s cuisine boldly blends different flavors and culinary traditions from around the world. Whether it’s global cuisine or local dishes, there is balance and harmony in the dishes. The menu focuses on local ingredients, adding color and flair with both Asian and Mediterranean flavors. The selection includes smoked fish, shrimp, Italian burrata, and local Andre farm cheeses. The restaurant’s drink selection is rich enough to support the chef’s fantasies, and the service is caring and attentive. Mix shares spaces with My City Hotel, but it is an independent restaurant whose creators share a long-standing friendship, a passion for good food, and hospitality.
Inspired by Asia
The restaurant-lounge OM House brings exotic flavors and aromas to the Rotermann Quarter, located between the city center and the harbor. The menu features dishes from various Southeast Asian countries: an especially rich selection of exquisitely crafted sushi, as well as hearty ramen and crispy tempura dishes from Japan, spicy soups and curries from Thailand, healthy kimchi from Korea, and much more exotic flare, all reinterpreted by the head chef with a European twist.
The dishes are prepared in an open kitchen right in front of the guests, while those who value privacy can choose to dine in cozy private rooms. The restaurant is complemented by a stylish lounge offering unique cocktails, with DJs performing on weekend evenings. During the warmer months, a large terrace is also open.
Rotermann is an active car-free urban space with outstanding architecture, created for people to enjoy. It is pleasant to take a walk here, to enjoy the buzz of the city, visit the cafes and restaurants, and shop. Numerous places to eat and drink have been established among the former industrial buildings and modern architecture, turning the quarter into a kind of gastronomic oasis.
The day is ushered in by delicious baked goods. The lunch menus range from Mexican to Georgian, from a vegetarian restaurant to a steakhouse, and an enjoyable evening can be spent in a cozy bar or one of the Michelin Guide restaurants – the selection is varied. This is Rotermann, the Bold Town of Tallinn.
Inspired by History
At Villa Friedheim in Haapsalu, the caférestaurant Von Gernet, led by head chef Tanel Kulbok, offers exquisite culinary experiences. The restaurant is named after the Gernet family, who used to own the building. Reflecting this rich history, the menu is inspired by the food preferences of the Tsarist court and 19thcentury cuisine, presented with a contemporary and modern twist.
The restaurant’s lush, flower-filled summer terrace opens directly onto the Haapsalu promenade, offering captivating sea views. Indoors, the elegant decor creates a bright and luxurious atmosphere.
Villa Friedheim’s boutique hotel and the Von Gernet café-restaurant are part of the GMP group, also well-known among gourmands for the highly regarded GMP Clubhotel & Pühajärve restaurant.
The letter “F” stands for Dmitri Fomenko, the creator and head chef of F. Burger, a place established as a family venture together with his wife Eva Unt. Fomenko’s burgers are extraordinary, as he brings his fine dining experience from Michelin-starred restaurants in Scandinavia to the world of street food. In addition to the original Dirty Juicy 100% Craft burgers, they also offer meat and gluten-free alternatives. The menu includes a small selection of salads, soups, main courses, and desserts, accompanied by wines, homemade lemonades, and herbal teas made from hand-picked botanical blends. To enhance the experience, they also serve a selection of champagnes from small producers, available by the glass.
Uulits, the only local street food chain, which can also be considered the pioneer of street food in Estonia, offers traditional street fare with a healthy and contemporary approach. This is gourmet street food, prepared in the style of a first-class restaurants the burgers are prepared to order and everything is made on-site – beef burgers, burger wraps, salads, sauces and fries. Starting years ago with a modest kiosk, the chain has expanded to several locations in Tallinn, Tartu and summer season pop-up in Pärnu.
Viru Food Hall is the only place in downtown Tallinn where you can choose from a menu offering a total of 16 different flavours at once. This warm and vibrant space offers everything from stone-baked pizza and gourmet bites to street food-inspired flavours from six different world cuisines. Whether you’re craving something indulgent, on the hunt for the perfect coffee, fancy a cold craft beer, or want a fresh and nourishing lunch – you’ll find it here, all enjoyed in a relaxed, shared seating area. On sunny days, the spacious outdoor terrace –the largest in the city center – invites you to linger a little longer. Thoughtful details like reusable porcelain dishes reflect our commitment to sustainability. And if you’re short on time, the MyViru app lets you order from multiple food spots with just a few taps – quick, easy, and all in one place.
Not sure where to start at Viru Food Hall? Here’s a quick guide to all 16 restaurants gathered under one roof.
BaoBun Steamed Asian buns with flavourful fillings
Chi Fresh and modern Asian fusion
F.Burger Gourmet burgers with handcrafted drinks
HAN’s
Street Food Chinese street food, including Lanzhou ramen and dumplings
Hop&Hen Crispy chicken and craft beer
Kebaboom Organic döner kebabs
KimiJimi Vietnamese, Korean & Cambodian street food
Kolm Tilli
Pizza & Past Wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta
Loco Rolls Sweet and savoury pancakes
Meie Gruusia Traditional Georgian food like khachapuri and khinkali
MySushi Sushi rolls and Japanese bites
PaperMill Roastery Specialty coffee and sweets
Pavlova Meringue-based desserts
Pelmen Handmade dumplings
Poke Bowl Fresh poke bowls
Samsa Family Bakers Uzbek pastries and baked goods
Street Food
Once you have visited all the best restaurants in Estonia and no longer need this booklet, pass it on to a friend so they too can enjoy the finest of Estonian culinary art.
