"Barrier-free" Restaurants in Estonia
Renowned Berlin chef Matthias Diether has moved to Tallinn, bringing with him a healthy dose of big-city glamour. Enchanted by the interior, the attentive service and the first promising tastes, diners are discovering that classic fine dining, often considered a little passé, is alive and well here. Matthias Diether runs his kitchen in the spirit of proper German organisation, while the dining room embodies effortless French elegance. The combination creates a refined dining experience unlike any other restaurant in Tallinn.
If you are here for the first time and something seems familiar, there is no reason to be surprised. Today's leading chefs of several dozen restaurants cooked their first great dishes over the same hearth, following the guidance of mentor chef Tõnis Siigur. Dishes that are considered classics here live on in other restaurants in a slightly different style. At NCH, however, they taste completely anew with each successive menu that Tõnis creates in collaboration with his mentees. NCH is at the forefront of Estonian gastronomy.
The glamorous lifestyle is rather unfamiliar to Estonia. Those who can't live without glamour look for it elsewhere, for example in Monaco. But there is one place in Tallinn that bears a strong comparison with Monaco. This restaurant is Puri in Kakumäe Marina Haven. Start with champagne and caviar, move on to sole or halibut and finish with a dessert called Malibu Club. Tallinn is just big enough for a well-run, classy restaurant to thrive, especially as the glamour is authentic and not a carbon copy from somewhere else.
NOA Restaurant is the little brother of the famous NOA Chef's Hall and is located next door in the same building. The casual dining here is not far from the fine dining experience offered by NOA Chef's Hall. The view of Tallinn Bay and the Tallinn skyline is just a little more impressive. The cuisine reflects the latest trends.
Horisont is worthy of its lofty location on the 30th floor of the Swissotel. Since it opened, it has set such high standards in terms of food, drink and service that few restaurants on the ground floor can come close to matching them. The bar always offers cocktails with very exquisite flavours and the restaurant offers fine dining at the highest level. Horisont's standards are consistently high. A solid choice for entertaining.
The GMP Pühajärve Restaurant in the only tower block in the Pühajärve area, surrounded by the ski paths of Otepää, is a place with a long tradition. The legendary party place of the Soviet period has ripened into a restaurant that demonstrates tones and to all the undeniable charm of food that is taken straight from the field to the kitchen.
If you could describe this restaurant with just one adjective, it would be charming. The first thing you notice is the discreet and competent service provided by the staff, who are always on hand. It continues with a sip of wine recommended by the sommelier that you wouldn't have thought to choose yourself. It is visible in the appearance of the dishes and pervades your senses with its aromas.
The Hedon Hotel and its spa are undoubtedly among the best in Estonia, as is the hotel's Raimond restaurant. The food alone shows that the restaurant dares to experiment. This is the birthplace of Pärnu's culinary style. The service is elegant. Local craft drinks are well represented on the drinks list.
Located in a small wooden building next to the large Kadriorg Park, the restaurant is designed to represent the Mediterranean spirit of Estonian life. The competent and always young and cheerful service will advise each guest on the most suitable dish and drink. However, the tasting menu is the restaurant's best experience.
Life literally follows the sun at Lore, a bistro on the pier of Noblessner's harbour. As soon as the sun comes out from behind the clouds, the bistro is filled with people wanting to eat, drink and socialise. But don't underestimate Lore on a gloomy day. If you run out of things to talk about, the food will make up for it. Eclectically prepared from local ingredients, it boldly incorporates flavours from all over the world and is paired with drinks from an extensive menu.
During the Soviet era, Tuljak was built in the Flower Pavilion so that the whole complex could be seen as an example of the success of socialism. In the early years of Estonia's regained independence, the Carina restaurant on this site was like a bright dream of what life would be like in the future. Now the dream has come true. Tuljak is one of the most stylish restaurants in Estonia, both inside and out, and the food and drinks are equally impressive.
ISSEI is the only restaurant in Estonia serving Nikkei or Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, which is currently making waves around the world. Located on the top floor of the Radisson Collection Hotel, guests can enjoy exotic flavours and stunning views of Tallinn's Old Town and the ocean. The restaurant's bar serves cocktails that pair well with the food.
Pompei is a breath of fresh air in Tartu's stagnant gastronomic scene. The food is simple and unadorned, but very tasty. The drinks menu is just as important as the food menu. This is where the people of Tartu like to hang out. Pompei differs from other restaurants by offering fresh cheese every evening.
The Joyce Restaurant in the only spa hotel in Tartu doesn't settle for mediocre food, but rather for awe-inspiring dishes. The cuisine is made from a variety of ingredients and prepared using different cooking techniques. The result is eye-catching, slightly flirtatious in appearance, but with well-balanced flavours.
Käsmu, where Kaspervik is located, is a picturesque little seaside village. Kaspervik Restaurant is located in one of the refurbished buidings from the former children's summer camp. Today the cabins have been renovated to provide accommodation for everyone. A meal at Kaspervik, combined with an overnight stay here, offers the genuine romance of a fishing village, seasoned with a strong dose of nostalgia.
Ormisson is the restaurant of one of Viljandi's most prestigious hotels. Surprises are not the norm here. On the contrary, the clientele here demands quality and dependability. And that's exactly what Ormisson offers when it comes to food and drink. Ormisson is the restaurant of one of Viljandi's most prestigious hotels. Surprises are not the norm here. On the contrary, the clientele here demands quality and dependability. And that's exactly what Ormisson offers when it comes to food and drink. And the relaxed atmosphere beckons for a return visit.
The Radisson Collection Hotel's MEKK restaurant is open all day and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast is particularly rich and very representative of local flavours. Frankly, it's worth a visit even if you're not staying at the hotel. In the evenings and at lunchtime you can enjoy the unique culinary signature dishes of Rene Uusmees. He is a relentless innovator of Estonian cuisine.
Dirhami Fish Café is famous all over Estonia. The freshest fish is always served here. The sea seems to be full of European sprat and Baltic herring, but other seasonal fish are also on the menu. Whatever the catch of the day, you can be sure it will be prepared into something delicious. Even the ordinary sprat and herring taste purer and fresher than anywhere else.
Tall glass windows offer an impressive view of Tallinn's harbour, huge ships coming and going and the vastness of the sea. At Ocean 11, the sea is the main backdrop and creates the atmosphere. The varied menu keeps you coming back for more. To counteract the ever-changing weather, the restaurant offers delicious food, mainly seafood, prepared with great skill.
OKO is not just a restaurant by the sea, it is a beach restaurant in the truest sense of the word. Champagne parties at sunset are what OKO is renowned for. Not surprisingly, OKO's food is a worthy companion to the bottles of bubbly. Unlike other beach restaurants, OKO is open all year round. It is not ideal for winter swimmers, but for those who enjoy good food with stunning sea views.