Gourmets today can eschew the more usual locations and experience an amazing number of good restaurants overlooking the sea.
Those who haven’t visited Estonia for a number of years may be surprised by the guidance offered in the title of this article. What are the restaurants by the water? Where are they located? Indeed, ten years ago, it was surprising that in Estonia, with such a long seashore, there were few places to eat right by the sea with those venues there, not considered amongst the best in the country.
For those interested in experiencing these important changes in Estonia’s culinary landscape but are short on time, the right place to start is the new quarter of Tallinn, which is still under construction.
Half a day passes quickly here. Old architecture meets modern on the territory of the former submarine factory of the Russian Empire, and the result is an impressive-looking quarter where the people of Tallinn like to hang out.
In terms of good food and drink, you can't get any better than what is offered here. The best restaurant in Estonia, 180 Degrees by Matthias Diether is located here, which is rated ** worthy by Michelin. Lore Bistro, Kampai by Kim Mikkola, and Põhjala Tap Room offer variety and diversity. All these eateries are among the best restaurants in Estonia.
After lunch, it’s worth taking a short walk around the quarter, stopping by the Kalamaja cemetery park right next door. Admire the architecture and visit Seaplane Harbour Museum, and before you know it, it’s already time for dinner, right here at Noblessner.
It can be safely said that there is no port in Tallinn without a good restaurant. Those who come to Tallinn by ferry from Helsinki do not have to leave the port territory at all with the award-winning Ocean 11 restaurant located right next to the cruise ship piers. From here, you can enjoy enchanting panoramic views of the sea and the imposing cruise ships in the port in all directions. Ocean 11 is worth visiting even if you’re not hungry: a glass of wine or cocktail in this exceptional environment will be remembered for a long time.
Restaurant Puri, located on the other side of the city in Kakumäe Harbour, is not inferior to Ocean 11 in terms of its enchanting views. The summer atmosphere here is most often compared by restaurant guests to the moods of the ports of Monaco and Cannes. Puri is certainly one of the ten best restaurants in Estonia; it's worth coming here for the seafood and visitors must try one of Puri's signature cocktails.
The second-best restaurant in Estonia, NOA Chef's Hall, together with the pocket restaurant NOA, are also located by the water, although not directly in the port. The first one is designed for experiencing special moments, while the second is for everyday good food with breathtaking views of the sea, Tallinn’s skyline and sunsets.
Travellers to Estonia should always consider renting a car and taking a trip outside of Tallinn, making time for a little sightseeing. Estonia is small enough that you can get from one end of the country to the other in one day and still have time to explore the surroundings. Despite the small size, Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Estonia are quite different compared to each other, in terms of nature, sights, as well as food and accommodation.
Even a short beach holiday in summer can be spent in this way. Estonia’s best beach restaurant OKO is located only 12km from the centre of Tallinn on Haabneeme beach. A glass of Champagne on the terrace of the restaurant or directly on the beach from the trailer creates a sublime atmosphere, and the food prolongs the pleasure even more. Be it just a pizza or something from the menu of seasonal dishes; the sunsets are breathtaking here.
If you start moving from Tallinn right after breakfast, you will be in Western Estonia, Dirhami in just one-and-a-half hours. The restaurant here is known for serving food, mainly fish that the trawlers that bring their catches to the fish farm located here. Since Dirhami is located away from the main traffic, the beach here is never too crowded, and you can spend the night in a modern guest house in the harbour.
The journey from Dirhami in Western Estonia to Liimala in Eastern Estonia is twice as long, it takes three hours to get from one end of Estonia to the other. In Liimala, the harbour, beach, restaurant and guesthouse also await, but the experience is completely different. In the village of Liimala, a hundred years ago, instead of fishing, more clandestine spirit transport to Finland was practised, with the Tulivee Bootlegging Museum commemorating that time. The restaurant's food has its roots in history, it goes well with vodka; a night in a guest house right on the beach sand will leave you with indelible memories.
The high standard of restaurants by the sea is news to many Estonians, not to mention foreigners, but they are definitely worth visiting!
