7 great restaurants in Tallinn - and some cafés and bars

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There are many nice restaurants in Tallinn, as well as a whole bunch of great cafés and bars. We've visited a number of great places, and here are some tips for those who want to enjoy a good meal (or drink) in the Estonian capital.

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Restaurants in Tallinn

There are, of course, many good restaurants in Tallinn, in different price ranges. We visited the city during a weekend in November, in cooperation with Visit Estonia, and we had the opportunity to visit several really good restaurants. In addition, we had time to check out several cafes and bars.

One thing we can definitely recommend, which you can find in many restaurants in Tallinn, is the Estonian black bread. So good that we bought three loaves home with us! Here are our tips for restaurants, cafés and bars.

1. Vegan Restoran V

Is anyone in your party vegan or vegetarian? Or do you just like food with lots of greens? None of us are vegetarian and yet we enjoyed the lunch at Vegan Restoran V really a lot. One of us ordered a vegan burger and the other chose lentil lasagne.

Both dishes tasted very good. But the best was the fantastic black bread. This Estonian bread is always good, but here it was extra, extra tasty. We would go here again just for the bread!

Address: Rataskaevu 12, Tallinn

2. restoran 38

One of our best dining experiences was at Restoran 38 in Tallinn, which is listed as a 'selected restaurant' in the Michelin Guide. To start with, this restaurant offers a fantastic setting.

We chose to eat the tasting menu here, which was an experience we will remember for a long time. Each dish was beautiful, exciting, creative and in every way different from the last. There was everything from chicken liver combined with raspberries to ceviche on seabass and a fantastically tender quail. Recommended if you want a special dining experience!

Address: Olevimägi 9, Tallinn

3. Fotografiska

The Fotografiska art centre in Tallinn, a branch of Fotografiska in Stockholm, opened in 2019. On the 6th floor there is a restaurant in a very nice and relaxed environment, which is also "selected" in the Michelin guide.

We ordered a ready-made menu, where one of us chose fish as the main course and the other chose meat. The feast started with some snacks, and then two different salads, before it was time for the main courses. Everything was very good, and the service was excellent!

Address: Tellaskivi tn 60a-8, Tallinn

4. lore bistroo

Lore Bistroo is located in the area known as Noblessner, in Tallinn harbour. This area is well worth a visit for several reasons: ships, museums, shops and sauna experiences... And of course you can eat well in the Lore Bistroo, which is listed as "Bib Gourmand" in the Michelin guide.

We shared a starter of cream of goat's cheese (very good!) and then chose a main course of duck and mushroom risotto. To finish, we shared an exciting dish with pumpkin, figs and marzipan. A very nice visit!

Address: Peetri 12, Tallinn (Port Noblessner)

5. R14

Restaurant R14, which is listed among the "selected restaurants" in the Michelin Guide, is characterised by being both a wine shop and a restaurant.

The restaurant, located in a former factory, offers a rustic and relaxed atmosphere. We shared a goat cheese gratin with artichoke for starters (very good!) and for the main course we both chose chicken with spicy sauce and sweet potato fries. A nice visit!

Address: Rotermanni tn 14, Tallinn

6. Noa

If we have to choose a single restaurant that was the absolute highlight of our last Tallinn trip, it would be Noah. This restaurant is located with stunning views by the sea, about 20 minutes by taxi from the centre of Tallinn. Here you will find Restoran Noa, where we ate (Bib Gourmand in the Michelin guide) and partly Noa Chef's Hall (one star in the Michelin Guide).

We had a tasting menu here, and in addition to that, the chef let us try a small "extra dish". This tasting journey was an amazing (and beautiful!) experience, with each dish standing out in flavour, texture and presentation. How about flambéed oysters or duck pie with broth, for example?

Address: Ranna tee 3, Tallinn

7. Scheeli Restoran

Scheeli Restoran is a restaurant that we visited last time we were in Tallinn. This place is located in the centre of the Old Town and serves good food, which is not too expensive. We had duck here, and enjoyed both the taste and the lovely colours. We also liked the romantic 1920s setting, and when we were here there was even entertainment in the spirit of the times.

Address: Vana Turg 2, Tallinn

Cafe in Tallinn: Maiasmokk

In addition to visiting exciting restaurants in Tallinn, it is of course nice to pop into a café or two. We can especially recommend Maiasmokk - a historic café that has been running continuously since it opened in 1864. The interior is classically beautiful, and what's more, you can check out traditional hand-painted marzipan here, or even watch the painting being done.

Address: Pikk tn 16, Kesklinna linnaosa, Tallinn

Bars in Tallinn

And why not, after your visits to restaurants in Tallinn, have a drink at one of the many bars in town? During our last visit to the city, we managed to visit no less than three bars, and all of them are well worth a visit, in completely different ways.

Botaanik is a unique little bar that has won several awards and honours. What's more, you'll be seated in a calm and relaxed environment, much like slipping into someone's cosy living room. Please note that the bar is only open Thursday - Saturday, and you should book a table in advance. Also be aware that the sign for the bar is discreet, and not visible until you look really closely.

Address: Suurtüki tn 2, Tallinn

Whisper Sister has, if possible, an even more discreet entrance. This 'secret' speakeasy bar is inspired by 1920s New York. There is absolutely nothing at street level to reveal that there is a bar downstairs, but there is, and what a bar it is! The atmosphere here cannot really be described, but must be experienced. Google the bar to book your place before you visit.

Address: Pärnu mnt. 12, Tallinn

Depeche Mode Baar, or DM Baar as the signs say, is the perfect place for all Depeche Mode fans, and anyone who wants to nostalgically remember a Depeche Mode era in their lives. Located in the centre of the Old Town, this bar is open pretty much every night. Expect a massive Depeche vibe!

Address: Voorimehe 4, Tallinn

More restaurants in Tallinn?

There are of course many more good restaurants in Tallinn, both in the Old Town and beyond. For example, many restaurants are listed in Michelin guides – 180° by Matthias Diether has two stars and NOA Chef's Hall has one star. In addition, several less exclusive restaurants are on the Bib Gourmand list or among the "selected restaurants". We also understand that Manna La Roosa should be a special restaurant, with a completely unique interior.

If you like food, we can also recommend a visit to the market Balti Jaama Turg, where you can browse through vegetables, meat, fish, bread, chocolate and other delicacies.

More to see and do in Tallinn

Utöver att besöka restauranger i Tallinn så finns det förstås mycket mer att see and experience in Estonia's capital. Vi kan varmt rekommendera att uppleva Sauna and spa in Tallinn. If you are visiting the city at Christmas time, it is also very nice to visit Tallinn Christmas Market.

Tips for restaurants in Tallinn?

Do you have any other tips for restaurants in Tallinn? Please let us know!

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