Tallinn Restaurants: Where to Eat and Drink

Tallinn, destination of Baltic Run, is full of good restaurants and more are popping up all the time! Here’s part one of two on the top places to celebrate having completed the challenge.

Photo by Dale Cruse

If you’re in the mood for a slap-up dinner:

Cru

Photo by denAsuncioner

A great place for a lovely dinner – Cru. This restaurant is in the heart of the Old Town, on one of the busiest streets. The decor is elegant and the food is great too. If you want to stay in this historical building, there are even several hotel rooms here.

Mekk

Photo by stu_spivack

One of the very best Tallinn restaurants, Mekk has been the place for a fancy and delicious dinner for quite a long time. They more than live up to their reputation, because the food here is superb. You’ll find modern Estonian cuisine here. It’s located adjacent to the gorgeous Savoy Boutique Hotel in the Old Town.

Gianni

Photo by Ryan Ruppe

If you’re looking for Italian food, there’s quite a lot in Tallinn – but this is the only one you want. This is a very upscale eaterie amongst Tallinn restaurants, where you will be treated like royalty. Needless to say, Gianni is the perfect setting for a romantic dinner. However, if you’re on a budget, you’re probably best off trying something in the next group of eateries…

…Relaxed by day, fancy by night:

Pegasus

Photo by Jim Coyle

Pegasus has extremely friendly service and seems to be a favorite amongst Finns (not the rowdy drunken types, mind!). Their bread is to die for.

Photo by Juan M Molina

Fabrik

Photo by Alpha

You won’t be disappointed, as their food is extremely tasty and the friendly service will make you feel welcome.

Casual and relaxed:

F-Hoone

Photo by Dale Cruse

Everyone loves F-Hoone, especially those with kids. It’s in the same hipster area as Kivi Paber Käärid, below. Their pasta and burgers are great.

Photo by cyclonebill

Kivi Paber Käärid

Photo by Vesa Linja-aho

Kivi Paber Käärid is located in the hipster area – a sure sign that this place is super trendy. A great option for a relaxed atmosphere with good food and drinks.

Bistro Baar Kukeke

Photo by yoppy

Kukeke has been converted from an old railway depot to a trendy joint. It’s found in the Kalamaja district and has everything: pasta, burgers, salmon, vegetarian fare – you name it.

Umami

Photo by Berndt Rostad

Umami is somewhat off the beaten track in the Mustamäe district. Probably worth taking a taxi. The restaurant is the brainchild of the Leib Resto guys – another restaurant to bear in mind for your Tallinn visit. Food is all-round great and Umami even brews their own beer. They also have a children’s menu and kids are more than welcome.

Sushi Cat

Photo by Joe Bielawa

If you are looking for something quirky, go to Sushi Cat! This oddity among Tallinn restaurants is great for manga lovers and anyone who loves pink. A lot. Oh, their sushi’s not bad either.

Estonian Burger Factory

Photo by David Pursehouse

Estonian Burger Factory, like Umami, is not on the tourist trail but hey, after something as epic as the Baltic Run, what difference does an extra mile or two make? Besides, their fare is de-li-ci-o-us enough to make a bee(f)line for any time of the year, but especially in the wake of an epic New Year’s Eve on the road.