Restaurants in Estonia
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A
Kompressor
Eat one of the enormous, stuffed pancakes and you'll be full for the rest of the day. The large hall and casual atmosphere make it a great hang-out too; the big tables make it easy to chat up locals.
reviewed
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B
Olde Hansa
If you'll splurge just once in Tallinn, here's where to do it. This medieval-themed restaurant (more authentic than kitsch!) boasts first and foremost the most ebullient and friendly service in the city, plus exotic meats (elk, wild boar) and homemade delights like juniper cheese and honey beer. It's a fun atmosphere inside or out on the terrace, and the food and its creative presentation is always first-rate.
reviewed
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C
Café Wilde
This richly decorated place serves good coffees, decadent homemade cakes and light sandwiches. Its namesake is Peter Ernst Wilde, who opened a publishing house on the premises in the 18th century, though the pub also pays tribute to two literary Wildes: Oscar Wilde and Eduard Wilde. For heartier dining (and drinking) head to the upstairs pub.
reviewed
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D
Vanaema Juures
Vanaema Juures (Grandma's Place) was one of Tallinn's most stylish restaurants in the 1930s and still ranks as a top choice for Estonian fare. The antique-set dining room is slightly formal and the menu, whilst specialising in authentic dishes such as pigs' trotters, has plenty of options (even for vegetarians).
reviewed
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E
La Dolce Vita
Thin-crust pizzas come straight from the wood-burning oven at this charming pizzeria. You'll also find pastas, salads and classic but casual décor (red-and-white checked tablecloths, Fellini posters). There's a patio at the back.
reviewed
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Altja Kõrts
Set in an old wooden farmhouse with a thatched roof and traditionally attired waiters, this charming place serves delicious plates of home cooking. Cauliflower soup, salmon pie (the best!) and omelettes can't be beaten. Follow it up with fresh blueberry pie (in season). The menu is posted in Estonian, but the staff will gladly translate. It's on the main road leading into Altja, overlooking a yard full of swings.
reviewed
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F
University Café
This old-world café with beautiful wooden floors and an outdoor patio is one of the gems of Tartu. Palm trees, high ceilings and black-and-white photographs give a colonial charm to the upstairs airy space. Buffet meals are charged by the kilo. Downstairs there's a simpler buffet (decent breakfasts), also with outdoor patio, that makes a good spot for coffee or a quick meal.
reviewed
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G
Angel
One of Tallinn's most diverse crowds gathers at this stylish second-floor restaurant just off the beaten path. A lounge-like feel provides a warm setting to the small but eclectic menu (salads, pastas - and an unbeatable cheeseburger). Best of all, the kitchen stays open late. Adjoining the space downstairs is Tallinn's best gay nightclub.
reviewed
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H
Eesti Maja
This fun folksy restaurant is a good place to sample authentic Estonian fare. Traditional favourites like blood sausage, jellied pork and marinated eel aren't for the timid, but there are plenty of tasty dishes for the unadventurous (salmon, steak, etc). There's a small, weekday lunch buffet, which is a good place to sample the goods.
reviewed
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I
Troika
Tallinn's best Russian restaurant is a fully-fledged experience in itself, with wild hunting-themed murals, live accordion music and an old-style country tavern upstairs. Even if you don't opt for delicious pelmeni (dumplings) or heavenly sweet borscht, do stop in for an ice-cold glass of vodka.
reviewed
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Restaurant Central
This elegant dining room offers tasty varied selections such as farfalle with smoked cheese, and oven-baked trout. The music is bad, but the service is friendly, and the crème brûlée is not to be missed. There's also an outdoor terrace and an atmospheric bar downstairs.
reviewed
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J
Trahter Postipoiss
One of Pärnu's new additions, this converted 17th-century postal building houses a delightful Russian tavern, with excellent Russian cuisine, a garrulous crowd (especially after a few vodka shots) and imperial portraits watching over the proceedings. The spacious patio opens during the summer.
reviewed
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Haapsalu Kuursaal
Inside a beautiful 1898 spa hall, you'll find international, somewhat overpriced fare, but the seaside setting and surrounding rose garden are a big draw. Come for coffee, cocktails or the concerts and performances held here. Check website for listings.
reviewed
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Lümanda Söögimaja
In a red house on the main road in Lümanda, this cosy country place serves tasty freshly prepared meals (fish soup, pork with turnips, white fish and potatoes) made with only organic ingredients. Beer-lovers should try the somewhat sour home-brew.
reviewed
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K
Café Grand
Pärnu's most stately dining room serves up delicately prepared Chateaubriand, rack of lamb and other favourites amid 1920s grandeur. The plush chairs in the bar and café make a cosy spot for coffee and crème brûlée.
reviewed
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L
Maailm
The old wooden floors, beamed ceilings and wildly decorated walls may make you feel like you've stumbled across Greg Brady's secret Tartu hideaway. The food is just as eclectic: curry chicken, fish soup, vegetarian enchiladas and milkshakes.
reviewed
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Grand Holm Marina
Haapsalu's best restaurant has an outdoor terrace overlooking the marina and a beautifully set dining room. The food is delicious. For something different try the juniper-smoked duck breast with polenta, followed by warm rhubarb tart.
reviewed
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M
Vaekoja
One of several inviting restaurants on the main square, Vaekoja serves eclectic fare (rainbow trout with blue cheese, grilled ostrich, salads) amid historic elegance. The front terrace is a popular meeting/drinking spot in the summer.
reviewed
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N
Gruusia Saatkond
A rustic but colourfully decorated dining room sets the scene for feasting on hearty plates of Georgian cuisine. Eggplant with walnuts, hatšapuri, trout with walnuts and shashlik are among the favourites.
reviewed
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O
Tsink Plekk Pang
Named after the zinc buckets that are suspended from the ceiling as lampshades, this warmly lit Chinese pub serves decent meals with plenty of vegetarian fare. The outdoor patio up top is particularly inviting.
reviewed
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Stoory Cellar
During the summer this café's grassy backyard, perched on the edge of the lake, makes a lovely setting for a drink. It serves food, but the only thing commendable is the freshly grilled shashlik.
reviewed
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P
Püssirohukelder
Set majestically in a cavernous old gunpowder cellar, this place doubles as a boisterous pub and it's a good choice for tasty meat and fish dishes. A more secluded wine cellar joins the space.
reviewed
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Café Isabella
In the grounds of Palmse Manor, this elegant café overlooks a swan-filled lake. Skip the mains (sausages etc) and concentrate on coffee, rhubarb cake and those idly floating birds.
reviewed
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Old Victoria
Amid antique wallpaper and leather sofas, this English-style pub is the place to go for cottage pie, salmon-filo pastry and English breakfasts. There's also a peaceful backyard garden.
reviewed
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Q
Õuemaja
This popular no-frills restaurant serves decent, not terribly healthy food in a hurry. Noted writer and linguist Johannes Aavik and his musician cousin Joosep Aavik once lived here.
reviewed