Do you want to dine like a local but also try some signature Estonian foods while you’re at it? I’ve made a guide for those of you looking for the best restaurants in Tallinn. It can be hard choosing where to eat in Tallinn Old Town. Be assured that I’ve personally been to Tallinn more than 5 times on separate occasions and have thoroughly explored the city.
A lot of these places were first introduced to me by my local friends and have been tested by time. With that said, here’s my list of 10 cherry-picked places to eat in Tallinn that I’ve personally been to that I can wholeheartedly recommend!
Where to eat in Tallinn Old Town: My Top 10 Picks
Rataskaevu 16: №1 Restaurant In Tallinn
Rataskaevu 16 is perfect for both lunches and cozy dinner dates. In the evening the candlelit rooms make you feel secluded and dreamy. Everything on the menu is exquisite. Servers leave personalized notes on the napkins, butter, and freshly baked bread is brought to the table along with compliments from the chef. The whole experience is an absolute delight.
Do yourself a favor and book a table one week in advance. The doors open at 12:00 and that’s the only time you might be able to get a table with no reservation. You literally have to be by the door at 12:00 though or you just might hear the dreaded ‘I’m sorry, we’re fully booked’.
P.S.: If you’re unable to secure a table, check out the 2nd restaurant under the same proprietors: Niguliste 6 which boasts the same quality of service and shares several dishes from Rataskaevu 16.
Personal recommendation: the pumpkin soup with mozzarella (5 EUR) is absolutely delicious. There’s not one single thing on the menu that has disappointed me. Go with your mood.
Address: Rataskaevu 16, Tallinn | Opening Hours: 12:00 – 23:00 | Website: http://rataskaevu16.ee/en/
Kompressor: A Pancake Heaven For The Hungry
If you’re wondering where to eat in Tallinn on a budget, you’ll be pleasantly surprised! Kompressor is a must for those who adore pancakes as much as I do. The portions are huge and the range is too – choose your favorite sweet or savory combination and settle in for a great meal. This is a well-loved destination among students. It’s budget-friendly without compromising on the quality. Most of the pancakes cost around 5 EUR.
Personal recommendation: Pancakes, pancakes, pancakes. Go with your taste but be warned, they’re large and very filling so don’t go ordering several things at once. Better take it slow.
Address: Rataskaevu 3, Tallinn | Opening Hours 10:00 – 23:00 | Website: http://kompressorpub.ee/
Pegasus: Modern Cuisine With Vegetarian Options
Pegasus is another restaurant from the owners of Rataskaevu 16, and when it comes to great restaurants, they really know their business. If you like modern cuisine and design, look no further. The interior is quirky and Scandinavian, with the windows facing Harju, one of Tallinn’s popular streets in Old Town.
This place is perfect for vegetarians and vegans as well as lactose intolerant guests since their menu is quite varied. The menu has changed since my last visit but Pegasus likes to mix ingredients into interesting combinations. Last time I was there, I ate a charcoal salad (as literal as it sounds). The menu mixes vegetables with meat and fish dishes, so you’ll have plenty to choose from. The average price is 6-7 EUR per dish.
Address: Harju 1, Tallinn | Opening Hours: Sun – Thu 12:00 – 23:00, Fri – Sat 12:00 – 00:00 | Website: https://www.restoranpegasus.ee
Olde Hansa: Medieval Feast in A Merchant’s House
Photo credit: photos kindly provided by Olde Hansa
Olde Hansa is a touristic destination, no doubt, but it’s also really awesome. If you’re looking for authentic medieval entourage, good food, live music and Old Tallinn vibes, look no further.
Your evening will be enhanced by all manner of performers and artists playing music on medieval instruments, dancing and more.
Olde Hansa also has its own shop where you can find really cool souvenirs that include medieval clothing, magical elixirs such as Aqva Vitae and their own craft beers. So if you’ve already decided on another restaurant, pop by the store and get yourself a memento of your visit.
Personal recommendation: Try the honey beer, it comes very recommended! And if you’re the kind of person who only manages 3 rounds at an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant (What?! Who told you I’m projecting?), then you might wanna look into the A-la-carte which has a lot of variety. Come with friends as this will provide you with the excuse of stealing bites from their plate and trying a little bit of everything.
Address: Vana turg 1, 10140 Tallinn, Estonia | Opening Hours: 11:00 – 00:00 | Website: https://www.oldehansa.ee/
Peppersack: A Character Restaurant in A Medieval Storehouse
Photo credit: 1st photo is mine, scroll through to see photos kindly provided by Peppersack
Peppersack is another restaurant with a rich history behind it, catering to those who want to experience Tallinn’s medieval charm. The concept is very similar to Olde Hansa and it’s located a stone’s throw away from it as well. Yet I guarantee that this restaurant will draw your eye as you walk past because of, well, the pepper sack hanging on the front of the building.
Historically the building was used as a storehouse since the lates 14th century. Nowadays the restaurant makes beer according to historical recipes but also caters to lovers of pastries and other baked goods during the morning hours. During summertime, you can sit outside and enjoy a great meal in the fresh air. In the evenings the guests are treated to a sword fighting show.
For those of you wondering where to eat in Tallinn Old Town without compromising on food and service quality, Peppersack will be a pleasant surprise.
Address: Viru 2 / Vana turg 6, Tallinn | Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 08:00 – 00:00, Sun: 09:00 – 23:00 | Website: http://www.
III Draakon: A Positively Medieval Pub Experience
III Draakon (means Third Dragon) is a must for everyone who wants to experience a touch of Tallinn’s medieval background. This tavern is located right on the Town Square, in the Town Hall, in fact. It’s everything you would expect from a place like this and even more: a simple great-tasting menu, hearty but playful reception, candle-lit atmosphere and great pricing.
III Draakon serves pastries fresh out of the oven, hot elk-soup, sausages and pickles that you have to fish out from a medieval barrel by using a giant wooden fork (it’s as tricky as it sounds).
The Pierre Chocolaterie: The Most Delicious Hot Chocolate Flavor Mix
I had to include at least one charming cafe on this list. The Pierre Chocolaterie is tucked into a small corner of The Master’s Courtyard in the heart of Old Tallinn. This amazing Chocolaterie has been open since 1937 and has the most welcoming artistic French vibe.
What makes this cozy Chocolaterie special is that they make delicious chocolate infused with different tastes, such as chocolate with tequila and chili or gorgonzola and grappa. Paired with delicious cakes and desserts as well as savory dishes, it’s the perfect morning spot for all the sweet tooths.
The interior is filled with quirky old furniture that completes the eclectic setting and makes you feel especially comfortable. You can also sit outside in the Master’s Courtyard and enjoy the good weather instead.
The brand has several locations so do check the address below for the Chocolaterie itself, not the restaurant that is located on the Town Square.
Personal recommendation: Get chocolate with candied orange and ginger and don’t forget about quiche!
Address: Meistrite Hoov, Vene tn 6, Tallinn| Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 10:00– 22:00 | Website: http://www.pierre.ee/
Texas Honky Tonk & Cantina: Huge Cocktails & Mexican Extravaganza
Photo credit: photos kindly provided by Texas Honky Tonk & Cantina
If you’re craving a touch of Mexican and drinking Margaritas that have 5 straws sticking out of them (yep, they’re that big), you’re in the right place. You can easily find the restaurant on your way to Oleviste Church and the restaurant has a patio as well if you want to enjoy a bit of fresh air.
The restaurant offers daily specials and they serve chili ice-cream too! Superb menu aside, there are also often live performances and the whole experience is as atmospheric as possible. So if you feel like veering away from regular touristic spots, try this one out.
Personal recommendation: Try the Strawberittas as they are fantastic. And just pick whatever you feel like on the menu!
Address: Pikk 43, Tallinn| Opening Hours: 12:00 – 00:00| Website: http://texas.ee
Hell Hunt: Atmospheric Pub With Great Snacks
If you’re not only looking for places where you can eat in Tallinn, but also drink your fill, this is the place for you! It’s hard to walk past Hell Hunt and not notice the entrance which is decorated with an image of a maiden carried away on a large grey wolf. If you’re in the mood for snacks, beer, and an atmospheric pub, Hell Hunt is the way to go.
This pub stocks an extensive choice of beers (locals and otherwise) and boasts a fantastic cider list. The snacks never disappoint either: they’ve got onion rings, herring, classic pickled treats, meatballs, and so much more. Enjoy the comfy chairs and play darts, eat and drink your fill.
Despite the huge snack list, this place has a good variety of dishes that won’t let you go hungry. Hell Hunt doesn’t skimp on portions and they’ve got salads, meats and soups to choose from.
Address: Pikk 39, Tallinn| Opening Hours: 12:00 – 02:00| Website: http://www.hellhunt.ee/
NoKu: A Secret Cafe For Those In The Know
NoKu is labeled as a locals-only hangout thanks to its unusual location. As a tourist, wandering the cozy little streets of the Old Town, you will never find this place on your own. That is because it is concealed from the clueless passerby on the second floor of what would be a regular apartment building.
NoKu boasts a carefree artsy vibe and its decor is reminiscent of times gone by. The Soviet-looking chairs and brick walls are ready to welcome you for a relaxed evening in a youthful setting. The menu isn’t fancy and super affordable.
To discover this little gem, look for the blue door and dial 2580 on the keypad.
Personal recommendation: get a glass of local beer and basically anything on the menu.
Address: Pikk 5, 10123 Tallinn | Opening Hours: 12:00 – 03:00 daily
BONUS: Once you ate your fill, head to Labor Bar where you can drink shots from vials and test tubes (with a varied degree of ‘acidity’)…
Those were my top 10 places where to eat in Tallinn! What are your favorite places in the city? Let me know in the comments!
Yum, I could eat all those pancakes now if I lived closer!
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Thanks for the great guide. Best write up of Tallinn foodie places I’ve seen and super helpful for my trip.
Thanks, Alex! I’m really glad you found the guide useful. Hope you love Tallinn!