This past winter, I explored Tallinn and Lahemaa National Park, and while the scenery was stunning, it was the food that left the most lasting impression. From zero-waste fine dining in a trendy arts district to schnapps by a snowy bog, these unforgettable Estonian food experiences stayed with me.

Sustainable Fine Dining at Fotografiska, Tallinn

Nestled in the creative Telliskivi neighbourhood, Fotografiska’s rooftop restaurant isn’t just about panoramic views, it’s about purpose-driven food. Awarded a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sustainability, the kitchen operates on a zero-waste philosophy, crafting seasonal dishes from root to leaf and nose to tail.

The meal was a communal affair, with shared platters passed around the table. One standout? A vibrant plate of fermented vegetables served with a shot of aquavit for dipping. It sounded odd, but the flavours were unexpectedly incredible — a perfect introduction to food in Estonia at its most innovative.

Creative Tallinn: Telliskivi’s Cultural Pulse

Telliskivi Creative City is more than just a place to eat, it’s where Tallinn’s modern identity thrives. Once an industrial zone, it’s now a buzzing cultural quarter filled with boutiques, galleries, street art, and some of the city’s best food and drink spots.

You could start at La Muu Ice Cream Factory for organic scoops with a cult following, or enjoy comforting seasonal fare at the ever-popular F-hoone, set in a converted factory. Those with dietary needs should head to Kivi Paber Käärid (Rock Paper Scissors). Here you’ll find inventive, 100% gluten-free Estonian cuisine in a stylish, cosy setting.

Drink lovers aren’t left out either. Junimperium Distillery offers guided gin tastings and a look behind the scenes, while Bar Möku keeps things casual with great craft beer and a laid-back, creative crowd. For something more hands-on, Food Studio runs pop-up kitchens and workshops where you can roll up your sleeves and experience local food experiences first-hand.

With music drifting from intimate venues, cafés on every corner, and a constant hum of life, Telliskivi invites you to slow down and stay awhile. Fotografiska’s rooftop restaurant rounds it all off perfectly, a space where food, art, and community come together.

A City of Michelin Stars

Tallinn’s culinary reputation is soaring, with several Michelin-starred restaurants now calling the capital home. These kitchens blend Nordic techniques with local Estonian ingredients to create something truly special.

If fine dining is your thing, you’re spoilt for choice. The boundary-pushing tasting menu at Noa Chef’s Hall, the refined artistry of 180° by Matthias Diether, and the understated elegance of Soo. If you’re thinking of visiting, it’s well worth securing reservations in advance, and we’re happy to help. Each offers a unique take on Estonian food experiences.

Step Back in Time at Olde Hansa

For something theatrical and totally unique, head to Olde Hansa in Tallinn’s medieval Old Town. This immersive restaurant is lit by candlelight, full of costumed hosts, and serving 15th-century recipes. This is part history lesson, part performance.

We were greeted with schnapps at the door and ushered into a warm, shadowy space. I felt like I was stepping into a historic novel. Expect wild game, roasted nuts, and mead, all served in a way that transports you to another era. Yes, it’s touristy, but delightfully so, and one of the more memorable local food experiences in the city.

Hands-On Chocolate Workshop at Chocokoo

Need a break from sit-down meals? At Chocokoo, a passionate local chocolatier offers chocolate-making workshops that are as delicious as they are fun. After hearing her inspiring story and learning about bean-to-bar techniques, we got stuck into making our own ganache truffles.

Mine were heavy on the chili, no regrets. It was a fun, messy, and memorable way to explore Estonia’s culinary scene from a different angle.

A Michelin-Starred Chef in the Forest: Hiis Restaurant

About 30 minutes outside Tallinn, on the way to Lahemaa National Park, you’ll find Hiis Restaurant, a hidden gem led by Michelin Young Chef Award winner Daanius Aas. His tasting menu (we tried a shortened version) was a beautiful, thoughtful journey through Estonia’s forests, fields, and food traditions.

The dishes were light but layered with flavour: forest berries, delicate herbs, earthy broths. Every plate told a story. Even in the depths of winter, it felt fresh, alive, and deeply connected to place. The kind of Estonian food experience that stays with you long after the meal ends.

A Forest Feast Like No Other

Our final day brought a bit of magic. After a bog shoe hike through the Viru Bog, we were met by a rustic outdoor setup where chef Oliver Tohva and guide Signe Ohakas had prepared a forest lunch by a crackling fire.

There was schnapps to warm us, spiced bread, game bird, and a local dessert topped with mint-honey sauce. Yes, I was absolutely freezing by the end, but I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. It was one of the most unexpected and atmospheric food experiences in Estonia.

Final Thoughts: Estonia on a Plate

Estonia’s culinary scene is far more layered and exciting than most people expect. You could be sipping berry smoothies in a Tallinn café, dining by candlelight in a medieval hall, or enjoying foraged dishes beside a snowy bog, the food always tells a story. One rooted in seasonality, heritage, and nature. So if you’re planning a trip and wondering where to eat in Tallinn or beyond, come hungry, and leave room for the unexpected.

If Annie’s blog has whet your appetite for an Estonian culinary journey, take a look at our Luxury and Elegance in the Baltic Capitals itinerary. From handpicked restaurant recommendations to bespoke reservations, we’ll make sure every bite and every moment is unforgettable