The Baltic beauty of Estonia isn’t just a diverse country of rocky beaches, gothic architecture, vast forests and expansive lakes. It’s also a mouth-watering melting pot of flavours that's earning its spot on the European gastronomic scene. But what should you eat? Where should you eat? And what should you expect from Northern European cuisine? Let us help...

What to eat...

One of the best bits about visiting a new country is immersing yourself in a whole new culture, and what better way to get to know how locals live in Tallinn than by sampling the food they eat daily? This city oozes delightful delicacies to try, and we’re kicking off with a true comfort meal, mulgipuder. This rustic porridge, made from mashed potatoes and barley, is often considered the dish of the country. Pop into any traditional restaurant and expect to see it on the menu! Pastries are also something you’ll find in abundance in Tallinn and the local treat, pirukad, is a must-try. These Estonian pastries are similar to dumplings, made from either sweet or savoury dough, filled with anything from carrots and cabbage to stewed beef.

The Estonian cuisine places emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, with many menus incorporating home-grown produce into their dishes. And as the seasons change, Estonia’s gastronomic scene adapts to the temperature, which means ingredients like root vegetables, freshly picked apples and pickled pumpkins are a staple as the leaves change. Meats like elk, boar and moose are devoured across the city, and when paired with the popular dark rye bread, smothered in full-fat, salty butter, you’ve got a game-changer of a dish!

When your sweet tooth starts tingling, don’t worry, it’s not just the savoury side of this city that impresses. Desserts in Tallinn are a must-have at every meal and treats here range from cakes to crumbles to pies, accompanied by berries, homemade jams and chocolate. Vastlakukkel is a particularly tasty Estonian dessert. These sweet buns are filled with an almond paste and lots of whipped cream! And don’t forget to try the sweet, cinnamon bread, kringel.

You’ll also find a hopping ale scene here, so popping in and out of the pubs to sample local tipples needs to be on your to-do list. And for the visitors who prefer a glass vino to an IPA, the wine scene here is as vibrant as the grapes that make them.

Where to eat...

If one thing’s for sure when visiting Tallinn, it’s that you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to places to dine. From hearty, homemade dishes to fine-dining experiences, every foodie will be satisfied roaming the restaurants here. And different parts of the city offer different experiences. The restaurants in Tallinn’s Old Town are equally as charming as the cobbled, fairy-lit streets they reside on, while the once industrial now trendy hotspot, Noblessner, is the place to be for fine-dining. This area has become a culinary gem, centered around the double-Michelin starred restaurant, 180° by Matthias Diether.

Telliskivi, known as the Creative City, is one of the most up and coming areas of Tallinn, scattered with trendy galleries, theatres, music venues and remarkable restaurants. You’ll want to head here for brunch at Värav Coffee and Toast or dinner at the famous F-Hoone, the first restaurant that put Telliskivi on the gastronomic map! Or why not take a break from roaming the city and visit Viru Food Hall? This beautifully crafted snacking spot boasts 16 different eateries, inside an old industrial building that has kept its original features.

On the outskirts of Tallinn, towards the sea, you’ll find restaurants dedicated to mouthwatering seafood. Plates of herring, pikeperch and smoked fish will leave your tastebuds dancing. You’ll also find one of the most popular fish in the Baltic Sea, sprat, included on many menus. To dine like a local, try a sprat sandwich, a marinated sprat fillet on rye bread, finished with a creamy sauce or plated simply with just a spread of butter... heaven! Head to restaurants like Ocean 11 or KAI Estonia for seafood sensations paired with staggering views across Tallinn Bay.