The best restaurants in Tallinn - how to choose?

Whether you are a local foodie or a tourist, Tallinn's dining scene offers something for everyone. Tallinn has become a true gastronomic capital, with restaurants for every taste and budget, but with so many options, it can be difficult to choose. Harju County restaurants, and especially Tallinn restaurants, are known for their quality and variety, but how do you choose the right place that meets your expectations? Here's an overview of how to choose from the best restaurants in Tallinn. 

Location – Restaurants located in the city center, Old Town and by the sea

Location is often a determining factor when choosing a restaurant. Different areas of Tallinn offer unique dining experiences and atmospheres.

Tallinn City Center

Dining options in Tallinn city center are the perfect choice if you are looking for a convenient location for a business meeting or want to enjoy dinner after the theater. Restaurants in Tallinn city center usually offer a modern atmosphere and a diverse selection of cuisines. Here you will find both top international restaurants and cozy cafes.

In the city center area, it is also worth paying attention to the new restaurant in Tallinn with marked places where you can try innovative flavors and concepts.

Tallinn Old Town

Restaurants in Tallinn's Old Town are extremely popular with tourists, but locals also appreciate places with a historic atmosphere. The narrow streets of the Old Town hide both traditional Estonian cuisine and international restaurants. It is definitely worth considering that the prices of many restaurants in the Old Town are rather higher than average.

In the Old Town, it is worth looking for cozy restaurants in Tallinn that are located in historic buildings and offer an authentic experience. Several restaurants are adapted in medieval cellars or former residences of nobles.

Kadriorg

Kadriorg is one of Tallinn’s most elegant areas, home to the Michelin-starred restaurant Mantel ja Korsten. This area is known for its peaceful streets, park and castle, offering visitors a quieter and more relaxed dining experience. Since Kadriorg is located by the sea, there are certainly plenty of restaurant options for visitors with seaside desires. 

Restaurants in Kadriorg often offer a high-class dining experience in a historic setting. 

Those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city can also consider restaurants near Tallinn or restaurants in Harju County, which offer a more rustic atmosphere and often dishes made from local ingredients.

Food preferences – vegan, vegetarian, ethnic cuisine selection

Vegan/vegetarian

Vegan restaurants in Tallinn have grown significantly in recent years. Vegetarian restaurants in Tallinn offer innovative and delicious options for even the most demanding vegetarians. Even several traditional restaurants have expanded their menus with vegan options.

National cuisine

Tallinn offers a rich selection of different national cuisines:

• Italian restaurants in Tallinn offer authentic pasta and pizza dishes
• Russian restaurants in Tallinn introduce rich Russian cuisine
• Japanese restaurant in Tallinn offers fresh sushi and other Japanese dishes
• Brazilian restaurant in Tallinn brings exotic South American flavor to Tallinn
• Georgian restaurant in Tallinn offers culinary experiences from the Caucasus region

Mediterranean cuisine

Mediterranean cuisine is becoming increasingly popular in Tallinn. Mantel ja Korsten is one of the most prominent representatives of Mediterranean cuisine, where experienced chef Jüri Vainküla introduces Mediterranean cuisine in an Estonian key. The menu includes seafood and pasta dishes with many variations, as well as special delicacies such as Iberico secreto and the famous beef hanger steak.

Atmosphere – cozy, romantic and terrace restaurants

Atmosphere is one of the most important factors when choosing a restaurant. Cozy restaurants in Tallinn offer a warm and homely atmosphere, while romantic restaurants in Tallinn are ideal for celebrating special occasions.

During the warmer months, restaurants with terraces in Tallinn are especially popular, allowing you to enjoy your meal and drink in the fresh air. Mantel and Korstna's brightly colored spaces and even the opportunity to sit in a historic mantelpiece create a unique atmosphere.

Price-quality ratio – affordable up to Michelin level

Tallinn's restaurant selection ranges from budget eateries/cafes to Michelin-starred restaurants. The best restaurants in Estonia offer exceptional quality, but often also a higher price level. 

If you want a taste experience and Michelin-starred restaurants are more out of reach for your wallet, Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Mantel ja Korsten, offer excellent value for money. The Bib Gourmand award, which our restaurant has also been awarded, means that the restaurant offers high quality at a reasonable price.

Child-friendly and group-friendly restaurants

If you want to visit a restaurant with children, it is worth making sure that it is a child-friendly restaurant. There are certainly many options for families who want to enjoy quality food with their children. When visiting a restaurant in Tallinn with children, the restaurant could offer a children's menu, perhaps a small play area or at least child-friendly service.

For group visits it is important that the restaurant would offer a separate room or a more private areaMantel ja Korsten offers ideal opportunities for this – two separate rooms (for up to 8 and up to 10 people) and the possibility of organizing larger events for up to 30 people.

Book a table at restaurant Mantel ja Korsten

If you want to experience one of Tallinn's best restaurants, Mantel ja Korsten in Kadriorg is a great choice. This Michelin Bib Gourmand-acclaimed restaurant offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes with an Estonian twist, a cozy atmosphere in a historic building, and excellent service.

Booking a table is easy – you can do it by phone, by email or on the websiteDuring particularly popular times, such as weekends or anniversaries, we recommend booking a table as early as possible.

Mantel ja Korsten also offers a restaurant gift certificate option - the perfect gift for gourmets or special occasions. In addition, you can book a separate room for group visits, for birthdays or for business meetings.

Visit Mantel and Korstna and discover why it is among the top restaurants in Tallinn – where the charm of a historic building, top-notch cuisine, and friendly service meet.