Tallinn is such a great destination for a city break. While it’s said to be a lot of fun during the summer months, I deliberately chose to visit Tallinn right in the middle of winter. Why? Fewer tourists, lower hotel rates, but most importantly: snow. A beautiful, old city covered in snow makes everything even more magical.
But it’s also cold! Which means you’re going to appreciate those Tallinn restaurants and modern cafes where you can warm up even more. Fortunately, there are plenty of cozy spots to grab something to eat or drink, both in the old town and the trendy Telliskivi area. To help you out, here are my favorite Tallinn cafes and restaurants that I’m sure you’ll love as well.
Värav Coffee and Toast
To start your day right with a delicious breakfast and great coffee, head to Värav Coffee and Toast. This modern Tallinn cafe is just outside the Old Town, but from my hotel in the city center, it was only a 12-minute walk. From the outside, the small building in the middle of a parking lot might look a bit lost, but once inside, that feeling disappears. There aren’t many seats, so it might be harder to find a spot on the weekends. I went on a Wednesday morning and absolutely loved my breakfast here.
Address: Väike Rannavärav 4, 10111 Tallinn
The Brick Coffee Roastery
In the trendy, industrial Telliskivi Creative City area, you’ll find the best specialty coffee at The Brick Coffee Roastery. Their passion for great coffee is evident the moment you step inside. The space has an industrial vibe, which fits perfectly with the neighborhood. Of course, you can buy their own coffee brand here, but you should definitely stay and take your time to enjoy a fantastic cup of coffee.
Address: Telliskivi tn 60M, 10412 Tallinn
Looking for more Tallinn tips? Check out my post with things to do in Tallinn.
F-Hoone
Just around the corner from The Brick Coffee Roastery is F-Hoone, one of the most popular restaurants in Telliskivi. Unlike most Tallinn cafes, this old industrial building, which is over a century old, offers plenty of space. I only had drinks here, but the menu (featuring an all-day breakfast) looks great. So, if you’re visiting the photography museum Fotografiska, this is a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Address: Telliskivi tn 60a, 10412 Tallinn
Røst Bakery
You can wake me up in the middle of the night for a cinnamon bun fresh out of the oven. And for the best cardamom and cinnamon buns in Tallinn, Røst Bakery is the place to be. Locals love this spot as well, so it’s usually busy. But it’s a perfect place to kick-start your morning with freshly baked treats and coffee.
The bakery is located in an interesting area just outside the Old Town: Rotermann Quarter. This old industrial district has been beautifully revitalized over the past few years. Now you’ll find plenty of modern cafés, restaurants, shops, and galleries here.
Address: Rotermanni 14, 10111 Tallinn
Cafe Kiosk No 2
Cafe Kiosk No 2 looks like a cozy living room where you can also get great coffee. Since it was just around the corner from my apartment hotel in Tallinn (and because of the super friendly staff), I ended up here several times in the late afternoon. As you might expect from the name, there’s also a Cafe Kiosk No 1 and No 3 in Tallinn, but I haven’t visited those.
Address: Müürivahe 22, 10140 Tallinn
Restaurant Pegasus
Restaurant Pegasus is only a 1-minute walk from my hotel and serves both lunch (which I had) and dinner. The restaurant is quite large with three floors, but it’s designed in a way that feels intimate. The building itself looks a bit retro from the outside, but the food here is modern, made with local ingredients, and changes with the seasons. I loved it here and it’s definitely one of the Tallinn restaurants I highly recommend.
Address: Harju tn 1, 10146 Tallinn
Restaurant Rataskaevu 16
Rataskaevu 16 often shows up in lists with the best restaurants in Tallinn, so of course, I had to experience it for myself. And I have to agree, what an amazing restaurant in the historic city center! The interior is warm and cozy, the staff incredibly attentive, and the food simply delicious (and affordable). It starts with slices of ‘leib’ – Estonian black bread that they bake themselves – and everything that follows is just as good.
I later found out that this restaurant and Pegasus share the same owner. If you want to try traditional Estonian dishes with a modern, creative twist, this is the place to be (make sure to make a reservation in advance).
Address: Rataskaevu tn 16, 10123 Tallinn
Balti Jaama Turg
Back to the Telliskivi district, where on the other side of the tracks you’ll find the renovated Balti Jaama Turg (Baltic Station Market). Every foodie should definitely visit this place. Besides stalls with fresh produce (and edible souvenirs), there’s a wide selection of restaurants and cafés offering mostly street food.
Address: Kopli tn 1, 10412 Tallinn
Baojaam
One of the street food stalls (with seating) in Balti Jaama Turg that you absolutely shouldn’t miss is Baojaam. Here, they hand-make bao buns with a variety of delicious fillings. The owner, Mihkel Rand, has even won an award for being the best chef in Estonia.
Address: Kopli tn 1, 10412 Tallinn
