LaBocca - Itaalia restoran Tallinnas — Restaurant in Tallinn

LaBocca is a relatively new restaurant located between Tallinn’s harbour and Rotermanni Quarter. As I’m only in Estonia for a short time and had never visited before—but kept hearing people talk about it—I naturally decided to give it a try.

The building is stunning—truly stylish and elegant, and the interior is equally impressive. Walking in, the space feels modern, cool, and inviting. A great first impression.

We ordered a carpaccio, ravioli, and a pizza, along with a Pornstar Martini and their house-brewed beer. However, the experience started going downhill quickly. Just moments after the carpaccio arrived, so did the ravioli. I hadn’t even taken my first bite. I asked the waitress whether the order was entered as separate courses, and she casually said no, everything was under one. When I explained that my ravioli would get cold while I ate the starter, she simply replied, “Then eat the ravioli first.” I was honestly speechless. There was no effort to accommodate, no warmth—just a flat response that some people take carpaccio as a main. Regardless, it’s standard service practice to ask how the guest prefers the timing of their dishes.

As for the carpaccio—it was a true disappointment. Served half-frozen, with ice crystals in every bite—it was impossible to enjoy.

The ravioli followed, and sadly, it wasn’t much better. Drenched in a watery tomato sauce that overpowered everything, I couldn’t even taste the filling. If there was meat inside, it was completely lost. It was a dish that would make most Italians shake their heads.

Then came the pizza. I sent a video of it to my Italian friend, who’s a chef, without saying anything. His response? “It looks too crispy and dry. I hope at least the ingredients are good.” Unfortunately, I had thought the same thing even before I showed it to him—and the ingredients didn’t save it either.

The only real highlights were the cocktail, which was well-made and enjoyable, and the beer, which my husband liked.

So here’s my takeaway: LaBocca is a beautiful place for a drink, and if you’re not too picky about food, you might enjoy the setting and the vibe. But if you’re hoping for authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine, this isn’t the place. Don’t let the chic interior and Instagram-worthy space fool you—the kitchen needs serious improvement before it can match...

LaBocca in Tallinn is earning this solid review from me after two visits over consecutive days. At first glance, the expansive, gallery-like interior suggests upscale fine dining, but the menu is refreshingly casual and surprisingly affordable.

On my first visit—late from the airport—I ordered a Margherita pizza and a Caesar salad to go. The salad impressed with crisp romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a well-balanced dressing. The pizza featured a sturdy crust and good ingredients, though it diverged from the thick-tomato, fresh-mozzarella, and fragrant basil style I’m accustomed to in New York City. Despite the 22:00 rush, the staff remained courteous and efficient.

The following evening I returned with my wife and her mother. We were welcomed by an exceptionally warm hostess, and our server Johanna, who was really sweet and attentive, maintained professionalism even as the dining room filled. We began with the antipasti della casa, then sampled spaghetti al ragù alla Bolognese (rich and satisfying, but lighter on garlic than traditional versions), pesto pasta (vibrant, al dente, and generously sauced), and chicken with sun-dried tomato sauce (succulent and well-seasoned). While each dish was competently prepared, the departures from classic Italian flavor profiles indicate the kitchen could refine its techniques to better meet traditional expectations.

On our way out I met one of the owners—who also happens to be the hostess’s mother. She confirmed the restaurant has only been open a week and is actively perfecting its service flow. Given their hands-on management, striking décor, and strong early-service consistency, I have high hopes that further refinements will elevate LaBocca into a new standard-bearer for casual Italian cuisine in Tallinn.

LaBocca succeeds on atmosphere, value, and genuine hospitality. With additional work on its signature dishes to align more closely with classic Italian flavors, this promising newcomer could quickly become a must-visit destination. I’m already planning my...

We had an absolutely lovely time at La Bocca in Tallinn while celebrating a friend’s birthday, and it definitely deserves a shoutout.

I had the Penne di Pollo (€12.90) — creamy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. My best friend chose the Spaghetti Pomodoro e Basilico (€9.90), which was light, fresh, and full of classic Italian flavor. Others in our group ordered the Tuna Pizza (€14.90) and Salami Pizza (€11.90) — and wow, those pizzas were HUGE! One person could easily be full from just half a pizza. Generous, but also delicious — crispy crust, well-balanced toppings, and packed with flavor. We ended up asking for takeaway boxes, and the leftovers were just as good.

We also really enjoyed the Strawberry & Pineapple Lemonade (€4). It was super refreshing and surprisingly unique — not too sweet, and full of real fruity taste. A perfect summer drink!

A lovely touch: with the pasta, we were served fresh bread, which made the whole experience feel even more authentic and comforting.

The highlight of the evening, though, was the birthday celebration. The staff brought out a rich chocolate cake with a candle, and our waitress sang Happy Birthday — the entire restaurant applauded! It was such a thoughtful and joyful moment that made the night truly special.

A huge special thank you to our waitress Mariia — she was absolutely wonderful the entire evening! Friendly, attentive, and made everything feel extra special. Her energy and kindness made the whole experience even more memorable.

La Bocca combines warm service, big portions, and great flavors in a cozy setting. Whether you’re just grabbing a meal or celebrating something big, it’s a spot worth visiting in Tallinn....