During our recent trip to Tallinn, we had the pleasure of dining at Old Estonia, a charming restaurant that offers a genuine taste of traditional Estonian cuisine. The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and inviting, with rustic decor that beautifully reflects the rich cultural heritage of Estonia.
We started our meal with the local garlic bread, a deliciously hearty and flavorful appetizer. The bread was perfectly toasted, with a delightful crunch and just the right amount of garlic, making it a perfect start to our culinary journey.
The highlight of our meal was the blood sausage, a classic Estonian dish. Served with a side of lingonberry sauce and creamy mashed potatoes, the blood sausage was rich and savory, with a perfect balance of spices that left a lasting impression on our taste buds. It was clear that great care had been taken in preparing this dish, honoring its traditional roots while delivering exceptional flavor.
To accompany our meal, we enjoyed a glass of mead, a traditional honey wine that added a sweet and slightly tangy note to the overall dining experience. The mead was smooth and refreshing, perfectly complementing the robust flavors of the blood sausage and garlic bread.
We ended our meal with a traditional Estonian liqueur, which provided a delightful conclusion to our dining experience. The liqueur was rich and aromatic, with a blend of herbs and spices that encapsulated the essence of Estonia's culinary traditions.
Overall, our visit to Old Estonia was an unforgettable experience. The restaurant’s dedication to preserving and showcasing the best of Estonian cuisine is evident in every dish they serve. Whether you are a local or a visitor, Old Estonia is a must-visit for anyone looking to savor the authentic flavors of Estonia in a cozy and welcoming setting. We left with our hearts and stomachs full, already planning...
Read moreTerrible experience, tourist trap. When we came in, apparently the owner was sitting in the middle of the restaurant with her laptop and papers all over the table. Didn't even greet us or anything. I guessed that she was the owner, because the waiter who served us, also served her and asked her where they keep their chocolate, while making her dessert, and she also returned her plates herself to the kitchen. I ordered one simple dish, just because I know a lot about it- pelmenis. For 13e I got 200-300g regular freezer pelmenis, stuffed with usual none recognisable meat with some sauce. You can buy 1kg of them for 3e in any store. For that price I expected them to be home made, what a joke. My boyfriend ate some "wild boar" meat with chips, around 20e, the meat was good, but tasted like a regular cow, and potatoes were good, except there was sand in them. I felt like we got ripped off, I felt uncomfortable, because the staff were staring at us and me while I didn't see (I definitely saw everything through the window reflection), the woman/owner acted like she didn't give a damn that she is having guests in her restaurant, portions were small and very overpriced. They'll make sure you won't come back there. The only plus is the view from a window, except you can't enjoy it, because the staff is looking at you constantly and you see things like the cook taking off his regular fleece jacket that he wore outside, revealing his chefs uniform, only when delivering the food to us, definitely saw all that again in the window reflection....
Read moreI recently dined at Old Estonia restaurant and I must say, the experience was absolutely delightful. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere struck a perfect balance between elegance and comfort, making it a great setting for both casual and special occasions.
The menu offerings were intriguing, especially the bear meat, elk meat, and the various salmon dishes. I opted to try a bit of each, starting with the salmon soup, which was rich and comforting, followed by beautifully grilled salmon that was cooked to perfection. The flavors were authentic and hearty, showcasing a wonderful blend of traditional and modern cooking styles.
What truly stood out was the bear and elk meat. These are not your typical menu items, and they were prepared with such skill that they were both tender and flavorful, making each bite a delightful experience. The honey beer was another highlight of the meal—sweet, refreshing, and a perfect companion to the robust flavors of the meal.
Pricing was another pleasant surprise. Considering the quality of the food and the overall dining experience, I found the prices to be very reasonable. It's not often you find a place that offers such unique dishes at prices that don't break the bank.
Service was impeccable. Marina, our server, was a gem. She was attentive without being intrusive, friendly, and genuinely kind, which added so much to our dining experience. Her recommendations were spot on, and helped us make our dining choices...
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