Tasca Portuguesa — Restaurant in Tallinn

Many of the waiters and waitresses work incredibly long hours, sometimes going up to three weeks without a single day off. It is clear that the owners do not care about their workers, many of whom don't even have a contract, which is illegal.

The owners also barely help around the restaurant, often seen sitting and drinking multiple bottles of wine per night and at times arguing with each other. Employees are paid in cash in parts and usually have to beg several times before finally receiving their full payment, which again, is illegal.

Whenever a mistake happens, rather than guiding the waitstaff, the owners become passive-aggressive, yelling at both the kitchen staff and waiters/waitresses. This makes the working and dining environment nearly impossible to tolerate or enjoy. The owners also offer complimentary Port wine to Portuguese customers, making them feel more welcome while showing little care for other patrons.

The Portuguese owner, when he’s had too much to drink, is known to whistle or snap at waitstaff to bring him more wine or snacks, even when they are overwhelmed with other tables. His behavior, especially towards young female workers, is unsettling and unprofessional.

I’ve never seen such high staff turnover in any other restaurant. Employees are often fired mid-shift or just before starting, sometimes for trivial reasons, such as the owner taking offense to something said. The owners also stay late into the night drinking, leaving the restaurant a mess for the morning shift.

When there is a scheduling mix-up, instead of resolving it, the owner blames the staff and becomes passive-aggressive, with comments like "thank you for this situation," even when it’s entirely his fault.

The owners frequently ask customers, workers, and even family members to write 5-star reviews on Google Maps to maintain their 4.5-star rating (so most of these 5-star reviews are, in fact, fake). When the rating drops or they get a negative review, they become passive-aggressive toward the staff, blaming them for it.

The restaurant is clearly a tourist trap, with the sole aim of maximizing profit. Even when staff are visibly upset or crying, rather than offering a break or letting them take the day off, they are expected to continue working as if...

A little slice of Portugal in the heart of Tallinn!

As someone who spent 17 years in Portugal, I can confidently say that Tasca does a wonderful job of bringing some of the classics of Portuguese cuisine to Tallinn. The flavors immediately transported me back to those long afternoons at Portuguese tasquinhas, where the food is simple, soulful, and always hits the spot. From the perfectly cooked bacalhau to the rich and tender feijoada.

However, I must say the portion sizes here surprised me – they’re a bit more “Tallinn chic” than “Lisbon hearty”! In Portugal, a half-dose is usually enough to feed two people (and possibly a third who's just come over for a chat!). Here, the portions feel more like a generous snack, so if you're really hungry, you might want to order a couple of dishes to truly satisfy that Portuguese appetite.

That being said, the quality of the food makes up for it – it's fresh, well-seasoned, and bursting with those authentic flavors I know and love. Plus, it’s probably a good thing that the portions are smaller… leaves more room for a pastel de nata at the end, right?

The atmosphere is cozy, and the service always comes with a smile – something I miss from the warm hospitality in Portugal. Tasca is a great spot for anyone craving a taste of the Iberian Peninsula, whether you’re a homesick Portuguese adopted expat like me, or simply curious to try some of the best flavors Southern Europe...

After dining at Tasca, a Portuguese gem in Tallinn, Estonia, I'm eager to share my experience at this delightful spot that brings a slice of Portugal to Estonia.

We were warmly greeted by the owner upon arrival, an incredibly welcoming and kind individual who made us feel right at home from the start. This genuine hospitality is undoubtedly one of Tasca's standout features.

For dinner, I chose the Bife à Café, and my girlfriend went for the Arroz de Polvo. Both dishes were simply sublime, offering rich and authentic flavors that instantly transported us to Portugal. My steak was tender, and the coffee sauce added an unexpected depth of flavor. The octopus rice was perfectly cooked, with tender octopus and flavorful rice.

We paired our meal with a bottle of Cabriz wine, which was smooth and well-balanced, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of our dishes.

The restaurant's decor also deserves a mention. Simple and beautiful, it creates a cozy and intimate setting that enhances the dining experience. The attention to detail in every corner adds to the truly Portuguese atmosphere.

In short, our visit to Tasca was a memorable one, thanks to the delicious food, warm hospitality, and inviting atmosphere. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic Portuguese experience in Tallinn. We'll certainly be back to explore more of the menu and enjoy a piece of Portugal in this...