Best places to eat with children
Eating out with children can either be stressful or fun. It depends on where you go. Luckily, it's easy to find kid-friendly restaurants in Estonia.
You won't have to sacrifice quality with the kids in tow.
The Estonian Association of Families with Children issues a badge for family-friendly restaurants that offer a top-notch dining experience for adults, too. Some of the restaurants on their list have also been featured in the MICHELIN Guide and the White Guide Nordic, two prestigious restaurant guides. Let's take a closer look at the 2024 recipients.
Many restaurants offer high chairs, play corners, and children's menus. Plus, typical Estonian food focuses on local ingredients, simple flavors, and straightforward preparations —perfect for tiny taste buds!
Several eateries in Tallinn received the family-friendly badge.
Family-friendly restaurants in Tallinn and North Estonia
In the trendy Noblessner district, you'll find Lore Bistro, one of the restaurants recommended in the Estonian MICHELIN Guide. They have a children's menu and a great toy shelf. The kitchen also makes puree for the smallest ones in the family. In the city center, try Sunday brunches at City Grill House — they have LED drawing boards for children.
Close to the ferry terminals, you'll find two good family spots. Restaurant Nero has its own menu and pictures for children to color. On Sundays, they offer family brunches where you can get ice cream, pancakes, and mocktails for kids, cartoons, and more. Ristorante Flavore in the Tallink Express Hotel is a casual restaurant with a calm atmosphere, kid-friendly animal-shaped pizzas, and delicious desserts.
Rakvere makes for a great family destination.
After a day exploring Rakvere Castle, you'll be hungry! In the city proper, you can find two family-friendly eateries: Bamboo Garden and Rohuaia Café. For a seaside dinner, drive a bit further east to Tulivee Beach Restaurant, a restaurant with a play corner and special kid's menu.
As you drive from Tallinn to Tartu, stop at Café Restaurant Ajatu. This restaurant provides a fresh take on classic dishes and a feast for the eyes with its collection of retro tableware. After lunch, visit the alpacas at Wile Alpaca Farm.
Source: Virgo Haan
Stop by a local grocery store to grab a sweet treat between meals.
Try kohuke, a cheesecake bite made from kohupiim and covered in chocolate.
Where to eat with kids in Tartu and South Estonia
In Tartu, try Cafe Truffe — it's known for its cozy atmosphere and comfortable space for children to move around and be active. Café Spargel was praised for its large play corner. Both offer menus that really appeal to kids. Outside of Tartu, head to the Local Heritage Cafe of Juulamõis. This unique eatery lets you try the real flavors of nature, such as fir shoots, berries, and birch sap, and it welcomes families with open arms.
Viljandi is where to go for a restaurant that is both family-friendly and MICHELIN-recommended: Fellin. On the other side of Lake Võrtsjärv (Estonia's largest inland body of water), Ugandi Resto awaits in lovely Otepää.
Culture lovers will want to take their little ones to Seto Tsäimaja in Setomaa. This restaurant is part of the Värska Farm Museum, making it a perfect stop for those wanting to experience true Seto culture.
Family dining on Saaremaa
George Ots Spa Hotel Restaurant on Saaremaa was recognized for the fourth year in a row — it is an absolute family favorite. Särg is sure to please adults and children alike. It earned a spot in the White Guide Nordic for its seasonal menu, and kids will love the outdoor playground.
It's not often you find a lounge with a kid's playroom, but that's exactly what you'll find at Chameleon Café in Kuressaare's city center. For a quick kid-friendly snack, the pastries at Meierei Kohvik are considered some of the island's best.
Source: Mariann Liimal
Top picks for a family night out in Pärnu
In Pärnu, families with children will want to make a beeline for the Hestia Strand Hotel. The location means you can enjoy the kiddie pool and sauna centre and a great meal all under the same roof, and the variety on offer is sure to please kids and adults. For a sweet treat that you can grab and go, head to one of the best bakeries in town, Leivakas. Kids and adults will swoon at the smell of cinnamon buns!
The complete list of restaurants to receive recognition in 2024 from the Estonian Association of Families with Children can be found here.
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Last updated
06.09.2024