Delightful dining along the Baltic Coast

Gourmet chefs, local seafood, quaint fishing villages, and seaside towns

Seaside dining is especially delightful during the summer, but Estonia's long coastline attracts visitors throughout the year.

If fish is your dish, then Estonian food is your jam. You'll find a range of salted fish such as Baltic herring, bream, and perch, as well as all manner of smoked fish, including the local favorite, flounder. Smoked fish is often served on its own and involves a sort of ritual of handpicking juicy pieces. It's fair to say that the dish might require some commitment, but the salty, tender, and tasty meat is definitely worth the effort.

Here is a list of the best restaurants serving Baltic Sea coastal cuisine with views of the water. 

The journey begins at Estonia's northeastern coast and gradually takes you counterclockwise along the Gulf of Finland, then to the islands in the Baltic Sea. 

Northeast Estonia

Enjoy the view of the Gulf of Finland from Liimala, Toila, Narva-Jõesuu, and more.

The Romantic Garden Restaurant offers a romantic glimpse into the beauty of Narva-Jõesuu with a view of the surroundings and the perfect vantage point to watch the sunset on the sea. The menu features dishes from local cuisine and food from neighbouring Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, combining to create something truly unique yet delicious.

Restaurant Meretare on  Narva-Jõesuu beach offers guests a magnificent panoramic view of the Gulf of Finland. Come to enjoy a calming view of the sea and stunningly beautiful sunsets, all accompanied by delicious European cuisine.

The beach restaurant Tulivee was opened in June 2017 at Liimala Beach near Purtse Marina. Beautiful views of the sea can be enjoyed from the terrace and the large windows. Tulivee's dishes are made from local, seasonal ingredients and offer something special as they combine regional Estonian cuisine with Slavic nuances. (Fun fact: During the prohibition period, forbidden spirits were transported from here to Finland. Learn more at the Tulivee Bootlegging Museum.)

Toila Mereresto Restaurant has a lovely seaside location. The food has a Mediterranean flair, perfect for a meal while spending the day at Toila Beach. Nearby, you can check out the VR experience at Oru Park and see what the Presidential Palace looked like before it was bombed.

Restaurants near Lahemaa National Park

Style, seafood, and culinary fusion can be found next to the park's wild nature.

About an hour by car from Tallinn, you'll find the outstanding restaurant Mere 38 located by the coast in Võsu. Stop by after exploring Lahemaa National Park. Another good post-park stop is Viinistu Beach Restaurant. The Viinistu Art Museum next door adds a dose of culture after a day spent outdoors.

Located on beautiful Haabneeme beach, Restaurant OKO focuses on slow fast food. It's perfect for sharing an Italian Romano pizza, made in a wood-fired oven, with family and friends.

The beach restaurant Valkla Rand has a cozy spacious Scandinavian design and a summer terrace with a gorgeous sea view. The menu features fresh and locally sourced ingredients, as well as pastries prepared in-house. 

Where to enjoy dinner with a sea view in Tallinn 

Dishes at NOA are made with seasonal, fresh ingredients, and the plating is impressive. It's the only restaurant in Tallinn that has its own aquarium for their seafood, so you know that it's truly fresh. 

Restaurant 180° was founded by German chef Matthias Diether based on his fine dining principles. In 2023, it became the first restaurant in Estonia to receive two MICHELIN Stars. Located in the historic Noblessner Quarter, Restaurant 180° boasts a wonderful view of the sea, an open kitchen, and an elegant menu. It's an aesthetic pleasure in addition to an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

After a 50-year hiatus, Restaurant Tuljak offers visitors something different. The Soviet-era building has been extensively renovated into a stylish and distinctive space. The menu features Baltic herring in tomato sauce and cognac-flavored cakes, expertly crafted by experienced chefs.

Northwest Estonia

Haapsalu is known for quality seafood and an inviting atmosphere.

Dirhami Fish Cafe is definitely for people who love seafood, as the menu focuses on local fish. Even though the cafe is located somewhere more remote, the journey there is completely worth it as it overlooks Osmussaar and is an excellent spot to watch a wonderful sunset.

Haapsalu Kuursaal is a summer restaurant (open until 1 Sept) that is truly one-of-a-kind in Estonia. The restaurant has been preserved in its original 19th-century form. The menu offers a variety of options for all visitors, including delicious pastries, seafood, and local specialties.

The pleasant and cozy atmosphere of Blu Holm Restaurant is located in the Hestia Hotel Haapsalu Spa. With good music, sunset views, and unique tastes, you have to experience the place for yourself.

The Wiigi Café, named after the surrounding area of Väike Viik, offers a wide selection of dishes, ranging from appetizers to desserts. While the food entices you to enter, the cozy terrace in the café invites you to stay and relax while offering a wonderful sea view.

Eating on Estonia's Islands

Tasty fish, stunning views, and cozy settings can be found off Estonia's west coast.

Hiiumaa

Restaurant Ungru is a seaside restaurant that earned a mention in the White Guide Nordic. Located on the northern shore of Hiiumaa, the coastal atmosphere complements the combination of Hiiumaa's traditional ingredients and modern cooking techniques.

Hiiumaa attracts sailors, so it's no surprise you'll find more seaside dining at two of the island's notable harbors: Kalana ÄÄR (Hiiumaa's second White Guide Nordic mention) at the Kalana Yacht Harbour and iiUmekk with its gorgeous view of Orjaku Harbour. 

Muhu

Find year-round gourmet dining at Restaurant Alexander, located in the heart of Pädaste Manor. The team at Alexander offers Nordic Island cuisine inspired by the cooking traditions of Muhu and the surrounding coastal areas. Known for its dedication to local ingredients and seasonal dishes, this restaurant has been recognized by White Guide Nordic as one of the top five restaurants in Estonia.

Eating in Pärnu County

Estonia's summer capital, Pärnu, has breathtaking seascapes and unique seafood dishes.

The cuisine at Restaurant Raimond is inspired by clean Nordic flavors. Each dish is prepared with local produce, most of which has been grown in the surrounding area. The restaurant is located in the historic Pärnu Mud Baths building at Hedon Spa on Pärnu Beach, offering visitors a piece of history with their meal.

Come to the edge of a sandy beach and a pine forest and enjoy Restaurant Eagle. With breathtaking views of the sea and the golf course, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the sunny flavors of European cuisine with dishes made with local ingredients and seafood.

Pärnu Yacht Club Restaurant is a unique establishment offering a stunning river view. Step in and enjoy the excellent wine, delicious food, and great music.

Pamper yourself at Purpur, the restaurant at Tervise Paradiis Spa. Sip quality wines, sample well-prepared dishes, and sit back and enjoy the wonderful view of Pärnu's sandy beach.