A culinary journey around Estonia's islands
From timeless traditions like smoked fish and dark rye bread to bold new culinary twists, every bite tells the story of Estonia's island life.
Unforgettable flavors make for unforgettable holidays
Here on Estonia's western islands, the local spirit moves in rhythm with the sea to create truly special food experiences.
Whether you’re a curious foodie or simply looking to try authentic foods, the islands invite you to slow down, breathe in the sea air, and taste the difference.
Come hungry — and leave inspired!
What to expect on the route:
- Main attractions: Estonia's biggest islands, Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, and Muhu, and their local food – authentic, yet modern; Kuressaare Castle, Kõpu Lighthouse, festivals, spas, and museums
- Distance: About 360 km
- Duration: Don’t rush; you’re on island time! Stay at least three days, as the beauty of the islands lies in their slow, unhurried charm. Give yourself time to unwind.
- How to get here and around: To get to the islands, take a ferry, bus, or plane. There is also ferry service between Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. To travel around the islands, use a car, bus, or bicycle.
- Season: Year-round, but there are more attractions open from June to August.
- Suggested starting points: Pick an island, any island, and start hopping!
- View the map: Detailed route
- Green travel tips: Living in harmony with nature is an island tradition, not a modern trend. We want our islands to remain clean for centuries to come, and for every guest to leave the islands as they found them. Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, and Muhu are part of the UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere program.
Saaremaa
A soulful dining experience
On Saaremaa, food is more than nourishment. Island foods are shaped by wind, sea, and soil. They tell a story that has been passed down from generation to generation. From Viking feasts to freshly caught fish, dining here is a soulful experience.
First, head to Tihemetsa Dining Room, where Tiina’s smoke oven is a local legend. For over 20 years, this family-run smokehouse has been serving what many consider the best smoked fish in the world. It begins in spring with tiny sprats, followed by garfish with their green bones, then flounder, perch, and, if the sea allows, eel in summer. This is true Saaremaa seafood, prepared with patience and pride.
No meal on Saaremaa is complete without a drink, and Pihtla Brewery has just the thing. Pihtla, the oldest craft brewery in Estonia, is home to the island’s most legendary drink, homemade beer. This strong, cloudy, yet flavorful brew has been part of island life for centuries. Visit their taproom in summer, take a tour, or even learn how to brew your own beer with the brewmaster. Smell the hops, taste the malt, and see how tradition lives on in every sip.
The selection of dishes at the Asva Viking Village Tavern takes you back in time. Try a steaming Viking stew, succulent smoked meat prepared in the castle courtyard, and handcrafted local drinks that capture the spirit of ancient times. On summer feast days, the cooks begin their work at dawn, when the morning mist still clings to the ground. A whole lamb is buried among glowing stones to slow-cook beneath the ground. By evening, the feast is ready, with aromas attracting visitors from far and wide.
Whether you’re sampling juniper syrup or tasting smoked fish still warm from the oven, every bite on Saaremaa connects you to the rhythm of the island.
Photo author: Valmar Voolaid
Kuressaare, Saaremaa's capital
The island's culinary heart
Kuressaare is where the island shows off its most refined flavours. Here, age-old food traditions are incorporated into modern menus, inviting every visitor to discover the island's cuisine.
Once an elegant resort town, Kuressaare was known for ladies promenading with lace parasols, orchestras playing by the sea, and leisurely conversations. Guests dined on exquisite dishes that reflected the era's sophistication.
Even today, Kuressaare's streets lead you from one delightful café to another, from locally inspired tasting menus to cozy bistros full of character. Eight restaurants in town have earned the prestigious Falstaff award, a testament to the passion, skill, and creativity that define Kuressaare’s food scene.
Whether you're seeking comfort food or a surprise, heritage or innovation, Kuressaare invites you to taste the best of Saaremaa, one bite at a time.
Photo author: Valmar Voolaid
Muhu
A small island full of big flavors
Muhu may be smaller than neighboring Saaremaa, but when it comes to taste, it’s every bit as bold. This charming island is a haven for curious food lovers, as chefs add creative flair to the rustic simplicity of their dishes.
At the heart of it all is Liiva, Muhu’s lively main village and a paradise for anyone who loves good food. The air is often filled with the warm, inviting scent of freshly baked Muhu bread, a local treasure rooted in delicious homestyle baking. It’s the kind of bread you taste once and crave forever. At the Muhu bakery, the loaves come straight from the oven, and the smell alone will lead you to what’s probably the most cheerful queue on the island. And yes – it’s worth the wait.
A short drive away, you’ll find another reason to linger on the island. At Muhu Winehouse, tradition takes a deliciously unexpected turn. Discover locally crafted wines made with care, perfect to sip on their terrace or to take home as a souvenir in a bottle. Muhu Winehouse is also a part of the Estonian Wine Trail.
This little island offers surprises around every corner, from warm bread and coastal street food to fine wine and freshly caught fish. Whether you're staying for a day or a week, Muhu will win you over, one bite at a time.
Photo author: Priidu Saart
Photo author: Rivo Veber
Hiiumaa
Where the sea provides soul food
Hiiumaa isn’t just Estonia’s second-largest island; it’s a feeling. Wild, free, and quietly creative, this is a place where food mirrors the landscape: honest, fresh, and beautifully unhurried. Here, the sea is never far, and its influence is felt in every dish.
Begin your journey on the northern coast at Restaurant Ungru. This restaurant fuses traditional Hiiumaa ingredients with modern techniques. The result is simple, soulful food that reflects the spirit of island life.
For a rustic, deeply authentic experience, visit Kala ja Võrk, a café-shop that feels like stepping into a fisherman’s home. Smoked fish, fresh fillets, and marine-themed curiosities fill the space with stories.
If your heart longs for sunsets, surf, and laid-back vibes, head to Kalana ÄÄR. Located in a repurposed boat shed at Kalana Marina, this seaside spot serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes, accompanied by ice-cold drinks and music that lingers long into the evening.
On the southeastern shore of Hiiumaa, iiUmekk at Orjaku Harbour brings together art, food, and nature. With a focus on seasonal ingredients and creative presentation, this restaurant is dedicated to crafting an exceptional dining experience. Enjoy the view of the water, where every plate is a canvas.
Hiiumaa's flavors go best with the offerings from Hiiu Õlle Koda, a brewery, museum, and tavern all in one. Housed in a former grain dryer, it celebrates the island’s brewing traditions with craft beer, smoked snacks, and a rich sense of history.
Hiiumaa feeds not just your appetite, but your sense of wonder. Here, the sea shapes the flavors, the people shape the stories, and every meal is a quiet celebration of real food.
Taste the essence of Estonia’s largest islands – Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, and Muhu – where food is more than a meal.
Each island offers a unique journey through local flavors. Sample legendary beers, freshly baked bread, Viking stews, and even local wines. Whether you’re indulging in Kuressaare’s award-winning restaurants or enjoying a picnic on a coastal bluff, let the islands' rhythm set the pace.
On Estonia's western islands, you can live in the moment and taste tradition in every bite.
Where to eat and drink on Saaremaa, Muhu, and Hiiumaa
Get inspired
Last updated
01.07.2025