The best restaurants in Estonia according to the MICHELIN Guide
Estonia was the first Baltic country to earn a spot in the prestigious MICHELIN Guide. Here's a closer look at the restaurants that made the list.
Following visits from anonymous inspectors, 43 restaurants in Estonia have been awarded a place in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide.
This year, 180° by Matthias Diether maintained its two MICHELIN Stars, NOA Chef's Hall stayed strong at one Star, and Hiis was added to the list of Green Stars. UMA was added as a Bib Gourmand restaurant.
Six restaurants in Tallinn were also added to the recommended list: HOOV, Koyo, Morel Bistroo, Osteria il Cru, Shangi Shi, and VÕIVÕI. One restaurant in Tartu, TOKO, the sister of NOA and Tuljak, was also added to the list.
An inside look at 180° by Matthias Diether and NOA Chef's Hall
These two restaurants are the highest-ranked fine dining destinations in Estonia.
Tallinn's MICHELIN Star restaurants
Two MICHELIN Stars: 180° by Matthias Diether, Tallinn
This stylish restaurant, named after the 180° view from its U-shaped open kitchen, occupies a stunning spot in the beautifully renovated Noblessner area.
Originally from southern Germany, Matthias earned his first MICHELIN Star in Berlin with his restaurant First Floor. At 180°, he builds on that experience with a range of unique, ambitious dishes. The MICHELIN Guide notes this is a top-notch restaurant, where the service runs like clockwork and the intricate dishes captivate guests with their flavors and eye-catching presentation. The service is warm and engaging, helping to create a relaxed atmosphere.
Photo author: Lauri Laan
One MICHELIN Star: NOA Chef's Hall, Tallinn
Set within the same striking modern building as restaurant NOA is the stylish NOA Chef's Hall. Here, guests are invited to begin their evening with an aperitif in a romantic lounge offering a splendid view of Tallinn Bay and the Gulf of Finland.
Inspectors were impressed by the creative, boldly flavored cooking, where the chefs pay superb attention to detail and the open fire is used to great effect. Head Chef Tõnis Siigur keeps clients engaged from start to finish, serving complex and highly original dishes. The friendly front-of-house team takes pride in the experiences they help create, and their enthusiasm makes for a delightful evening.
Photo author: Restaurant NOA
What is a MICHELIN Green Star?
This award recognizes restaurants that adhere to the highest sustainability standards, demonstrate innovation and accountability, and meet ethical and environmental standards. These restaurants offer top-notch, eco-friendly dining experiences.
Estonia's Green Star restaurants
Fotografiska is a hip Tallinn restaurant, where every ingredient used from either blossom-to-root or snout-to-tail, while Kolm Sõsarat is run by three sisters in a remote location outside Karula National Park. Their set menu showcases ingredients grown in their garden, reared on their farm, or foraged from the forest.
This year's new Green Star restaurant, Hiis, is set in former farmhouse. Chef Daanius Aas caters for just six tables a night, three times a week. Seasonal local ingredients lead the way, with produce grown in their garden and foraged from their forest. Lesser-used cuts of meat and fish feature in the 15-course menu, where the chef's childhood memories come into play to capture flavors at their peak.
What is MICHELIN Bib Gourmand?
Everyone knows that a MICHELIN Star is one of the most sought-after awards in the culinary business. Still, not everyone is as familiar with the "Bibs" — short for Bibendum, the actual name of the iconic MICHELIN Man. The Bib Gourmand designation started in 1997 as a way to recognize restaurants offering high-quality cooking at a great price.
UMA, Estonia's newest Big Gourmand restaurant
UMA has a superb terrace with views over Noblessner's marina, right next to its sister restaurant and fellow Bib Gourmand, Lore Bistro. Inside, there's a lively buzz, especially on weekends. Its name means "Unorthodox Modern Asian" – and that’s exactly what you'll find here. The menu offers a mix of small and large plates, all designed for sharing.
Estonia's Bib Gourmand restaurants
These restaurants offer high-quality cooking at a great price.
A fine dining experience to remember
Restaurants decorate their plates with the colors of the season and fresh, local ingredients.
Estonia's MICHELIN-recommended restaurants
Estonia's MICHELIN-recommended restaurants (continued)
The 2025 Michelin Special Awards
The Michelin Special Awards are presented to outstanding individuals who, thanks to their boundless passion and exceptional skills, can make a restaurant experience truly unforgettable.
This year's winners are:
Young Chef Award – Mark Keerd of HOOV in Tallinn
Mark Keerd's dishes blend bold, well-defined flavors with great textural contrasts and show great maturity, despite his young age.
Service Award – Vladimir Severin of Shang Shi in Tallinn
Vladimir Severin leads the part-Estonian, part-Chinese team at this luxurious Chinese restaurant, where guests are welcomed with genuine warmth from the moment they arrive, and every member of staff wears a smile throughout the service.
Sommelier Award – Kevin Lilleleht of 180° by Matthias Diether in Tallinn
Kevin Lilleleht is one of the new breed of sommeliers who show such enthusiasm for their subject. Not only is he keen to impart his knowledge in an engaging and informative manner, but his personality also shines through in every move.
Opening of the Year Award – Kristo Malm of UMA in Tallinn
This fun spot comes with a lively atmosphere, colorful lighting, and the music turned up high. A sharing plates concept further enhances the social atmosphere, making for an engaging experience, and guests can continue their night in the chic cocktail bar.
Photo author: UMA Restaurant
How do restaurants earn a MICHELIN Star?
All MICHELIN-recommended restaurants are selected based on the quality of their cuisine, so inclusion in the guide is a testament to quality in and of itself. Only the best-of-the-best are awarded MICHELIN Stars. A MICHELIN Star in Tallinn is the same as a MICHELIN Star in Turin or Trondheim. The decision is not made in isolation; several inspectors dine at the restaurant under consideration before making a decision.
When Inspectors decide whether a restaurant is worthy of a star, they consider the following:
- The quality of ingredients
- The harmony of flavors
- The mastery of techniques
- The personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine
- Consistency, both throughout the menu and over repeat visits
A MICHELIN Star is awarded solely for the food on the plate. This means any restaurant, formal or informal, specializing in any cuisine has the potential to earn a star.
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Last updated
19.06.2025