Michelin Guide presented the second edition of Michelin Guide Estonia. Their inspectors have spent another year travelling throughout the country in search of the best restaurants. Michelin Guide Estonia 2023 recommends a total of 34 restaurants, including one newly promoted to Two Michelin Star one, a One Michelin Star restaurant, six Bib Gourmand and two Green Star restaurants.
“Thanks to last year’s inaugural edition, more and more people are discovering the hidden jewel that is Estonia’s culinary scene,” notes Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Micheline Guide. “The country offers a very appealing mix of restaurants and can boast plenty of skilled and ambitious chefs who are taking full advantage of the local produce.”
180° – the first Two Michelin Stars restaurant in Estonia
The stylish 180° restaurant by Matthias Diether in Tallinn charmed the Michelin Guide’s inspectors with great technique, skill, sophistication, and understanding of flavour that appeared in every one of the highly visual dishes. The inspectors were particularly impressed by the intricacy of the cooking and how all the various elements worked supremely well together. As a result, 180° was promoted from a one-star to a two-stars Michelin restaurant.
NOA Chef’s Hall – the only One Michelin Star restaurant in Estonia
The NOA Chef’s Hall restaurant by chef-owner Tõnis Siigur in Tallinn retained its One Michelin Star status. Here, the Michelin Guide’s inspectors greatly enjoyed cooking that is accomplished and confident, resulting in dishes that are expertly balanced, very satisfying and offering a special dining experience in every way.
Six Bib Gourmands
The Michelin Bib Gourmand award highlights restaurants offering good quality food at a great price.
Tuljak, in Tallinn, occupies a lovely spot, with its terrace providing great sea views and its interior sporting a retro look. The cooking comes with a creative element but is rooted in the Baltics and offers lots of enjoyable contrasts in textures and flavours.
It joins the five existing Bib Gourmand restaurants which all maintain their distinction in this year’s edition: Fellin in Viljandi, a warm and welcoming café-cum-bistro; and four others in Tallinn: Härg, a fun all-day brasserie; Lore Bistroo, a modern harbourside bistro; Mantel ja Korsten which serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes; and NOA, with its seasonal, modern menus.
The Michelin Green Stars: Soo and Fotografiska
Restaurant Soo, located in Maidla and run by chef Daanius Aas, is a new addition to this year’s Michelin Guide. Soo is located on an estate that is currently being transformed into a nature reserve. This intimate restaurant champions local produce and is guided by very real ecological considerations. This outstanding sustainable commitment is recognised with a Michelin Green Star.
Fotografiska, in Tallinn, retains its Green Star status for a second year.
Time to enjoy Estonian food
“Now is a great time to visit if you want to take advantage of a varied and burgeoning gastronomic scene, whose quality is illustrated by the promotion of restaurant 180° by Matthias Diether,” Gwendal Poullennec encourages to discover Estonian restaurants.
The Estonian restaurant selection is compiled by full-time inspectors of the Michelin Guide, who make their recommendations based on anonymous lunches and dinners.
Find out all the Michelin-recommended Estonian restaurants here and choose the one you would like to celebrate your business wins at after being inspired by the business opportunities Estonia offers, including some great ones in the Food sector. Feel free to use our 1:1 e-Consulting service to get started.