We are delighted to announce the second MICHELIN Guide selection to Estonia, which was unveiled at 8am today. It features 34 establishments and includes the country's first Two Michelin Star restaurant; one restaurant honoured with One Michelin Star; six restaurants awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for great value; and two restaurants highlighted with a Michelin Green Star for sustainability.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guides said:
“Thanks to last year’s inaugural edition, more and more people are discovering the hidden jewel that is Estonia’s culinary scene – and we are delighted that this second edition updates and expands that original selection. 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. 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 to Two Michelin Stars.”
Estonia's First Two Michelin Star Restaurant
The top story this year is the promotion of the stylish 180° by Matthias Diether – located in Tallinn – from One to Two Michelin Stars. The Michelin Inspectors are particularly impressed by the intricacy of the cooking, but also by how the various elements all work supremely well together. There is great technique, skill, sophistication and understanding of flavour evident in every one of the highly visual dishes.
Existing Michelin Star Restaurant Retains Its One Star Status
NOA Chef's Hall – run by chef-owner Tõnis Siigur and set within a striking modern waterside building – retains its One Michelin Star status. Here, the Michelin Inspectors greatly enjoyed cooking that was accomplished and confident, resulting in dishes that are expertly balanced and very satisfying. This is a special dining experience in every way.
Six Bib Gourmands – One Newly Promoted
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.
Two Michelin Green Stars – One New
The Michelin Green Star is an annual distinction which highlights those restaurants at the forefront of the industry when it comes to their sustainable practices – restaurants which offer dining experiences that combine culinary excellence with outstanding eco-friendly commitments and are a source of inspiration both for keen foodies and the hospitality industry as a whole.
Located in Maidla and run by chef Daanius Aas, restaurant SOO is a new addition to this year’s Guide. Here, on an estate currently being transformed into a Nature Reserve, their 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.
Four Restaurants Join The Main Selection
In addition to SOO, 4 other restaurants have been added to the Guide:
Art Priori, in Tallinn, is a brasserie celebrating all the French classics.
Barbarea – housed within an old boot factory in Tallinn – is a bakery by day and a bistro by night.
Rado, in Haapsalu, is a modern, sweetly run bistro to its sister of the same name in Tallinn
Alexander, set on Muhu Island, sees a charming house host ambitious cooking.
These join the 20 restaurants that maintain their place in the selection from last year:
38, Tallinn
Cru, Tallinn
Fii, Tartu
Gianni, Tallinn
Hõlm, Tartu
Horisont, Tallinn
Joyce, Tartu
Lahepere Villa, Kloogaranna
Lee, Tallinn
Mere 38, Võsu
Mon Repos, Tallinn
Moon, Tallinn
Paju Villa, Tallinn
Pull, Tallinn
Puri, Tallinn
R14, Tallinn
Rado, Tallinn
SMAK, Tallinn
Tchaikovsky, Tallinn
Wicca, Laulasmaa
Michelin Young Chef Award 2023
In addition to the restaurant selection, we are pleased to present the Michelin Young Chef Award 2023.
This award highlights a very promising professional whose talent and dedication have particularly impressed the Michelin Inspectors over the past year. The year, the Michelin Young Chef Award goes to: Daanius Aas, from SOO restaurant.
Daanius works alone, cooking for five tables in this intimate restaurant that forms part of Maidla Nature Resort. His strong sustainability ethos has earnt the restaurant a Michelin Green Star and this, coupled with his championing of local produce and creative yet balanced cooking, makes him a great ambassador for Estonian cuisine.
Did you know that Michelin also recommend hotels?
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