The inaugural MICHELIN Guide Estonia 2022 was launched today. It features 31 restaurants spread across the country, from Tallinn to Tartu, and includes two restaurants honoured with One Michelin Star, five restaurants awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, and two restaurants highlighted with a Michelin Green Star for sustainability.
As with all MICHELIN Guide restaurant selections around the globe, the independent and anonymous Michelin inspectors evaluated Estonia's restaurants taking into consideration five criteria:
- The quality of the ingredients
- The mastery of culinary techniques
- The harmony of flavours
- The personality of the chef as expressed in the dishes
- Consistency across the entire menu and over time
Michelin Stars
Two restaurants have been awarded a prestigious Michelin Star for their outstanding cuisine.
NOA Chef's Hall in Tallinn is set within a striking modern building (where you’ll also find restaurant NOA). Guests are invited to start their evening with an aperitif served in a romantic lounge with a splendid view of Tallinn Bay and the Gulf of Finland – then it’s on to the restaurant where an open kitchen takes centre stage and the open fire is used to great effect. The engaging 7 course menu comprises complex, highly original dishes packed full of complementary flavours and layers of texture.
The stylish yet relaxed 180° by Matthias Diether sits within a modern harbour development a couple of miles outside Tallinn city centre and is named after the 180° view from its U-shaped open kitchen. After snacks in the futuristic bar, guests can enjoy either a 4 or 6 course tasting menu where ambitious, showy creations exhibit great attention to detail and display an array of both flavour and texture contrasts.
Michelin Bib Gourmands
The Michelin Bib Gourmand award highlights good quality cooking at a great price. Five restaurants join the Estonia selection with this distinction.
Fellin, Viljandi
A welcoming café-cum-bistro with a bohemian air, set on the edge of the Old Town. Traditional European dishes burst with freshness and flavour.
Härg, Tallinn
Well-priced modern dishes come with a focus on the chargrill at this buzzy all-day brasserie with stone walls and striking copper chandeliers.
Lore Bistroo, Tallinn
Sharing dishes inspired by the owners' travels are the order of the day at this modern bistro in a cavernous harbourside warehouse.
Mantel ja Korsten, Tallinn
A clapboard house with a picture-postcard look and bold furnishings. Mediterranean-inspired dishes are accompanied by organic and biodynamic wines.
NOA, Tallinn
Fresh fish takes centre stage at this cosy restaurant where full-length windows offer a magnificent view over the city and the sea.
Michelin Green Stars
The Michelin Green Star highlights restaurants at the forefront of the industry when it comes to their sustainable practices. They hold themselves accountable for both their ethical and environmental standards, and work with sustainable producers and suppliers to avoid waste and reduce non-recyclable materials from their supply chain.
These restaurants 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.
Two Green Stars have been awarded for 2022: Põhjaka Manor in Mäeküla and Fotografiska in Tallinn both receive the award.
Also Recommended
22 restaurants join the main selection :
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
Ruhe, Neeme
SMAK, Tallinn
Tchaikovsky, Tallinn
Tuljak, Tallinn
Wicca, Laulasmaa
Special Awards
Three Special Awards were also presented.
The Michelin Young Chef Award went to Janno Lepik, the talented chef of Bib Gourmand restaurant Lore Bistroo.
The Michelin Sommelier Award was presented to Robert Põld, the passionate sommelier at Michelin-Starred NOA Chef's Hall.
The Michelin Service Award was given to the team at family run Lahepere Villa, led by friendly owner Helen Vihtol.
View the Full Selection on the Free App
The full 2022 selection for Estonia is available here on the MICHELIN Guide website and on the free iOS and Android apps.
Congratulations to all those selected as part of the first MICHELIN Guide Estonia!
