Options for vegan and gluten-free dining
The focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients has turned Estonia into a Northern European foodie destination. Vegetarians and vegans are also in luck, as many Estonian chefs know how to bring out the taste of plant-based foods.
Gone are the days when food intolerances or dietary preferences made it too difficult to eat out!
Tallinn
Vegan Restaurant V is located on a romantic side street in Old Town. The menu consists solely of plant-based products, but it has become a favorite among carnivores. It is almost always fully booked, so call ahead to reserve a table.
As befitting a hipster neighborhood, there are plenty of vegan dining options in Kalamaja.
In Balti Jaam Market‘s Food Street, you can find Veg Machine, a small eatery offering the best of vegan street food. The tiny, vegan Veg B12 Cafe is right past the outdoor market area; it serves a selection of porridges, soups, salads, and cakes. Across from the market is Ülo, whose menu includes meat dishes and high-quality vegan meals.
Nihe is a newer vegan cafe in Telliskivi’s Creative City. It offers a selection of pastries, lunch specials, an all-day brunch menu, and heartier foods such as pasta and burgers.
Not far from Nihe is Kivi Paber Käärid, which offers 100% gluten-free cuisine. Casein and lactose-free meals are also marked on the menu. It’s a lively place filled with locals and visitors enjoying weekend entertainment and live music until late.
Outside of Tallinn
While Tallinn may have the highest concentration of vegan-friendly eateries, plenty more are scattered around the country. There are too many to list them all here, so instead take a look at this small selection that demonstrates the diversity of dining options in Estonia!
Muhu Island
Alexander Restaurant at Pädaste Manor on Muhu Island is known for its nine-course island tasting menu but also offers an equally luxurious, nine-course vegetarian tasting menu.
Narva
Cafe Valge Kõrvits (The White Pumpkin) is in the heart of Narva’s Old Town. It has a cozy atmosphere and is ideal for a lunch break while sightseeing, a relaxed family dinner, or a romantic date. The daily lunch menu often features a vegan option.
Tartu
Café Crepp in Tartu is famous for its large French salads. Many can be vegan, lactose-free, and/or gluten-free. For those with a gluten intolerance, there are numerous gluten-free dessert options.
Pärnu
Hea Maa is a small rustic restaurant in the center of Pärnu’s Old Town. The menu features many vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options, which can be enjoyed while relaxing on their terrace during the summer.
In the middle of the woods
Even outdoor enthusiasts can treat themselves to a vegetarian or vegan feast after hiking, canoeing, or bogshoeing. Maitsemaa Forest Restaurant prepares food and serves it in the wild at almost any RMK campfire spot in Estonia, and the chefs can accommodate vegan and vegetarian diners.
1/
Vegan Restaurant V, Tallinn
Known for its creative plant-based menu, Vegan Restaurant V is Tallinn’s most popular vegan eatery.
2/
Balti Jaama Turg, Tallinn
Tallinn’s main market, Balti Jaama Turg, has several locales featuring vegan food on the premises or nearby.
3/
Kivi Paber Käärid, Tallinn
Kivi Paber Käärid is a hipster hotspot that features an entirely gluten-free menu.
4/
Pädaste Manor, Muhu Island
Vegetarians can enjoy luxury fine dining at Pädaste Manor, a restored manor home on Muhu Island.
5/
Hinniala bonfire food
Fine vegetarian and vegan dining can be had anywhere in Estonia, even in the middle of the forest.
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