The Best Breakfast And Brunch Spots In Tallinn, Estonia
In the charming expanse of Estonia, the morning meal holds its own significance, while the term ‘brunch’ finds its place primarily within the walls of trendy, hipster cafés. For those who relish a leisurely start to their day, we’ve curated a guide to the finest breakfast and brunch destinations within the heart of the capital. Indulge in the culinary delights that await you as we explore the top spots where mornings transform into moments of delectable enjoyment.
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Kolm Sibulat
Kolm Sibulat is located in the trendy Kalamaja neighborhood and is the second restaurant of the team behind Moon, another popular Tallinn haunt. Taking its cue from the restaurant’s name, meaning Three Onions, the interior uses copper onions as lamps but the rest is sleek and contemporary. The cooking style is affectionally described by the owners as ‘fusion-confusion’. There isn’t a dedicated breakfast or brunch menu, but the light starters like scallops or the vegetarian couscous is a great way to kick off a lazy Sunday.
F-Hoon
F-Hoon was one of the first restaurants to set up shop in the Telliskivi industrial complex in Kalamaja. It offers a substantial breakfast in a chic environment at a surprisingly affordable price. It includes both sweet and savory options, from Eastern European specialties like the ever-popular cottage cheese pancakes known as syrniki to classics like porridge and omelettes. There are also less common dishes, like rocket-quinoa salad with grilled courgette, cherry tomatoes and two poached eggs, which are great gluten-free options suitable for vegetarians. Pair it with a green smoothie for the healthiest of brunches.
NOP
NOP is short for Neighborhood Organic Place, which is a perfect description of what it strives to be. This is a place where locals meet and become regulars, a community space of sorts, and where all food is local and organic. There’s also a shop to buy products used by the café. The charming Kadriog neighborhood is also home to Kumu, making it a great place to stop at for breakfast before visiting this famous museum. Said breakfast consists of healthy variations on quintessential brunch fare, like scrambled eggs with asparagus and fresh salad or poached eggs with smoked trout and avocado on organic rye bread.
Boheem
Also in Kalamaja, Boheem feels just like someone’s living room, complete with china cabinet and old-fashioned lamps and armchairs. It’s perfect for a leisurely brunch. Omelettes and fried potatoes are on the menu, along with porridge with jam for those who want something a little lighter. All this is served with served pickled cucumber, tomato, sour cream and horseradish sauce. With a little creativity, many of the lunch options could also work for brunch, especially the savory pancakes.
Kohvik Must Puudel
Kohvik Must Puudel serves half a dozen breakfast dishes such as muesli, buckwheat pancakes, and fried potatoes with young spinach, which makes it a great choice for vegetarians and vegans. The interior is also part of the pleasure of eating at Must Puudel. It’s extremely colorful with a distinctly retro vibe. This was one of the first cafés in Tallinn to go for that look and remains one of the most popular among locals.
Kompressor
One of the Old Town’s beloved restaurants, Kompressor specializes in sweet and savory pancakes so huge its a challenge to finish just one. While there is no dedicated brunch or breakfast menu, it’s perfect for both. The sheer number of options makes for great variety, allowing clients to sample something different from the usual brunch fare if they so desire. If not, the ever-comforting pancake and maple syrup combination is also on the menu.
Maiasmokk
This is tthe oldest café in Tallinn and quite possibly in the whole of Estonia. It has occupied its current location since 1864. The interior has remained mostly unchanged for over a century. It doesn’t have a breakfast or brunch menu but the mix of sweet and savory food on offer makes for a good breakfast. The cakes and pastries are particularly recommended.
Köleri 2
Köleri 2’s selection of crêpes and galettes is perfect for brunch even though they’re technically not part of a breakfast menu. For something sweeter, there’s also a small cake menu that features treats like rhubarb crumble and ganache. Right at the edge of the Kadriorg neighborhood, it’s quite off the beaten track but is a lovely setting with an outdoor patio and deckchairs creating a cozy, almost cottage-like, atmosphere. The coffee’s also nothing to sneer at.
Sesoon
Sesoon is consistently rated as one of the top 50 restaurants in Estonia and is even arguably the best for brunch. The menu changes regularly to ensure that every element is fresh and in season. Visitors can expect to find a wide range of meat, seafood and vegetarian finger foods, fresh drinks, desserts, and great coffee. It can get busy so be sure to book a table.