Tallinn prides itself with its high-class restaurant scene. Fresh and seasonal ingredients, tasteful interiors and superb locations are what unite the best restaurants in the city. However if you’re looking for a quick bite, or don’t feel like spending over 10€ or even 5 € for a meal, Tallinn won’t leave you hungry.
Kompressor, a student’s favourite, serves humongous (trust us on this one) pancakes with both sweet and savoury fillings. One pancake will surely fill the hungriest of travellers and what’s better – all pancakes cost less than 6 euros.
If a pub meal is what you’re looking for, then St Patrick’s pubs have a decent menu and the prices are even more decent - most meals are under 10 euros. Their lunch offer is less than 5 euros for a meal which also includes a drink.
For an Italian meal that won’t set you back too much, try one of Tallinn’s Vapiano restaurants. You’ll find two in the city centre. They serve pastas, risottos and pizzas made fresh on the spot and most meals cost fewer than 10 euros, with extra for drinks.
The Reval Café chain is another good option for a quick and tasty meal under 10€. You’ll find the cafés all around Tallinn, both in the Old Town and in Kalamaja. They also have an excellent selection of cakes and pastries, and good quality coffee.
Sõõrikukohvik (“Donut Café”) is a classic budget eatery in Tallinn. If you’re not looking to buy Estonian-style donuts by the kilo (!), then you’ll surely find something to your tastes from their regular menu which serves soups, salads, pancakes and hot meals.
Kolmas Draakon (“Third Dragon”) is undoubtedly the cheapest eating place in Town Hall Square. The tiny medieval-themed eatery can be found in the Town Hall itself and the most expensive food item on the menu will rob you of about 3 euros. The Elk Soup (2€) is practically legendary by now and should not be missed. However, if you’re completely broke you can scoop free pickles from a huge vat at the back of the room.
When in Tallinn on a weekday, take note that many places in the Old Town and city centre that might otherwise be quite expensive, have special lunch offers. Usually the meal is under 5 euros including water and bread.