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20 years and 2 million maps later...
Little Scandinavia. Dining in Tallinn should be
viewed as similar to dining in any other Scandinavian
capital. The choice of cuisine is enormous. The quality
of food and service is generally high. There are plenty of
good deals to be found. You’ll fi nd world class gourmet
here, as well as some good ol’ greasy take out. Use your
common sense when choosing an establishment and you
should do very well.

Reservations. Be warned that popular restaurants
are often fully booked throughout the high season,
and on weekends during the low season. If you have a
particular place you want to try then be safe and reserve
a table. If you prefer adventure, then take a stroll - you are
guaranteed to fi nd an available table and it just might be
at that, as yet, undiscovered gem.

Children. Most restaurants have a children’s menu of
some kind. If you don’t see it in the regular menu then
ask your server. High chairs and booster seats are very
hit and miss in Tallinn restaurants. If you really need one
you should either call ahead or ask before taking a table.

Tipping. Our humble suggestion for tourists is to leave
a 10% gratuity on top of a pleasant meal. The food service
sector in Estonia sits at the very bottom of the income
chart. Waiters, waitresses and bartenders literally live on
their tips. Service charges are very rarely added to a bill.

Smoking. Indoor public smoking was banned in
Estonia in 2007. Restaurants and bars, however, are
allowed to create a separate, enclosed smoking area for
their customers. No table service will be provided to these
areas in an eff ort to protect staff from second-hand smoke.
The locations in this guide off ering indoor smoking areas
are marked with the smoking symbol.

Lunch Specials. Nearly every Tallinn restaurant has
a daily lunch special (M-F). The Päevapraad is usually
listed on a chalkboard or as an addition to the regular
menu. Lunch Specials are usually quite cheap (€4.00 -
€6.00) and normally served rather quickly.