Estonia’s coastline is a hidden gem for seafood lovers. From freshly caught Baltic herring to smoked eel and creamy fish soups, the country’s coastal cuisine reflects a deep connection to its maritime heritage. Whether you're on Estonia tours exploring its scenic seaside towns or enjoying a city break in Tallinn, Estonia offers an unforgettable seafood experience. In this guide, we highlight the best places to savor authentic Estonian seafood while experiencing the country's rich culinary traditions.

1. The Coastal Influence on Estonian Seafood Cuisine

For generations, Estonia's traditional food has been influenced by its coastal location along the Baltic Sea. In regional cuisine, freshwater fish from the nation's numerous lakes and rivers are also essential ingredients. The Estonian diet consists primarily of pickled herring, smoked fish, and creamy seafood chowders. Make sure to include excursions to coastal restaurants that showcase these regional specialties in your Estonia vacation packages.

2. Best Seafood Restaurants in Tallinn

a) NOA Restaurant

NOA is a restaurant by the sea that serves the best seafood from Estonia and has breathtaking views of Tallinn Bay. The restaurant is well-known for its upscale fare, which includes seafood specialties laced with caviar and pan-seared perch.

b) Restoran Moon

This quaint eatery close to the Old Town offers traditional Estonian cuisine with a contemporary touch. You have to try their freshly caught cod fish soup.

c) The Fish & Wine

This restaurant focuses in wine and seafood pairings, as the name implies. Their cuisine features a sophisticated interpretation of Estonian seafood customs, such as marinated herring and butter-fried pike perch.

3. Pärnu: The Seafood Capital of Estonia

The summer capital of Estonia, Pärnu, is well-known for its excellent seafood restaurants in addition to its sandy beaches. Don't miss these must-see locations if your Estonian tours take you to this charming city:

a) Villa Wesset

With dishes like smoked salmon tartare and grilled trout, this classy eatery combines Nordic and Estonian cuisines.

b) Supelsaksad

A welcoming café-restaurant that specializes in fish dishes including shrimp salads and creamy seafood soup.

c) Rannahotell Restaurant

This fine-dining restaurant on the seaside offers delectable seafood dishes made with ingredients that are found locally, such as Baltic herring and eel.

4. Saaremaa: Island Delicacies

Saaremaa, the largest island in Estonia, is a seafood haven. You can sample some of the most traditional seafood dishes in Estonia when you travel here as part of your vacation packages.

a) Ku-Kuu Restaurant

Delicious smoked fish platters and creamy fish soup produced from local catches can be found at Ku-Kuu, which has a view of the Kuressaare Castle.

b) Castello

Castello is a popular restaurant in Saaremaa that offers unusual fare including marinated herring with black rye bread and pike cutlets.

5. Hiiumaa: Rustic Seafood Experiences

The second-largest island in Estonia, Hiiumaa, is well-known for its casual fish restaurants. Fish caught by the island's fisherman is still prepared in local restaurants using age-old techniques.

a) Ungru

Local artisan beers are served alongside seasonal seafood, such as smoked eel and grilled whitefish, at this family-run eatery.

b) Kassariotsa

Famous for its homemade seafood specialties including pickled fish and pan-fried perch, Kassariotsa is a hidden gem on the island.

6. Experience Estonia’s Seafood Markets

Fresh, locally caught fish can be found in Estonia's seafood markets, which are a great destination for foodies. Foodies who want to get a firsthand glimpse at Estonia's seafood culture may visit the Pärnu Fish Market and the Tallinn Central Market.

Conclusion

Estonia provides a rich and varied seafood culture, whether you're touring Tallinn, unwinding in Pärnu, or exploring the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. You may fully immerse yourself in Estonia's marine traditions by incorporating these coastal eating experiences into your trips. You won't regret indulging in the best seafood Estonia has to offer if you're booking your trip with Estonia vacation packages!