Tallin Food
Tallin's relatively small tourist centre can make it a tricky place to sniff out the best places to eat.
While the busy Town Hall Square has many cafes and restaurants lining its sides, these do not usually give the best value or make the best food. However, if you have some cash to spare and would like to do a little people watching while you eat then this is definitely the place to head for.
However, just off the square is a little local gem where you can get an excellent, filling meal at a budget price. Pegasus is well known to locals and as a consequence is often quite busy. There is, however, plenty of time to sample its hospitality as Pegasus has something going on all day long.
From brunch to cocktails, this is a honey pot for the weary traveller. With a varied menu that stands out among Tallin's restaurateurs, the Irish-Indian chef here has created a palate all of his own. Choose from seafood, meat, pasta or delicious salads and then wash it all down with a cocktail or two.
Interestingly, for a little added curiosity, Pegasus has female urinals in its facilities ? for some, this may be worth a look in itself.
A tiny local favourite is Controvento. This little Italian-owned Italian restaurant in the Old Town's Katariina Kaik Alley even imports ingredients from its European home. This means that all the dishes, as well as being prepared with a little love, are frequently updated and reviewed.
As well as enjoying the menu, there is excellent Italian wine to accompany it. Vegetarians are also catered for at this diamond of a venue, but it is no secret from the locals, so make sure you book if you would like to sample the fare.
On an even more international scale, Villa Thai comes highly recommended. This Thai restaurant just off Narva Mantee is a little way out from the city centre, and so another location known to the locals but little-found by tourists.
Villa Thai also has a tandoori menu if you like your spice in a different flavour and can boast good food, reasonable portions and attentive service. Once again, the popularity of this place among those in the know means that you will need to book, particularly at weekends.
If you are travelling as a family, you may also be pleased to know that there is a children's play area, complete with drawing materials, to keep the youngsters entertained.
For something a little more themed, head to Olde Hansa at number one Vanaturg. This is the Disneyland of Tallinn's restaurant scene and is themed as a medieval venue.
The medieval theme runs further than the decor though and you may be surprised to find bear or even dried elk on the menu. Although the cost will come in a little above the city's average bill, it is far from expensive and well worth a visit as a special treat during your stay.
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Eating & Drinking
