Location: Tartu
Top Restaurants in Tartu
Top 10 restaurants in Tartu, Estonia
Tartu (Estonian pronunciation: [ˈtɑrtˑu], South Estonian: Tarto) is the second largest city of Estonia, after Estonia's political and financial capital Tallinn.
Things to do in Tartu
1. Cafe Truffe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By Ryjones - Toronto, Canada
This place gets hands down one of the best reviews I've ever written. I literally cannot say enough good things about Cafe Truffe.
It was a very bleak rainy day in Tartu when I was there and my guidebook listed this place as having restaurant quality food at a cafe. Seemed like a good option to me - I just wanted to chill out indoors and watch the rain fall.
The place was predictably quiet due to the weather and being in the middle of the day. I was greeted immediately with a smile and offered any table I wanted - I chose by the window. The young woman who took care of me was incredibly polite and constantly checking on me.
The menu was fairly varied and in some cases a bit more expensive than I was expecting. She, however, came over to tell me the 5 euro special of pork, vegetables and salad in a mustard cream sauce. Sold. Also, to help myself to any bread I wanted at the back of the restaurant. Did I mention the bread came with whipped dill butter? Yum!
The food came out huge in size, great in presentation and perfect in taste. I enjoyed taking my time and enjoying my meal. I may have even refilled on bread.
All in all, this place is pretty terrific. Great quality food, great service, central location.. Like I said, if I could give it an additional star I would..
2. La Dolce Vita
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 461 reviews
La Dolce Vita is an Italian restaurant which opened its doors in 2003. Its Italian owners serve up traditional dishes from their country. Its pizzas are made in a wood-fired oven which is unique in Tartu, and there is a wide range of pasta dishes to choose from. Some pasta is imported from Italy, while the rest is made on site. The menu also features traditional meat dishes. The quality of La Dolce Vita's menu is reflected in its simple, authentic components: Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, tomatoes and olive oil. In the summer months you can enjoy the warmer weather on the restaurant's Terrace. The restaurant itself is close to a beautiful park, which is the perfect place to enjoy the gelato (Italian ice cream) that the restaurant offers.
Reviewed By emmakmoat - Cambridge, United Kingdom
Have visited many times when I’ve been in business in the town. Always quick pleasant service, nice wine and good food. Last time I had pizza and it was huge and tasty.
3. Crepp
Overall Ratings
4 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By acorna - Vilnius
We went for a lunch and luckily we managed during the time when tables were available. I ordered pancakes (you can’t really call them crepes) with avocado and grilled chicken filling (it was quite difficult to choose, as they offer quite wide choice). The portion was large and the meal was quite OK, though could not be called excellent. Avocado sauce was on the sparse side and somewhat lacked in taste. But generally, it is quite recommendable place for affordable and good place. And I liked details of their simple décor very much, such as receipt boxes made of old books.
4. Werner Cafe-Lounge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 336 reviews
Werner Café & Lounge has been operating as a café since 1895. It is a great place to start the day with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. You are welcome to try all of our bakery and confectionery items, either here at the café or buying them to take away. Our head chef has also created a menu with something for everyone, from light snacks to full meals - all accompanied by great service. The restaurant is open from 11.00 am.
Reviewed By chriskour - Athens
Not an easy task to choose among the delicacies offered in this very cosy café where all scholars used to hang out years ago (from the nearby Tartu University). I went twice and each time the chocolate I drank and the sweets I tasted were excellent and of perfect value for money. The atmosphere is friendly with very young people at the service. A definite must if you pass by Tartu.
5. Taverna
Overall Ratings
4 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By Anchina
We were family of 7 looking for a place to eat in centre of Tartu. This place from outside looked like nothing special as it is in the basement of the building right next to Art museum.
We were very hungry and looked for value for money. Luckily we found this cafe as the food was delicious and price was ok.
Service was super slow and no smiles. Even beer took about 15 minutes to arrive. Waitress understood English. The menu was only in Estonian and English. No Russian as Estonians are known to have an attitude towards Russians.
Prices are fair. Food took long but it was worth the wait of 30-40mins.
Pizza was delicious- we had Mafiosa. Moroccan soup arrived hot and big serving but no bread was offered.
Main dishes as meat with potatoes and fries were soft and tasty.
There was also highchair if needed for children.
The atmosphere was nice and the place was filled with students.
6. Pierre
Overall Ratings
4 based on 178 reviews
Chocolaterie de Pierre was established with great care and love for everyone who appreciates sweets! Pierre is a real café in the truest sense of the word where you can hear the clinking of coffee cups and the pleasant hum of conversation, and also enjoy French and Italian cuisine with a great selection of delicious chocolate cakes and truffles. French music is played in the café every day. Welcome to Pierre Café & Chocolaterie!
Reviewed By ilovecorndogs - Lausanne, Switzerland
Ugh food here is gross, expensive, and comes with bad service! The chocolates up front are worth having for sure and save this place from a 1-star review The interior is kind of nice I guess....
7. Restaurant Antonius
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
The Antonius restaurant's vaulted arch ceilings are adorned with rare frescoes and its atrium recreates the elegant atmosphere of a rose garden. Seating up to 42 diners, the restaurant is the perfect place for intimate dinners for two, birthdays, corporate events, receptions, cocktail parties and weddings. Its a la carte menu will offer even the most demanding gourmands something new and interesting. The delightful interior, excellent food, premium selection of Old World wines and flawless service will keep you coming back again and again.
Reviewed By Hanna M
We were party of nine persons with family get together dinner. This is a beautiful cellar restaurant with brick walls and some rose tapestry. Very cosy and romantic. The table was covered with white lining and beautiful dishes. Also the service was good.
But unfortunately we would say the food was only average. As starters we all had trout with fennel which and we did not care for it very much. For the main course some had lam, which was ok, some had beef which was also average, nothing special. The best part of the dinner was the desert. Pear, black garlic together with almond ice cream was very delicious. Also the rye bread with blueberries was very good.
This is not a cheap restaurant but you might want to try it out, specially good for a romantic evening!
8. Meat Market Steak & Cocktail
Overall Ratings
4 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By Luis R - Lisbon, Portugal
In the center of Tartu, simply one of the best restaurants to eat meat in the world. The space is clean and modern. The service is so good, with young, beautiful and dynamic staff. The menu has many choices of meat, side dishes, wines and desserts. Everything is good!
9. Pussirohukelder
Overall Ratings
4 based on 358 reviews
Reviewed By jasna1972 - Novi Sad, Serbia
I had a dinner in this place with the group of friends. We had fixed menu, local dishes, interesting taste. Its very huge building, there is enough place for looking around, or sitting, its hardly can be overcrowded. I like it because there is enough fresh air inside, usually the places like this (pubs) become without fresh air when young people arrives in the evening.
10. Restaurant Polpo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Restaurant Polpo in Tartu is located in heart of the Old Town on the ground floor of hotel London. Polpo has been chosen to be one of the best restaurants in Estonia on every year of it's operation. Restaurant draws inspiration from Estonian cuisine and southern European temperament. Polpo values traditions and completes it by adding the charms of simplicity modern tone to it. If you value quality, clear flavors and innovative approaches then Polpo Restaurant in Tartu offers you a good opportunity to experience that.
Reviewed By Rexonaut - Belgium
It is not easy to find a good restaurant in Tartu. Besides MeatMarket beef we finally found Polpo. It has interesting menu and all we had, was good. Especially good were white fish and Pavlova, but also pistachio panna-cotta. It is quite Estonian food but...MoreDear, guest. Thank you for review on Tripadvisor.com! We are glad to hear you enjoyed our Pavlova, fish and our panna-cotta! We look forward to welcoming you back! Kind regards, Restaurant Polpo
