FREE Guide: Estonian Cafe Culture and Best Coffee in Tallinn

These days, all eyes are on Tallinn as a coffee destination, thanks to Tommy Cash’s win at Eesti Laul – Estonia’s national final for Eurovision – with his quirky song ‘Espresso Macchiato.’ The marketing opportunities to promote coffee, especially coffee in Tallinn, are endless. But you might be wondering, too – does Tallinn actually have great coffee? Or what’s its coffee scene like?

The short answer: no. 

But hey, if you have a minute or two, please allow me to explain and assure you: I am determined to not give up on Tallinn as a coffee destination. In true Carolin fashion, here’s a comprehensive guide into Estonia’s coffee culture and why Tallinn isn’t exactly known for its brews. Plus I refuse to live in a world where I associate Tallinn with mediocre coffee, since I adore this city. 

Let’s find out more!

History: Coffee in Tallinn & Estonian Coffee Culture

The city’s café tradition dates back over three centuries, influenced by German and Central European cultures. After Estonia regained independence in 1991, café culture experienced a resurgence and continues to thrive today with modern third-wave establishments.

• The first Estonian coffee house opened in 1697 in Narva. Another historic coffee house is Cafe Werner in Tartu. 
• Coffee appeared among imported goods no later than 1694, primarily from the Netherlands.
• Tallinn looks back on 316 years of coffee culture: the first café was founded by Spaniard Alphonso Tellado Carvallido (1702) and was most likely located at 12 Town Hall Square.
• Carvallido submitted a petition to the City of Tallinn for civil rights and soon after became a citizen. Locally, he was known as the ‘café keeper and coffee giver.’ Records from the City Archive show that he rented the café rather than owning it.
• Historic Tallinn was already known for its underground wine cellars, so the café was regarded as a novelty. However, it was treated like any other drinking establishment under city orders: ‘Neither the coffee house nor any winery may be open after 10 o’clock in the evening under threat of arrest.’
• Carvallido survived the plague and continued to run the café after the Great Northern War.

• The traditional coffee houses that have survived include Maiasmokk and Café Kultus (formerly Moskva/Mood) in Freedom Square. The latter, established in 1937, became the finest example of Tallinn’s coffee culture. It served as a cultural focal point, and its signature treat was a jam-filled doughnut.
• Like other European capitals, Tallinn had cafés for diverse audiences, such as Pegasus and Kloostri Ait, which attracted young artists and writers. The bohemian lifestyle declined when owners resented the free-spirited clientele who came for the atmosphere, not the drinks. Kloostri Ait still exists today.
• Several unique cafés featured custom-made furnishings reflecting Estonian design and culture. The current exhibition, ‘Endless Coffee Drinking’ at Kiek in de Kök, celebrates Tallinn’s coffee culture with a range of original exhibits.
• Similar to Belgian coffee culture, the cafes were a blend of a bar and a cafe. Sharing a table with strangers was common. 
• The Café at Neitsitorn (cover picture, 1980) is a cherished spot, set in a historic setting reminiscent of the Hanseatic League. It briefly closed in the 2000s due to competition from other cafés but reopened in 2013.
• The oldest operating coffee house today is Maiasmokk. Lost cafes: Cafe Gnome (today restaurant Peppersack), Mündi Baar (kind of an exclusive basement cafe and visitors had to pay an entrance fee as it was so popular in the 60’s), Cafe Pärl (locals loved the pastries and cakes, but the cafe closed early whereas others stayed open until midnight. Short revival in the 70s but is now lost). 

Coffee in Tallinn: Modern Day Insights

Tallinn has a variety of modern cafés, bakeries, and brunch spots serving specialty coffee and delicious treats. While the brunch dishes may not always be particularly innovative, I must admit that most of these cafés and bakeries are visually stunning, with their pastries beautifully presented in an inviting way. It’s genuinely a pleasure to visit and choose from the neatly arranged counters.

Common brunch dishes include porridge, egg-based options, and fresh pastries, often topped with thick glazes and deep golden-brown colours. As for coffee, Tallinn offers a mix of chains like Reval and Caffeine, alongside independent roasters and cafés. From my experience, Estonians tend to favour coffee that’s acidic and juicy, which doesn’t always sit well with my stomach. However, the exceptional quality of the pastries often makes up for it.

During my visits to Tallinn, I have made the following observations:

• The average price for coffee sits around 3,50€ mark
• Water is not served with the coffee drink, but some cafes have a self-serve tap.
• Wifi is available, but you’ll need to ask for the password.
• Unlike other cities (e.g. Vienna), Tallinn’s coffee culture is super relaxed and won’t bat an eyelid if you overstay. 
• Bakeries, cafes and brunch spots aplenty.
• Brunch menus have basic and safe options at moderate pricing, e.g. bowl of porridge sits at the 6-8€ mark.
• Several dessert shops, e.g. Puffs (French puffed pastry), pancakes (Kooker Balti Jaam), bubble waffles and a cat cafe (Nuuri) complement the coffee culture in Tallinn
• The Tallinn Coffee Festival is annually celebrated in April

Best Coffee in Tallinn

These cafés left a positive impression on me, whether due to their friendly staff, quality food and drinks, or relaxed atmosphere. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here, revisiting several, and can confidently recommend these cafés and brunch spots in Tallinn. Here are my best places for coffee in Tallinn if you’re travelling solo and looking for a peaceful spot to enjoy your drink.

Kringel Bakery

Great for: local and intimate vibes
Avoid: if you prefer a livelier space in the centre

This vegan-friendly all-day breakfast café and bakery is located in the Uue Maailma neighbourhood, just a few tram stops from the centre (Viru). The café’s cosy atmosphere is incredibly inviting and seems to be a popular meeting spot for locals. During my visit, it was busy non-stop, not only serving customers on-site but also preparing home deliveries.

I ordered their sweet version of hearty oatmeal, topped with Lingonberry-strawberry jam, a variety of berries and fruits, and a generous dollop of peanut butter. The hot dish was the perfect comfort on a chilly winter morning. This pleasant experience was further enhanced by a fresh bun with a generous glaze, orange juice, and coffee. Honestly, the coffee was the best I’ve had so far in Tallinn – creamy, well-balanced, and an overall delightful drink. I’ll be back for more.

Other Cafes in the area that are on my list: Grenka, Luna Cafe & Bakery

Dot Cafe

Great for: unfuzzy vibes with solid food options
Avoid: if minimalistic style and design puts you off

Another brunch spot that you can safely put on your radar is Dot Café, a relatively new addition to Tallinn’s coffee scene, having opened in 2022. The minimalist ambience, with its white colour scheme, creates a relaxing and unfuzzy atmosphere. The menu mainly features hot dishes, such as pancakes, French toast, porridge, and burgers for lunch, with prices ranging from 5-12€.

During my visit, I enjoyed a hot porridge bowl topped with a variety of fruits and berries. Lingonberries, a common ingredient in the Baltics and Finland, added a welcome touch of flavour that I don’t often get to enjoy as it is not common in Central Europe where I live. I didn’t order coffee this time, as I was battling a cold and opted for tea instead. Dot Café is definitely high on my list for a revisit, as I thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed vibe and the quality of the food.

La Boulangerie

Great for: high-end pastries in a refined setting
Avoid: if you prefer a casual and unconventional space

This gorgeous café, with its high-end feel, brings a touch of Parisian flair to Tallinn. Located in the harbour area, it’s not overly crowded, making it a peaceful spot to enjoy. You can visit for lunch and order savour brasserie-style dishes like terrines and tender duck breast, or simply indulge in their impressive selection of fine pastries.

The pastries are exquisite and incredibly tempting, making it difficult to choose. I was immediately drawn to the round croissants filled with pistachio, which reminded me of the croissants served at Croissant Couture in Berlin. Since these were much more affordable than their Berlin counterparts, I couldn’t resist trying one.

The croissant was fresh, with flakey layers that crackled and came apart easily. The filling was more of a pistachio-flavoured custard than a rich pistachio paste, but I still enjoyed the treat alongside my coffee. While the coffee wasn’t as good as at Kringels, it complemented the pastry so well that I didn’t mind its slightly acidic flavour and texture. 

Good to Know: If you love La Boulangerie, make sure to visit its sister branch in the Kadaka area. This may be a bit out of your way, but drop the pin on Google maps anyway in case you may find yourself in this part of Tallinn some day. 

Maiasmokk

Great for: historic setting and classic Estonian food
Avoid: it is a touristic cafe after all

As the last remaining traditional coffee house, and therefore the oldest café in Estonia, Maiasmokk has a rich history. Originally a pastry shop opened in 1864, it developed into a renowned spot for coffee and marzipan figurines, a characteristic treat of the former Hanseatic League. The name “Maiasmokk”, meaning “Sweet Tooth,” is a reference to its legacy. The café’s historic interior received protected status in 1960, and today you can enjoy great coffee culture and marzipan figurine demonstrations here.

I’ve visited a couple of times and can share the following: the coffee, with its creamy top, is quite strong at first sip, demanding your attention, but softens pleasantly afterwards. It is not thin or acidic as other coffees have been. My cappuccino pairs wonderfully with a goat’s cheese pastry filled with sun-dried tomatoes. Overall, the café offers a variety of interesting (local) dishes, making it more than just a coffee spot but also a lovely restaurant.

READ MORE: 3 Week Itinerary For An Epic Baltics Tour & Finland Trip

Gallery Cafe

Great for: casual and sophisticated setting
Avoid: if you’re into hipster style, you might not vibe with this place

The stylish cafe in the trendy Rotermann area is a very inviting place and solid cafe recommendation. The space has a refined atmosphere, thoughtfully designed with adults in mind without being massively over the top. With its clean aesthetic, curated local artwork, and beautifully presented food, it offers a sophisticated yet welcoming experience. The café is also spacious, allowing for comfortable seating without disturbing others. The soft-covered furnishings are both modern and very comfortable.

The food was equally impressive – classy, well-presented, and delicious. For lunch, I ordered a creamy risotto with mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes. Risottos in restaurants tend to be overly salty, but this one had the perfect balance of seasoning. Paired with a cappuccino, it made for a filling meal. The coffee was well-balanced and creamy, and I was particularly impressed by how long the foam held up.

Other cafes in the area that are on my list: Orangerie

Average Coffee in Tallinn

The following café recommendations were decent. Don’t expect anything amazing, but good enough that I might have revisited them. While they didn’t fully meet my needs and wouldn’t be my primary choice, they were convenient at the time.

OA Coffee

Great for: off the radar and intimate atmosphere
Avoid: not for those uncomfortable with tight spaces and close seating

This local café sits tucked away just after the Viru Gate in a quiet side street, serving its own roasted coffee blends alongside a selection of hot and cold drinks. The space feels small and intimate, especially in the winter months when it becomes a cosy retreat from the cold. Like a warm cocoon, it lets you escape the world for an hour or two. As an introvert, this is perfect, but not so much if the cafe is visited by others, as you may have to share a table. 

On my first visit, the cappuccino had a great creamy consistency but tasted borderline strong and acidic. I could just about tolerate it. Luckily, the sweetness of my Snickers brownie balanced out the unpleasant flavours.

I highly recommend trying one of their refreshing smoothies. If you visit in winter, go for the ginger and apple or ginger and cherry punch. And when I say punch, I mean it. The intense heat hit me instantly but also saved me from the cold I had at the time.

Other cafes in the area that are on my list: Cafe Kiosk No2

Reval Cafe

Great for: convenience, as there are several branches across town
Avoid: if you prefer a less dated environment

Reval is a popular local café chain with several branches across town. It has a more traditional feel, with a dark interior and old-school charm. The branch by the city wall operates as a restaurant-café hybrid and often appears on lists of the best cafés in Tallinn, so I had to give it a try.

Once again, my cappuccino experience was defined by a strong and intense flavour, with the occasional bitter note. The drink was only tolerable because I paired it with a sweet treat, this time an almond and cherry tartlet. Without it, the coffee would have been too bitter for me.

I have not returned to Reval, as I found its dark interior a bit too bland for my taste, and I prefer the atmosphere of other cafés in Tallinn.

Worst Coffee in Tallinn

Nothing annoys me more than wasting good money on coffee that turns out to be undrinkable. Here are a few cafés in Tallinn that didn’t quite meet my expectations, and unfortunately, some of them are frequently listed in mainstream publications and are widely promoted. I’d recommend checking a variety of sources before deciding where to go, as popular names aren’t always a guarantee of quality. Unfortunately, I encountered a few horrible coffees in Tallinn that were completely undrinkable for me.

ROAST

Let’s return to the Rotermann Quarter, shall we? Roast is regularly listed in every publication and highly rated as “the top place for coffee in Tallinn.” It seemed like a place worth checking out.

It started off well, but unfortunately, it quickly went downhill. The bakery was tiny, cramped, and so busy that I had to come back several times because there was no seat available. The staff were quite dismissive when I ordered my bun and coffee, which was off-putting.

After my first sip, all I could think was “What is this?” It was so bad. The coffee tasted completely burnt, watery, and so aggressive that it churned my stomach before I even finished the first sip. Not even the sweet cinnamon bun, which was decent, could balance out the unpleasant taste or cleanse my palate. By the second sip, I knew my body was telling me not to drink any more of it.

I finished my bun quietly, but I was clearly annoyed that I had just wasted 3.70€ on a cup of undrinkable coffee. In all my travels, this was the worst coffee I’ve ever had. 

Levier

Another stylish café in the Rotermann Quarter, Levier certainly caught my attention with its chic interior and ultra modern design. The breakfast menu listed plenty of savoury options, including scrambled eggs and full English breakfasts, neither of which I would personally go for. I have more of a sweet, healthy tooth, but unfortunately, the options were uninspiring and limited.

In the end, I chose a chia and mango pudding. I assumed it would be made fresh, but instead, I was given a pre-made pudding, boxed in plastic packaging rather than freshly made and presented on a nice plate. That was a bit of a letdown for me, and I expected more in terms of presentation. The coffee, with a near water thin consistency, tasted bitter, and I really didn’t enjoy it as much as I had hoped.

Coffee in Tallinn For Next Time

Pinned on Google maps and on my list for next time: 

Old Town: 

• Historic cafe of Kohvik Ait
• Tassikoogid
• Art Cafe; I have been inside and the interior is amazing, but haven’t had coffee here yet. 
• Paper Mill

Teleskivi:

• Surfcafe Tallinn
• Fika
• Rocket Bean

Beyond Central:

• Bakery Karjase sai (Kopli)
• Salt’s Up (Kalamaja)

Resources and Making of “Coffee in Tallinn”

If you’re interested in Estonian coffee culture and would like to learn more, I can share additional resources and book recommendations below. I have also included my own research for compiling this post to offer transparency.

• Book “Kuld LÕwi Ja Kultase Ajal. Kalervo Hovi” (in Estonian)
• Book “Tallinna kohvikud (ajalooline ülevaade). Valdeko Vende” (in Estonian)
• There are guided coffee tours (in Estonian only), more information from Kiek in de Kök 
• Article on Estonian coffee culture in Food Publication Oma Maitse.
• Blog article from the Tallinn City Archive blog
• Exhibition “Endless Coffee Drinking”, Tallinn City Museum, Kiek in de Kök

• Tried and tested several cafes in Tallinn on my own expense
• Went and visited the exhibition on cafes in Tallinn at Kiek in the Kök
• Researched on site, collected & processed information
• Established contact to a local guide to get insights on Tallinn’s coffee culture

FAQs about Coffee in Tallinn

I understand this is quite a lengthy post and you may have some quick questions about Estonian cafe culture and coffee in Tallinn. You can, of course, always come back to any section of my post and read in more detail what you’d need for your travel plans. As always, if you have questions or need help, please get in touch and I’m happy to assist.

Is Tallinn a “coffee” city?

I have to be honest, the quality of cappuccinos I tried in Tallinn was somewhat mediocre, and I don’t necessarily associate the city with exceptional coffee. There are other places in Europe, such as Brno, Vienna, and Bratislava, that immediately come to mind for outstanding coffee quality. That said, Tallinn’s coffee culture is vast, with so many cafés still waiting to be explored. I’ll definitely make sure to visit more establishments when I revisit the city.

How much is a coffee and cake session in Tallinn? 

Brunch and cakes are reasonably priced. Brunch is between 5-12€, whereas coffee tends to be around the 3.50€ mark. Cakes and pastries are under 5€. Overall Tallinn has a very affordable coffee experience which is not to be missed. 

Is going for coffee in Tallinn a solo travel-friendly experience?

Honestly, getting coffee and cake in Tallinn is super solo-travel friendly. I hardly ever had trouble finding a spot or being turned away as a solo traveler. Plus, Estonians are pretty introverted and reserved, so I’ve never had any issues with being harassed there.

Thank you so much for reading. If you enjoyed the post and would like to support the blog & my research, you can do so via Buy Me a Coffee.

Till next time,

Carolin

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