Scoop | Lõuna-Eesti

What is Scoop?

Inspired by the spoon-like shape of our journey, Scoop is a carefully curated food route where every stop scoops up a new flavour, story and tradition. Discover authentic tastes, heartwarming hospitality and the untouched beauty of South Estonia.

It´s a journey through homemade farm-to-table dishes, craft beverages, and gourmet experiences, where every stop offers something unique – from masterful smoked meats to the wildest flavors of nature. This is a food lover’s dream route, guiding you through South Estonia’s finest restaurants, boutique wineries, and charming farmsteads.

A culinary path worth taking.

Route overview

Route distance: 516 km
Duration: 4 days
By car

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Accommodation
Activities

Scoop Route

Scoop leads you through the heart of South Estonia, one memorable stop after another.

Take your time, follow your cravings, and scoop your own path through South Estonia’s flavors.

And the best part? You can make Scoop your own. Take it slow or pick up the pace, mix and match your favorite stops, or even scoop the route in reverse. However you wander, the flavors will be waiting.

Set your pace and let’s go.

Day 1

Tea, Spirits, and a Dash of Fine Dining

Our journey begins on the shores of Lake Peipsi, where time slows down and traditions run deep. The day weaves through cozy cafés and bold flavors, ending with a touch of fine dining in the vibrant heart of Tartu.

Peipsi Teahouse

Start your adventure lakeside with a teacup in hand and a biscuit (or three). Local flavors, old stories, and tea strong enough to fix any jet lag.

Juulamõis Heritage Café

A countryside café where the cakes are taller than your coffee cup and the welcome is warmer than your socks in winter. Homemade everything, served with smiles.

Peninuki Distillery

Tiny but mighty, this little distillery churns out craft spirits that pack a punch. Sip bravely — there’s no judgment here.

Restaurant Hõlm

Dive into fine-dining. Hõlm is a restaurant with a first-class menu and high-quality service. The kitchen, led by head chef Sven Pärn, delights with memorable dishes — every detail is carefully thought out, prepared, and served.

Day 2

Orchards, Vineyards, and Sisterly Soul

Today we dive into a world where apples bubble into cider, grapes soak up the sun, and kitchens are filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and maybe a few secret family recipes. Stretch your stomach — and your storytelling muscles — because today, the flavors come with extra personality.

KODAS Cidery & Restaurant

Follow the winding roads and you’ll find KODAS — a place where apples, cocktails, and seriously good plates all live under one happy roof. Start with a peek behind the scenes at the cidery, where apples work their magic. Then grab a seat at the restaurant, where fresh, homegrown ingredients and bold flavors come together on every plate. One stop, endless ways to treat your taste buds.

Murimäe Winery

Rolling hills, sun-drenched vineyards, and rows of vines just waiting to be explored — welcome to Murimäe. Take a stroll through the estate, learn the secrets of their winemaking craft, and sip award-winning wines that capture the spirit of South Estonia in every bottle. Whether you prefer a crisp white or a bold red, every glass tastes just a little better with a view like this.

Restaurant Kolm Sõsarat

Tucked away in the quiet village of Lüllemäe, Kolm Sõsarat feels like stepping into a secret you’ll want to keep. This cozy restaurant serves modern, high-quality cuisine made from fresh organic produce. Warm, welcoming, and wildly delicious, it’s no wonder Kolm Sõsarat is counted among the very best restaurants in Estonia. Come hungry, leave a little bit in love.

Day 3

Moo´s, Berries, and Backroads

Welcome to Day 3: the day when cows, berries, and a whole lot of fresh air become your new best friends. Get your boots a little muddy, your hands a little cheesy, and your heart very, very full.

Nopri Farm

Tour the farm, meet the (very pampered) animals, and sample farmhouse cheeses and yoghurts so fresh they practically introduce themselves. You’ll taste the difference that comes from open pastures, honest traditions, and a farm that believes good food starts with happy animals and happy people.

Uue-Saaluse Winery

Deep in the woods, Uue-Saaluse crafts wines from berries and fruits you might usually walk right past. Here, every bottle is a little bit wild, a little bit unexpected, and a lot unforgettable.

Ilmaveere Restaurant

At Ilmaveere, the view is breathtaking and the food is even better. Overlooking the calm waters of Lake Obinitsa, this cozy Setomaa restaurant serves dishes rooted in local flavors and fresh Estonian ingredients. With a menu that changes with the seasons and a setting that feels like a gentle escape, Ilmaveere invites you to slow down, savor, and stay a little longer.

Day 4

A Warm Goodbye, Fresh from the Oven

The final day of our Scoop journey is all about slowing down and soaking it all in — the deep forests, the old traditions, and the kind of food that sticks with you long after the last bite. From ancient Seto recipes to cinnamon buns big enough to need their own postcode, today is a sweet and hearty farewell to South Estonia.

Verska resto

Right by the edge of the water, Värska Resto serves up the real tastes of Setomaa — fresh, local, and kissed by open fire. Most dishes are cooked over live flames, adding a smoky, mouthwatering twist you can smell the second you step in.

Tillu Café

Home to the biggest cinnamon buns in Estonia — warm, sticky-sweet, and impossible to forget. A bright and buzzing little spot where farm-fresh ingredients turn into food that just makes you happy. Expect pastries you’ll want to take home (or at least dream about later). One bite and you’ll know: this is exactly how a journey like Scoop should end.

Book ahead for the magic
Some of the most memorable stops — like Kolm Sõsarat dinners or cider tastings — need a bit of advance notice. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Ask about the house favourite
Whether it’s cider, a side dish, or a dessert, many places have that one thing they’re quietly proud of. Don’t miss it.

Check opening days, not only hours
Many countryside cafés and farm visits are closed early in the week or in the off-season. A quick check online can save you from closed doors.

Try at least one sauna experience
Sauna is not just washing, it is a whole evening ritual. Ask your host about local traditions and follow their lead.

Leave room in your luggage
Small producers, local drinks and handmade items are hard to resist. Future-you will be happy you saved space to bring a bit of South Estonia home.

Steding House

We’ve got a new gem for you to discover.
If your route takes you to Võru – or if you’d like to continue exploring flavours after a visit to Uue-Saaluse Wine Farm – make a small detour to Stedingu House.

At Stedingu House, things are kept straightforward in the best possible way: local ingredients, clear flavours, and dishes that feel grounded in the place. It’s a spot that welcomes you in with calm energy, somewhere you can pause for a moment and enjoy something genuinely good.

The house still carries the character of its former life as an old pharmacy, and that quiet charm comes through in both the food and the atmosphere. It’s a calm, genuine experience that gives you a sense of what Võru is all about.

Steding House

Maitsemaa Metsaresto

Travelling with a group of 12 or more? Then this is something truly special. Maitsemaa invites you to dine where nature leads — whether it’s in the middle of a quiet bog, under towering pine trees, or even aboard a riverboat as the sun begins to set.

You’ll enjoy a multi-course dinner prepared on the grill, surrounded by the sights and sounds of South Estonia’s wild beauty. Think sandstone cliffs, ancient forests, and if you’re lucky — a beaver, an otter, or even a kingfisher making a cameo.

The experience is made to be shared. All you need to do is choose your perfect backdrop.

Forest Restaurant

A glimpse into the Route

To wrap up the story visually — like an aftertaste, but for the eyes.

See you on Scoop.

Or explore our other routes

Roots

Take part in ancient customs like the Samovar Tea Ceremony and Old Smoke Sauna Ritual and access the deep wisdom of cultures that have stood the test of time.

Explore the key subcultures that have shaped South Estonia’s identity: the Setos, Võros, and Old Believers, finishing your tour in the buzzing cultural capital of Tartu.

Route 8

Shaped like the number 8 — and inspired by the idea of infinity — Route 8 takes you on a loop through the most extraordinary corners of South Estonia. But this isn’t just about kilometers. It’s about the “mosts”: the highest peak in the Baltics, the deepest lake in Estonia, the oldest and thickest tree, the longest village, the wildest trails, and the softest silences.

Forget the average nature hike!