Food

Our food

Most regions have one food story. South Estonia has three that have nothing to do with each other – a centuries-old Seto kitchen with its own dishes and rituals, an Old Believer smoking tradition on the shores of Lake Peipsi, and a modern dining scene serious enough for Michelin. They exist side by side, within an hour of each other.

Our top 10

  • Pet friendly
  • Vegetarian food

Hämsa Tavern

Hämsa Tavern offers traditional Estonian dishes in which local ingredients take pride of place. Catering is available at the tavern for up to 60 people, while a further 120 can make the most of our two outdoor terraces. Special grill menus are offered in summer.Hämsa Tavern offers catering and general service for birthdays, weddings, company events, seminars, get-togethers, special days on the folk calendar, wakes and more.Bring yourself or bring everyone - Hämsa Tavern is here to feed you!

  • Green Key
  • Family friendly
  • White Guide Nordic
  • Falstaff
  • Michelin Guide

Restaurant Hõlm

Hõlm is a restaurant with a first-class menu and high-quality service. The kitchen delights with memorable dishes — every detail is carefully thought out, prepared, and served. The restaurant's open kitchen makes the dining experience particularly special, allowing guests to observe the fine art of cooking firsthand. Many recipes come from the 1925-1926 collection written by Lydia Grünmann Holm, who also inspired the restaurant's name. Small visitors will love the playroom. Read more from the MICHELIN inspectors.

  • Falstaff
  • Michelin Guide

Restaurant Kolm Sõsarat (The Three Sisters)

Kolm Sõsarat (The Three Sisters) is a cosy restaurant in Lüllemäe Village, Valga County, which combines modern high quality cuisine, organic produce, and genuine love for the guests. The restaurant is considered to be one of the best restaurants in Estonia.The chef 's unique menu includes only fresh and quality ingredients. We offer seasonal 7 course dining experience for 89 EUR per guest. Orders from the drinks menu are for an additional cost. We do not offer a la carte or vegan menu.Please allow 3 hours for the dining experience. Reservations should be made at least 72 hours beforehand at Dinnerbooking.

  • Guided tours
  • Estonian Wine Trail

Tasting craft wines and matching them with local food at Murimäe Winery

Tasting wines (2 hours) at Murimäe Winery is a perfect way to spend some lovely time with your friends in the beautiful nature of Otepää. We offer a real wine experience with wines made in South Estonia.The visit includes a tour of the vineyard and winery, during which you can see Murimäe viticulture, taste five different craft wines, and get acquainted with the principles of matching wine and food.You can purchase wines from Murimäe Winery as well.

  • Estonian Wine Trail

KODAS drinks and food production tour and cider tasting

The KODAS modern production, distance working and visitor centre is located at Valgjärve, between the picturesque hills of Otepää Upland. We use the fruits of 9000 apple trees in our apple garden to produce internationally renowned hand crafted ciders, sparkling wines, and non-alcoholic drinks.At our place you can see with your own eyes the journey of an apple picked from a tree to the bottle.During the 1.5-hour factory tour you will visit the production facility, learn about the exciting world of drinks and then you can taste what has been bottled as well.Restaurant KODAS offers exciting flavour experiences and during summer we host open air concerts with well known performers.

Café Seto Tsäimaja

At Seto Tsäimaja, you can eat Seto food from handmade earthenware and listen to Seto songs and musical instruments. You can also practice Seto by reading from the menu. The restaurant is next to the Värska Farm Museum — combine your dining experience with a visit to the museum and explore the local craft and souvenir shop. On the second floor of the building, there is a classroom suitable for organizing seminars and meetings or seating for smaller groups. Prior arrangements should be made for catering for groups, party catering, meeting room use, events in cooperation with Setomaa Museums, etc.

  • Green Key
  • Vegan food
  • White Guide Nordic
  • Falstaff
  • Silverspoon
  • Michelin Guide

Restaurant Joyce

The restaurant and lobby bar Joyce, which is part of V Spa & Conference Centre, offers the best dining experiences from different parts of the world. When spending time with good company in this cosy restaurant, you can spend hours, or simply have a quick drink. We appreciate fresh ingredients and the uniqueness of flavours in each dish that our chefs prepare. When it comes to our brand values, we focus on two globally known indicators: joy, which people feel when spending quality time in good company, and an impressive choice of tastes which offers something for everybody.Read more about MICHELIN Inspector review!

Ülikooli Cafe

This building has hosted grand receptions of the nobility and served as a gathering point for student bodies. It was designed in 1876 by architect Otto Mohr for the Nolken family to turn an ordinary home into a residence resembling an Italian palazzo. A cafe opened on its second floor on 5 November 1957 and remained open until 1983.New life was breathed into the cafe in early 2005. With its six rooms, cosy corners, friendly staff and great music, it's a fantastic place for everyone!

  • Vegetarian food
  • Falstaff

GMP Pühajärve Restaurant

GMP Pühajärve Restaurant in Otepää has been recognised as one of the best and most stylish eateries in Estonia. Surrounded by beautiful South-Estonian nature, we respect local produce and Estonian food culture in our cuisine. For children there is special menu, activity sheets for coloring and playroom. You can spend the night in the luxurious guest apartments of GMP Clubhotel. Come and celebrate your anniversary or organise an event at Pühajärve Restaurant!Enjoy in Style!

Fine dining

South Estonia has no business having this many serious restaurants. Two Michelin recommendations, a Michelin Green Star for sustainability and several names that appear regularly in the White Guide Nordic. The cooking here draws on what grows locally and takes it somewhere unexpected.
For a region this size and this quiet, the level is remarkable.

  • Vegan food
  • Falstaff

Ilmaveere Restaurant

At Ilmaveere Restaurant in Setomaa, you will find a cozy atmosphere, dishes made with seasonal local ingredients, and the most beautiful view of South Estonian nature and Lake Obinitsa! The restaurant follows the principle of zero waste and respects and uses every part of every ingredient, leaving the smallest possible footprint. What is left over goes to our wonderful chickens. We always try to offer something new depending on the fresh ingredients, so the menu is always a little different. You can enjoy a 5-course tasting journey or choose from the a la carte menu. See you at Ilmaveere!

  • Falstaff
  • Michelin Guide

Restaurant Kolm Sõsarat (The Three Sisters)

Kolm Sõsarat (The Three Sisters) is a cosy restaurant in Lüllemäe Village, Valga County, which combines modern high quality cuisine, organic produce, and genuine love for the guests. The restaurant is considered to be one of the best restaurants in Estonia.The chef 's unique menu includes only fresh and quality ingredients. We offer seasonal 7 course dining experience for 89 EUR per guest. Orders from the drinks menu are for an additional cost. We do not offer a la carte or vegan menu.Please allow 3 hours for the dining experience. Reservations should be made at least 72 hours beforehand at Dinnerbooking.

  • Green Key
  • Vegan food
  • White Guide Nordic
  • Falstaff
  • Silverspoon
  • Michelin Guide

Restaurant Joyce

The restaurant and lobby bar Joyce, which is part of V Spa & Conference Centre, offers the best dining experiences from different parts of the world. When spending time with good company in this cosy restaurant, you can spend hours, or simply have a quick drink. We appreciate fresh ingredients and the uniqueness of flavours in each dish that our chefs prepare. When it comes to our brand values, we focus on two globally known indicators: joy, which people feel when spending quality time in good company, and an impressive choice of tastes which offers something for everybody.Read more about MICHELIN Inspector review!

  • Green Key
  • Family friendly
  • White Guide Nordic
  • Falstaff
  • Michelin Guide

Restaurant Hõlm

Hõlm is a restaurant with a first-class menu and high-quality service. The kitchen delights with memorable dishes — every detail is carefully thought out, prepared, and served. The restaurant's open kitchen makes the dining experience particularly special, allowing guests to observe the fine art of cooking firsthand. Many recipes come from the 1925-1926 collection written by Lydia Grünmann Holm, who also inspired the restaurant's name. Small visitors will love the playroom. Read more from the MICHELIN inspectors.

  • Vegetarian food
  • Falstaff

GMP Pühajärve Restaurant

GMP Pühajärve Restaurant in Otepää has been recognised as one of the best and most stylish eateries in Estonia. Surrounded by beautiful South-Estonian nature, we respect local produce and Estonian food culture in our cuisine. For children there is special menu, activity sheets for coloring and playroom. You can spend the night in the luxurious guest apartments of GMP Clubhotel. Come and celebrate your anniversary or organise an event at Pühajärve Restaurant!Enjoy in Style!

  • Family friendly

Ugandi Restaurant

Located in Otepää, Estonia's winter capital, Ugandi Restaurant ensures that guests leave feeling happier than when they sat down! Ugandi Restaurant combines Nordic flavors and a Mediterranean cooking philosophy. Our dishes are exciting and extraordinary, showcasing the best features of both cuisines and offering a balanced yet flavorful dining experience. We are a casual restaurant with good food, pleasant service, and a tasteful interior. Here, you can participate in an important part of food culture — enjoying good food with family and friends!

  • Pet friendly
  • Vegetarian food

Hämsa Tavern

Hämsa Tavern offers traditional Estonian dishes in which local ingredients take pride of place. Catering is available at the tavern for up to 60 people, while a further 120 can make the most of our two outdoor terraces. Special grill menus are offered in summer.Hämsa Tavern offers catering and general service for birthdays, weddings, company events, seminars, get-togethers, special days on the folk calendar, wakes and more.Bring yourself or bring everyone - Hämsa Tavern is here to feed you!

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.

Slow Down. Dig in→

Route overview

  • Route distance: 520 km
  • Duration: 4 days
  • By car

When you seek more

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