Estonian MasterChef Winner's Tallinn Picks: 3 Gems and What to Order

We asked Kim Päivästö, winner of MasterChef Eesti: Professionals, where he actually eats in Tallinn. Skip the tourist traps — these three spots come with a dish already picked out, and a glass to go with it.

1. Sadu – bring the crew to the Krulli quarter

@sadu_resto · Kopli 68a

Sadu is easy company: shareable plates, a laid-back room, and cocktails from a name locals will recognize — the menu comes from Andres Siem of Botaanik.

Order: The Korean fried chicken for the table, and a Seoul Tom Collins to go with it.

2. The Kurze – your first call on a sunny day

@thekurze · Kopli 23

Nuriya's hospitality is the kind that makes you lose track of time — plan on staying the whole afternoon. The room is warm, the pace is slow, and the food and service pull you in.

Order: The lamb tartare, and pour a glass of the house wine — it comes straight from the Dagestan–Azerbaijan border.

3. Lee Brasserie – the one for a date

@leebrasserie · Uus 31

Expect classic, polished cooking and a wine list built from careful finds. Let the sommelier steer your order — that's where the best pairings come from.

Order: The white asparagus with prosciutto while it's in season, paired with a glass of Pfaffl Grüner Veltliner Vom Haus or a dry rosé cava.

Next Tallinn trip, who's coming with you? Save this list for them. If you'd rather get local picks like these straight to your inbox, sign up for HDF Weekend. Also read 8 great first-date spots in Tallinn and Tallinn's best-kept cocktail bars.

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