Candle-lit medieval-themed tavern on the corner of Town Hall Square, serving game, boar and elk from recipes styled on 15th-century fare, with staff in period costume. Touristy but atmospheric; expect to pay more than at local restaurants.
Olde Hansa is a medieval-themed tavern at Vana turg 1, on the corner of Town Hall Square in Tallinn's Old Town, Estonia. It is the best-known themed restaurant in the city and trades on the town's Hanseatic past, serving food styled on 15th-century fare in a candle-lit, period-costumed setting. Many visitors treat it as an experience as much as a meal, and it is a fixture on Tallinn itineraries.
The menu leans on game and meat: wild boar, elk and other game dishes are the stars, prepared in the manner of medieval recipes with herbs and spices rather than modern techniques. Drinks are part of the theme. Honey beer and spiced mulled wine are the most emblematic, and are served in the spirit of the era. The cuisine is described as medieval Estonian, so those expecting contemporary Nordic cooking will find something very different.
The dining rooms are dark, atmospheric and decorated in rough wood and stone, lit by candles rather than electric light. Staff wear period costume and the mood is theatrical, with live music in some seasons. It is touristy but atmospheric, and the noise level is lively on busy evenings. There is no formal dress code, and visitors are normally in casual clothing.
Prices are higher than at local restaurants: the venue falls in the upper ($$$) bracket, and visitors should expect to pay more than they would at everyday Old Town restaurants for comparable portions. The premium buys the setting and show, so it suits a single memorable dinner rather than a regular meal.
The restaurant is open daily from 11 AM to midnight. Reservations are recommended and are essential on summer evenings and weekends, when large tour groups and walk-ins fill the rooms. Booking a few days ahead is sensible, and requesting a table in a particular room can improve the experience. Phone +372 627 9020 or use the website at oldehansa.ee. A weekday lunch offers the same setting with smaller crowds and often a calmer atmosphere.
| Price | $$$ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 11AM-12AM |
| Reservations | Recommended, essential on summer evenings and weekends |
| Address | Vana turg 1, 10140 Tallinn, Estonia |
Signature dishes
- Wild boar
- Elk and game dishes
- Honey beer and spiced mulled wine
Good to know
- Known for
- Medieval banquet dining
Location
Vana turg 1, 10140 Tallinn, Estonia
59.4369, 24.7452 View on map
Highlights
- Candle-lit medieval interior with costumed staff
- Wild boar, elk and other game dishes
- Honey beer and spiced mulled wine
- Prime corner position on Town Hall Square
Tips for visiting
- Book ahead; summer evenings and weekends are essential reservation times.
- Weekday lunch gives the same setting with fewer crowds.
- Expect prices above those of ordinary Old Town restaurants.
- Try the honey beer or mulled wine for the full themed experience.
- The rooms are dim and candle-lit, so it is not ideal for reading menus quickly.
When to visit
Weekday lunch is calmest; evenings have the strongest candle-lit atmosphere but need advance booking.
Accessibility
The venue is in a historic Old Town building with period interiors, so steps and uneven floors are likely. Wheelchair users should phone ahead to ask about accessible seating.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Olde Hansa worth the higher price?
It is touristy but atmospheric. The cost covers the medieval setting and show, so it suits one memorable dinner.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes on summer evenings and weekends, when the restaurant is typically full. Booking a few days ahead is sensible.
What is the food like?
Game-focused dishes such as wild boar and elk, styled on 15th-century recipes, with honey beer and mulled wine.