A neighbourhood gem in Kalamaja beloved for its no-frills approach to traditional Estonian cooking. Moon serves hearty portions of pickled herring, pork with sauerkraut, rye bread dumplings, and blood sausage in a simple, warm interior. One of the few places in Tallinn where locals outnumber tourists.
Moon Restaurant at Võrgu 3, Kalamaja is the kind of place Tallinn's creative and working-class residents go when they want the food their grandmothers cooked. The menu is a masterclass in traditional Estonian cuisine: blood sausage (verivorst) served with lingonberry jam and sauerkraut, pickled Baltic herring on dense dark rye bread, pork knuckle slow-braised until tender, and seasonal soups made from whatever arrives from the market that morning.
The Kalamaja neighbourhood, a former working-class district turned creative hub, is also home to Telliskivi Creative City and F-Hoone. Moon is a five-minute walk from the Telliskivi complex and a 15-minute walk from the Old Town. It is one of the best places in Tallinn to experience genuinely un-touristy Estonian food.
| Price | $$ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Mon–Fri 12:00–22:00, Sat 13:00–22:00 (closed Sun) |
| Reservations | Walk-in; can be busy at lunch; call +372 631 4575 |
| Address | Võrgu 3, 10415 Tallinn |
Signature dishes
- Pickled herring on rye bread — €8 (~$8.65)
- Pork knuckle with sauerkraut — €16 (~$17.30)
- Blood sausage with lingonberry jam — €10 (~$10.80)
Good to know
- Known for
- Authentic traditional Estonian home cooking in Kalamaja — a locals-only favourite
Location
Võrgu 3, 10415 Tallinn
59.4401, 24.7253 View on map
Highlights
- Authentic traditional Estonian cooking — blood sausage, pickled herring, pork knuckle, and rye bread dumplings
- One of the few restaurants in Tallinn where locals significantly outnumber tourists
- Neighbourhood gem in creative Kalamaja, close to Telliskivi Creative City
- Simple, honest cooking at fair prices — no theatre or gimmick
- Seasonal specials reflect what Estonian cooks actually eat at home
Tips for visiting
- Come at lunchtime for the best päevapraad (daily special) — a main course, soup, and bread for around €8–10 (~$8.65–$10.80).
- The restaurant is small and fills quickly on Friday and Saturday evenings — arrive by 18:00 or call +372 631 4575 to check availability.
- Kalamaja is a 15-minute walk from the Old Town along Põhja puiestee past the port — a pleasant route in good weather.
- The blood sausage is available year-round here — in most Estonian restaurants it appears only at Christmas.
When to visit
Weekday lunches for the best value daily specials. Summer evenings when Kalamaja is at its most lively.
Accessibility
Ground-floor restaurant with level entry from the street. Contact +372 631 4575 for specific requirements.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is Moon Restaurant in Tallinn's Old Town?
No, Moon is at Võrgu 3 in the Kalamaja district, about 1.5 km west of the Old Town. It is a 15-minute walk or a short taxi ride. This is where Tallinn locals eat; the Old Town tourist restaurants are a different experience.
What is the best dish to order?
The pickled herring on rye bread (€8/~$8.65) and pork knuckle with sauerkraut (€16/~$17.30) are the most representative dishes. The daily soup changes and is always worth ordering as a starter.