Cheap eats in Tallinn under $10
Ten meals for a tenner or less, in real places locals actually go. Pelmeni, pancakes, Georgian bread and a curry that's better than it should be.
Steaming bowl of dumplings on a market counter
The under-$10 hit list
Pelmeen at Balti Jaam Market — a big bowl of pork or beef dumplings with sour cream, $5. Kompressor on Rataskaevu 3 — stuffed savoury pancakes the size of a plate, $7-9, they’ve been feeding hungover students since 1998. Vegan Restoran V lunch special on Rataskaevu 12 — bowl and salad, $9. Chick.Pea on Roseni for hummus platters, $8.
Markets and takeaway
The Balti Jaam upper floor is the single best value spot in Tallinn. Georgian khachapuri (bread boat with cheese and egg) at Khinkali Point, $8. Vietnamese pho at Lendav Taldrik, $9. Smoked mackerel with potatoes at any of the fish counters, $7. Grab a Saku beer from the shop next door ($2.50) and eat on the benches outside.
Lunch specials (päevapraad)
Between 12:00 and 15:00, dozens of restaurants offer daily specials for $8-11 that are 40% cheaper than dinner. Look for handwritten boards outside. Reliable ones: Vaike Rataskaevu, Sfäär in Rotermann, Peppersack lunch menu, Kohvik Sesoon in Kalamaja. This is how you eat well cheaply — even at $18-24 dinner places, lunch runs $10.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before they set off on this one.
Yes. Under $30 a day for three meals is doable if you mix Balti Jaam Market, lunch specials and a supermarket picnic.
Rimi and Selver are well stocked with cheese, bread, smoked fish and salads. A picnic for two costs $15-20.
Kompressor for pancakes, Vegan Restoran V for lunch, and Peppersack's noon menu are the honest ones. Most Viru street places are tourist priced.
F-hoone in Telliskivi does full breakfast under $10. Reval Café chains do porridge and coffee for $6.
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