Tuljak

The story

Tuljak Tallinn: Bib Gourmand Modern Cuisine in a Modernist Icon

A Decade of Modern Cuisine in a Modernist Icon

On the shores of Tallinn Bay, in a building that is itself a piece of architectural history, Tuljak has spent a decade perfecting its craft. Housed in a striking 1964 glass pavilion—a rare example of Soviet-era modernist architecture—the restaurant underwent a meticulous restoration in 2014, earning awards for its public interior design. Today, it is as celebrated for its setting as for its food, a fact recognised by a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for good quality, good value cooking.

The atmosphere is timeless and refined, with exposed brick walls, original ceiling lights, and a copper-toned warmth that mirrors the sunsets over the bay. It is a space that feels both elegant and welcoming, whether you are seated in the main hall, the private gallery room, or on the terrace overlooking the water.

Chef Lauri-Alvari Vahemaa’s Legacy on a Plate

At the helm is head chef Lauri-Alvari Vahemaa, who has crafted a menu built on classic techniques and bold, clear flavours. To mark the restaurant's tenth anniversary, he created a special degustation menu drawn from the most legendary dishes of the past decade. It begins with the house bread and smoked ham, moves through tomato and burrata with basil oil, and culminates in a tall of celery root cream, cone cabbage, and lamb jus, finished with a tiramisù of blueberries and ice cream.

The a la carte selection is equally compelling, offering generous modern cuisine that feels both familiar and surprising. Standouts include the "Tuljak" beef tartare, tiger prawns with kataifi and lemongrass aioli, and a hearty French onion soup with Gruyère. Mains range from ratatouille with truffle cheese to an Aberdeen Angus marmorsteak with béarnaise. The kitchen prides itself on using only free-range eggs.

A Room with a View

Tuljak is more than a meal; it is a destination. The building’s history as a self-service grill pavilion in the 1960s has been transformed into a full-service restaurant with private dining spaces for up to 150 guests. The private gallery room offers a secluded courtyard, while the main hall opens onto a terrace with sublime views of the bay.

Whether you come for the anniversary degustation or a classic tiramisù with limoncello ice cream, Tuljak delivers a dining experience that is as timeless as the architecture around you.