Restaurant Rataskaevu 16 is a brick-walled Old Town restaurant at Rataskaevu tn 16, 10123 Tallinn, on a quiet lane a few steps from Town Hall Square. Its founders say it took them 15 minutes to agree on what a restaurant should not be, and another 15 to realize every decent name was taken, so they named it after the address. Travelers come for modern Estonian cooking at mid-range prices, served under vaulted medieval masonry or on a small summer terrace.
What to Expect at Restaurant Rataskaevu 16
The menu draws on Nordic and Baltic ingredients. Starters run from creamy fish soup with smoked eel, salmon and potato (€11.40) to crayfish tails with cold-smoked burbot, salted cucumber and crispy filo (€14.40), and goose fillet with red cabbage and raspberry sauce (€15.20). Among the mains are pork cheek with fennel cream, Jerusalem artichoke and lingonberry jam (€21.60) and the chef’s choice of pan-fried white fish (€23.80).
The menu labels plant-based, lactose-free and gluten-free dishes as (V), (L) and (G). The savoy cabbage roll with black lentils and spinach hummus (€18.80) is vegan. You can add chicken or pork cheek to the spinach orzotto for €4. Inside, the dining rooms have exposed brick, candlelight and vintage furnishings. Service is friendly, and a short wine list is matched to the food.
- Fish Soup: A creamy bowl with smoked eel and salmon, and the most-ordered starter.
- Pork Cheek: Slow-cooked and finished with lingonberry jam.
- Plant-Based Options: Pulled king trumpet mushrooms and the savoy cabbage roll.
- Historic Interior: Medieval brick walls and intimate rooms.
- Summer Terrace: Outdoor seating on a cobbled Old Town street.
Restaurant Rataskaevu 16 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Rataskaevu tn 16, 10123 Tallinn, Estonia |
| Neighborhood / Area | Old Town (Vanalinn), Lower Town |
| Operating Hours | Sun–Thu 12:00–23:00; Fri–Sat 12:00–00:00 |
| Admission / Price Range | $$; starters €11.40–€15.20, mains €16.80–€23.80 |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Vabaduse väljak bus stop; paid parking outside the Old Town walls |
| Official Website & Phone | rataskaevu16.ee, +372 642 4025 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Rataskaevu 16 is one of Tallinn’s most-reviewed restaurants, and evening tables often fill days ahead. Book through the official website, or arrive for a weekday lunch around noon. The Old Town is mostly car-free. Trams 1, 2 and 3 stop at Viru, about a 10-minute walk away, and several buses serve Vabaduse väljak, roughly 7 minutes away on foot.
Steep cobblestones and the historic layout make wheelchair and stroller access difficult. Call ahead to request a ground-level table. Within a short walk you can reach Town Hall Square (3 minutes), St. Nicholas’ Church (Niguliste Museum) and the Kohtuotsa viewing platform on Toompea Hill (about 10 minutes).
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Rataskaevu 16 open?
The restaurant opens daily at noon. It closes at 23:00 Sunday through Thursday and at midnight on Friday and Saturday. Weekday lunch is the quietest time to visit.
Do I need a reservation, and what does it cost?
Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner. Expect to spend €35–€50 per person for a starter, main and dessert before wine.
How long should I plan for a meal?
Allow about 90 minutes to 2 hours for an unhurried three-course dinner.
Is it suitable for families, and is there a dress code?
There is no formal dress code, and smart-casual clothing fits in. Children are welcome, though the candlelit rooms feel best suited to couples and small groups.
When planning your Tallinn travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Tallinn, pair this stop with standout local spots including Patkuli Viewing Platform, Radisson Blu Olumpia Hotel, Tallinn, Estonian Theatre for Young Audiences / Museum of Puppetry Arts, and Vegan Restoran V (nearby).
