Restaurant Pegasus

This ultra-stylish joint first swung open its doors in 1962 and has happily retained plenty of vintage Cold-War-era James Bond charm. Spread over three eye-catching three floors – get a load of those porthole windows, shagadelic dining chairs and Anglepoise ceiling lamps – the menu is anything but retro, with big veggie headliners like spicy cauliflower with cashew cream and pickled kumquat. A big drinks list and handy location gazing out over downtown Tallinn’s medieval splendour seals the deal.

Old Town’s vegetarian-friendly Pegasus used to be a writer’s commune but nowadays serves as a cool gay favorite, especially in warmer months when the patio seating is open for prime people-watching. Enjoy dishes like chilled smoked beet soup with horseradish cream, served alongside outstanding house cocktails and mocktails. Other superb choices, conveniently clustered within Old Town, include the 12-year-old French technique-driven Ribe and farm-to-table-centric Leib.

1 Harju, Tallinn, Estonia, +372 662 3013I tried Pegasus restaurant on my second night in Tallinn. Good food at good prices, I had the bread and dips sharing board (one of which included smoked fish – the Scandinavian influence!), followed by a delicious piece of locally caught cod. The service was a little slow, which is why it has been knocked down the list, but the food was excellent, so well worth a visit.

It’s probably worth pointing out now, that I’ve not picked these 10 great restaurants, cafes and bars in Tallinn purely because they offer the best fine dining and fancy bucket list ticks. Instead, I’ve selected them because they all offer a great mix of fantastic food, fabulous atmosphere and all round affordability. They are all easy to get to, located either in the centre of historic Tallinn or close by.

If you are in the Old Town among 700 billion tourists and suddenly hungry: Pegasus. Quite a few people would probably recommend Pegasus’s sister restaurant Rataskaevu 16 in this category and that would be a worthy entry. However, I haven’t eaten there lately (it was fully booked last time I was in Tallinn), while I eat in Pegasus almost every time I go back home.

Just as the name promises, this sharp, Old Town restaurant focuses on all sorts of fish dishes – from herring fillet salad and tiger prawn pasta to oven-baked baby trout – and offers a decent selection of wines. Some non-fish dishes, such as a risotto and a beef burger, are also available, and it opens early to serve decidedly fish-free omelettes and porridge.

Pegasus feels (and tastes) like a fine-dining experience, but the bill doesn’t match the high standards. Come for top-notch affordable fare with a side of friendly, professional service. The LP guide didn’t lie when it said this place’s bread is perhaps Tallinn’s best – the waiter brought me extra after seeing me wolf down the first two slices!

Maybe that’s why the same type of things raises these two places among my long-time favorites: a cozy interior, great views through the big windows, delicious and reasonably priced food. The list of Tallinn’s best restaurants would be much shorted without these owners’ places. On their web pages you will find opening hours, contacts and menus.

Restaurant Pegasus is only a 1-minute walk from my hotel and serves both lunch (which I had) and dinner. The restaurant is quite large with three floors, but it’s designed in a way that feels intimate. The building itself looks a bit retro from the outside, but the food here is modern, made with local ingredients, and changes with the seasons.

In a modern building on one of the Old Town’s most picturesque squares, Pegasus stands out for its friendly service and contemporary cuisine. Many consider it to be the best restaurant in Tallinn and the dishes taste as good as they look. There are three floors and you’ll find the best views on the top level.

Another highly-rated restaurant in Tallinn, Pegasus did not disappoint. The menu is simple, with a chicken, lamb, fish, and vegetarian dish to choose from and a few sides. The spicy cauliflower main lived up to its name and was made even more tasty thanks to a side of crispy potatoes with kimchi aioli.

A seasonal menu, classy interior and great service make Pegasus a must-try. From the summer menu the traditional beetroot soup, served chilled with pumpkin seeds and a quail egg, is a great vegetarian option. The beef broth soup served with herbs and a quail egg is also nice for a heartier option.

Walking into this unassuming restaurant across from St. Nicholas Square, you would think it was a department store if you didn't look twice. Once you cross the threshold though, you can feel the history, and smell the food scents wafting across the cozy brightly lit restaurant.

**Pegasus reopened its doors in its original location in Tallinn’s Old Town. The playful menu boasts international cuisine with Estonian flavours. Dishes are well-prepared, beautifully plated, and combine subtle flavours that go well together.

There aren’t a lot of restaurants that can say they have held a cult status in Estonia for over fifty years – Pegasus Restaurant in Writers House can. Fresh, modern, and oh-so-good – Pegasus has been the place to go since 1962.

Pegasus will offer a great view and the cosiest atmosphere in the Old town. This restaurant has a versatile and fascinating planning that spans three floors. The main ingredients are local and of a high quality.

Pegasus is a nice spot located on a corner of the park near the St. Nicholas church!. I had a salmon ceviche, fish soup and special watermelon carpaccio, consisting of fermented watermelon.