Last week I wrote about my visit to Tallinn and I told you that one of the highlights was dining at a medieval inspired restaurant. Well, you are about to hear about this place in even greater detail because that’s just how much I liked it.
Have I mentioned that I ate there twice and I was only in the city for half a day?
The place that I cannot stop raving about is called Olde Hansa and it is located in the centre of the Tallinn’s historic town centre. The restaurant transports you back in time from the minute you set eyes on it, and while some might say it looks very touristy, I simply couldn’t resist it.
Because it was such a beautiful summer day out, we opted for a table outdoors, but let’s get to the good stuff already – the food.
Drinks
If you come to Olde Hansa, I recommend you try the Monk’s Bride, which is the house schnapps. The drink is very sweet, almost like a syrup, and it will warm you up with the first sip. Tale has it that this drink was invented by the monks who needed something to keep them warm during the long winters, and since they had neither wives (nor blankets?), this sweet alcoholic beverage was born.
A few other beverages that I thought sounded equally as delicious include: light cinnamon beer, Hansa claret (spiced wine), and healing drops with pepper. With some of the drinks (like the last one) it’s kind of hard to decipher exactly what it is you are getting, but how can you resist trying something with ‘healing drops’ in its name.
Main Course
I stuck to Neptune’s Feast the two times I ate at this restaurant. The dish consisted of Adalusian fish, smoke-grilled salmon, herring, anchovies, salmon eggs, quail eggs, fresh cheese, pickles, herb bread with nuts, and rye bread with chunks of smoked ham.
It was the perfect way to sample a few different kinds of fish, and the bread was fresh out of the oven which made the meal even better.
There were also plenty of adventurous items on the menu such as roasted bear, wild boar, and elk meat…but I’m glad I stuck with the fish.
Dessert
For dessert I ordered the ‘Rose pudding savoury; velvet delight of the nobility’. (Fancy!) The vanilla pudding was sweet, creamy, and light – I dare say it felt like I was eating a cloud. The plate was topped off with brown sugar and red rose petals, and it was the perfect way to finish off such a great meal.
A Feast for the Eyes (and Ears!)
One of the things I appreciated most was the live medieval music performances. Talented musicians dressed in authentic medieval attire entertain diners and passersby with instruments you might not even recognize. Think hurdy-gurdy, medieval bagpipes, lutes, and flutes that produce haunting yet delightful tunes reminiscent of the Middle Ages. The musicians perform regularly, often interacting playfully with the audience, making the whole experience feel wonderfully authentic and fun.
Authentic Attire and Atmosphere
The restaurant’s dedication to historical accuracy goes far beyond mere decorations. Every server is decked out from head to toe in carefully researched medieval garments. From their linen tunics and leather aprons down to those quirky curly-toed shoes, each detail helps set the scene perfectly.
Speaking of details—don’t miss visiting the bathrooms! Yes, even the bathrooms stay true to medieval charm. It sounds quirky, but trust me, it’s worth checking out.
What I liked most about Olde Hansa
– Affordable prices. The meal I had came to € 18, which I felt was a very fair deal considering the uniqueness of this restaurant, the amount of food we got, and the fact that this place is located in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town.
– Excellent service! The servers at this restaurant were extremely kind and thoughtful and they took the time to explain everything we were eating, and to share the story behind what we were drinking (ie. the Monk’s Bride.)
– Performances for guests and passers-by. Another thing I enjoyed about dining at Olde Hansa is that they put on musical performances (using medieval musical instruments!) not just for guests dining at their establishment but also for those wandering around the city.
– Attention to detail. This restaurant does its very best to ensure that the medieval charm can be felt all around – the costumes (pointed slippers included), the lengthy meal descriptions written in medieval font, the simple yet sturdy furnishings, the dim lighting, and even the way they have decorated the bathrooms!
How to Find Olde Hansa
Olde Hansa is conveniently located in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town, just steps away from the picturesque Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats). The restaurant is easily accessible on foot from most central accommodations and landmarks. Look for the distinctive medieval façade at Vana Turg 1, 10140 Tallinn, Estonia.
How to Make the Most of Olde Hansa (and Tallinn’s Medieval Core)
Lunch & Lutes (classic mid-day vibe)
| Time | Focus | Where | Tiny Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 | Arrive & request outdoor table | Olde Hansa hostess stand | Tell them you’re happy with first available—it often speeds things up. |
| 12:10 | Drinks to start | Your table | Try Monk’s Bride (house schnapps) or light cinnamon beer; ask for water too (it’s not automatic). |
| 12:20 | Shareable starters | Table | Split one bread & spreads or cheese board—save room for mains. |
| 12:45 | Mains arrive | Table | If you’re torn, pick one fish platter (Neptune’s Feast) + one game dish and trade bites. |
| 13:30 | Music set | Street edge / doorway | Musicians wander—phone ready; tip small change if you loved the tune. |
| 13:50 | Dessert & linger | Table | Rose pudding is light; perfect if you’re returning to sightseeing. |
| 14:15 | Bill & browse | Krambude shop next door | Pottery, spices, pewter mugs; great small gifts that travel well. |
Menu Decoder Cheat Sheet (What Those Medieval Names Really Mean)
| Section | What It Usually Means | Order This If You… | € Guide* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neptune’s Feast | Cold fish sampler + breads | Want variety without committing to one fish | €€–€€€ |
| Game Meats (bear/boar/elk) | Slow-roasted, fruit-spiced sauces | Are curious, share between 2–3 for a taste | €€€ |
| Herb Breads & Cheeses | House bread, nuts/seeds, soft cheeses | Need a light bite or starter to share | €–€€ |
| Soups & Pottages | Thick, rustic stews | Want warmth without a heavy plate | €–€€ |
| Spiced Wines & Schnapps | Cinnamon/honey/pepper notes | Love mulled wine vibes | € |
| Root Beer / Specialty Ales | House brews served in hefty mugs | Prefer low-alcohol, playful options | € |
Krambude Gift Shop: Small Things Worth Packing
| Item | Why It’s Great | Packs How |
|---|---|---|
| Pewter shot or tankard | Instantly “medieval” at home | Wrap in socks |
| Spice mixes (clove/cinnamon blends) | Recreate spiced wine nights | Flat in suitcase |
| Woven linens | Functional souvenir | Rolls tiny |
| Honey sweets | Tasty, child-approved gifts | Handbag safe |
Olde Hansa vs. Other Medieval Spots (Quick Compare)
| Place | Best For | Vibe | Keep in Mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olde Hansa | Full medieval immersion, live music, big variety | Lively, theatrical, detailed | Popular—expect a buzz and cameras |
| III Draakon | Budget medieval snacks, quick bites | Cosy tavern under Town Hall | Counter service; short menu |
| Peppersack | Theatrical touches (think staged duels) | Showy, fun | Time your visit if you’re chasing a show |
| Maikrahv | Slightly more refined take | Elegant, Old-Town classic | Pricier mains, gentler pace |
Have you come across a unique restaurant? Tell me about it. 🙂
Now that looks like an interesting place to try. Not to mention the dessert looks absolutely lovely! 🙂 I am going to remember this place if I am ever there. ^^
Nom looks delicious! The light cinnamon beer sounds especially good. x
This is awesome!! I would have gone twice too. That meal looks delicious, and I’m a sucker for historical restaurants with people in character. When I was in Nova Scotia, I ate at the restaurant in Louisbourg Historical Site (http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/ns/louisbourg/index.aspx) like ten times haha.
Mmm! You’ve convinced me!
Drinking your weight in Root Beer – Go Audrey!
Hope to get to Olde Hansa on my next EuroTrip. My mouth is watering from just looking at your photo of Neptune’s Feast 🙂
haha oh what a fun event that would be!!!
The plate is a feast!
Curious though, what happened to the petals?
Salmon eggs? Isn’t that like caviar…but there isn’t anything on the plate that looks like what I think of as caviar. And that dessert sounds heavenly; what a name!
That is a fabulous price for everything you’re getting! Sounds like a great experience. I love finding gems like this on my travels. Also… I need that dessert in my life right now.
Happy travels 🙂
I like the sound of the cinnamon beer. I tried a lot of different flavoured beers in Europe but I never came across a spiced beer.
Audrey, I simply love your new design. Incredible, it suits you well. As for the post, I hope to try some nice food in Tallinn in the future. Rye bread with chunks of smoked ham sounds so yummy!
This looks like just the kind of dining experience I would love! I’m always looking for local foods that are unique to a place. I’m not sure I’d enjoy eating it but Id definitely try it!
mmmm nom nom nom
I love the fact they they don’t attempt to make the food look pretty on the plate. Oh and light cinnamon beer? That sounds intriguing to a German beer lover.
It’s always nice to read if somebody is writing something good about your home country. Reading your post makes me feel embarrassed that I haven’t been in Olde Hansa, although I’m from Tallinn. 🙂
I put it on my this weekend bucket list, then I don+’t feel that bad.
I hope you enjoy it! I really liked it being a visitor, but hopefully it’s not too cheesy for locals. 😉