Olde Hansa: A Medieval Dining Experience in Tallinn, Estonia

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.

Take Home a Piece of History

Another highlight is Olde Hansa’s medieval-themed gift shop, Krambude, located conveniently next door. This charming little store sells handcrafted goods that echo Tallinn’s medieval past:

• Handmade pottery and ceramics
• Intricately patterned textiles
• Traditional ironwork and pewter mugs
• Authentic medieval spices and teas

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.

Other Medieval-Themed Restaurants to Explore

If Olde Hansa sounds intriguing and you want to explore more medieval-themed dining in Tallinn, consider checking out:

• III Draakon: Located right beneath the Town Hall, this cozy tavern offers a simpler, yet equally immersive medieval dining experience with hearty soups, pastries, and affordable drinks served in a playful atmosphere.
• Peppersack: Just a short walk from Olde Hansa, Peppersack features medieval-style dishes and regular theatrical sword-fighting shows that add dramatic flair to your meal.
• Maikrahv: Situated right in the Town Hall Square, Maikrahv combines medieval decor with a slightly more refined dining experience, perfect for those looking for something both historical and elegant.

Have you come across a unique restaurant? Tell me about it. 🙂