MEKK Restaurant & Bar: Cuisine rooted in Estonian tradition

MEKK Restaurant & Bar is a renowned restaurant in the heart of Tallinn, honouring the culinary art of its ancestors in a modern, stylish setting. The restaurant primarily uses local ingredients, creating a connection between you, the farmer, and the land. Loved by both locals and tourists, MEKK is a must on your Tallinn itinerary.

Mekk translates to taste in Estonian, and that is exactly what you can expect from a visit to MEKK Restaurant & Bar: A taste of Estonian cuisine served in a modern, stylish space. The restaurant is nestled inside the Radisson Collection Hotel in Tallinn, and is loved by both locals and visitors alike. MEKK Restaurant & Bar describes its menu as fusion cuisine that is deeply rooted in Estonian traditions.

Photo: Søren Dam Thomsen

“We bring our history into the food by using traditions, techniques, and knowledge from our mothers and grandmothers, but serve it in a nice, modern way,” tells Rene Uusmees, executive chef at MEKK Restaurant & Bar. “When designing the menu, we always think about using ingredients that belong to our culture. We use what grows and belongs here. This means you will find plenty of fish on the menu, as we are surrounded by water. Using as many local ingredients as possible is important to us as it creates a connection with our people, our grandmothers, our farmers, and the land.”

Rene Uusmees, executive chef at MEKK Restaurant & Bar. Photo: Ketrin Piljavets

A taste of Estonian history

Since 2009, MEKK Restaurant & Bar has been fuelled by passion, belief, and a connection to its ancestral roots. From picking mushrooms in the vast forests of Estonia and making sauerkraut and pickled cucumbers, to baking its famous black bread, which carries similarities to the Danish rye bread – and the similarity to the Danish rye bread is no coincidence. Throughout history, Estonia has been influenced by mainly four countries; Denmark, Sweden, Germany, and Russia, which is reflected in Estonian cuisine.

Photo: Søren Dam Thomsen

When visiting MEKK Restaurant & Bar, one thing is for sure, your taste buds will be pleasantly pleased. Whether you choose hot smoked salmon with potato salad, pork belly, or the Estonian black bread, you will get a taste of Estonian history.

Photo: Søren Dam Thomsen

MEKK Restaurant & Bar has a pop-up restaurant in Villa Ammende in Parnu, the Estonian summer capital, during the summer months. The restaurant is also featured in Falstaff, an international guide for wine and food.

Photo: Søren Dam Thomsen

Web: www.restoranmekk.ee
Facebook: MEKK Restaurant & Bar
Instagram: @restoranmekk