Estonian food comes from the pure Estonian nature. Berries, mushrooms and venison on the Estonians’ dining-table comes from the forest that covers about half of the mainland of the small country of Estonia surrounded by water. The Baltic Sea and the plentiful lakes and rivers give fish to the dining-table. Fresh and smoked fish, as well as salted fish, have been on the Estonians’ dining-table for centuries, and are still held in respect.
Many dining places offer wild boar, elk, deer and even bear meat dishes. Plentiful wild berries and wild-grown mushrooms are also offered.
In Estonia, due to its harsh natural conditions, there is a magnificent natural combination of foods of various taste, colour and smell. Over two hundred different dishes are listed under Estonian national dishes.
The most genuine offerers of Estonian cuisine are the taverns which strive to pass on the environment of the old-time taverns in addition to serving Estonian usual dishes customary for the country folks, and Estonian national dishes.
However, the restaurants located in manors offer the fine food of the gentry, mainly influenced by German and Russian cultures.
There are dining places for every taste, and most of the dining places have very favourable special offers on workdays. One can find a small pub or a dining-room in any larger settlement, but both in cities and smaller places, there are quite elegant restaurants that offer delicious culinary experiences.