On the Road to Your Next Culinary Experience? DFDS Guides You to the Best Restaurants on Your Baltic Road Trip
Are you a foodie who also loves a good road trip? Then it’s time to turn your eyes eastward. The Baltics are a rising star on the culinary map of Europe, offering a compact geography ideal for car travel. This makes the region a perfect choice for curious eaters who want to explore new culinary treasures while cruising through Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
The Baltics offer not just exciting gastronomy, but also one of the most affordable gourmet destinations in Europe. From Michelin-recommended gems to hidden foodie havens, you can enjoy tasting menus, creative dishes, and top-notch service without draining your wallet. Expect a rich mix of modern innovation and traditional flavors, all deeply inspired by local ingredients and the region's cultural history.
Below are some of our favorite restaurant recommendations to discover on your summer Baltic road trip:
Estonia
Lahepere Villa – Stop Time in a Trendy Coastal Town
A family-owned restaurant in Kloogaranna on Estonia's northern coast. Known for a cozy atmosphere and seasonal tasting menus with a modern twist on local ingredients. Enjoy dinner indoors at rustic tables or outdoors by the firepit. Chef Silver Saa and host Helen Vihtol lead the experience personally.
Getting there: ~20 min drive from DFDS terminal in Paldiski.
NOA Chef’s Hall – Estonia’s Flagship by the Sea
Located on the coast near Tallinn, NOA offers breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea and a world-class tasting menu blending Estonian ingredients with global inspiration. Perfect for a summer evening.
Getting there: ~1 hour from Paldiski, 20 min from central Tallinn.
Fellin – Explore Southern Estonia at a European Bistro
A cozy café-bistro in Viljandi’s old town with an artistic, homely vibe. Offers rustic, European-inspired dishes from fresh, local produce. A local favorite!
Getting there: ~1h45 drive from Paldiski.
Joyce – Culinary Gem in Estonia’s Second City
Located in V Spa & Conference Centre in Tartu, Joyce is a modern brasserie serving Baltic and international fare. Michelin-listed and awarded for sustainability and innovation. Family-friendly and stylish.
Getting there: ~2.5h from Paldiski, 2h from Tallinn.
Latvia
Villa Santa – A Culinary Escape in Cēsis
Located in a historic villa, this Michelin-listed restaurant focuses on seasonal and regional ingredients with refined service and elegant ambiance.
Getting there: ~1.5h drive from Riga.
Max Cekot Kitchen – Latvia’s First Michelin Star
In a converted factory in Riga’s Torņakalns, this innovative, artistic kitchen offers a seasonal tasting menu from chef Max Cekot. Known for creativity and intimacy.
Getting there: ~10 min from Riga Old Town.
Barents – Nordic Flavors in Riga’s Heart
A seafood-forward restaurant in a Jugendstil building. Michelin-listed, Barents combines seasonal ingredients, Nordic elegance, and a superb wine list.
Getting there: Smilšu iela 3, central Riga.
36. Line Grill Restaurant – Coastal Dining in Jūrmala
Modern dining with a sea view, 25 km west of Riga. Relaxed yet refined, this beachside restaurant blends local ingredients with international flair. Michelin-listed.
Getting there: ~30 min drive from Riga.
Lithuania
Džiaugsmas – The Joy of Flavor in Vilnius
"Joy" in Lithuanian, Džiaugsmas celebrates sustainability and seasonal Lithuanian ingredients with playful twists on classics in a cozy yet elegant setting.
Getting there: Central Vilnius.
14Horses – Modern Lithuanian Cuisine in a Historic Setting
Located in the restored 17th-century Vainų Palace in Old Town Vilnius. Chef Justinas Misius serves a seasonal, farm-to-table four-course menu with options for each course.
Getting there: Dominikonų g. 11, ~15 min walk from the central station.
Nüman – Innovation and Tradition in Kaunas
Kaunas’ standout fine-dining destination, Nüman delivers a creative journey through Lithuanian flavors in a sleek, artistic space. Their tasting menu is a true experience.
Getting there: ~2h from DFDS terminal in Klaipėda.
Monai – Contemporary Coastal Cuisine in Klaipėda
Located in a historic building, Monai features seafood-focused dishes with a modern edge. Chef Vytautas Samavičius, formerly of Noma, leads the kitchen. A Sunday brunch here is the perfect end to your trip.
Getting there: ~10 min drive from Klaipėda terminal.
Drive to the Baltics and Make the Journey Part of the Experience
Start your vacation before you even leave Sweden. Bring your car aboard the ferry and enjoy the calm of the Baltic Sea. Once there, enjoy full flexibility and easy access to all the culinary stops on your wishlist. Traveling by car not only enhances your experience but makes it practical to explore the very best of the Baltics in a short time. Practical Tips for a Successful Food Trip
Plan Ahead: Reserve tables early, especially in high season. Need help with routing? DFDS can help!
Mix It Up: Combine several restaurants into one trip for maximum flavor and variety.
Go Local: Explore farmers markets and local eateries for a true taste of the region.
