This blog post was written by our student ambassador Ana, who is a student of the semiotics programme at the University of Tartu.

Feeling like you need to grab a bite to eat after all the studying and preparing for the lectures? Chilling with a tasty meal is one of the best ways to spend free time. But where to go? What are the best places to eat and relax? In this blog, I will present you the list of the best restaurants and cafes in Tartu where you can enjoy the amazing and mouthwatering food and also hang out with friends, relax with a good book, or have some work done for the lectures. Tartu boasts a plethora of great restaurants and cafes with affordable prices, making them ideal for students. I will highlight the best ones based on my personal experience. Hope you will consider visiting them and hope you will enjoy this blog as well.

1. Werner cafe

Located in the city center, across the main building of Tartu University, Werner cafe is one of the most iconic cafes in Tartu, as it has a rich culture and tradition. The cafe has been in operation since 1890 and has been the favorite hangout place of all the famous intellectuals of Tartu. One of those intellectuals was Juri Lotman himself, who used to play charades in the cafe. Even today, the cafe is always full of students, professors, and other people who can enjoy the beautifully decorated interior on both floors and the terrace at the back.  Werner offers a variety of sweet and savoury dishes, such as various cakes and sweet pastries and sandwiches, quiches, and baked goods. There are also daily meals offered during lunch time for a very cheap price. Every time I am meeting with friends or colleagues, we always go to Werner cafe, have a cake and a cocoa or coffee, and just enjoy in Werner's overall atmosphere.

2. Püssirohu kelder (The gunpowder cellar)

If you want to experience the true medieval spirit, then Püssirohu kelder is the perfect place for you! Located under Toomemägi with one of the highest ceilings in the entire Europe, Püssirohu kelder truly is a special place and one of the most important symbols of Tartu as well. The restaurant is completely decorated in the medieval style, from tables to waiter's uniforms. It has two floors as well. Traditional Estonian food, such as mulgipuder in the bread bowl and kohupiimapontšikud (curd cheese dumplings) with ice cream or strawberry jam is served, so you can have a taste of true estonian tradition in this place. Another very cool thing about this place is that you can buy your own medieval-style beer mug in medieval style and you can drink from it every time you come for a visit. It is a bit pricey, but a great experience of a medieval vibe. I have been to Püssirohu kelder twice with colleagues and I highly recommend the kohupiimapontšikud to everyone.

3. Naiiv bar

One of the most cool and unusual bars in Tartu, maybe even in Estonia, as it is the bar on a boat. So the entire place floats on Emajõgi. Still, it is one of the most famous places for parties, special events and hang outs. Second floor is usually for the late night parties with live music and an open bar, while the first floor is more for hang outs and chilling. There is also a terrace which provides an outstanding view of  Emajõgi and nature around it. There are pastry options such as cinnamon rolls and croissants and there are also fast food options such as hamburgers and fries with various toppings. The place gives out a cool, chilling vibe in general. I actually spent two birthdays in Naiiv, as my birthday is two days before Halloween, so Halloween parties were organized. I really had an amazing time in Naiiv and I highly recomend  everyone to visit this cool pink bar on the shore of Emajõgi.

4. Pahad poisid (Bad Boys)

Another very pupular pub and a restaurant in the city center, Pahad poisid gives out the hipster/biker/punk vibes, and it's also decorated that way. During warm times, everyone can sit outside on the terrace and feel the vibe of the city or sit inside and feel the vibe of the vintage interior. Since it's a pub and a restaurant, Pahad poisid offers a variety of dishes from the starters, such as onion rings, cheese balls, fries, and fried seafood, various soups and salads, to the main dishes and desserts such as various hamburgers, steaks and pasta, and pancakes, cakes, and ice creams for dessert. I usually order from Pahad poisid, but have been to the restaurant once with colleagues from my former job and had a really great time and enjoyed the Pahad poisid dynamic atmosphere. An interesting fact about this place is that during Christmas time, they change their name to ‘’Pühad Poisid’’ (Saint Boys).

5. Krempel kohvik (Krempel cafe)

Krempel cafe is a cozy and very pleasant little restaurant in the city center as well where one can come with their family or hang out with friends. The decoration has a vibe of a friendly family restaurant with baby chairs and cute and inspirational drawings on napkins. They have the best pancakes and the best kama in town! One can choose from savoury pancakes with chicken or onions or tuna or sweet pancakes which also have cool names such as "Pulp fiction" or ‘’Lisa Simpson’’. I highly recommend the "Pulp Fiction" pancakes and the kama with berries. I visited Krempel a couple of times with friends and was also able to reconnect with friends who were working there at the time. A really great and sweet place for sure.

Well, that was the list of the best restaurants and cafes according to my own experience and thoughts. Tartu, of course, has many more and you can visit them all when you need a well desserved break.  Hope you will visit the places I wrote about as well and experience your own dining adventures.

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